Masters Departments offering the Master's degree may provide one or more of three different options. Under Plan A, a thesis or creative work is required. Plan A requires a minimum of 30 credits including the credits earned for the thesis or creative work. A preliminary and a final oral examination are required, and a final written comprehensive examination also may be required at the option of the department. Under Plan B, a minimum of 32 credits is required.
Some departments require one or more starred papers.
Students completing Plan B programs without starred papers must complete a final written comprehensive examination. Students completing starred papers are required to complete a preliminary and a final oral examination and, at the option of the department, may also be required to complete a final written comprehensive examination. Under Plan C, a minimum of 36 credits is required. Students under Plan C programs must complete a preliminary and a final oral examination focusing on a portfolio of projects and papers which are submitted in accordance with the requirements of the program, and a final written comprehensive examination may also be required at the option of the department. Students are encouraged to engage in a continuing planning process with their adviser to develop an acceptable portfolio of projects for the final oral examination.