what is a non thesis master's degree

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

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•       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?

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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What Is the Difference Between a Thesis and a Non-Thesis Graduate Degree?

Thesis programs involve more research than non-thesis programs. It is important to keep in mind that nearly all master’s degrees require some form of research as part of their course of study. 

Thesis degree programs typically take longer to complete than non-thesis programs, as students are required to dedicate multiple semesters to focus on research and data collection. Upon completion of their research, each student is required to write a large-formatted paper sharing their methods, data, and discovery to be published. Students who desire to have a career in research typically take the thesis route in preparation for Ph.D. study.

Non-thesis  programs traditionally require each student to submit a large project, also known as a capstone, upon completion of the program. Students in non-thesis degree programs may be required to write papers explaining their projects; however, there are no expectations that these papers will be published. The non-thesis option is best for working professionals who do not have the time and resources to conduct multi-semester research. 

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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.

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Thesis and Non-thesis Masters: What’s the Difference and Which One Should You Choose?

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Most universities in the US offer two types of MS degrees: Thesis Masters and Non-thesis Masters. Choosing one over the other is a crucial decision that students are faced with at the time of application. Let us explain both in detail so that you know which one you should go for.

Thesis Masters

Thesis Masters involves a large research project that spans over several semesters. It culminates in a thesis that is likely to be published. The thesis option is ideal for students who plan to pursue a PhD in the future or wish to work in research-intensive job roles.

In this type of master’s, you are expected to conduct original research under a faculty advisor and make your contribution to the already available body of work. You will be asked to present your thesis and defend your work in front of a committee of up to three advisors. Naturally, Thesis Masters requires in-depth research on a subject, so if you are an inquisitive person by nature and like to delve deep into a particular subject, you should find it interesting.

Be advised that this type of master’s degree may take you anywhere between 2 to 5 years to complete. An average student takes up to 2.5 years to complete his or her Thesis Masters. Usually, in a course of 45 credits, a minimum of 9 credits are allocated to the thesis and the rest are for regular course-work. Credit systems vary in the US, so it’s best to check credit allocation on a university’s official website.

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Non-Thesis Masters

Also known as Taught, Professional, or Course-work Masters, this type of master’s degree involves classroom-based studies for a pre-defined set of core subjects every semester. Each core subject (and elective) ends in an exam. You will also be expected to do some project work involving a bit of research and writing, but it will probably not be published.

Thus, the non-thesis version of master’s is ideal for you if you are a generalist and enjoy learning about a variety of fields. This type of course structure is focused on laying the groundwork for a professional career—teamwork, leadership skills, creativity, etc. An average student takes up to 2 years to complete the necessary coursework and earn his or her master’s.

Summing it up, if you intend to do a Ph.D. in the future and are good at pursuing a problem with determination and focus, you should go for Thesis Masters. On the other hand, if you don’t care much about research and want to join the professional workforce, you should pursue Non-thesis Masters.

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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.

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

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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 .

Is a Thesis Required for a Master’s Degree?

Reviewed by David Krug David Krug is a seasoned expert with 20 years in educational technology (EdTech). His career spans the pivotal years of technology integration in education, where he has played a key role in advancing student-centric learning solutions. David's expertise lies in marrying technological innovation with pedagogical effectiveness, making him a valuable asset in transforming educational experiences. As an advisor for enrollment startups, David provides strategic guidance, helping these companies navigate the complexities of the education sector. His insights are crucial in developing impactful and sustainable enrollment strategies.

Updated: February 29, 2024 , Reading time: 8 minutes

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Pursuing a Master’s Degree represents a major academic achievement and commitment for graduate students. Requirements can vary widely between programs and institutions, and one common question students have is whether or not a thesis is required for a Master’s Degree.

A thesis is not required for all Master’s Degrees. Whether a thesis is required for a Master’s Degree depends on the specific program and institution. Generally, there are two types of master’s programs: thesis and non-thesis. 

In a thesis program, students are required to conduct original research, write a thesis, and defend it before a committee . 

