master's degree without thesis

• Communications
• Computer Science
• Criminal Justice
• Environmental Management
• Forensic Psychology
• Healthcare Admin
• Human Resources
• Project Management
• Social work
• Special Education
• Sports Management
• Supply Chain Management
• Adult Education
• Business Intelligence
• Early Childhood Education
• Educational Technology
• Homeland Security
• Information Systems Security
• Information Technology
• International Business
• Management Information Systems
• Nonprofit Management
• School Counseling
• Academic Publishing Guide
• Building a Graduate School Resume or CV

Choosing Between a Thesis or Non-thesis Master's Degree

• Expert Guide to Studying Abroad
• FAQ: Online Master's Degrees
• Grad School Guide Book
• Graduate School for Students with Disabilities
• Green Graduate Degrees
• How to Be a Successful Grad Student
• How to Choose the Right Graduate Program
• How to Get a Master's Degree in an Unrelated Field
• How to Transfer College Credits in Grad School
• How to Write a Winning Personal Statement
• Inside Graduate Admissions
• Ivy League Grad Schools
• Master's Degrees for Veterans
• Master's Degree for Women
• Mental Health in Grad School
• Progressive LGBTQ Graduate Degrees
• Should You Apply for a Graduate School Assistantship?
• Surviving Grad School with a Family
• Taking a Gap Year Before Grad School
• Women in STEM Graduate Resources
• Writing a Successful Statement of Purpose
• Alternative Ways to Pay for School
• The Best Part-Time Jobs During Grad School
• Company Funded Graduate School
• FAFSA For Grad Students
• Financial Aid Resources
• Graduate Student Loans
• Paying for Your Master's Degree
• Paying Off Student Loans
• Paying for Your PhD
• Fellowship Opportunities
• LGBTQ Scholarships
• MBA Scholarships
• Scholarship Resources
• Scholarships for Veterans
• Scholarships for Women
• Crushing the GRE Guidebook
• GMAT Guidebook
• Guide to the LSAT
• MCAT Prep for Medical School
• Study Guide: Exam Resources
• TOEFL Prep for Non-Native English Speakers
•       Resources       Choosing Between a Thesis or Non-thesis Master's Degree

As of 2015, approximately 25.4 million Americans held advanced degrees , with more citizens joining these ranks each year. As studies continue to show the career advancement and salary benefits of completing a master's degree, more and more students elect to pursue advanced educations. When considering their options, many question whether to enroll in a master's requiring a thesis or not. The following guide examines some of the reasons degree seekers may want to write a thesis while also highlighting why they might not. Students on the fence about this important decision can find expert advice, actionable tips, and relevant guidance to help them make an informed choice in the guide that follows.

Understanding the Master's Thesis

What is the difference between a thesis & non-thesis master's program, the decision not to do a thesis.

As students research various master's programs in their chosen discipline, it's common to find that many degrees require a thesis – especially if they want to enter a research-heavy field. While this word gets thrown around a lot in academia, some learners may want more information regarding what it entails in order to make an informed decision.

What is a Master's Thesis?

The master's thesis is an original piece of scholarship allowing the student to dig into a topic and produce an expanded document that demonstrates how their knowledge has grown throughout the degree program. These documents require significant independent research of primary and secondary sources and, depending on the subject, may require interviews and/or surveys to support the overarching argument.

Individual schools and departments dictate the length of these documents, but they typically range between 60 and 100 pages – or approximately 20,000 to 40,000 words. While tackling a document of such heft may seem overwhelming at first, learners need not fret. Each master's candidate receives a faculty advisor early in their tenure to provide support, feedback, and guidance throughout the process. Because the final thesis is expected to be of a publishable quality, learners seeking the highest marks typically send their supervisor excerpts of the document as they write to ensure they are on the right track.

When picking a thesis topic, no magical formula exists. Students should consider their interests and read extensively on that topic to get a better sense of existing scholarship. They should also speak to other academics working in that sphere to familiarize themselves with ongoing projects. Only after they feel reasonably well-read should they begin looking for uncovered angles or interesting ways of using emerging methodologies to bring new light to the topic.

When considering formatting, degree seekers should check with their specific schools and departments, as they may have unique requirements. To get a general understanding of what to expect, learners can review Simon Fraser University's guidelines on thesis formatting. After completing the thesis, some programs require an oral defense before a committee while others read the document and provide a grade. Check with your prospective schools to get a better sense of procedure.

Format & Components of a Master's Thesis

While this guide attempts to provide helpful and actionable information about the process of deciding whether to follow a thesis or non-thesis track in a master's program, readers should remember that specific components and requirements of a thesis vary according to discipline, university, and department. That being said, some commonalities exist across all these – especially when it comes to what students must include in their final drafts.

As the first section a reader encounters after moving through the table of contents and other anterior text, the introductory allows the writer to firmly establish what they want to accomplish. Sometimes also called the "research question" section, the introductory must clearly state the goals of the paper and the overarching hypothesis guiding the argument. This should be written in a professional yet accessible tone that allows individuals without specializations in the field to understand the text.

This section allows learners to demonstrate their deep knowledge of the field by providing context to existing texts within their chosen discipline Learners review the main bodies of work, highlighting any issues they find within each. Constructive criticism often centers around shortcomings, blind spots, or outdated hypotheses.

Students use this section to explain how they went about their work. While scientists may point to a specific method used to reach conclusions, historians may reference the use of an emerging framework for understanding history to bring new light to a topic. The point of this section is to demonstrate the thought processes that led to your findings.

This section allows for learners to show what they learned during the research process in a non-biased way. Students should simply state what information they gathered by utilizing a specific framework or methodology and arrange those findings, without interpretation, in an easy-to-read fashion.

After providing readers with all the necessary information, the discussion section exists for candidates to interpret the raw data and demonstrate how their research led to a new understanding or contributed a unique perspective to the field. This section should directly connect to the introduction by reinforcing the hypothesis and showing how you answered the questions posed.

Even though the previous sections give prospective degree seekers a better sense of what to expect if they decide to write a thesis during their master's program, they don't necessarily help learners decide whether to pursue a thesis or non-thesis track. The following section highlights some of the reasons students frequently choose to complete a thesis or bypass the process altogether by providing a pros and cons list.

Why a Thesis Program

• Especially when entering a research-heavy discipline, completing a thesis shows prospective schools and employers that you possess the skills needed for researching and writing long-form reports.
• Students hoping to pursue a Ph.D. stand in better stead with admissions panels if they wrote a thesis during a master's program.
• Individuals hoping to enter a field that values syntax and grammar often better their writing skills by completing a thesis.
• Students who write a thesis can submit the final product to various academic journals, increasing their chances of getting published.
• Theses expand students' understanding of what they're capable of, deepen their ability to carry out an argument, and develop their skills in making connections between ideas.

Why a Non-thesis Program

• Because they don't require a significant written product, non-thesis master's tend to take less time to complete.
• Often mirrors a bachelor's program in terms of structure, allowing learners to complete classes and take exams without a great deal of research or writing.
• Students who excel in project-based assignments can continue building skills in this arena rather than focusing on skills they don't plan to use (e.g. research)
• Provides learners the opportunity to work more closely and more frequently with faculty on real-world projects since they don't spend hundreds of hours researching/writing.
• Allows learners to take more classes and gain hands-on skills to fill the time they would have spent researching and writing a thesis.

How to Choose a Master's Program: FAQs

Within some academic disciplines and professional fields, research and writing plays a key role in work done on a daily basis. Because of this, master's programs in these fields require learners to complete theses to compete against peers and be seen as competent in their work. Other disciplines, conversely, rely on other tools to accomplish work and progress ideas – making theses less important.

Yes. Master's programs focused more on application than research typically don't require a thesis – although they may still give students the option. Examples of common non-thesis master's programs include nursing, business, and education.

Even though non-thesis students won't be writing a 100-page paper, that doesn't mean they avoid completing a significant project. In place of a thesis, most applied master's programs require students to take part in at least one internship or complete a culminating project. These projects typically ask learners to take what they learned throughout coursework and create an expansive final project – examples include case studies, creative works, or portfolios.

While students who followed a non-thesis path routinely receive acceptance to Ph.D. programs, those with theses often find the process easier. Even if a learner pursues a Ph.D. in a discipline that isn't research-heavy, admissions panels still want to get a sense of your academic interests and ability to engage in independent, nuanced thought. Students with theses can provide solid proof of these skills, while those without may struggle to demonstrate preparedness as thoroughly.

The answer to this question depends on many factors, but typically it is okay not to do a thesis if you plan to enter a field that doesn't depend heavily on research or writing, or if you don't plan to complete a Ph.D.

Students wanting to work in academic, research, or writing should always opt for the thesis track. They should also follow this path if they have any doctoral degree aspirations.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to complete a thesis rests with the individual student. Figuring out how to proceed on this front requires lots of careful consideration, and learners should ensure they consider various aspects before coming to a final decision. The following section helps students consider how they should and should not come to a conclusion.

Dos and Don'ts of Choosing a Thesis or Non-thesis Program

• Consider the longevity of your decision: will you feel the same in 5-10 years or are you making a decision based on current desires?
• Talk to others who with experience in this area. Ask them questions about their decision-making process and if they regret their choice.
• Research potential thesis topics before starting a program. Going in with a game plan can help you feel more confident and settled about the process than if you're scrambling for a topic while in school.
• Reach out to prospective schools to speak with faculty and/or current students following both tracks. This will provide knowledge specific to the school while also expanding your network if you choose to attend there.
• Research Ph.D. entrance requirements to ascertain if the majority expect learners to possess a thesis when applying. This will give you a sense of whether you may experience issues later on if you do not complete one.
• Decide not to complete a thesis simply because you have never taken on such a task and feel overwhelmed or fearful that you will fail.
• Complete a thesis simply because you think it will look good on your resume. Theses require intense devotion over an extended amount of time; learners who complete them without conviction often find the process miserable.
• Forget to research alternatives to writing a thesis. Just because you don't complete a research paper doesn't mean a non-thesis track lacks rigor or challenging coursework.
• Forget to read examples of theses by previous students. If you feel overwhelmed by the task, reading work other people have done can often make the task at hand feel less scary.
• Let yourself off easy by taking the non-thesis path. If you find you have extra time in the program, talk to your advisor about taking more classes, develop meaningful projects for yourself, or see about presenting at an academic conference.

From the Expert

Sudiksha Joshi, Ph.D. is a learning advocate. Her mission is to empower our youth to think bigger, bolder thoughts and forge a career path that will change the world. She taps into her natural curiosity and ability to identify strengths to help students and those in transition find their path from feeling lost in the traditional ways of achieving success to charting their own path. Her work has been featured in Forbes, Huffington Post, Thrive Global, Medium and LinkedIn.

Why might a student decide to follow a thesis track? Why might they follow a non-thesis track?

A student might decide to take a thesis track if she/he wants to pursue a Ph.D. Also, if the students want to focus on careers where research and writing have a strong focus, the students opt for the thesis option. Research assistantships at the graduate level are also more often available to students who opt for the thesis option.

A student who might feel that writing is not one of their strengths might choose to go the non-thesis track. Likewise, a student who has other work commitments may find a non-thesis option more convenient.

Do you have any tips for deciding on a program?

I chose a thesis option because being able to conduct independent research was a big reason to go to graduate school. Also, showing the ability that I could do research was what afforded me research assistantships which meant that my tuition was paid for and I got a stipend that paid for expenses while I was in graduate school. This also allowed me the opportunity to work closely with the faculty mentor that provided me with the support and the accountability I wanted.

I would not recommend taking a non-thesis option if all the degree requires is for you to take courses. You have little to show in terms of your learning other than your grades unless you are already working on something on the side that does that for you and all you need is a certificate.

Opt for a non-thesis option if you can still work closely with a professor or on a project and if you'd rather be involved in multiple projects rather than focus on a single project. If you already have a good (informed) reason for choosing one over the other, go for it.

What's the most important thing to consider when choosing a program?

The most important thing to consider when choosing a program is getting excited about the projects that at least one of the faculty members are involved in. Do some research and see why you are excited about a particular work that at least one of the faculty members have been involved in.

Who should students talk to when considering options?

Students should talk to other students and also reach out directly to the graduate coordinator and even individual faculty members. This means that students should have done prior homework and have some good questions ready. Asking good questions will get you at least halfway through to make the right decision.

• October 15, 2023
• Academic Advice

Thesis vs. Non-Thesis Master’s Programs: Which is Right for You?

UOTP Marketing

Continuing your educational journey within your chosen field is an experience that fosters personal and professional growth. The next milestone in your academic path often involves pursuing a Master’s degree , with options ranging from thesis-based programs to non-thesis alternatives.  Deciding between these two paths is significant as it shapes your academic and career paths.

But how can you decide which is right for you before getting decision fatigue?

Let’s explore the difference between thesis vs. non-thesis Master’s programs, their unique characteristics, and reasons for choosing one or the other. 

