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Master’s Program Options
There are three alternative experiences at the master’s degree level. Not all departments offer all three alternatives. Students should consult their major department concerning the availability of options.
Option I: Thesis
The student must present and defend a satisfactory thesis according to the Requirements and Guidelines For the Preparation of a Master’s Thesis Manual. The thesis option requires a minimum of 30 credit hours, with no fewer than 15 hours in courses numbered 800-899 and at least 24 hours in courses numbered 700-899. Enrollment in 3 to 6 hours of Research and Thesis course work is required.
Option II: Applied Research
The student will complete research related to a specific problem or will complete a specific advanced project. This option includes creative and aesthetic efforts such as performances, exhibits, or creative writing. The applied research option requires a minimum of 32 hours of coursework with no fewer than 15 semester hours in courses numbered 800-899 and at least 26 hours in courses numbered 700-899. Enrollment in 3 to 6 hours of Research Problem, Methods of Research or Research Seminar course work is required.
Option III: Course Work
The student will complete course work that demonstrates evidence of advanced work in an area of concentration. Departments will require evidence of competency through activities such as research papers, portfolios, practica, internships, comprehensive exams or other individual work. Students should check with their major department for specific requirements for the coursework option. This option requires a minimum of 32 hours of coursework, with no fewer than 15 hours in courses numbered 800-899 and at least 26 hours in courses numbered 700-899.
Specialist in Education Options
The Specialist in Education degree requires a minimum of 30 semester hours of graduate study, of which 21 or more semester hours shall be earned in courses open only to graduate students (800-900 level courses), with at least nine hours in 900-level courses. Other courses numbered below 800 may be taken subject to general graduate regulations, but the degree program must consist primarily of an 800 and above sequence of study and practice of research skills. Independent study in seminars and study and practice of practica are also required. No 500-600 level courses will be applicable to the program. A maximum of nine hours of graduate credit may be transferred from another institution, provided such credit is earned at an accredited institution that grants degrees above the master's level. More than 30 hours may be required for the degree.
There are two alternative experiences at the specialist degree level.
Option I: Thesis
Option I requires the completion of four to six hours in Special Research Project 990, in which students must conduct and report in written form the results of field studies or research projects in their discipline. The project is a major part of the degree program; all course work and other experiences are designed to contribute to the research. An advisory committee consisting of three members, with one member from outside the college, will be appointed to evaluate the final research project for each student.
Each member of the committee shall receive copies of the reading draft of the project at least five weeks before the date of the proposed graduation. The committee, along with the major advisor, will constitute the examining committee and will determine whether the format of the examination is oral or written or both. The advisory committee must receive final copies of the research project at least one week before conducting the examination. The major advisor will schedule the examination after consulting other members of the committee and will act as chairperson of the examination. Examination sessions of the research project are open to other members of the graduate faculty.
If the committee is not unanimous in its decision to approve the research and/or their grade recommendations, the Dean of Continuing and Graduate Studies shall have final authority to accept or reject the research project.
Option II: Applied Research
Option II places less emphasis upon formal research and correspondingly more emphasis upon activities related to the professional objectives of the student. Option II requires a three hour course in some aspect of research rather than the Special Research Project 990. The nature of the research course will be determined by the particular department involved. The student will be assigned a major advisor, who with the Dean of Continuing and Graduate Studies will formally approve the student's total degree program. Students under either option will be given a comprehensive examination; however, under Option II, there will be no advisory committee conducting an oral examination. The comprehensive examinations are administered by the department involved.
Admission to Candidacy
Students must apply for candidacy to the degree they are seeking after completing nine to twelve hours of their degree program. In order to be admitted to candidacy, students must be fully admitted and be in good academic standing. To establish their candidacy, students should meet with their advisor and agree to a schedule of courses for the remainder of the degree program. Candidacy is completed by the student’s advisor in the Graduate System in Gus and approved by the advisor, student, chair, and Graduate school. Should a candidacy need to be altered, changes can also be made in the Graduate System and will require new approvals.
Meeting the requirements of candidacy is the responsibility of the graduate student. Students who do not apply for candidacy at the appropriate time in their program may be required to take additional courses. Candidacy must be completed and approved by the advisor, student, chair, and Graduate school before the student will be allowed to petition for graduation.
Additional Degree Requirements
In addition to required coursework, most degree programs also have other requirements. Examples of the additional degree requirements include: comprehensive exam, portfolio, oral presentations, theatre and music performances, oral exams, and the completion of research resulting in writing and defending a thesis. Some of these requirements are determined by the degree option the student chooses to complete. These options and additional requirements are determined at the time the student and the academic advisor complete the student’s candidacy form.
Petition for Graduate Degree
Each candidate for a graduate degree must petition for graduation in the Graduate System in Gus and pay graduation fees. In order to be included in the commencement program, students must petition for graduation by the date listed as the final day to apply for degrees on the university calendar each semester. All students are required to petition and pay graduation fees even if the student is not participating in graduation ceremonies.
Awarding of Degrees
Graduate degrees are dated and awarded at the end of the fall, spring, and summer terms. Students will not be approved for graduation until all coursework has been completed and all additional degree requirements have been fulfilled. Commencement ceremonies are held in May for students receiving degrees at the end of the spring and summer semesters and in December for students graduating at the end of the fall semester. |