Non-thesis programs, on the other hand, might require students to complete additional coursework, a capstone project, or comprehensive exams instead of a thesis. It’s important for students to check the requirements of their specific program and institution.

• Involves extensive research under faculty supervision
• Culminates in a written document and often a defense
• May extend the duration of your program
• Ideal if you’re aiming for a research position or a PhD
• Focuses on coursework
• May include a project or additional elective courses
• Suited for professional practice outside of academia

Some fields, especially those that are research-intensive, may require a thesis for you to go deeper into your chosen thesis topic . A non-thesis track might be available or even recommended in other disciplines, particularly where professional practice is the goal.

Deciding between a thesis and a non-thesis Master’s Degree boils down to your personal interests and career aspirations. If you’re considering a career that values scholarly research, or you aim to pursue a doctoral degree afterward, writing a thesis can provide a competitive edge.

However, if you wish to enter the workforce promptly or apply your skills directly to a professional setting, you might opt for the non-thesis route. Always check with your specific program for the requirements, as they can vary widely between universities and even departments within the same institution.

Understanding Master’s Degree Requirements

When pursuing a Master’s Degree, you’ll find there are a variety of requirements you must meet to earn your diploma. These include core courses, potential electives, and specializations which all come together to form the basis of your graduate education.

Core Components of a Master’s Program

The core components of a master’s program consist of a specific set of courses designed to provide you with foundational and advanced knowledge in your area of study. Typically, these courses are mandatory and must be completed to proceed in the program. For example, in a Master of Science program, you might be required to take advanced coursework in research methods or statistics.

• Mandatory Courses : Advanced topics in your field
• Research Requirements: Often includes a capstone project or thesis
• Practical Experience: May involve internships or practicums depending on your discipline

Electives and Specializations

In addition to core courses, you’ll typically have the opportunity to choose from various electives that align with your interests or career goals. It’s your chance to tailor your academic experience to your aspirations. 

Furthermore, some programs offer specializations or tracks focusing on sub-fields or specific skill sets. For instance, a Master’s in Education could offer educational leadership or curriculum design specializations.

• Electives : Courses that supplement your major
• Specializations : Concentrated study in a sub-field

Selecting electives and a specialization is a strategic decision that can direct your professional trajectory, so it’s worth considering your options within the curriculum.

Thesis vs. Non-Thesis Master’s Degrees

When you’re considering a Master’s Degree, you’ll encounter two main types of programs: thesis and non-thesis tracks. Both have distinct requirements and outcomes that can shape your post-graduate experience.

Characteristics of a Thesis-Track Program

A thesis-track master’s program typically involves conducting original research or a comprehensive study on a particular topic within your discipline. As part of a thesis program:

• Coursework : Usually involves advanced level courses that focus on research methodology and theoretical background
• Research : Demands a significant amount of independent study and often includes data collection and analysis
• Final Product: You will be required to produce a substantial written thesis , which is reviewed by a committee and often involves an oral defense

Graduates of thesis programs may gain a competitive edge if pursuing a doctorate or a career in research , as they demonstrate the ability to perform scholarly work independently.

Non-Thesis Options for Graduates

Conversely, non-thesis master’s programs emphasize practical experience over research. Characteristics of a non-thesis program include:

• Coursework : More coursework instead of research, with a focus on applied knowledge and skill development
• Capstone Projects or Exams : May require a capstone project or comprehensive exams to showcase what you’ve learned
• Timeframe : Non-thesis programs can often be completed in a shorter timeframe, making it an attractive option for those looking to accelerate their careers

Non-thesis degrees are well-suited for professionals aiming to advance their current career or shift to a new field without the focus on research-based studies.

The Role of a Thesis in Master’s Studies

A thesis in Master’s studies serves as both a capstone of your accumulated knowledge and a stepping stone to professional or academic advancement. It’s the culmination of your graduate education, and its successful completion often signifies your readiness to contribute significantly to your field of study.