Do You Have to Write a Thesis for Your Master’s Program?

Whether you have to write a thesis for your Master’s program depends on the specific requirements of the program you’re enrolled in. It’s important to note that while not all Master’s programs require writing a thesis, a significant number of them do.

What is a Thesis vs. Non-Thesis Master’s Program?

A thesis Master’s program involves completing a large research project spanning over several semesters. Students are expected to conduct original research on a specific topic under a faculty advisor’s guidance, culminating in a thesis likely to be published. Completing and defending the thesis is a crucial part of the degree requirement.

A non-thesis Master’s program doesn’t involve a specific research focus but rather a more coursework and practical experience, allowing students to gain specific skills and knowledge applicable to their field of study. After completing their program’s core course requirements, students can choose any of the electives to meet their degree requirements. Depending on the institution, you may be required to do a Master’s Degree Capstone project, including reviewing previous courses, a comprehensive exam, or a summary project. 

Why Choose a Thesis Master’s Program?

Thesis Master’s programs offer several advantages, be that contributing to new findings in your field, close collaboration with professors and researchers, and standing out to potential employers with your abilities to work independently and analyze complex issues. However, the primary advantages are:

Research Experience

Thesis programs allow you to conduct extensive research on a specific topic that piques your interest.  This way, you’ll gain expertise and a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. 

Academic Growth 

Writing a thesis helps sharpen your critical thinking, analytical, and writing skills. It also challenges you to think independently, analyze a large amount of data, and draw meaningful conclusions. Furthermore, it prepares you for doctoral studies, familiarizing you with the rigor of independent research and equips you with the necessary skills to succeed.

Why Choose a Non-Thesis Master’s Program?

Non-thesis master’s programs also come with numerous advantages for students, including flexibility in scheduling, a range of career opportunities, shorter competition time, etc. Here are the main advantages: 

Non-thesis programs prioritize coursework, fostering the development of practical skills and their real-world application. This approach enables you to actively engage in hands-on learning experiences highly sought after in today’s job market. Critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, and leadership abilities are some of those skills.

Suitability for Professionals

Another advantage to pursuing a non-thesis Master’s program is that it doesn’t take as much time as the thesis Master’s programs. That way you can enter the workforce faster. It’s also well-suited for professionals already established in their field who are seeking to further their education and advance in their careers. 

The Academic and Career Outcomes of Thesis vs. Non-Thesis Master’s Programs

The academic outcomes for the thesis Master’s program graduates involve preparation for Ph.D. programs , opening doors to advanced research and specialized roles in research institutions. This provides solid research skills and helps them publish their work. Common career paths for graduates include research positions in academia, government, or private sectors. Some also pursue teaching careers in colleges and universities. Degree programs that usually require a thesis include sciences, social sciences, engineering, and humanities (history, philosophy, and language studies).

Non-thesis Master’s program graduates typically achieve academic outcomes focused on mastering practical, directly applicable skills within their field. While these programs are more career-oriented, graduates can still pursue a Ph.D. They can benefit from diverse career options in different settings and find employment in managerial, administrative, or specialized roles in their field. Degree programs that don’t usually require a thesis are business, education, healthcare administration, IT management, etc.

Thesis vs. Non-Thesis Master’s Programs, That is the Question 

With their abundance of advantages, choosing between the two can be pretty tricky. So, let’s compare thesis vs. non-thesis Master’s programs and help you make an informed decision. 

Personal and Career Goals

A thesis Master’s program is ideal if you’re interested in furthering in academia and want to pursue a Ph.D ., as these programs can provide the necessary tools to enhance your credentials for research-based careers. Meanwhile, a non-thesis Master’s program will suit you better if you’re seeking to gain practical skills to integrate into the industry immediately, as they can include practical projects or internships according to industry demands. 

Time and Financial Considerations

Thesis Master’s programs can extend the duration of your studies, as researching, writing, and defending the thesis can take several semesters to complete and can cause financial strain due to additional costs like lab fees and materials. In contrast, non-thesis ones can help you enter the job market promptly as they are shorter, allowing you to save time and money.

Interested in pursuing a degree?

Fill out the form and get all admission information you need regarding your chosen program.

This will only take a moment.

Message Received!

Thank you for reaching out to us. we will review your message and get right back to you within 24 hours. if there is an urgent matter and you need to speak to someone immediately you can call at the following phone number:.

By clicking the Send me more information button above, I represent that I am 18+ years of age, that I have read and agreed to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy , and agree to receive email marketing and phone calls from UOTP. I understand that my consent is not required to apply for online degree enrollment. To speak with a representative without providing consent, please call +1 (202) 274-2300

• We value your privacy.

Field of Study and Program Requirements

When deciding between a thesis and a non-thesis Master’s program, a crucial element to take into account is the field of study and the program’s specific requirements. A thesis Master’s program is better suited for those pursuing research-oriented fields, while a non-thesis program is a more fitting choice for individuals with a strong focus on their career. Furthermore, program requirements for thesis programs require substantial research to culminate in a thesis, whereas non-thesis ones require capstone projects, internships, or comprehensive exams. 

Switching from a Non-Thesis to a Thesis Master’s Program, or Vice Versa

Switching from a non-thesis to a thesis Master’s program, or vice versa, is possible in many institutions, although the process and requirements may vary. Switching from a non-thesis to a thesis program generally requires getting approval from the academic advisor or department, completing additional research methodology classes, finding a thesis advisor, and applying to the thesis program. 

Switching from a thesis to a non-thesis Master’s program requires having at least a 3.0 GPA, getting approval from the academic advisor, transferring credits of research methodology classes, and formally applying to the thesis program.

Choosing between a thesis and a non-thesis Master’s program ultimately depends on your career goals, research interests, and personal preferences. Thesis programs provide a robust foundation for research-oriented careers and advanced studies, while non-thesis programs offer practical skills tailored for immediate industry integration. Regardless of your choice, both paths offer unique advantages, ensuring you gain the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in your chosen field. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What is the difference between a thesis vs. non-thesis master’s program.

The key difference between a thesis and a non-thesis Master’s program is that thesis Master’s programs require original research and completion of a thesis, whereas non-thesis ones focus on coursework and practical experiences. 

Do I have to write a thesis for a Master’s program?

If you’re pursuing a research-oriented Master’s degree in sciences, engineering, social sciences, humanities, etc., you’ll probably have to write a thesis. Whereas, if you’re pursuing a Master’s degree in education, business healthcare administration, or IT management, you’re more likely not to have to complete a thesis. 

Is a thesis required for all Master’s degree programs?

Although a thesis isn’t required for all master’s degree programs, many programs require one.

What should I consider when deciding between a thesis and non-thesis program?

There are several factors to consider when choosing between a thesis and a non-thesis Master’s program, including your career goals, interest in research, duration of studies, personal strengths and preferences, cost, and program requirements.

Are there any financial and duration differences between thesis and non-thesis Master’s programs?

There can be financial and duration differences between thesis and non-thesis Master’s programs. Thesis programs can be more expensive as you’ll have to spend additional resources on materials, lab fees, and data collection. In contrast, the main cost for non-thesis programs is tuition fees, which can be slightly lower. Furthermore, thesis programs require additional time to conduct research, write, and defend the thesis. In contrast, non-thesis programs allow students to earn the degree in a shorter period. 

Why should I choose a thesis Master’s program?

You should choose a thesis Master’s program if you’re interested in a research-heavy discipline and want to showcase your knowledge and expertise in an evidence-based, thorough thesis. 

Why should I choose a non-thesis Master’s program?

You should choose a non-thesis Master’s program if you want to enter the workforce earlier, don’t want to spend several semesters collecting data, and want to focus more on application than research.

Can non-thesis Master’s graduates still pursue doctoral studies later?

Yes, non-thesis Master’s graduates can still get accepted into a doctoral program. However, thesis Master’s graduates can go through the process more efficiently, as admissions panels want to gain insight into your academic interests and ability to engage in nuanced thought.

Share it with your friends!

Explore more.

Accounting vs. Finance Degree: Which Major to Choose?

12 Important Bookkeeping Skills You Need for a Successful Career

Recent resources.

What Can You Do with an International Studies Degree [2024]

9 Benefits of Learning a Second Language

Associate’s vs. Bachelor’s: Which One To Choose?

Web Designer vs. Web Developer: What’s the Difference?

INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE?

Chat with an Admissions Officer Now!

• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degrees
• Masters Degrees
• Doctoral Degrees
• Faculty & Staff
• Accreditation
• Student Experience

QUICK LINKS

• Admission Requirements
• Military Students
• Financial Aid

Request More Information

Get our weekly advice

Keep up-to-date with the latest advice from Abound Grad School.

What to Think About When Choosing Between a Thesis & Non-Thesis Master’s Degree

When choosing a graduate program, you’ll find that you may have to decide between pursuing either a thesis or non-thesis master’s degree. Although employers do not consider which you choose during the hiring process, your decision can significantly impact the skills you acquire in your academic career. 

What Is the difference?

A non-thesis master’s degree focuses on coursework . Students are immersed into projects and learning environments that help strengthen their knowledge in their field. Similar to undergraduate programs, a non-thesis program is structured around assignments, group and individual projects, and exams. Research may be included somewhere in the program, but it is primarily focused on helping students achieve skills that will help them become more successful in their careers. This degree path typically has more courses than a non-thesis degree but can be completed in a shorter amount of time.

A thesis master’s degree is more research intensive. Students who aim to work on a thesis can expect to do more reading and writing as they specialize their knowledge. The coursework is generally centered around preparation for a final thesis, building their skills in research, data collection, analysis, and writing. Professors act more as guides and advisors who help students clarify their goals and aid in their research projects and thesis development. Master’s theses are a great primer for anyone looking to pursue a Ph.D., as research skills will be crucial in the development of a dissertation.

Which One Should You Choose?

Ultimately, there is no right or wrong degree path. Both degrees offer a quality education that can help you excel. One thing to consider when deliberating is why you’re pursuing your graduate degree. If you’re going back to college to help you change fields or get to that next level of your career, a non-thesis master’s degree can help you get there. If you want to dive into a career in research and development or pursue a Ph.D., a thesis master’s degree may be more worthwhile. 

Another thing to consider is your learning style. What methods of learning do you enjoy more? If you thrive in group projects and assignments, a non-thesis degree may be more efficient in helping you retain information. For those of you independent thinkers who love to dive deeply into subjects, you might relish in the idea of the research needed in the production of a thesis. Think about what type of academic environment will motivate you to earn your degree. 

Here are 7 questions that you can ask yourself to help you decide:

• What are my career goals?
• Where do I see myself in 5 to 10 years?
• What motivated me to pursue a master’s degree in the first place?
• What are my plans after graduation?
• Do I want to learn in a classroom setting, or do I want to be more independent?
• Am I interested in learning about research?
• How much writing do I want in my program?

If you have any questions or want to learn more about what each program has to offer, reach out to your school’s faculty and admissions officers. After all, the most important thing about a program isn’t the name of the degree, but what you gain from it.

How to Choose a Grad Program as an International Student

How to Network in Graduate School

How to Ace Your Graduate School Interview

Pursuing a non-thesis master’s degree: Is it worth it?

When navigating the world of master’s programs, the plethora of choices can be bewildering. For instance, prospective candidates often grapple with questions regarding the nature and value of non-thesis master’s degrees. To demystify these programs and provide clarity, delve into this guide to gain insights into commonly asked questions about non-thesis master’s degrees and equip yourself with the knowledge needed to determine whether such a program aligns with your academic and career goals.

What is a non-thesis master’s degree?

The difference between non-thesis and thesis master’s degrees, how common are non-thesis master’s degree, the length of a thesis vs. non-thesis master’s degree, reasons to pursue a non-thesis master’s degree, how to decide whether a non-thesis master’s degree is right for you.

A non-thesis master’s degree, also known as a coursework-based master’s degree, is a graduate program where students typically do not need to complete a research-based thesis as a requirement for graduation.

These programs are often more focused on coursework, examinations, projects, or practical experience.

Instead of conducting original research and writing a thesis, students in non-thesis master’s programs primarily take courses and complete a set number of credits or specific coursework.

Non-thesis master’s programs are common in various fields, especially in disciplines where practical skills and knowledge are more important than conducting independent research. For example, non-thesis master’s programs are often found in business administration (MBA), education (M.Ed.), public administration, healthcare administration, and some engineering and technology-related fields.

A non-thesis master’s degree can be definitely worth it is you are aware of the differences and decide that this option best fits to your ambitions, learning style and future career prospects.

A non-thesis master’s degree can undoubtedly be worth it, provided that you are well-informed about the distinctions between program types and have carefully concluded that this option aligns with your aspirations, preferred learning approach, and the potential pathways it offers for your future career.

