Master of Science

This is a research degree designed for students who want to specialize in particular academic or scientific areas. This degree is for students who plan an academic, research, or staff specialist career, and for those students who plan to pursue a PhD. Choose from among several disciplinary areas:

*can be declared as an official Area of Emphasis

Curriculum/Program of Study

The MS requires a thesis and minimum of 30 semester hours of graduate level course work, as determined by the advisory committee, but additional courses may also be required by the advisory committee. The MS program of study requires at least 30 semester hours of graduate-level credit which must form a logical whole and meet the following requirements:

 

Course Requirements for MS Degree Hours
FANR 7000 (Master's Research)       6
FANR 7300 (Master's Thesis)       3
Graduate-only level coursework1,2      12
Any graduate level coursework       9
Total      30

For full details on coursework, a research prospectus, oral/final examinations and other degree-specific requirements, visit our Student Resources page.

Note: Students matriculating in fall 2022 or later are required to take a GradFIRST (GRSC 7001) seminar during their first or second semester. The faculty-led seminars provide first-year graduate students with foundational training in research, scholarship, and professional development. More GradFIRST seminars are scheduled for fall semesters than spring (no summer offerings). This requirement must be included on the program of study as a “University Requirement” but is in addition to the courses required for degree completion.

Learn More about GradFIRST

 

Resources for Graduate Students

MS Checklist

Here is an overview of the various requirements and deadlines that must be met in order to stay on track to graduate. While this is applicable to admitted students, it's helpful to understand the process before you begin (download a printable version of this list).

Before the end of your first semester…
  • Appointment of advisory committee
  • First committee meeting
  • Submit Advisory Committee form
  • Submit Program of Study form
Before the end of your first calendar year...
  • Submit the Research Prospectus form
The semester before you plan to graduate…
  • Make a graduation check appointment with Graduate Office
  • Submit your application for graduation through Athena
  • Submit a Recommended Change in Program of Study (if applicable)
Your last semester…
  • Submit electronically for format check by deadline issued by the Graduate School
  • Schedule final oral examination and thesis defense (if they are to be held separately, you will need to submit a Notice of Examination form for each event)
  • Submit a complete thesis to the advisory committee at least two weeks prior to the thesis defense (see below)
  • Schedule your exit interview
(At least) three weeks before your Oral Exam & Thesis Defense…
  • Submit the Notice of Examination form – informing the Graduate Programs Office of the details of your final oral examination
  • Notify the Graduate Office if you will be attending Warnell graduation

View the degree procedures

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