Research Skills Development

Your journey through a Master’s program will equip you with a host of research skills, but it’s the thesis that truly tests your mettle. In crafting your thesis, you’ll enhance your ability to synthesize information, develop methodologies, and engage deeply with existing literature. Essentially, the research component of your thesis is an intensive exercise in critical thinking and problem-solving.

• Analyze : Learn to scrutinize data and texts to uncover patterns, theories, and insights
• Organize : Present your findings coherently, underscoring the relevance and impact

Contribution to the Field

Your thesis isn’t just a sign of personal achievement; it’s your chance to add to the collective knowledge of your discipline. With a thesis, you possibly bring forth new theories or innovative perspectives, making a tangible contribution to the field. It showcases your ability to conduct original research that could lead to new understandings or applications within your area of study.

• Innovation : Offer novel solutions or ideas that can benefit academia or industry
• Expertise : Establish yourself as a knowledgeable individual ready to engage with peers at a professional level

Determining the Need for a Thesis

When considering a Master’s Degree , you’ll need to decide whether a program aligned with a thesis requirement fits your academic and professional goals.

Program-Specific Requirements

Different master’s programs have varying expectations regarding a thesis. In fields that prioritize research, such as psychology or biology, a thesis is often mandatory, showcasing your ability to contribute original findings to your area of study. To understand the specifics, consulting the program’s curriculum can provide clarity on whether a thesis will be a central component of your academic journey.

Career Aspirations and Advancements

Your career goals can significantly influence your decision to complete a thesis. If you aim for a role that values practical experience over research, you might opt for a non-thesis track offering more coursework or internships. Conversely, completing a thesis can provide a strong foundation if you’re considering a Ph.D. or a career in academia. It’s a strategic step that can bolster your profile for future advancements, especially in research-heavy fields.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the usual length and requirements of a master’s thesis.

A master’s thesis typically ranges from 40 to 80 pages, although some can be longer, contingent upon your subject and research depth. Your thesis should demonstrate your knowledge and ability to conduct independent research in your field of study.

For Education-Related Master’s Programs, Is Completing a Thesis a Common Requirement?

In education-focused master’s programs , a thesis may be a requirement, especially if the program aims to prepare students for doctoral studies or research-intensive careers. However, some programs might offer a practitioner’s track that substitutes a thesis with a capstone project or comprehensive exam.

How Challenging is it Typically to Complete a Thesis for a Master’s Degree?

Completing a thesis for a Master’s Degree is generally seen as a rigorous endeavor. It requires dedication, time management, and a deep dive into your field of study to create a scholarly work that contributes to the academic community.

The necessity of a thesis largely depends on the type of master’s program you’re considering. Some programs are research-heavy and thus require a thesis to demonstrate your ability to conduct thorough research and contribute original knowledge to your field. On the other hand, non-thesis options may focus more on practical skills and knowledge, often culminating in a project or comprehensive exam rather than a research paper.

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Non-Thesis Masters Program

If you have the talent, we have the opportunity., the program.

The non-thesis M.S. in Biology degree program in the Department of Biological Sciences is designed for students who wish to pursue advanced studies in professional and graduate school or various vocational opportunities in biological sciences and related areas. The non-thesis track is designed for students whose career goals require graduate education, but not formal research experience, such as teaching at the community college/regional college level. The program provides the opportunity for broad training as well as specialization in areas of particular interest through the Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology (MCD) concentration and the Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology (E3B) concentration. Students should consult with their major advisor and Supervisory Committee when choosing a concentration and selecting a plan of study.

