To succeed, graduate students need to understand the process of completing a graduate degree, control as many aspects of the process as possible, and be careful, skillful, and tactful negotiators. This book gives prospective graduate students a preview of what to expect and equips current graduate students with what they need to maneuver an often labyrinthine system. Incorporating over 35 years of experience working with master's and doctoral candidates, Rossman addresses such critical issues as writing the research proposal, forming a committee, preparing for comprehensive oral and written exams, avoiding emotional letdowns, defending a thesis or dissertation, and ultimately, publishing the graduate work. In addition to addressing the needs of traditional students in traditional settings, this new book devotes an entire chapter to crucial information about online courses, distance education, social networking, and the effects of the internet on graduate education. It also discusses the special needs of later returning learners with families, jobs, and experiences to share and accommodate.