In contrast to a non-thesis master’s degree, thesis-based master’s programs require students to conduct original research, write a thesis based on their research findings, and defend their thesis in front of a committee of faculty members. The choice between a thesis and a non-thesis master’s program often depends on the goals and career aspirations of the student and the requirements of the specific program or institution.

It’s crucial to understand that a thesis-based master’s degree isn’t exclusively tailored for those aspiring to enter academia or pursue a Ph.D. In fact, a significant majority of individuals pursuing a master’s program that includes a thesis ultimately find their paths in various professional fields.

Engaging in a thesis offers a unique opportunity to delve deeply into a specific subject, foster independence in research, and gain invaluable experience in project management. It involves conceiving an idea, structuring a project, and executing it, reflecting a multifaceted skill set.

A thesis-based master’s degree serves as a testament to one’s complex analytical thinking, as well as their unwavering determination.

However, it’s important to note that this does not imply that non-thesis master’s degrees are inherently inferior or misguided choices. The decision to pursue a non-thesis program should be a well-considered one, grounded in a thorough assessment of your personal motivations and objectives.

Non-thesis master’s degrees vary in prevalence across different regions. In many European contexts, for instance, most master’s programs tend to culminate with a more extensive project that necessitates original research. However, internships and practical projects also hold a stronger presence in many programs.

Furthermore, the prevalence of non-thesis master’s degrees is significantly influenced by the academic discipline in question. For instance, these degrees are more commonly found in fields like business and education as compared to social sciences or humanities.

Non-thesis master’s programs are designed to equip students with practical skills and knowledge that can be immediately applied in a professional context, as opposed to focusing on original research. In several European countries, these programs may be referred to as “professional” or “applied” master’s degrees, emphasizing practical training and real-world experience.

Additionally, in some contexts non-thesis master’s programs might maintain a research-oriented element, where students are expected to complete a final project or a capstone experience that could involve some original research or data analysis, albeit usually less extensive than a traditional thesis.

In general, non-thesis master’s degrees are relatively less prevalent, and their particular structure and prerequisites exhibit variations not only between countries but also among different universities.

Consequently, conducting comprehensive research to comprehend the specific program requirements and expectations is of paramount importance prior to applying.

It is erroneous to assume that a non-thesis master’s degree requires less time to complete than a master’s program with a thesis component.

It’s essential not to conflate thesis and non-thesis master’s degrees with one-year or two-year master’s programs . In fact, many one-year programs do incorporate a thesis component.

Thus, if your primary goal is expediency and obtaining a degree within a shorter timeframe, the question of whether to pursue a non-thesis master’s degree may not be the most relevant one to consider.

Pursuing a non-thesis master’s degree can offer unique advantages for individuals with diverse career goals and learning preferences:

• Interest in practical and applied knowledge: Non-thesis programs often emphasize practical, hands-on knowledge that can be immediately applied in real-world scenarios.
• Leadership development: Many non-thesis degree programs place a stronger focus on leadership skills, preparing students for roles where practical skills are essential in leading projects or teams.
• Broadening career opportunities: Some fields, like business and education, highly value practical skills and knowledge, and a non-thesis master’s can open doors to a wider range of career opportunities.
• Balancing work and study: For individuals who are working professionals or have other commitments, non-thesis programs can be more accommodating in terms of managing work-study balance.
• Lack of interest in research or academic writing: Some students may simply prefer coursework over extensive research and thesis writing, finding non-thesis programs a better fit for their academic and career goals.

Choosing the ideal master’s degree program is a significant decision, and it’s essential to align your academic journey with your aspirations. Pursuing a non-thesis master’s degree presents distinctive benefits that cater to a wide range of career objectives and learning styles. To make an informed choice, ponder the following questions:

• What are your career goals and aspirations? Think about the specific roles or industries you want to work in after completing your master’s degree.
• Do you enjoy research and academic writing? Consider your preferences for in-depth research and thesis writing as some programs require these components.
• Do you value practical, real-world experience? Assess whether you prioritize hands-on learning and the application of knowledge in practical settings.
• What are the specific industry requirements in your field of interest? Research whether non-thesis or thesis-based programs are more aligned with the expectations of your desired industry.
• What is your learning style? Reflect on your preferences for coursework, projects, and presentations versus extensive research and academic writing.
• What type of assessment methods do you find engaging? Determine if you enjoy diverse evaluation methods, such as projects, presentations, and coursework, or if you prefer a single research-based project.

Get new content delivered directly to your inbox!

Subscribe and receive Master Academia's quarterly newsletter.

10 tips for engaging your audience in academic writing

The best online courses for phd researchers in 2024, related articles.

Deciding between a one- or a two-year master’s degree

All you need to know about career objectives on PhD resumes

The best answers to “What are your plans after graduation?”

How many conferences postgrads should attend

• Facts and Figures
• Accreditation
• Maps and Directions
• Organization Chart

• Undergraduate
• Engineering Honors
• Global Programs
• Student Organizations
• MSEN Fast Track Program
• Admissions and Aid
• Entry to a Major Process
• Scholarships and Financial Aid
• Research Centers, Facilities and Labs
• Undergraduate Research Opportunities
• Core Faculty by Broad Expertise Area

• Department Leadership Team
• Affiliated Faculty
• Research Staff

Master of Science Non-Thesis

The Master of Science is a non-thesis degree that provides students advanced specialized training intended to prepare them to transition to technical positions in industry or doctoral graduate programs in science or engineering. Students deepen their understanding by completing advanced coursework in foundational MSEN topics, such as thermodynamics, kinetics, solid-state physics, and mechanical behavior of materials. Furthermore, students broaden their exposure to new topics through attendance at seminars and through coursework in specialized areas of MSEN.

Both Master of Science non-thesis and Master of Engineering non-thesis have the  same  degree plan requirements and coursework. The only difference is the title of the degree that you will earn upon graduating.

Course Catalog

• Waiver Process: students should submit request directly to the course instructor cc’ing the graduate advisor so that approval/denial can be documented in the students Departmental Record. Student should submit supporting evidence such as transcript, course description, and syllabi for review.
• Even if students are waived from Background Courses they must still have a total 30 credits to earn their degree.
• Non Thesis student cannot use MSEN 691 (Research) toward their degree plan.
• Remaining credit hours may be taken from other courses as per graduate catalog.
• The maximum number considered for transfer credit is twelve (12) hours.
• Nine (9) hours must be completed in residence -- one long semester or a full summer session.
• Faculty advisor recommends courses based on student’s completed educational work, research and professional interests.

Committee:  Minimum 1 member; must be approved MSEN core faculty , jo int faculty , or affiliated faculty .

Non-Thesis MS Program Main Page - School of Industrial Engineering - Purdue University

Non-Thesis Master's Program Overview

This option offers students the ability to develop a plan of study that maximizes the credits dedicated to their topic of interest, for example, Human Factors.

Program Highlights

• One to Two-year Residential Program:  Students take a combination of advanced technical courses, focusing their study on areas of interest, earning a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering.
• Online Program:  Students meet the same degree requirements of our residential program and maintain the flexibility of remote study.  
• Career Catalyzation:  Most graduates enter careers in diverse fields, often on advanced leadership tracks.  

Why Choose a Master's Degree in Industrial Engineering?

• Increased Employment Opportunities:  The program provides students with the technical skills needed in industry, such as decision making, systems engineering, operations, and oral and written communications.
• Increased Earning Potential.  Our alumni self-report that Purdue Industrial Engineering Master’s graduates earn 15% or more than their peers with a Bachelor’s degree.

Why Choose Purdue?

• Field Defining Innovation & Research:  The School of Industrial Engineering has been defining the field and educating future leaders in industrial engineering for 65 years. The graduate program is ranked in the top 10 and the IE on-line degree program is ranked #1 in the nation. 
• Excellence at Scale : As one of the top 10 engineering graduate programs in the nation, Purdue's College of Engineering is one of the largest and strongest programs in the nation with 13 different schools and departments.
• Affordable Tuition:  Tuition for our program is considerably cost effective compared to other programs.
• Low Cost of Living:  The cost of living in the Greater Lafayette-West Lafayette area is one of the lowest in the nation, with housing rent ranging from 23% to 179% less expensive than competing university cities (numbeo.com)

Curriculum Requirements

Courses selected for the non-thesis option are intended to provide depth of study in a particular area of interest. The curriculum is designed such that the student has broad selectivity over their coursework. Students are required to select at least 21 credit hours of coursework from IE courses, and are recommended to take at least 6 credit hours from a related area.

Credit Requirements for a Non-Thesis Master's Degree

Have at least 30 total graduate credit hours, which must include:

• 21 credit hours of IE course work; and,
• 9 credit hours of additional graduate-level coursework.

An overall GPA of 3.0 is required for completion of the master’s degree program.

Plan of Study Requirements for Non-Thesis Master's Degree

Completion Guidelines for Non-Thesis Master's Degree

Application Requirements

[email protected]

Your version of Internet Explorer is either running in "Compatibility View" or is too outdated to display this site. If you believe your version of Internet Explorer is up to date, please remove this site from Compatibility View by opening Tools > Compatibility View settings (IE11) or clicking the broken page icon in your address bar (IE9, IE10)

Missouri S&T Missouri S&T

• Future Students
• Current Students
• Faculty and Staff
• grad.mst.edu
• Graduate Student Services
• Navigating Your Degree Program
• Degree Requirements and Program Milestones
• MS Non-thesis Roadmap

Graduate Education

• 216 Centennial Hall 300 W 12th St. Rolla, MO 65409
• (573) 341-4141
• (573) 341-6127
• [email protected]

Master of Science Degree without Thesis

This webpage is dedicated to providing valuable insights for obtaining your master's (non-thesis) degree at Missouri S&T. Our goal is to offer essential information to help guide you through the process.

Degree Requirements

Grades and gpa, time limits, transfer credits, enrollment requirements for gra/gtas, requires a minimum of thirty hours of graduate credit..

• Nine credit hours of the required coursework must come from the group of 6000-level lecture courses.
• 3000-level and non-lecture (e.g., special problems (5000/6000) or seminar (5010/6010)) courses only count toward the total credit hour requirement and do NOT count toward the lecture or research credit hour requirements.
• No credit hours of graduate research may be applied toward the plan of study.
• Must be a member of Missouri S&T graduate faculty.
• No committee.
• On any plan of study, no substitution may be made for a course in which the student has earned less than a B grade.
• If a student receives a grade of F in a course listed on their approved plan of study, the course must be retaken until credit is received.

Academic Probation

• If the semester graduate GPA falls below 3.0 the student will be placed on probation for the following semester. If the semester GPA is not 3.0 or above in the following semester that coursework is taken, the student shall no longer be a candidate for a graduate degree or certificate from Missouri S&T.
• To earn a graduate degree a student must achieve both a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher for all graduate courses listed on the plan of study and cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in all coursework taken at Missouri S&T. 
• A student may take a leave of absence, up to one year only, which will not count toward the six-year time limit.
• All graduate credit will only be valid if earned within the previous ten years, with no possible extension.
• Must not have been used to meet the requirements of another degree.
• Must have been registered as graduate credit.
• Must have received at least a B grade or equivalent.
• Course must be listed as it was taken (number and title).
• If there is no equivalent course, general credit can be used (GNCR 5XXX or GNCR 6XXX).
• Transcript that includes the course(s) to be transferred should accompany the Form 1/1A.
• Official transcript must be on file with the Registrar's Office.
• Full-time enrollment for graduate students is nine credit hours for each fall and spring semester and three credit hours each summer session.
• Students receiving an assistantship must be enrolled full time in each semester/session they receive the assistantship (see definition of full-time enrollment in enrollment tab) with the exception of a one-time-only exit semester of reduced enrollment. Request for Waiver of Enrollment Requirements must be submitted for approval before reduced enrollment semester. 

Follow Graduate Education

Graduate College

Section x. master's degrees.

Kinds of Degrees. The University of Iowa offers programs leading to the Master of Arts (M.A.) degree, Master of Science (M.S.) degree, and several professional master's degrees.

M.A. and M.S. degrees require mastery of methodologies and practices of research and scholarship of the discipline. A thesis describing original scholarship or research may be required. M.A./M.S. degrees may be designed either as preparation for entry into Doctoral degree programs or to provide advanced study and accomplishment that serves a variety of career and other purposes. Degrees are awarded in many fields of study, or majors, consistent with conventions of the discipline (e.g., M.A. in Art, English, Psychology; M.S. in Chemistry, Mathematics, Physiology). (For complete list, see Section VIII .) M.A. and M.S. degrees require a minimum of 30 semester hours, a final examination, and, in some fields, a thesis.

Professional Master's degrees provide knowledge, perspectives, and skills required for professional practice. Some programs may include introduction to research or scholarship sufficient to allow application of current literature to practice. Professional master's degrees generally are indicated by a three- or four-letter designation; examples include the Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.), Master of Social Work (M.S.W.), Master of Public Health (M.P.H.), Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.), Master of Accountancy (M.Ac.). (For complete list, see Section VIII .) Professional Master's degrees require a minimum of 30 semester hours. Some may require a final examination as well as a thesis, papers, projects, colloquia, internships, or other experiential-based activity typical of preparation for practice in the field.