Early Entry Master’s Program In this program up to 12 credit hours of graduate level 5000/6000 BIOL courses may taken as an undergraduate and also be credited toward the Master’s degree. In other words, graduate work will be “double-counted” for both your undergraduate and graduate degrees. An additional 3 credit hours may be taken during your undergraduate program for the undergraduate tuition rate and then subsequently applied to the MS degree.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS AT A GLANCE

• Total of 30 credit hours to include 4 courses core curriculum, minimum 6 electives, and 2 credits tutorial
• Core required curriculum includes BIOL8101 Hypothesis Testing, BIOL8102 Cellular and Molecular Biology, BIOL8140 Evolutionary Biology, BIOL 8260 Careers in Bioscience: Professional Development
• Oral qualifying examination.
• Capstone project or paper to be submitted and approved by the mentor and supervisory committee for graduation.
• Average time to completion of the Master’s degree in the program currently is 2 years.
• Need-based tuition assistance determined by FASFA filings may be made by the Graduate School; however, non-thesis Master’s students are not typically eligible for teaching or research assistantships.

Teaching and Research Assistantships North Carolina Residency

M.S. Students

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Graduate Faculty

For more information contact:

Adam Reitzel, Ph.D. [email protected]

Professor and MS and Ph.D. Graduate Programs Director Department of Biological Sciences, Woodward Hall 381A 9201 University City Blvd., Charlotte NC 28223

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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.

Thesis vs. Non-thesis: What’s the Difference?

What is the difference between the Regulatory Affairs Thesis and the Regulatory Affairs Project (non-thesis)? Essentially, the thesis option is characterized as the more traditional research option that typically focuses on choosing an original topic, conducting an extensive literature review to delimit the scope of the topic, and to develop research questions that the student seeks to answer. The thesis option requires the researcher to carefully focus on the methodology to be utilized which includes identification of how data will be collected to help answer the research questions or hypotheses and to develop a detailed data analysis plan. The thesis route may take several approaches including the classic experimental design, social research, and policy analysis to mention only a few. Thesis option students will conduct the approved research, write the thesis which summarizes all aspects of the endeavor and submit it to his/her major professor and thesis committee for review and approval. Once the thesis is presented to the student’s committee and successfully defended, the publication will be submitted to the UGA library for archiving. The thesis option is most appropriate for students who desire to develop additional research skills and who plan on pursuing a Ph.D. or seeking a career in research.

The Project (or non-thesis) option is designed to be more flexible and is tailored for students who don’t necessarily desire more extensive research training. Project students will take an additional credit hour of an elective, and will take a comprehensive examination. Project students must write a project summary document describing their project and present their findings to a faculty committee. This document is typically less involved than the thesis.

NOTE: All Master’s students must complete either a thesis or a Regulatory Affairs Project, which means that each student must have a faculty member to advise on the project. Students are not assigned to a faculty member; instead, the student must take the initiative to contact a faculty member working in their area of project interest. For the Project student, the faculty committee is charged with creating questions for the comprehensive examination in addition to providing guidance throughout the academic endeavor.

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Find more information on a graduate degree or graduate certificate in Regulatory Affairs:

Graduate Certificate in International Biomedical Regulatory Sciences   Graduate Certificate in Clinical Trials Design and Management

Master of Science (M.S.) in International Biomedical Regulatory Sciences

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MS, Computer Science – Non-thesis

The Master’s of Science (M.S.) degree in Computer Science (with Thesis and Non-Thesis Options) 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.

Degree Type: Masters

Degree Program Code: MS_CSCI_NT

Degree Program Summary:

The Department of Computer Science is a department with energetic and creative professors whose interests cover many of the growing or emerging research areas in computer science. Over the past several years the number and quality of the faculty and the graduate students have increased. The department has formed various research groups and labs and several of them have significant external funding. Particular strengths include theory, systems, information systems, and artificial intelligence.

The Master’s of Science (M.S.) degree in Computer Science (with Thesis and Non-Thesis Options) 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. They will be prepared to pursue higher academic goals, including the Doctor of Philosophy degree. They 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.

Locations Offered:

Athens (Main Campus)

College / School:

Franklin College of Arts & Sciences

346 Brooks Hall Athens, GA 30602

706-542-8776

Department:

Computer Science

Graduate Coordinator(s):

Dr. Kyu Lee and Dr. Liming Cai

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Master of Science in Engineering (Non-Thesis)

Transfer Credits

Next start date, accreditation, get the upper-management skills you need with a master’s degree in engineering.

