Current Graduate Resources

As a current graduate student here are some resources to help guide you on your journey to a graduate degree.

Getting Started

Course Planning and Registration

Below are resources to assist you in planning and registering for graduate courses at Ball State. You'll also find resources related to transcripts, transferring credits to another university, and applying to graduate.

Develop a Degree Plan

See the basic steps you'll need to take to complete your program based on the type of degree you're earning: master's, certificate, doctoral, or specialist.

Develop Your Degree Plan

Find Your Advisor

Your program-specific advisor can assist with selecting courses and making decisions about your academic journey.

See Who Your Advisor Is

Graduate Course Catalog

Read the master list of all graduate student policies and individual course descriptions in our graduate course catalog.

View the Catalog

Register for Courses

Learn how to sign up for your classes through the Office of the Registrar.

Learn the Registration Process

Withdrawing from the Graduate School

You must maintain a 3.0 graduate GPA to remain in your graduate program at Ball State, so sometimes a withdrawal from classes is a necessary step in getting back on track.

Learn the Steps to Withdraw


Graduate School Student Success Initiatives

Whether you're an online graduate student, on-campus graduate student, or faculty member looking for resources to support current and future graduate students, the Graduate School's student success programs have something for you. 

Learn about Student Success Initiatives 

Dissertation Guide

Review the processes and expectations for a dissertation at Ball State.

Read the full guide

Thesis, Creative Project, and Research Paper Guide

Review the processes and expectations for a creative project, research paper, or thesis at Ball State.

Read the full guide

Research Support

Find support resources for student research from the Graduate School and other Ball State units.

Get Research Support

Forms and Documents

If you're looking for a particular form or document, you'll find it in our online collection.

See all Forms and Documents

Prepare to Graduate

Research and Project Submissions

for RES 697, CRPR 698, THES 698, and DISS 799

Deadlines for RES 697 Research Paper, CRPR 698 Creative Project, THES 698 Thesis, and DISS 799 Doctor’s Dissertation submissions are on the following dates. 

  • Summer 2026 — June 18, 2026
  • Fall 2026 — November 12, 2026
  • Spring 2027 — April 1, 2027

Apply to Graduate 

Graduation Applications

To receive your degree from the Graduate School, you must apply to graduate even if you don’t plan to attend the University's Commencement ceremony.

Graduation applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. (Eastern time) on the applicable date below.

  • Summer 2026 — June 3, 2026
  • Fall 2026 — October 21, 2026
  • Spring 2027 — March 10, 2027

Commencement

Commencement ceremonies will be held on the following dates. Learn more about Commencement.

  • Summer 2026 — July 18, 2026
  • Fall 2026 — December 12, 2026
  • Spring 2027 — May 1, 2027

After Graduation

Request Transcripts

See the process to order your transcripts and have them delivered electronically, by mail, or in person.

Order Transcripts