A student may prepare a proposal for an interdisciplinary course of study, including the plan of study defining course work, examination requirements, a research plan, and a committee of at least three faculty members, with either the department most directly concerned or the Graduate College designated as the sponsor. Final approval of such individual programs is granted by the Graduate College dean, who may add members to the student's supervising committee from other closely related departmental faculties or from the Graduate Council. The degree will be awarded in interdisciplinary studies (master's) stipulated in the approved graduate program and, parenthetically, the name of the sponsoring department.

Plan of Study/Degree Audit. The applicant for a master's degree must file a Plan of Study or Degree Audit, approved by the adviser and the departmental executive officer, with the Graduate College within the session in which the degree is to be granted and by the deadline date printed in the Graduate College academic calendar. If the session in which a student takes their final exam is earlier than the session in which the degree is to be granted, the Plan of Study/Degree Audit must be filed prior to the administration of the student's final examination. The plan shall meet the requirements for the degree approved by the graduate faculty. Graduate students must have a UI Cumulative GPA of 2.75 for degree clearance. Via degree audit, the Graduate College  Major GPA can be used in addition to the UI Cumulative GPA for degree clearance (e.g., See Graduate College  Major GPA definition and/or when a program has established a higher minimum graduation GPA). (See also Section IV. D. Departmental Regulations and Dissemination of Information .)

Major and Related Fields. The Plan of Study should provide for reasonable concentration in the major field of interest and, subject to the approval of the major department, may include related subjects from other departments.

Academic Registration Requirement

Master's degree. Of the minimum of 30 semester hours required for the degree, at least 24 semester hours must be completed under the auspices of The University of Iowa after admission to a graduate department/program. Various forms of extramural registration may qualify toward fulfillment of the aforementioned 24 semester hours residence requirement (see Section II. G. Extramural Registration ) in addition to regular on-campus registration.

A student must be registered in the semester in which they earn their degree.

Ed.S. degree. Of the minimum of 60 semester hours required for the degree, at least 30 semester hours must be earned while registered in The University of Iowa Graduate College, and after formal program admission. For example, the academic registration requirement cannot be fulfilled by coursework completed under the non-degree or non-departmental student classification or with transfer credit.

A student must be registered in the semester in which they earn their degree.

Reduction of Old Credits. Courses taken ten or more years, prior to the session in which the master's degree is to be conferred, must be evaluated by the major department in order to determine the possible use of these credit hours within a student's plan of study. The department, in turn, must send a letter of petition to the Graduate College, requesting the use of any or all of these credits toward the fulfillment of degree requirements.

Limit on Professional Courses. Work taken by a student in the colleges of Dentistry, Law or Medicine while enrolled for a professional degree may be credited to a graduate program leading to a master's degree if it is taken after the student has earned a bachelor's degree, or has completed work equivalent to that required for a bachelor's degree at The University of Iowa. The work accepted from the professional college must be directly related to the student's major field of study in the Graduate College and be approved as part of the Plan of Study by the student's adviser and the major department. Work completed while the student is registered for a professional degree in Law, Medicine, or Dentistry will be counted as part of the residence requirement for nondoctoral degrees in the Graduate College only when the student is registered in an appropriate joint degree program. Professional credit is posted at the time of admission to the grade report by Graduate Admissions.  This denotes professional credit (transfer) eligible for satisfying degree requirements. Programs seeking to apply professional credit toward satisfying graduate degree completion requirements must petition the Graduate College.

Two Master's Degrees. The granting by this University of two master's degrees, simultaneously or in succession, requires that all of the requirements for each degree be satisfied separately. That is, the student must pass two final examinations, write two theses (if each program requires a thesis), and satisfy the Graduate College registration requirement for each degree separately.  A minimum combined total of 60 semester hours of graduate credit must be achieved at the time that the second degree is conferred.

Some credits can be shared when one master’s degree requires, or both master’s degrees require, more than 30 semester hours of graduate credit.  No more than ¼ of the credits necessary for one degree may be composed of coursework taken for the other degree, and there must still be a minimum combined total of 60 semester hours of graduate credit.

The directors of graduate study for the two programs, or the department heads of the departments housing the programs, must exchange letters in which they convey each program’s approval of the student pursuing the two degrees.  Copies of these letters must be sent to the Graduate College.

Master's Degree with Thesis. Not more than 9 semester hours of credit for thesis research and writing shall be counted in satisfying the 30-hour minimum requirement. The thesis may be a scholarly study or an artistic production.

Beginning with the Fall 2009 Semester all master's theses, excluding MFA theses, must be submitted to the Graduate College in electronic format. MFA students will have the option of submitting hard-copy or electronic theses.

The deposit of a thesis (an ETD or two hard copies of the MFA thesis), complete and in final typed form, must be presented to the Graduate College for a check of formal characteristics by the deposit deadline date in the session in which the degree is to be conferred. Regulations regarding preparation of the dissertation copy shall be promulgated by the dean of the Graduate College. Both a scientific/scholarly abstract and a public abstract are to deposited with the thesis or dissertation. The scientific/scholarly abstract should not exceed two, double-spaced pages. The public abstract can be up to 250 words. It should be written for a non-academic, lay audience, avoiding jargon and technical language as much as possible. The goal of the public abstract is to explain how the research advances knowledge and addresses solutions to problems facing society. Approved ETDs will be forwarded to ProQuest for digital archiving; the technical abstract will be published in  Dissertation Abstracts International . The PDF format of all electronic submissions will be forwarded by ProQuest to The University of Iowa Libraries, where they will be catalogued and made available for public use. Failure to deposit the thesis by the deadline date established by the Graduate College will result in the postponement of graduation to a future session. [Please review the Graduate College web site for detailed submission and formatting requirements.]

Nonrefundable fees are charged each thesis candidate to cover processing and publication costs of the thesis.

The thesis committee shall consist of at least three members of the graduate faculty and may or may not be identical to the final examination committee. (The final examination committee for the master's degree shall consist of at least three members of the graduate faculty, at least two of whom are from the major department or program, and are members of The University of Iowa tenure-track faculty. See Section X. K. following.)

Master's Degree without Thesis. A master's degree without thesis, consisting of at least 30 semester hours of graduate work, may be awarded upon the completion of a curriculum prescribed by a department and approved by the Graduate Council.

Final Examination. The requirements for master's degrees may include a final examination which, at the discretion of the major department, may be written or oral or both. Such an examination will not duplicate course examinations. An exam is considered passed when at least 2/3rds (or 66%) of the committee evaluates it as satisfactory. The report of the final examination is due in the Graduate College not later than 48 hours after the examination, and by the deadline date established by the Graduate College. Please refer to Table I for voting outcomes based on committee size. Committees comprised of more than 7 members require prior approval of the Graduate College.

If the department so recommends, a candidate who fails the examination may attempt a reexamination, but not sooner than the next regularly scheduled examination period in the following session.

The examination may be repeated only once. A student must graduate within three sessions after passing the final examination for a master's degree; failure to meet this deadline will require reexamination of the student. A session is defined as beginning in the semester subsequent to exam completion and includes summer semester, but excludes the winter session. Upon recommendation of a department, the comprehensive examination for a doctoral degree may be substituted for the master's examination.

Some master's programs do not require a final exam. Students are responsible for checking the specific requirements of their individual degree programs.

Examining Committee.  The examining committee for the master's degree consists of at least three members** of the Graduate Faculty appointed by the dean upon recommendation of the major department or program. These committees are composed as follows:

• At least two of the faculty members must be members of the University of Iowa tenure-track faculty (appointment codes FS11-13 and FT11-13).  
• At least two of the faculty members are from the major department or program (defined as faculty members who hold any appointment in the major department or program), and are members of the University of Iowa tenure-track faculty.

A department or program may impose additional structure on the composition of its examining committees.

Departments and programs may request the dean's permission to replace one of the three members of the Graduate Faculty by a recognized scholar of professorial rank from another academic institution. Also, a voting member may be added at the discretion of the Graduate College Dean.

* Or, a member who is unable to attend.

**Refer to table above for committees greater than three members.

MS in Computer Science (Non-Thesis Option)

Overview of degree.

The Master’s of Science degree in Computer Science (Non-Thesis Option) at The University of Georgia is a comprehensive program of study intended to give qualified and motivated students a thorough foundation in the theory, methodology, and techniques of Computer Science. Students who successfully complete this program of study will have a grasp of the principles and foundations of Computer Science. This degree program is designed for graduate students seeking careers in industry or government after graduation. The students will obtain skills and experience in up-to-date approaches to analysis, design, implementation, validation, and documentation of computer software and hardware. With these skills they will be well qualified for technical, professional, or managerial positions in government, business, industry, and education.

Prospective students are advised to consult The University of Georgia Graduate Bulletin for institutional information and requirements.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the general University of Georgia policies set forth in the Graduate Bulletin, the following school policies apply to all applicants:

1. A Bachelor’s Degree is required, preferably with a major in Computer Science or an allied discipline. Students with insufficient background in Computer Science must take undergraduate Computer Science courses to remedy any deficiencies (in addition to their graduate program). A sufficient background in Computer Science must include at least the following courses (or their equivalent):

2. Admission to this program is selective; students with a record of academic excellence have a better chance of acceptance. Students with exceptionally strong undergraduate records may apply for admission to the graduate program prior to fulfilling all of the above requirements.  

3. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) test scores are required for admission consideration. International applicants also need TOEFL or IELTS official test scores.

4. Three letters of recommendation are required, preferably written by university professors familiar with the student's academic work and potential. If the student has work experience, one letter may be from his/her supervisor. Letters should be sent directly from the letter writer.

5. A one- or two-page personal statement outlining the student's background, achievements, and future goals is required.

6. A student may include a recent copy of his/her resume as part of the application packet; however, this is not required.

Graduate School Requirements

Additional requirements are specified by the Graduate School (application fee, general application forms, all transcripts, etc.). Please see the University of Georgia Bulletin for further information. Detailed admissions information may be found at Graduate School Admissions. Printed information may be obtained by contacting the

University of Georgia Graduate School Brooks Hall 310 Herty Drive Athens, GA 30602 phone: 706-542-1739 fax: 706-425-3094 e-mail: [email protected]

Applications are processed on a year round basis. Students can be admitted for either semester (Fall or Spring). Please visit the Graduate School for application submission deadlines.

The curriculum consists of at least 32 credit hours of resident graduate coursework. This includes the following three items:

• at least 12 credit hours of Core CSCI graduate coursework at the 6000-level (see “Core Curriculum” below); 
• at least 16 credit hours of Advanced CSCI graduate coursework at the 6000/8000-level (see “Advanced Coursework” below); this includes at least 8 credit hours at the 8000 level . The above (items 1 & 2) must include 12 credit hours of coursework open only to graduate students, exclusive of 6950 and 8990, as per Graduate School policy; 
• at least 4 credit hours of MS CSCI NT Project coursework (CSCI 7200), spread over two semesters.

Typically, full-time students will take 9 to 15 hours per semester. See the CSCI section of the University of Georgia Bulletin for course descriptions. A program of study should be a coherent and logical whole; it requires the approval of the student’s Major Professor/Project Advisor (see below) and the school's Graduate Coordinator.

Note: no course with a grade of C+ or lower may be included on the student’s Program of Study (see the Graduate Bulletin for other GPA constraints).

Core Curriculum (Item #1)

At least one course from each of the following three groups must be taken:

Group 1: Theory

CSCI 6470 Algorithms CSCI 6480 Approximation Algorithms CSCI 6610 Automata and Formal Languages

Group 2: Software Design

CSCI 6050 Software Engineering CSCI 6370 Database Management CSCI 6570 Compilers

Group 3: System Design

CSCI 6720 Computer Systems Architecture CSCI 6730 Operating Systems CSCI 6760 Computer Networks: Technology and Application CSCI 6780 Distributed Computing Systems

The core curriculum consists of a total of 12 credit hours.

Core Competency

Foundational computer science knowledge (core competency) in the core areas (Groups 1, 2, and 3, above) must be exhibited by each student and certified by the school. This takes the form of achievement in core curriculum. A grade average of at least 3.30 (e.g., B+, B+, B+) must be achieved for the three core courses. Students below this average may take an additional core course and achieve a grade average of at least 3.15 (e.g., B+, B+, B, B).

Core competency is certified by the student’s Major Professor/Project Advisor (see below) with the approval of the Graduate Coordinator. The student’s Major Professor/Project Advisor manages the core competency in cooperation with the student. Students are expected to meet the core competency requirement within their first two enrolled academic semesters (excluding summer semester). Core Competency Certification must be completed before approval of the Program of Study.