Do you want to lead teams of creative designers to make new creations a reality? At Liberty, we want to help equip you for the next step in your career so you can move from building each piece of a project to leading teams to the finish line. By building on your experience and developing new skills for leadership, you can take your current engineering expertise even further.

Our Office of University Research and Analysis reports that there were almost 15,000 jobs posted requesting a Master of Science related to engineering in the past year. These jobs are for experienced professionals like architectural and engineering managers who receive a median salary of $112,000. If you continue your education and complete a doctoral degree like our Ph.D. in Engineering, that income increases to an average of $124,000 a year. We can help you bridge the gap from your hands-on experience to the higher-order thinking it takes to be successful as a manager.

Liberty University’s MS in Engineering is focused on the “Creationeering” philosophy of melding business and engineering. You can graduate prepared to lead a team of engineers, and together, you will better your company and the world around you. With our vision to Train Champions for Christ , you’ll get an added edge to your degree that demonstrates a level of integrity that companies need in their engineering leaders. Join Liberty’s mission and get ready to build toward a new future in engineering leadership.

What is Creationeering?

At Liberty, we define Creationeering as the joining of engineering processes with basic business concepts. For the engineering side of things, this includes the design, synthesis, procurement, logistics, assembly, performance, sustainability, and recycling of a process. The business side of Creationeering focuses on the value of people, finances, moral law, communications, and organizational structure.

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At Liberty, you’ll find an affordable, high-quality education that equips students like you for the real world. Our commitment to excellence helped us rank among Niche.com’s Top 3 college campuses in America . Earning your degree from a nonprofit university with state-of-the-art resources like ours can help set you apart from your peers.

Why Choose Liberty’s MS in Engineering Degree?

In this program, you will complete various projects to gain hands-on experience working with teams to solve complex problems. You can flex your new leadership muscles in this practical program, gaining the skills you need for upper management in just 2 years.

With the flexibility to choose courses that best fit your career path and field, you can build a degree plan that can give you the specific skills you need. Our faculty of industry-leading engineers will come alongside you throughout the program to advise and guide you to becoming the leader you need to be. You have a vision for your path forward, and we have the tools that can help you make it a reality.

What Will You Learn in Our M.S. in Engineering Degree?

Companies are looking for engineers with a very specific skill set. To fit the bill, you’ll need to hone your project management, product development, strategic planning, and quality management skills. These are vital if you want to expand beyond your current work and land an upper-management position in this growing field. At Liberty, we have the degree you’ll need to continue advancing your expertise in engineering while also developing your management style.

Additionally, employers want their top engineers to think outside of the box to solve complex system issues with integrity. Here are some of the major principles we want our MS in Engineering graduates to walk away with:

• How to integrate qualitative and quantitative tools to perform effective engineering analysis and research
• How to evaluate and present scholarship relevant to engineering contexts that reflects a knowledge of literature of the discipline
• How to incorporate a Christian worldview when solving engineering challenges

View the Degree Completion Plan , and check out our featured courses below for more information.

Featured Courses

ENGR 505 – Finite Element Analysis

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• An introduction to the mathematical theory, formulation, and computer implementation of the finite element method
• Application to 1- and 2-dimensional problems in engineering mechanics

ENGR 525 – Continuum Mechanics

• An introduction to the general theory of continuous media
• Applications of continuous media to the theories of elasticity and fluid mechanics

ENGR 545 – Fatigue

In this course, you can learn how to predict and prevent fatigue failure in metallic material.

ENGR 637 – Materials Characterization Methods

• Stress dependency, viscoelasticity, repeated load moduli, and stabilization
• The characterization for advanced material behaviors for pavement subgrades, bases, and surfaces

Highlights of Our Engineering Master’s Degree

• Liberty University’s Center for Engineering Research & Education (CERE) promotes research and development of all forms of energy generation, storage, and transmission.
• Through the CERE, you will have the opportunity to observe and assist with research in Liberty’s state-of-the-art facility.
• You will have access to the latest technology and qualified faculty who seek to know you personally and to provide you with opportunities for education, research, and training in a Christ-centered environment.
• Pursuing Liberty’s non-thesis engineering track means earning your master’s degree faster and getting started in your field sooner.

