The Grainger College of Engineering
Nuclear, Plasma & Radiological Engineering

MS Thesis Requirements

Semester of Graduation

  1. Register for 599 Thesis Research (if applicable) OR other course/s – MS students need not be registered in the semester in which they submit their thesis.
  2. Complete at least 32 hours.  Please revisit MS Degree requirements here.  No more than 8 hours of NPRE 599 Thesis Research Credit may count toward your degree.
  3. If you are a PHD student completing your MS and transitioning on to complete the PHD, please ensure that you have petitioned to add the MS as a secondary curriculum.  This is required to add yourself to the MS degree list as well as request your MS TDA form. 
  4. Add yourself to the degree list – In the term you plan to deposit your thesis, add yourself via UI Integrate Self-Service.
  5. Review Commencement information, register for ceremonies and access your To-Do checklist.

MS Thesis Review 

  1. Thoroughly review Grad College Thesis Requirements for formatting your thesis.
  2. Submit your request for your MS “committee” which will consist of your thesis advisor and another departmental thesis reader.  Work with your advisor to determine an appropriate second reader.  You MUST have TWO faculty members from NPRE listed on your request.  Submit your Master’s TDA Request through the Graduate College Student Portal.
  3. Please ensure that your Thesis cover page includes both your advisor and second reader as your "Master's Committee" and pay attention to  how Faculty Names and Titles are listed.
  4. Submit your thesis to your thesis advisor well in advance of the Graduate College deadline for the semester in which you plan to submit.  The review and revision process takes time!
  5. Once you have obtained feedback and have made any recommended changes, allow time for your advisor to re-review and then submit your thesis to your 2nd reader.  Please copy your advisor and your 2nd reader on ANY technical changes that may be made so it is clear what version you are submitting.
  6. Only after both the advisor and your 2nd reader are satisfied with the final version should this be sent to the department for final review and approval.  Submit to npre-grad-advising@illinois.edu and copy jennar@illinois.edu.
  7. Please submit to the department at least 5 business days before the deadline.  The department will provide any feedback and notify you that the MS TDA (Thesis Dissertation Approval) form has been signed and submitted to the Graduate College and that you can proceed with submitting your thesis to the Graduate College.
  8. Submit your thesis to the Graduate College.  The Graduate College Thesis Office will perform the final formatting review and will notify you of required changes via email. 
  9. The Graduate College Thesis Office will notify you via email that your deposit has been approved.  The deposit fee will be charged to your student account.
  10. All final corrections and required materials are due no later than 4:45 p.m. on the final day of the deposit period for your intended graduation (see Graduate College Academic deadlines).
  11. Your FINAL version must be submitted no later than 5 pm on the deadline date.