Curriculum

The M.S. program emphasizes the development of sophisticated academic research skills. As such, M.S. students are expected to adopt a scholarly mindset and pursue their studies more like Ph.D. students than master's students. Indeed, much of the required and constrained elective coursework is comprised of Ph.D. seminars.

Specific required courses, constrained elective courses, and research courses are shown below. In some cases, due to student interests, course scheduling, and the presence of acceptable alternative courses, certain modifications may be acceptable. Each student is required to meet with his/her primary advisor either prior to or at the very beginning of his/her entry to the program to outline a program of study. Progress will be reviewed by the supervisory committee each semester, and adjustments to the program of study may be made as necessary.

Although twelve credits are considered a "full load" for graduate students, in practice many students take less. Given the intensive nature of the coursework in this program, students should carefully balance their course load with any outside employment or other demands on their time. It is anticipated that the M.S. program can be completed comfortably in one and a half years. For example, a student entering in Fall 2006 should complete 20-24 hours of coursework during the first academic year and graduate in December 2007.

Direct Questions To:

Curriculum