Graduate Program Options

Applies to: Pittsburg State University graduate students.

A. 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.

1. 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.

2. 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 30 hours of coursework with no fewer than 15 credit hours in courses numbered 800-899 and at least 24 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.

3. 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 30 hours of coursework, with no fewer than 15 hours in courses numbered 800-899 and at least 24 hours in courses numbered 700-899.

B. Specialist in Education Program Options

The Specialist in Education degree requires a minimum of 30 credit hours of graduate study, of which 21 or more credit 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.

Specialist in Education Degrees Offered

• Advanced Studies in Leadership (General School Administration, Special Education or Career and Technical Education or Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)
• School Psychology

1. Option I: Thesis

   Option I requires the completion of a Special Research Project, 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 College Dean shall have final authority to accept or reject the research project.

2. 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 course in some aspect of research. 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 College Dean 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.

C. Doctor of Nursing Practice with a Major in Advanced Practice Nursing

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is an advanced level graduate nursing degree program offering the highest level of preparation for nursing practice. The DNP program offers two majors – Advanced Practice Nursing and Leadership. The DNP Advanced Practice Nursing degree has two tracks, the BSN to DNP and MSN to DNP. The DNP Leadership degree has one track, the MSN to DNP. An emphasis in Nursing Education is an elective option for the Advanced Practice degree. At completion of the program, graduates will possess the terminal degree for nursing practice and will be prepared to function as expert clinicians, nurse leaders, and/or nurse educators in the clinical setting or academic setting. They will be eligible to sit for national certification in their specialty. Graduates of the Advanced Practice nursing degree major will be eligible to apply for licensure as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs). Please consult the Irene Ransom Bradley School of Nursing for admission and other requirements.