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2005 Grad Handbook: Master of Science Program

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Definition of Acceptable Progress

In order to make acceptable progress toward the Master’s degree, the student should:

1. meet with an advisory committee within the first month in residence to develop initial plans of study including both coursework and plans for thesis research.
2. identify a Major Advisor and form a Master’s Committee by the end of the second semester.
3. complete formal coursework, as agreed upon with the Master’s Committee, by the end of the fourth semester.
4. make sustained progress toward completing the thesis within the department’s target of three years.
5. conduct himself/herself professionally as defined by both the University and by the reasonable standards of canons of scholarship.

Any student who has not completed the thesis by the end of the third year must meet with his/her committee no later than the beginning of the 4th year. As a result of this meeting, the student’s major advisor should file a statement of support of the student’s continuation in the graduate program with the graduate coordinator. At the same time, the student should file an explicit plan for completing the degree, including timetable.

Doctoral students who are unable to complete a Ph.D. program are eligible to earn a non-thesis Master’s Degree. To receive this degree, a student must have completed at least 30 units and pass a Final Oral Examination before a committee of three members. As listed above, doctoral students who have passed a comprehensive examination may also apply to receive a non-thesis masters.