Advanced Coursework (Item #2)

In addition to the courses that satisfy the Core Competency ( in Item#1), students must take at least 16 credit hours of CSCI graduate-level coursework (including at least 8 credit hours of 8000-level courses). These courses, together with those in Item #1 (and possibly other elected CS courses), should contain at least 12 credit hours of 8000-level or 6000-level graduate only CSCI courses.  

Master’s Project and Report (Item #3)

To satisfy this requirement, minimum  4 credit hours of CSCI 7200 Master’s Project must be taken, spread over the student’s two semesters. The CSCI 7200 course involves an applied research project under the direction of the student’s Major Professor/Project Advisor and 2nd Professor. The professors for the MS Project can be: two tenured track professors, or one tenure track professor and one lecturer, from School of Computing only. School of Computing courtesy faculty are acceptable.  As part of the requirements, a comprehensive report must be prepared detailing the student's procedures and findings regarding the completed project work. The MS project report will be uploaded into elC and submitted with the MS Project Form by email, by Reading Day in final semester of project credit completion. The MS Project Form must be signed by two professors, with the final grade (S/U)  and submitted by email to Graduate Coordinators at [email protected] by Reading Day of final project completion.  

Non-Departmental Requirements

Non-departmental requirements are set forth by the Graduate School (see the Graduate Bulletin). They concern residence, time limits, programs of study, acceptance of transfer credits, minimum GPAs, thesis, and final examination.

Graduation Requirements

Before the end of the second semester in residence, a student must begin submitting forms to the Graduate School, through the Graduate Coordinator, including a Program of Study Form. The Major Professor/Project Advisor must come from the Computer Science Faculty (Professors/Lecturers). The Program of Study Form indicates how and when degree requirements will be met and must be formulated in consultation with the student's Major Professor/Project Advisor. An Application for Graduation Form must also be submitted directly to the Graduate School.

Forms and Timing must be submitted as follows:

• Core Competency Form (Departmental) - beginning of third semester 
• Program of Study Form (G138) - semester before the student’s last semester
• Application for Graduation Form ( in Athena) - beginning of last semester
• MS Project Form-end of final semester of CSCI 7200 4 credit completion (effective, spring 2023 and onward)
• MS Project due at end of final semester of CSCI 7200 4 credit completion

See “Important Dates and Deadlines” on the Graduate School’s website

Need more guidance?

Dr. Liming Cai and Dr. Kyu H. Lee Graduate Coordinator [email protected] (706) 542-2 911

Samantha Varghese Graduate Student Affairs Coordinator [email protected] 706) 542-3477

Would you like to download the information presented on this page?

We appreciate your financial support. Your gift is important to us and helps support critical opportunities for students and faculty alike, including lectures, travel support, and any number of educational events that augment the classroom experience.  Click here to learn more about giving .

Every dollar given has a direct impact upon our students and faculty.

The Ohio State University

• BuckeyeLink
• Search Ohio State

Master's non-Thesis degree, MSE

Information concerning the pursuit of a Master's non-thesis degree in MSE, including degree requirements, time frame for completion, graduation details, and more.

The Master's degree program is designed to give students the opportunity to gain additional knowledge and necessary skills in a specific area of Materials Science. A non-thesis option Master's primarily involves academic course work followed by the defense of a written document, such as critical literature review, during the final term of enrollment. The structured research component of the MS with Thesis is not present in the non-thesis option.

Two forms of the MS non-thesis are available to MSE students: 1) as a final degree, after which the student exits the program, or 2) as an intermediate degree earned upon successful completion of the Ph.D. Candidacy Exam.

• MS non-thesis as final degree. This degree does not involve laboratory research instead requiring more academic study than the MS with Thesis. Thus this degree track is best suited for working students, as it primarily consists of course work. Note: Pursuit of a MS non-thesis as a final degree is available only by means of a petition of the MSE Graduate Studies Committee. This petition should be submitted during the student's first term in the program.
• MS non-thesis based on Candidacy Exam. Students who successfully complete the Ph.D. Candidacy Exam may request to receive a MS non-thesis degree. This is optional, but serves as a tangible "mile marker" for the student. Students must meet the minimum graded graduate  course work requirements for the MS non-thesis degree as detailed under "Degree requirements" below.

Time frame for completion

The typical length of time for completion of a Master's non-thesis degree while enrolled as a full time student is approximately three to six terms. For the MS non-thesis as final degree, the student will prepare a document, such as a critical literature review or technical report, which is defended before a two member committee of MSE faculty. Development of this document typically takes place in the student's final term in the program. For students earning the degree based on the Candidacy Exam, the Candidacy typically occurs in the third to seventh term of enrollment.

Degree requirements

Master's non-thesis degree requirements MSE-specific requirements to earn a Master's non-thesis degree in materials science and engineering.

• 09171901804
• 09171901809
• [email protected]

Learn more about the non thesis MBA options in the Philippines

• September 30, 2021

Juggling the rigors of a full-time job with home responsibilities is hard enough. But when you decide to take the leap for your post grad, you also sign up for the additional workload. Many professionals hoping to take their master’s choose to forgo the opportunity for fear of not being able to balance it with the rest of their life. Compiling and submitting a thesis dissertation is not only time-consuming, but also labor-intensive and expensive. But what if you didn’t have to write a thesis to earn your master’s? Discover the benefits of taking a non-thesis MBA today and find out how to enroll in the program!

Hang on, will my MBA program be valid without a thesis?

Taking a non-thesis master’s degree does not make you any less worthy of that master’s diploma. Contrary to popular belief, submitting and publishing a dissertation is not the only way to earn your master’s degree! This provides many working professionals a more sustainable option of pursuing their desired post-grad studies.

How does a non-thesis MBA in the Philippines differ from a traditional MBA?

A traditional thesis-based MBA has very different outputs, learning, outcomes, and program lengths from a non-thesis MBA. And while it is the lesser-known option of the two, a non-thesis MBA does have its unique advantages over its dissertation counterpart!

Expected Outputs

A thesis-centric master’s program relies heavily on research work. Students can expect research to become their primary tool and can expect to do large amounts of reading and writing to gain the knowledge for their specialization. A non-thesis MBA may provide some relief due to its familiar approach to your bachelor’s education; one that focuses primarily on coursework for developing your skills and expertise in the field. Expect to do a lot of written assignments and group works while taking comprehensive exams. Unlike a dissertation which gears you for a research-based contribution, a non-thesis program is meant to hone your skills for an added edge in your career’s progress.

Program Length

A typical thesis-based MBA can last between one to three years on average. For a non-thesis master’s program, this period is usually shorter. While thesis-based MBAs take a more concentrated approach with slow, tedious work but less subjects, a non-thesis MBA packs more subjects into the program. While this may seem like more work to you, it also means that you get your degree sooner despite the higher amount of coursework.

Educational Trajectory

The option of a non-thesis MBA is especially better if you are decided that your master’s degree will be your last foray into formal education after your bachelor’s degree. The research work in a thesis-based program hone necessary skills for writing dissertations, which are a main requirement for accomplishing your doctorate. If your career is one whose highest academic program stops at master’s, or if you have no plans to pursue a PhD in the future, then a non-thesis program is a great option for you!

Career Path

If you work in an industry that does not heavily rely on research, and you don’t need a PhD to make the most out of your career, then sticking to non-thesis program is definitely the better, more advantageous choice. Due to the nature of the course output, non-thesis students will have more time to observe hands on learning from real-world demonstrations of the skills necessary to their field.

If you are involved in a business career and are decided on taking a master’s degree that you can balance with the other aspects of your life, consider one of the Philippines’ most versatile non-thesis master’s programs. OEd’s Online Master’s in Business Administration balances research, theories, and practical, hands-on techniques that you can apply to your work performance. Find out how much master’s degrees cost and discover why OEd is the reasonable and sustainable choice for non-thesis post graduate learning!

Get In Touch

Need more information about our online cpd courses, fill-up the form below and we'll get back to you within 24 hours, need more information about our online mba courses, need more information about our oed short courses.

• Write my thesis
• Thesis writers
• Buy thesis papers
• Bachelor thesis
• Master's thesis
• Thesis editing services
• Thesis proofreading services
• Buy a thesis online
• Write my dissertation
• Dissertation proposal help
• Pay for dissertation
• Custom dissertation
• Dissertation help online
• Buy dissertation online
• Cheap dissertation
• Dissertation editing services
• Write my research paper
• Buy research paper online
• Pay for research paper
• Research paper help
• Order research paper
• Custom research paper
• Cheap research paper
• Research papers for sale
• Thesis subjects
• How It Works

What Is The Difference Between A Thesis Or Non-Thesis Master’s Degree?

If you’re looking forward to enrolling in a master’s degree program, it helps to comprehend what a master’s thesis entails clearly. Some learners still can’t explain the primary difference between a non-thesis master’s degree and a thesis master’s degree. In this article, we help you understand the difference as we highlight other vital facts about the topic. So, let’s do this!

What Is a Master’s Thesis?

What is the length of a master’s thesis, structure and details in master’s thesis, why you should choose a master’s thesis program.

• The Difference between Thesis and Non-Thesis Program

What Are the Pros and Cons of a Non-Thesis Master’s Program?

Thesis or non-thesis master’s degree faqs, make a decision today.

A master’s thesis is a lengthy and comprehensive scholarly paper that lets you dig deeper into your field of expertise and manifest your growth as a learner. Suppose you undertake a research-oriented degree; you will need to give your graduate school a thesis. That is the best way to portray your practical skills ahead of culmination.

For instance, if you are a psychology major, you might be asked to write a thesis showing the relationship between color and mood. Based on your program, your skills and ability will be weighed differently. It all depends on what the graduate school wants its students to have. The good thing is with the perfect thesis statement; you will have a chance to prove your statement or idea on paper, develop your argument, and come up with a masterpiece.

Your master thesis will be between 40 and 300 pages long, which doesn’t include the bibliography. Many factors can affect the actual length of your thesis for your master’s. For instance, your dissertation topic for masters and method of analysis will be used to determine the appropriate pages to write.

The examiner will ensure that students receive clear instructions on how to handle the thesis. Note that most of the time, you will have a period of two semesters to complete your thesis. Well, that’s enough time to meet all requirements.

Provided you are interested in writing a master’s thesis, it is advisable to develop the right topic early in your academic program. That way, you will have ample time to come up with great research questions so that you submit a top-quality project.

Would you like to know the structure and details of a master’s thesis? The structure is the basis of writing a master thesis that wins you not just a master’s degree but also scholarly recognition. Here’s the information on a relevant structure you need to follow:

• The Summary: In this section, you must indicate your introduction alongside the research questions. Aside from the method of data collection and analysis, you also need to include the master’s degree paper finding and conclusion.
• Introduction: In the introduction, you need to clarify the context of your research question. Don’t forget to mention the existing knowledge and previous research as well as your thesis question.
• Theory: Your theory lets you mention what other individuals have to say about the same subject matter. This comes in handy when you are dealing with empirical research.
• Method: In the method chapter, it is crucial to portray where your research, as well as the method, positions itself in the field of science. Don’t make your method chapter too long and descriptive.
• Presentation of Data and Findings : Here is where you must indicate your findings from the data you had analyzed. You must show your examiners that you have a deep understanding of the requirements, such as the research question.
• Discussion: Discuss your findings in plain language. You might want to relate your findings to the previous research to showcase your relevance throughout the project.
• Summary and Implications : Now that you are ending the thesis for your masters, make sure you summarize your main points. Make it brief and clear. If you forgot to clarify something in your master’s degree paper, here is the right place to do that.

There are many reasons students need to write a master’s degree thesis. If you want to have the best learning experience and show that you are a smart graduate, then writing a dissertation for a master’s thesis is something you should embrace. More so, if you choose to write a thesis for masters:

• You will have the rare chance of delving deeper into the field of research, becoming a student with an in-depth understanding of their course and career as a whole.
• You will notice that most companies prefer students with thesis papers on their portfolios, and you can simply be one of them if you choose a thesis master.
• It is the best way to indicate that you have gained adequate writing skills and possess an inborn willingness to learn.
• Defending your thesis program shows that you have competitive critical thinking skills as well as public speaking skills.

The Difference Between Thesis and Non-Thesis Program

What’s the difference between thesis and non-thesis masters? Well, if you opt for a non-thesis program, you won’t have to write a lengthy, compressive research paper to attain the graduation requirements. Note that whether you choose a thesis or non-thesis master’s, at the end of your program, you will need to submit your final paper to show your critical thinking skills.

Also, if you go for a non-thesis program, your final project can either be a field experience or a capstone project. Those are the main differences you need to know about a master’s degree thesis and non-thesis program.

A thesis is a primary requirement in most fields of research. However, not all master’s programs will require you to complete a thesis. To be precise, some institutions or fields will let you choose between a thesis and a non-thesis master’s program. The same applies to a PhD; you can opt for PhD without a thesis (non-thesis PhD).

