UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN River Falls

Graduate Studies

New Student Information

Timetable for Graduate Students

Success as a graduate student depends partly depend on the ability to complete certain action steps required each term. Below is a helpful overview of the steps each student needs to take starting in the first weeks and continuing through graduation. Individuals who are not yet admitted to the university should visit the Admissions page to find admissions requirements, a list of degrees and certifications, and other helpful information. 

Immediately After Admission

Activate your Falcon Account: Your Falcon Account will be used for class registration, financial aid, housing, university email, and your student records. You'll need to activate your account online as soon as you are admitted. Once activated, you can log on to the Electronic Student Information System (eSIS).

Sign the fee payment agreement

Register for classes

Apply for financial aid

Paying for Graduate Studies


Within Your First Term

Meet with your adviser. Your graduate program director will assign a graduate faculty member to be your academic adviser. Your adviser will assist you in finalizing your academic plan, selecting electives, and completing your program requirements. Your adviser will tell you how to prepare for the written and/or oral examinations as you near the end of your study program.

Teacher education admission (if necessary)

Discuss your academic plan. Working with your adviser, ensure that you are familiar with the requirements of your degree plan. 

Select a degree plan. You will choose one of the following degree plans to complete your degree requirements:

  • Thesis Plan - a master's thesis for up to four additional credits and an oral examination about the thesis
  • Research Paper Plan - a research paper based on specified program and an oral exam requirement
  • Capstone Experience Plan - a minimum of 30 semester credits of graduate course work

See Graduate Plan (Thesis, Research Paper, Capstone Experience) on this page.  


Throughout Your Program

Pay the tution bill

Purchase textbooks

Re-apply for financial aid

Resolve holds on your account

Conduct research


During Your Last Term

Complete course requirements.

Complete any additional requirements for teachers.

Schedule a comprehensive examination if required by your program. (See details on this page)

Apply for graduation.

Contact Us

Graduate Studies
104 North Hall
E-mail
Phone: 715-425-0629