There are no major or minor area requirements for the master's degree. However, no degree can be awarded for the accumulation of credits without a planned and approved program of study. Courses for the degree are expected to be concentrated in the candidate's field of interest and related areas to produce a well-developed and coherent program. The requirements listed here must be met within five years after the date the candidate is first enrolled as a graduate student at the University. With the submission of a written request for an extension and a schedule for completion, endorsed by the major professor and the graduate program director, a specific, time-limited extension may be approved by the Graduate School.
Some departments offer both a thesis and a nonthesis option, while others offer only one plan.
Please refer to the Graduate Programs section for specific information on each program. General requirements for these options are as follows. Four copies of the thesis prepared in accordance with Graduate School requirements must be submitted to the Graduate School Office. A statement on the preparation of theses is available from that office. Depending on departmental requirements, some master's degrees may be earned without a thesis.