The pros of a non-thesis master’s program are not that strong. But they are still worth mentioning. The main advantage of a master’s degree without a thesis is that you:

• You will have a smooth learning experience
• You won’t have to spend time thinking about research skills.
• You are free from conducting detailed research analysis and writing a lengthy project.

On the flip side:

• A non-thesis master’s degree might not show you as a competent student.
• Your employers might not be able to know whether you have the required communication and critical thinking skills.
• Since you won’t have the chance to post your thesis on a scholarly website, your credibility would be hard to determine.

Does Every Master’s Degree Require a Thesis?

The shortest answer is a resounding no. Not all master’s degrees require a thesis. However, the institution will allow you to choose whether you would like your program to be a thesis or a non-thesis one. As we already mentioned, there are lots of benefits you can enjoy when you go for the thesis master’s program.

Aside from showing that you’ve got incredible analysis skills, writing a thesis shows that you are serious about your field of expertise. But if you don’t want to write a lengthy paper, then you have the freedom to avoid choosing a thesis master’s program. A master without a thesis is still worth it.

Do We Have Any Tips For Choosing A Program?

Yes! There are essential tips that can help you choose the best program. Here are some of them for your reference:

• You should know where your passion lies: It is advisable not to pick a program because it is marketable. If you don’t like it, you won’t excel in it. If you have a strong passion for something, even if it is not quite interesting, you can thrive and earn good money from it.
• Know your abilities : Some programs are so tough that only the most resilient students can complete them. If you are not willing to go beyond the limits trying to break the ice, you should not go for that program.
• Know the duration of the program : Some programs only need two years to complete, while some will run for up to six years. Think about the time you have left to complete a course and make up your mind based on that.

How Long Does it Take to Write a Master’s Thesis?

There’s no specific time you need to complete your master’s thesis. It is all about your program and the type of school committee you are dealing with. We have already seen that in most cases, you will need to complete your master’s degree thesis in two semesters.

Some institutions might give you a shorter period or a more extended period. If you feel that you have a short deadline, it is better to begin your master’s degree dissertation as soon as possible. Even if you have six months or one year to write your thesis, you need to start early enough. Remember, the time might seem lengthy, but the thesis might be a lengthy and comprehensive one as well.

Now that you know the difference between a thesis and a non-thesis master’s degree, you can go ahead and make your decision today. But if you want to have the best learning experience and a rewarding outcome, you can order the professional thesis master’s help and receive the most helpful assistance for your dissertation.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

• Learning Tips
• Exam Guides
• School Life

Thesis or Non-Thesis Masters: Deciding which one is Worth It

• by Judy Jeni
• January 26, 2024

A non-thesis masters is the type of degree that consists of classroom-based studies only. It has a set of core subjects for every semester. Also, the faculty expects you to do a bit of research and writing.

A non-thesis version is for you to enjoy learning about different fields or being a generalist. The course structure focus on laying the ground for creativity, teamwork, leadership skills, and a professional career.

Is a Non-Thesis Masters Worth it?

A non-thesis masters program is worth it because it offers a convenient program that allows one to concentrate more on classwork and tens of hours in doing research. Generally, A non-thesis master’s degree can offer you enough background to enable you to excel by avoiding a lot of technical research.

When you are doing a non-thesis option, you will not go through an oral defense.

In this case, you have to take an additional class to compensate for the time to do you would do in the thesis.

The decision to do or not to do a thesis resists with an individual student. As a learner, you should consider various perspectives before making a final decision.

You can talk to your seniors for further guidance. Also, you can make a decision when you are not good at research or you fear failing a thesis and you want to avoid it altogether.

Is a Thesis Master’s Worth It

A thesis master’s is worth it because it gives a student the opportunity to carry an original piece that enables him or her to carry deep primary research, analyze collected data, and present concrete support prove the hypothesis.

It also allows students to dig into the topic and create an expanded document where they will demonstrate their knowledge throughout the degree program.

When working on such a document, you need to perform independent research from secondary and primary sources. Depending on the subject, you may use surveys or interviews to support your argument.

Some specific departments or schools will determine the length of the document. The standard range is from 40 to 100 pages. Every master’s student gets a faculty advisor to provide support.

Before picking your thesis topic, you do not require a magical formula. One should exploit the area of interest and read widely.

Which is better; Thesis or Non-Thesis Masters

When you are weighing between the two options, know that any decisions will be relevant as long as you understand the limits of each option.

For instance, a non-thesis master’s does not imply that it lacks challenging coursework. It only means that there is another approach to handle it.

There is no better degree than the other between a thesis and a non-thesis master’s degree because each choice depends on one’s career goals .

Both degrees carry equal weight in terms of qualification and academic writing ability. Also, each degree option fulfills an equally different academic satisfaction based the discipline of study.

For example, a thesis program is a heavy research discipline. When you complete a thesis, you will demonstrate to the employers that you have the needed skills for writing long-form reports or researching.

On the contrary, if you want to complete your course using less time to complete, then a non-thesis program fits you. That is because it does not need a specific written product.

Times when Thesis Masters is Better

There are situations when a thesis master’s can have more weight than the non-thesis master’s. If you are still debating on the two issues, you can use the following insight to decide the type of program that suits you.

1. Boosts you Employability

When you are writing a thesis, it means you have to perform extensive research. If you have superb research skills, it can be attractive to potential employers.

These employers know that you worked on detailed work which requires dedication and effort. Also, any researched-based employer could have a keen interest in your profile.

2. When you want to Develop Critical Skills

A thesis is a final project that is tedious and time-consuming. You will learn time management skills, development organization, and planning skills as you go for it.

Furthermore, it allows one to develop critical thinking and exceptional communicational skills.

Since you will have to defend your findings orally, it places a demand on you to learn presentation skills.

3. When you want to Pursue Interest

The thesis allows students to develop their idea and titles. As such, they have the liberty to explore in-depth research into a particular topic of research. It allows one to take a fascinating look into an area that you are passionate about.

The thesis is critical as it expands your understanding of what you can do. It will deepen your potential to carry out a research and possess the skills of making connections between ideas.

4. Guide your Steps

A thesis will guide your steps to understand the next move. Suppose you decide to pursue your research interests within the thesis; you can discover an item that you need to follow further.

Furthermore, when you write a successful thesis, the chance of getting it published is high. You only have to submit it to various academic journals.

If you hope to pursue a Ph.D., you stand a great chance with the admission panel if you did a thesis during the master’s program.

Instances When Non-Thesis Masters is Better

Non-thesis masters can be helpful to students for particular reasons. This section offers insight that will become helpful if you prefer to take it in the university.

1. Quick Completion

A non-thesis master’s program takes less time than its thesis master’s program. Since one will not be doing heavy research, the course tends to be short. Instead, you will be doing more classwork without having to defend your finding on a panel orally.

If you have limited time, you can do a non-thesis program to agree with your situation. Since you have to spend more time in class, you will concentrate and complete this course at the right time.

2. Real-World Projects

A non-thesis masters is applicable as it offers students to work frequently with the faculty’s real-world projects. The reason behind that is one does not have to spend hundreds of hours writing or researching.

3. Mirrors a Bachelor’s Program

The non-thesis masters mirrors the bachelor’s degree in terms of structure. It is a unique program that enables learners to complete classes and take exams wihout doing outstanding research or writing.

Any student who excels in these project-based assignments has an opportunity to proceed in building the skills in the same arena.

Components of a Master’s Thesis

1. introduction.

The introduction is the first section that the reader encounters after the table of contents. This part enables the audience to know what the author wants to accomplish. We also refer to this section as a research question.

You should use this introduction to indicate the paper’s goals.  Ensure you write professionally to enable readers who are not in the same field to understand.

2. Review of literature

It is a part where the author will showcase deep knowledge in specialization by offering context within the chosen discipline.

It reviews the main bodies of the research by highlighting any issue that comes up.

This is the part that largely determines both the length of your thesis and also the time taken to write a dissertation from start to finish. This is a key part of the direction and length of your project.

Students will have to explain how kind of method they used to get facts. For instance, a scientist may use a particular approach to arrive at a conclusion.

Historians may be using references to inject light into the topic. You should explain the process you used to get your findings.

It is a part where students indicate what they discovered after researching in an unbiased way. Here, a learner should state what he gathered using a particular framework. Furthermore, the learner should arrange the findings in a readable fashion.

5. Discussion

The discussion part is necessary for the learner to interpret the raw data. It is where he will demonstrate how the research brought a new perspective to the field. It relates to the introduction since you have to answer the question you posed.

Jump to navigation

Masters Degree Without Thesis

Academic requirements for ms degree (non-thesis option).

• A minimum of 30 course credits is required.
• Twenty-one (21) of these credits must be in the major field defined as Plant & Soil Science and Environmental Science courses or be closely related courses.
• At least 12 credits in letter-graded 600-800 level courses are required.
• Required courses include Global challenges in Agriculture and the Environment (STOCKSCH 650) (3 credits) and Biometry (STOCKSCH 661) (4 credits). It may be possible for a student to get committee permission to fulfill biometry requirement by taking Public Health 640 or Statistics 501 or other similar course.
• An independent written report or literature review is required. Up to 3 Independent Study credits can be used for this purpose.
• Up to 6 credits can be taken as independent study.
• With the advisor's approval, up to 6 credits with ≥ B grade can be transferred from other universities.
• No Pass/Fail grading in major field courses is allowed.
• A final General Examination is also required.

The current list of available graduate-level courses can be found at the end of the Graduate Student Handbook .

See other graduate degree options.

©2024 University of Massachusetts Amherst · Site Policies · Site Contact

Department of Chemistry

Search form.

• Affiliated Faculty
• Administrators & Staff
• Research Faculty & Staff
• Research Associates
• Graduate Students
• Update/Submit Alumni Information
• Emeritus and Retired Faculty
• In Memoriam
• Research Facilities
• Centers & Programs
• Astrochemistry
• Bioanalytical
• Biophysical Chemistry
• Catalysis and Energy
• Chemical Biology
• Chemical Education Reserach
• Imaging and Sensing
• Inorganic and Organometallic Chemistry
• Nanosciences and Materials
• Organic Chemistry and Synthesis
• Surface Chemistry and Spectroscopy
• Theory and Computation
• Non-Thesis Master's Program (1 Year)
• PhD Program
• Applying to the PhD Program
• Information about Charlottesville
• Chemistry and Multidisciplinary Courses
• Graduate Handbook
• Professional and Career Development Opportunities
• Graduate Chemistry Program Clubs & Organizations
• Fellowships and Awards
• Graduate Program Calendar
• Graduate Student Forms
• 2023-24 Bi-weekly Payroll Calendar
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives
• Disability Accommodation Information
• Prospective and Transfer Students
• General Chemistry Options
• Undergraduate Advisors
• Process for declaring a major, minor, DMP, or ACS Certification
• B.A. in Chemistry
• B.S. Chemistry
• B.S. Specialization in Biochemistry
• B.S.Specialization in Chemical Education
• B.S. Specialization in Chemical Physics
• B.S. Specialization in Environmental Chemistry
• B.S. Specialization in Materials Science
• B.A./M.S. or B.S./M.S. in Chemistry ("3+1" Degree Option)
• American Chemical Society Poster Session
• Undergraduate Publications
• Undergraduate Research in a pandemic
• How to Prepare and Present a Scientific Poster
• How to Prepare and Present a Scientific Talk
• Guidelines for Final Report
• Distinguished Majors
• Study Abroad
• First and Second Years
• Third and Fourth Years
• Graduation Information
• Undergraduate Resources
• Upcoming Seminars
• Seminar Archive
• Request Seminar Date
• Named Lectures
• Spring 2023 Newsletter

Non-Thesis Master's Degree Program (1 YEAR)

The non-thesis Master’s (M.S.) degree program is designed for students who want an advanced degree but are not necessarily ready for or interested in the Ph.D. program. The M.S. degree provides a path to industrial jobs, professional schools, teaching careers, Ph.D. programs, and can be used as part of a multidisciplinary career portfolio. Noting that chemists often work astride multiple disciplines in their research and careers, our students may take relevant graduate coursework across the Schools of Arts & Sciences, Engineering & Applied Sciences, Education, and the Basic Science Departments of Medicine. This flexibility allows for efficient optimization of learning tailored to the student’s chosen research, career path, and goals. Students in the M.S. program are responsible for paying their own tuition, fees, and health insurance premiums (for more information, see the Tuition and Fees section below).

The information contained on this website is for informational purposes only. The Undergraduate Record and Graduate Record represent the official repository for academic program requirements. These publications may be found at  www.virginia.edu/registrar/catalog/grad.html  .

Graduation Requirements

Students pursuing the M.S. degree must complete a total of 30 credits. Six of these credits must be research (three credits per semester are permitted). Thus, while a thesis is not required for the M.S. degree, the program offers the opportunity for substantial research experience. The remaining 24 credits are comprised of graduate courses, with opportunities to take graduate-level professional development courses. Successful completion of the M.S. degree requires a B cumulative average (3.0 GPA), and the minimum passing grade in any graduate course is B -  (B minus). Specific coursework selection varies with student interest and goals.

Graduate courses outside of Chemistry can be taken with approval from the Director of Graduate Studies. Depending on career interests, students may be allowed to substitute one or two graduate courses per semester from disciplines other than Chemistry (e.g., Biology, Pharmacology, Physics, Materials Science Engineering, Education, Computer Science, etc.).

Students wishing to use their M.S. degree as a stepping-stone to a Ph.D. degree may want to transfer their M.S. degree course credits to a Ph.D. program. This can certainly be done in its entirety after successful admission to the UVA Ph.D. program, but it is important to emphasize that sometimes only limited graduate coursework can be transferred between different universities. 

Additional English Language and Culture Curriculum for International Students

International M.S. degree students whose first language is not English will take an intensive 6-week summer English for Academic Purposes ( EAP program ), provided by UVA's Center for American English Language and Culture ( CAELC ) , to expand their academic English reading, writing, and speaking skills. . The Chemistry Department covers EAP tuition and fees, but students are responsible for their own living expenses and having their own health insurance plan at the time of arrival.

International M.S. students can also participate in free English language and culture courses, also provided by CAELC, during the fall and spring semesters at no additional cost. This instruction is designed to help smooth the student’s entry into American life and to rapidly build their academic English speaking and writing skills to help optimize their graduate experience.

Tuition and Fees

Students in Chemistry’s MS program are self-funded and responsible for paying their own living expenses, tuition, fees, and health insurance plan (by purchasing a UVA student health plan or demonstrating that they have another plan with the same standard of coverage). The tuition and fees include access to university facilities, such as fitness centers, and sporting events. Click on the following link to find the current cost of tuition, fees, and health insurance for in-state and out-of-state master’s level students: the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences Tuition and Health Premiums .

Applicants who are U.S. citizens may complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to determine whether they are eligible for federal aid in the form of work-study and loans. For more information, please visit the UVA’s Financial Aid Basics: Graduate Students .

Qualifications for Admission

Applications for admission to the UVA Chemistry M.S. program are reviewed by the Department Graduate Admissions Committee, which is composed of department faculty. Admission decisions are based on the review of the applicant’s undergraduate transcript, personal statement describing experiences and interests, letters of recommendation, and in some instances, TOEFL scores.

Given the integrated CAELC services available, the Chemistry M.S. degree program can consider international applicants with outstanding scientific and educational credentials but with TOEFL scores below the Graduate School's minimum score provided that the applicant is committed to working with CAELC to improve their English proficiency.

In addition to students who have completed a bachelor’s degree in chemistry or biochemistry, the Chemistry Department also accepts students with training in biology, chemical engineering, physics, and other disciplines, who may not have completed study in all of these core areas, but who have completed a rigorous program in an allied discipline and have sufficiently strong training in chemistry.

How to Apply 

Students are admitted to the MS program for the fall term of each year. Applications are accepted between October 1 to December 15. Prospective applicants interested in applying after  December 15  should first email the Department ( [email protected] ) to see if positions are available before applying.

Applications and all supporting documents must be submitted through the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences' (GSAS) online application portal . Technical questions related to the application system should be addressed to the Graduate Admissions Office, by email ( [email protected] ) or phone (434-243-0209).The deadline for MS applications is December 15 .

The following materials must accompany the application in order for it to be considered complete.

• Statement of purpose
• ​Transcripts (unofficial transcripts may be submitted for the application; students who accept an offer of admission must then have official transcripts sent directly from their previous university directly to the Graduate Admissions Office)
• 2 confidential letters of recommendation (for current UVA undergraduates, at least one letter should be written by a faculty member in the UVA Chemistry Department); letter writers will upload their letters directly to the admissions portal.
• An application fee of $85 (the fee is automatically waived for current UVA undergraduates; external applicants who believe they qualify for a fee waiver should review the our fee waiver policy below)

Additional Materials for International Applicants

• Unless they have completed a 4-year undergraduate degree in the U.S. or at an international program whose instruction is entirely in English, international students whose first language is not English must submit self-reported TOEFL/IELTS scores (if they accept an offer of admission, students must have the testing agency send official scores directly to the Graduate Office of Admissions).
• ​International students are strongly encouraged to submit GRE Chemistry (or a related subject) test scores.

Click here for the  ONLINE APPLICATION .

Application Fee Waivers

If you are a us citizen or permanent resident seeking an application fee waiver, you should first submit a fee waiver application to  uva’s office of graduate and postdoctoral affairs - diversity programs . applicants may qualify based on a variety of criteria:.

• participation in specified organizations and training programs
• graduation from a Minority Serving Institution (MSI)
• current or former membership in the United States Armed Forces
• financial hardship 

Click  here  for detailed information on eligibility requirements and directions for submitting fee waiver applications.

If your application is denied, you may email the decision to the Chemistry’s Department's Graduate Coordinator ( [email protected] ) and ask for further consideration.

• Skip to Content
• Catalog Home
• Institution Home

Academic Catalog 2024-2025

• Graduate Information /
• College of Arts & Sciences /
• Psychology and Communication /

Master of Science in Psychology Non-Thesis (MS)

All application materials for the Master of Science in Psychology are due by the date prescribed by the Office of Graduate Studies and Research to be considered for admission. Students apply to begin the graduate program in the Fall.

The following are the admissions criteria for the MS in the Psychology Program:

• Submit an application for graduate studies by the Fall due date provided by the Graduate School. Deadlines may be found at: http://www.tamiu.edu/gradschool/
• Pay the application fee.
• Submit an official transcript from the last institution attended and an official transcript from the institution where the highest degree was earned. In some cases it may be the same institution.
• Submit two letters of recommendation from academic or professional sources to the Graduate School.
• Include a statement of purpose with a minimum of 300 words describing your academic and career goals and objectives.
• Include a sample of your academic writing skills (it may be an undergraduate research paper, a book chapter, or a journal article).

Major Curriculum - Psychology

9 SCH of electives may be selected from any 5000-level graduate courses, including those from other departments in the university, with the approval of the Graduate Advisor.

• Twitter Icon
• Facebook Icon
• YouTube Icon
• Instagram Icon

Print Options

Print this page.

The PDF will include all information unique to this page.

Application for admission

Applications must be submitted online at www.applytexas.org . Application is made through the Toulouse Graduate School. Most master’s degree programs require supplemental application materials. Contact the academic unit for additional information on supplemental materials and deadlines.

General requirements

The candidate must earn 30 or more hours of graduate credit, depending upon the requirements for the degree sought. Specific graduate degree requirements are stated in the approved degree plan and can be based on either the Graduate Catalog currently in force at the time the student first matriculates or subsequent Graduate Catalog under which the student enrolled.  

Consult subsequent sections of this publication for the specific course requirements for each master’s degree.

Level of work required

All of the course work to be credited toward the master’s degree plan must be numbered 5000 or higher. Deficiencies or background courses are completed in addition to course work to be credited toward the master’s degree plan regardless of course number.

Time limitations

All course work and other requirements to be credited toward the master’s degree must be completed within the following time periods, depending upon the number of semester hours required for the degree.

Time limits are strictly enforced unless a request for an extension of time to include those courses is submitted with all necessary department and college support. Students exceeding the time limit may be required to repeat the comprehensive exam, replace out-of-date credits with up-to-date work, and/or show other evidence of being up-to-date in their major and minor fields. Students anticipating they will exceed the time limit should apply for an extension two semesters before the normal time period to complete the degree expires. Holding a full-time job is not considered in itself sufficient grounds for granting an extension. For time extension procedure/forms visit tgs.unt.edu/extension.htm .

Time spent in active service in the U.S. armed forces will not be used in computing the time limit. However, career members of the armed forces should consult the graduate school concerning the credit given to work completed before or during active military service.

Leave of absence

Leave of absence applies to students admitted to the master’s degree who wish to discontinue work toward the degree for a specified period of time due to exigent circumstances. If approved, the leave of absence may “stop the clock” on the time limit for the degree of master’s for a maximum of three terms (excluding summer). In the case of extenuating circumstances, a second leave of absence may be requested and may be approved by the Associate Dean of the Toulouse Graduate School on the recommendation from the student’s committee, graduate coordinator, department chair, and the college academic associate dean. If the student has begun their thesis and is under the continuous enrollment requirement, a waiver of continuous enrollment must also be requested and approved by the Graduate School. Degree requirements and graduation must be completed within the appropriate time limit for completion of the degree. 

Use of transfer credit and extension credit

Subject to the approval of the department, program, school or college, a student who holds a bachelor’s degree and who has been admitted to the Toulouse Graduate School at UNT may apply to a master’s degree. This section applies only to graduate credit not used for a degree. Subsequent sections note use of credit for concurrent and conferred degrees.

Credits earned for graduate study at other universities (both domestic and international) may be applied toward an advanced degree. Typically, semester credit hours associated with graduate courses for which grades of B or better were earned are eligible for transfer. Any additional conditions under which credit transfers may be made are determined by the departments/programs. For courses to count toward a doctoral program at UNT, they must have been taken from an accredited degree-granting institution. 

In accordance with the rules of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, at least one-third of the semester credit hours required for any graduate degree must be completed in course work at UNT. The graduate program committee is responsible for compliance with program accreditation requirements. For any transfer credit to count toward a master’s degree, the courses transferred must have been taken within the time limit established by the Toulouse Graduate School.

The number of hours accepted by transfer from an institution within the UNT System or an accredited university is determined by a student’s department and/or program.

Requirements for concurrent degrees

Subject to the approval of the Dean of the Toulouse Graduate School and the department, division, school or college concerned, a graduate student may be allowed to apply up to 12 semester credit hours earned toward another degree pursued simultaneously to be applied toward a master’s degree, providing the 12 hours are in a minor or related field of study. The maximum number of semester credit hours that are usable from a concurrent doctoral degree is 6 credit hours.

This provision is subject to the Texas Higher Coordinating Board rule requiring at least one-third of the semester credit hours to be completed at UNT.

Use of semester credit hours from conferred degrees

Students in any graduate program may request to use a limited number of credits from a conferred degree toward the requirements of a second degree. Credits may never be used for three or more degrees; if a student seeks a third-degree, it must stand alone. A degree may overlap with only one other degree for the purpose of using credits from a previously conferred degree. This only applies to graduate-level credits earned for a graduate-level degree.

Students pursuing a second degree have the option to use credits where the courses meet specific requirements in a degree. In all cases the program faculty must review the courses and make a decision about the appropriateness to their program. In general, the maximum number of hours that are usable from a previously conferred degree is determined as follows:

• up to 6 semester hours in a 30- to 35-hour program,
• up to 9 semester hours in a 36- to 59-hour program,
• up to 12 semester hours in a program of 60 hours or more.

For any transfer credit to count toward a degree, the courses transferred must have been taken within the time limit established by the Toulouse Graduate School. The number of credits from a conferred degree counted will have to be determined on a program-by-program basis dependent upon the number of credits in the program. Departments and programs may limit the counting of previously conferred semester credit hours below the maximum but may not allow counting above the limit. Some programs may not allow counting of previously conferred degree credit hours.

For a doctoral student who wants to use their conferred doctoral credits toward a master’s degree in another program, the department/program granting the master’s will decide how many credits may apply toward the master’s degree as long as they are within the limits allowed for as described above.

Graduate academic certificates transfer credit:

Subject to the approval of the department, program, school or college, a student who is enrolled in a graduate academic certificate and who has been admitted to the Toulouse Graduate School at UNT may apply to a graduate degree.

Credits from graduate certificates leading to a master’s degree must have been taken within the time limit established by the Toulouse Graduate School.

At the discretion of the department/program stackable certificates may be applied towards a master’s degree. Students are encouraged to apply for and be admitted to a master’s program as early as possible.

Degree plan: admission to candidacy

The student who desires to become a candidate for the master’s degree should, before or at the time of registration, confer with the major department concerning the selection of a major professor and, if a minor is desired, with the intended minor department concerning the selection of a minor professor. The major professor, minor professor and the chair of the major department or a representative designated by the chair will constitute the student’s advisory committee. The major professor will act as chair of the committee.

The student’s program is planned under the direction of the major and minor professors immediately after completion of the first term/semester of graduate study. The degree plan is submitted to the graduate school when all admission provisions are complete. When the degree plan is approved by the Dean of the Toulouse Graduate School the student will then be admitted to candidacy for the master’s degree.

Certain degree programs require successful completion of a specific admission course for admission to candidacy. Consult the appropriate section of this catalog for the specific course requirement. Immediately after the student has completed the admission course, the proposed degree plan will be sent to the Toulouse Graduate School for final approval. When the degree plan is approved the student is admitted to candidacy for the master’s degree.

All changes in the degree plan must be approved by the major professor and the department chair or departmental graduate advisor, and must be submitted in writing to the graduate school.

