In consultation with the graduate director, J. Kenneth Mitchell, or other faculty, a permanent advisor should be selected by the student during the first semester in residence. Students in both the M.A. and M.S. programs normally complete at least 24 credit hours of graduate course work , although up to 12 credits can be at the 300-400 level . No fewer than 12 credit hours must be in Geography courses. Coursework undertaken to correct deficiencies identified in the admissions process does not normally apply toward the total.
Course work at the graduate level in cognate disciplines is encouraged.
As part of the Rugers degree requirements in Geography, each student in the master's program prepares either a thesis or a formal research paper in his or her field of specialization. Three credit hours of research are granted upon successful completion of the research paper. Although these papers vary in length and format, each is expected to be substantial, an original contribution to knowledge, and of high conceptual and written quality. The research paper may be based on a seminar contribution developed as part of the student's course work, although such products typically rquire revision and supplementary material. The paper is read and critiqued by members of the student's committee, who provide suggestions for revision.