MS Thesis
Master of Science Thesis Option Requirements
Students must complete a minimum of 30 credits, including 6 credits of master’s thesis research (799), for the Master of Science degree. Of the remaining 24 credit hours required in graduate courses, no fewer than 12 must be selected from courses numbered 600 or above.
Examination of the master’s thesis is conducted by the candidate’s master’s examination committee. This committee comprises a minimum of three and a maximum of five voting members, all of whom must hold the doctoral degree or the highest degree for the discipline. The committee must include the candidate’s master’s thesis advisor. One or two members may be from programs separate from the candidate’s. At least three of the committee members must be graduate faculty members. The Graduate School dean selects one committee member as the Graduate School representative. The Graduate School representative, who must be a member of the graduate faculty and not the committee chair, is responsible for ensuring that the examination is conducted according to established procedures.
The committee chair must be a member of the graduate faculty and is normally the candidate’s advisor. The chair is responsible for nominating the committee members to the Graduate School dean. If a candidate’s advisor is not a member of the graduate faculty, the candidate’s program director is responsible for appointing a graduate faculty member from within the program to serve as chair. Nomination of committee members must be made by the chair at least two months before the date of the final master’s examination. After receiving the completed nomination form, the dean of the Graduate School appoints the committee and designates the Graduate School representative.
The chair must sign the Certification of Completion of Master’s Thesis form and return it to the Graduate School at least two weeks (a minimum of 10 working days) before the proposed examination date. The signature of the chair certifies that the master’s thesis is ready to be defended. Any minor or typographical corrections or amendments resulting from the master’s examination must be incorporated in the master’s thesis by the student before the student turns in/uploads a final master’s thesis to the Graduate School. The signature of the student’s advisor on the approval sheet certifies that the student has made all required corrections. Beyond the oral master’s examination, the program committee may require a comprehensive written examination.
Complete final examination policies and procedures, including a description of the conduct and outcomes of the examination, are in the Procedures for Examination of the Master’s Thesis section. This document is available from the Graduate School and online.
Master of Science Nonthesis Option
The requirements for the Master of Science degree without thesis vary among programs in which this option is available. Standards for admission, however, are identical to those for admission to any master’s program. The quality of the work expected of the student also is identical to that expected in the thesis programs. The general requirements for students choosing the nonthesis option are: an overall average grade of B in all coursework taken; of the total credits required by a program, a total of 18 numbered 600 or above; and a passing grade on a written comprehensive examination. The program must certify, on the form provided for that purpose, that the student has completed all requirements for the degree.