Option I (thesis).

The masters degree under Option I should be chosen by those who are preparing for careers in research and scholarly work or in college or university teaching. Under this option a student must earn a minimum of 30 semester hours of credit, consisting of 20 to 24 semester hours of regular course work, and present a thesis equivalent to 6 to 10 semester hours. At least one-half of the required work, including thesis, must be taken in one major subject. The remaining work may be in supporting courses or in a minor consisting of at least 9 semester hours. Eight hours credit, in addition to the thesis, must be earned in courses open exclusively to graduate students (900 level or 800 level without 400 or lower counterparts).

Option II (non-thesis).

This option encourages a wider range of courses than is permissible under Option I. Under the non-thesis option, a student must earn a minimum of 30 semester hours of credit in courses representing a major and either one or two minors, and must complete a master’s project of up to 6 hours. The project takes the place of the usual thesis. A program consisting of a major and one minor must include not fewer than 18 hours in the major and 9 hours in the minor. If two minors are elected, the major must total at least 15 hours and the minors at least 9 hours each.

Some of the courses from which you may choose include: