The formation of an advisory committee typically takes place simultaneously with the development of a program of study. Under the advice of the major professor, the student selects all the courses he or she will take to complete masters coursework requirements and completes the Program of Study form listing all masters coursework. This plan is presented for approval to the student's advisory committee, either through a meeting called by the major professor or by separate meetings of the student with each committee member. The committee members indicate their approval of the program of study by signing in the allotted space on the program of study form.

The approved program must meet all existing Program, Department, and College requirements.