Academic Course Plan
The departmental-level academic course plan for each student will be developed in consultation with, and
approved by, the student’s major professor during the second semester following the student’s formal
admission to the thesis master’s program. The academic course plan must be reviewed, approved, and
submitted to the Coordinator of Graduate Studies for approval by the Director of Graduate Studies on an
annual basis.
Thesis & Master’s Committee
As stated in the General Catalog, the preparation of a thesis is an important element in the program
leading to the master’s degree. The master’s thesis should demonstrate capacity for research, originality
of thought, and facility in organizing materials. It must be acceptable in subject matter and exhibit
creditable literary workmanship. The form of the thesis must be in accordance with the Graduate School’s
Formatting Electronic Theses & Dissertations handbook.
Final acceptance of the master’s thesis rests with a committee of three or more members of the graduate
faculty. The major professor is generally designated as chairperson of this committee. Thesis master’s
committees must include at least one full member of the graduate faculty from the major department. A
majority of the voting members of the committee must be regular (not adjunct or affiliate) faculty from the
department. If there is a minor, one committee member must represent the minor department.
The student, in consultation with his or her major professor, tentatively selects the committee. The Dean of
the Graduate School will then appoint the committee, making any necessary changes from the list of
nominated faculty. The Dean of the Graduate School may serve as a member of any committee or may
appoint additional members.
Comprehensive Final Examination & Graduation
Students in the thesis MS program must pass a final examination consisting of a comprehensive oral
examination.
Students must file a “Master’s Application for Degree” with the Graduate School early in the semester in
which they intend to graduate and complete a “Request for Master’s Examination & Degree Audit,”
approved by their major professor and master’s committee. The request must specify the major and minor
fields, thesis title, time and place proposed for the examination, and the members of the committee.
Students should initiate the request by completing the “Request for Master’s Examination & Degree Audit”
form, arranging a date and time with their committee, and obtaining the necessary departmental
signatures. Upon approval, students must submit these documents to the Coordinator of Graduate Studies
to be signed and delivered to the Graduate School at least six weeks before the final date for submission
of approved theses (as listed in the Graduate School Calendar) and at least three weeks prior to the
proposed examination date.
To be eligible to take the final examination, students must have a 3.00 cumulative average and must be
registered for at least one credit hour of thesis research. Exams may be taken anytime the university is
open for business.
Students should provide their master’s committee with a copy of their thesis at least two weeks prior to the
date of their Final Examination. The committee will define the examination procedures and content,
although the examination is normally an oral defense of the thesis. In order for a student to pass this
examination, committee members can cast no more than one dissenting vote.
The student should correct the thesis as directed by the committee. It is highly advised that students make
an appointment to meet with the editor at the Graduate School prior to submission of the thesis so that
they are aware of all Graduate School submission guidelines. Approved theses, including Graduate
School corrections, must be submitted to the Graduate School no later than the deadline for submission of
approved theses in the regular semester following the final examination.