Independent research normally results in the preparation and publication of the research study as a thesis or dissertation, and the student must satisfactorily defend that research before a faculty committee appointed by the dean of the Graduate School. In several professional disciplines, the master's degree curriculum is more typically structured in course work to place stronger emphasis on preparation for professional practice. While these professional programs also incorporate research methodologies in their graduate curriculum, the formal requirement of a thesis requiring independent research may be waived, generally replaced by a capstone document. Students interested in pursuing graduate studies should consult the Graduate Catalog for descriptions of graduate programs and financial assistance opportunities. All students desiring to pursue graduate studies must first be formally admitted by the Graduate School.
Students normally submit applications for admission directly to departments.
After reviewing a student's qualifications to pursue advanced study, academic departments forward a recommendation on admission to the Graduate School for review and action. All students admitted to the Graduate School are required to adhere to the university policies established by the graduate faculty through the Graduate Council, including those published in the Graduate Handbook . They are advised to familiarize themselves with these policies as early in their graduate careers as possible. Students are also advised that departments or interdepartmental graduate programs may have additional policies particular to those programs above and beyond these university policies. Financial assistance Financial assistance is available to graduate students in many disciplines to enable them to pursue an advanced degree.