Students without such a background should allow sufficient time to acquire it. In consultation with a faculty advisor, the student files an official Program of Study to outline the planned course of study for the degree. The faculty advisor should be consulted at the earliest possible date about drawing up a Program of Study. A Program of Study may include a maximum of six hours of course work completed prior to admission to a graduate degree program at Arizona State University. The number of hours transferred from other institutions may not exceed 20 percent of the total minimum semester hours required for a master's degree.
Transfer credit taken prior to admission is included in the total number of non-degree hours.
Program of Study forms are available on the Graduate College web page and in the Graduate Office. They must be typed, signed by the student, supervisory committee, and head of the academic unit, and returned to the Graduation Office. Changes in the approved Program of Study may be made through petition to the Graduate College. A Program of Study, approved by the Graduate College dean, must be on file before a thesis can be submitted for defense. A minimum of 30 semester hours is required for the Master of Arts degree.