Courses listed on the degree plan must carry letter grades, with the exception of those courses in which the student is engaged in individual research and is not attending an organized class. These courses, with the approval of the department, may be assigned pass/no pass grades.

No student whose academic or personal record is unsatisfactory will be admitted to candidacy for the master’s degree.

Applicants will be notified by the Dean of the Toulouse Graduate School of their admission to candidacy for a graduate degree.

Major and minor field

The candidate for the master’s degree ordinarily is required to select a major and a minor field. To major in any field, the candidate must have completed a minimum of 24 semester hours of undergraduate courses in the field, including at least 12 hours of advanced courses prior to beginning graduate course work. Certain graduate majors require more extensive undergraduate preparation. Consult the section of this catalog describing the particular major desired for information concerning undergraduate preparation requirements.

A minor is defined as graduate work completed outside of the student’s major. Minor areas of study can only be chosen from academic areas in which the University of North Texas is already authorized to offer a major or concentration, or where specific Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board approval has been given to offer courses for the purposes of a minor.

When an official minor is required or opted, the candidate’s graduate advisory committee must include a faculty member from that area who will verify accountability in the minor area through comprehensive examinations, thesis, problem in lieu of thesis, dissertation projects or other appropriate means.

For a master’s degree, the student must complete at least 6 hours in a single area to have the area count as a minor. For master’s students all hours counted toward a minor must carry graduate credit and must be numbered 5000 or above.

Twelve hours of undergraduate credit are the usual prerequisite for a minor in any field. ( Exception: In the case of a minor in a foreign language, the student is required to have completed the second term/semester of the sophomore year of study in the intended minor language.) In departments that offer no freshman courses only 6 hours of undergraduate credit are required as prerequisite to a graduate minor in that field.

Minors are not required on certain graduate degrees. Consult subsequent sections of this publication for specific regulations governing the degree sought.

Foreign language or tool subject requirement

Knowledge of at least one foreign language or a tool subject acceptable to the department in which the student is majoring is required for the Master of Arts degree.

Foreign language requirements may be satisfied in any one of the following ways:

• By passing the Foreign Language Proficiency Examination administered each term/semester and summer session/term by the Department of World Languages, Literatures and Cultures (contact that department for examination requirements). The application, together with information on a prerequisite screening test, must be obtained in the office of the chair of the Department of World Languages, Literatures and Cultures (scheduled dates for taking the examination in the current academic year appear in the 2023-2024 Academic calendar   ); or  
• By submitting a transcript of undergraduate credit showing completion of at least the sophomore year in a single foreign language, provided the grade on the last course completed is C or higher;  
• A student may use their native language (other than English) to satisfy this requirement if their native language is relevant to their degree program and proficiency can be established by the Department of World Languages, Literatures and Cultures or by working with their academic department to obtain evidence of proficiency that is relevant to the discipline. If the academic department establishes proficiency, a letter documenting the process and stating the proficiency should be sent to the graduate school for the student’s file.  

Tool subject requirements are designated at the academic program level. Students must check with their program advisor for courses that satisfy the tool subject requirement.

Candidates for graduate degrees to be awarded at the close of any summer session/term must have satisfied the foreign language or tool subject requirements for the degree sought prior to the first class day of the second summer session/term (5W2). Candidates for graduation at the close of the spring or fall term/semester must have satisfied the foreign language or tool subject requirements prior to the last day for filing thesis or dissertation in the graduate school. Consult the online 2023-2024 Academic calendar    for the proper deadline.

The master’s degree thesis

In most departments the candidate for a master’s degree is offered two means of meeting this requirement. In some departments, only Option I is available. Consult the department to determine if both options are available.

Option I: thesis

• The master’s degree candidate should select a major of at least 18 semester hours, exclusive of the thesis, and a minor of at least 6 hours if required by the major department.  
• Membership of thesis examination committees will include representatives of the major field and the minor field, if the student is pursuing a minor area. The number of members on such committees will normally be three to five; at least three are required. Two committee members must come from the student’s department. One committee member must be the student’s advisor. If a student is advised by a faculty member from outside of the department offering the degree, that faculty member can only be a co-advisor after receiving permission from the department. The thesis examination committee will then require a co-advisor who is a faculty member of the department offering the degree.  
• In cases in which the academic unit has specified particular departmental or college procedures for thesis committee members, the student will follow these procedures as long as these are consistent with this policy. In some cases in which an interdisciplinary studies program is not housed under a specific department, the interdisciplinary studies program will coordinate the selection of committee members with involved departments and the Toulouse Graduate School. The thesis chair is the student’s mentor and guide through this process of the demonstration of independent scholarship. Therefore, the chair of the thesis committee, who must be willing to serve, is selected by the student in consultation with the appropriate graduate faculty, graduate advisor or department chair in the student’s discipline. The thesis chair must hold full membership in the graduate faculty. Students should consult the departmental policy for the selection of the remaining committee members. A person who is not a regular member of the University of North Texas graduate faculty may receive a temporary graduate faculty appointment from the Dean of the Toulouse Graduate School in order to serve on a committee. For these appointments, the thesis committee chair should submit an associate membership nomination form, justification for the appointment, and a vita of the prospective committee member. Associate members may not chair the thesis committee. The majority of committee members must hold regular UNT faculty status.  
• A thesis or final document consisting of the written report of an investigation or of a successful project is required. This project must be initiated, executed and reported by the candidate under the supervision of the major and minor professors. It is strongly recommended that students meet with the graduate reader prior to beginning the thesis concerning the proper form and preparation of the paper. The student is required to enroll in a minimum of 3 semester hours of thesis credit in the major department under the course number 5950 and must maintain continuous enrollment in 5950 through the semester of graduation. Grades of PR will be recorded at the end of each term/semester satisfactory progress of enrollment until the thesis is filed with the graduate school, then appropriate grades and credit hours will be shown on the student’s record. Only one enrollment in 5950 is required during the summer session/term (in any session/term) if the student is using university facilities and/or faculty time during that term/semester or to graduate in August. The total number of semester hour credits recorded for the thesis may not exceed 6, regardless of the number of enrollments in the thesis seminar. No credit will be recorded until the thesis has been approved by the student’s advisory committee, submitted to the Graduate Office and finally approved by the Dean of the Toulouse Graduate School. See the online academic calendar at tgs.unt.edu/new-current-students/graduation-information for the deadline for submitting a thesis in any given term/semester. Detailed instructions for submission of the thesis are available from the Toulouse Graduate School.  
• The candidate must pass a final comprehensive examination principally over the contents of the thesis and related matters. The comprehensive examination may be oral and/or written, or include another form of assessment as determined by the department. The student should check the appropriate departmental section of this catalog for further information. The results of the comprehensive examination must be received by the Office of the Dean of the Toulouse Graduate School no later than the deadline date for submission of theses by students expecting to graduate at the end of the current term/semester or summer session/term. Students should file for graduation according to the graduate graduation deadlines and at least ten days prior to the date of the defense.

For guidance on formatting requirements see https://tgs.unt.edu/thesis-manual

Openness of theses and dissertations

The University of North Texas, as a member of the Council of Graduate Schools (CGS), endorses the fundamental tenet on openness and access of thesis and dissertation research as stated in the CGS policy manual The Doctor of Philosophy Degree: A Policy Statement (CGS, 2005). In compliance with CGS, it is the policy at the University of North Texas that “an essential aspect of [thesis] and dissertation research and scholarship is the free and full dissemination of research results. Restrictions, either in the conduct of [thesis] and dissertation research or in the sharing of its results, are antithetical to that spirit.” Therefore, research that is classified by a government agency or that is proprietary in nature and restricted, insofar as it must be held to secrecy and cannot be openly evaluated or published, is unsuitable for master’s or doctoral research (CGS, 2005, pp. 29–30).

Faculty advisors of students conducting thesis and dissertation research shall advise their students and abide by the following:

If the faculty director of the thesis or dissertation is covered by a nondisclosure agreement (NDA), if either the faculty director and/or the student know in advance that the information or work planned for use in the thesis or dissertation is under an NDA or other restriction in which the work must be held to secrecy, or if at the time the topic of the thesis or dissertation is set there is any other substantial possibility that the work will lead to a thesis or dissertation that is secret (either in whole or in part), the student will not include this information or work as part of the thesis or dissertation.

If in the process of the student’s thesis or dissertation research the student is developing a patentable work, the Vice President for Research and Innovation must be notified as soon as possible and the utility patent filed so as to allow an open defense and publication of the thesis or dissertation.

In the circumstances in which the thesis or dissertation is close to completion or has been completed and a patentable work was unforeseen, the defense examination will be open only to the student’s committee and departmental faculty and the thesis or dissertation held from publication until the utility patent has been filed or for no longer than 90 days after the defense examination, whichever is the shorter time period, unless the Vice President for Research and Innovation requests an additional limited period of time for the utility patent.

Students may place a 6-month, 1-year, 2-year, or 5-year embargo on their electronic thesis or dissertation (ETD). To allow students to receive informed guidance from their faculty advisors, embargo choice must be approved by the major professor at the time the ETD is filed with the Graduate School. An embargo prevents any and all users from viewing or downloading the ETD PDF, for the duration of the selected embargo period; however, the abstract and library catalog entry are available to all users throughout the entire embargo period. Embargo period begins on the 1st day of month following the graduation month and expires on the last day of the month at the end of the embargo period. Students have the option of adding a period of restricted access at the end of the embargo period, lasting 5 years. Faculty approval is not required for extension requests. During the restricted access period, the ETD is available to the UNT community only (i.e., users with a valid UNT login). Distribution via interlibrary loans is not permitted; however, the abstract and library catalog entry continues to be available to all users. Students will need to notify Toulouse Graduate School (email acceptable) within 30 days prior to the expiration of the embargo, if optional restriction is desired.

[Attributions: Portions of this policy were taken from The Doctor of Philosophy Degree: A Policy Statement (Council of Graduate Schools, 2005) and Openness in Research , (Stanford University Research Policy Handbook, Document 2.6, 2001).]

Option II: problem in lieu of thesis

In lieu of a thesis, the candidate must complete one or both of the problem courses numbered 5920 and 5930, as required by the major department.

The student is required to enroll for credit in the major department under the course number 5920 and 5930 (or 5930 only for cases in which the degree sought requires only one problem in lieu of thesis). If satisfactory progress is made, the grade of I is assigned at the end of the semester or term. If unsatisfactory progress has been made a failing grade is recorded. In the latter case, the student must enroll for 5920 or 5930 a second time. This procedure will be continued until the problem has been completed and approved. Continuous enrollment in Problem in Lieu of Thesis is not required.

As part of the requirements for each problem course the student must present in writing a formal report or essay based upon the work done in the course, which must be approved by the advisory committee.

The master’s degree without thesis requirement

In programs leading to the master’s degree that do not require the preparation of a thesis or problem in lieu of thesis, required or elective courses are substituted for the thesis requirement. The graduate curricula at UNT foster research and/or independent learning including research experiences, mentoring between graduate faculty and graduate students, and practical training that allows for contributions to the field of study, the development of new knowledge and practical experience. These programs are identified and described in subsequent sections of this publication.

The candidate for the master’s degree under the non-thesis option is required to pass a comprehensive final examination, scheduled in accordance with the rules governing the comprehensive examination. The structure and form of the comprehensive final examination is determined by the student’s major department or school, and can take a variety of different forms, including, but not limited to, a capstone experience, written exam, oral exam, recital, portfolio, or exhibition. Information concerning this requirement is available from the student’s major department or school.

When the thesis is completed and has received preliminary approval of the advisory committee, the student’s major professor will schedule the final comprehensive examination and will notify the Toulouse Graduate School of the date and results of the examination. Students should apply for graduation with the graduate school in accordance with the graduate graduation deadlines and at least 10 days prior to the final defense of their thesis. The thesis may not be submitted to the dean of the student’s college or the graduate school until this final examination has been passed.

No thesis credit will be recorded until the thesis has been approved by the student’s advisory committee, submitted and approved by the Dean of the Toulouse Graduate School. Instructions for submission of the thesis may be obtained from the graduate school.

Continuous enrollment

A student must maintain continuous enrollment in a minimum of 3 semester hours of thesis during each fall and spring term/semester, including the term/semester the thesis is accepted by the Dean of the Toulouse Graduate School.

Thesis registration in at least one summer session/term is required if the student is using university facilities and/or faculty time during that summer session/term or to graduate in August.

Master’s students must maintain continuous enrollment once work on the thesis has begun.

Failure to maintain continuous enrollment through the semester in which the thesis is submitted to the graduate school will either invalidate any previous thesis or dissertation credits or will result in the student’s being dropped from the degree program, unless granted an official leave of absence by the graduate school in advance. Strict adherence to the on-time filing deadlines for graduation is required or additional registration in 5950 may be necessary.

Milestones for the master’s student