M.S. in Engineering Degree Information

• Residential format
• 30 total hours
• Transfer in up to 18 credits
• This program falls under the School of Engineering
• View the Degree Completion Plan
• View the course catalog

Potential Career Opportunities for Engineering Graduates

• Architectural project manager
• Chief engineer
• Director of engineering
• Engagement director
• Engineering manager
• Head of technology and development
• Project engineer
• Senior project engineer
• Technology development owner

Admission Requirements for Graduate Degrees

Every application is reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and all applicants must submit the following documents and meet the minimum requirements for admission:

• Admission application
• Official bachelor’s degree transcripts showing a completed engineering or STEM-related degree with a 3.0 GPA or higher
• Self-certification form for students in the final term of their bachelor’s degree
• Current Liberty undergraduate students seeking preliminary acceptance into a graduate program must complete a degree/certificate application through their ASIST account

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Master's Graduation - Non-Thesis Plan

This information is supplied by the Graduate School at the University of Colorado at Boulder. The links below provide the necessary forms and information to complete the requirements for graduation. Please read the deadline sheet and checklist carefully to ensure fulfillment of requirements. If at any time you have any questions or problems, please contact the Graduate School at (303) 492-8220,  [email protected] , or Regent Administrative Center, room 1B53.

Graduation Deadlines

This includes all the deadlines for the upcoming semesters. Paperwork must be submitted to the Graduate School by the deadlines for the indicated graduation. These deadlines apply regardless of attendance at the commencement ceremony. (Note: if you do not meet the graduation deadline for your final exam, but can complete the exam before the first day of class for the upcoming semester, you will not be required to register for another semester, but your paperwork will be processed for the next scheduled commencement date. Plan ahead carefully, as this means the exam must be done on or before the Friday before classes begin.) International students in F-1 or J-1 status must consult with International Student and Scholar Services ( located in the Center for the Community, room S355 ) in these cases.  F-1 and J-1 regulations require enrollment in order to maintain valid F-1 or J-1 status.  You must be advised by an ISSS advisor if you will not have future enrollment.

Graduation Checklist

Please note the items marked with a (>). These are essential to fulfill graduation requirements.

Online Graduation Application 

Students must must  apply online to graduate  through  buff portal  on the “apply for graduation” card in order to have the degree awarded. This notifies the Graduate School and your department that you intend to graduate, and it provides necessary information to the Registrar's Office for ordering and shipping diplomas. If you do not complete requirements for the graduation you indicate on the online application, you must apply online to graduate for the new graduation date. You must apply to graduate online whether or not you plan to attend the ceremony.   Detailed instructions for applying to graduate .

Candidacy Application for an Advanced Degree

The courses you and your department agree will be used to fulfill the requirements for your degree program are listed on this form. ​Applications follow a workflow process and must be approved by the academic department before they are directed to the Graduate School.

Master Examination Report

Master's students who are required to complete a final examination must provide notification of the exam to the Graduate School using the  master's final examination form  two weeks before the exam with the date and committee members names, for committee approval.Through a workflow process, the Graduate School and your graduate program must approve your committee, and the form will be sent to your committee members. The completed form with committee member signatures will be returned to the Graduate School and your graduate program.

Several units have a coursework only plan for non-thesis master's students.  Non-thesis students in these programs will not submit a final examination form. Please contact your graduate program to determine whehter you are required to complete a final examination.

Commencement Ceremony, Transcript, and Diploma Information

CU Boulder hosts one commencement ceremony in the spring to celebrate our graduates every year. Whether you’re graduating in the fall, spring or summer semester, you're encouraged to participate in the commencement ceremony.  Apply for graduation  on the Buff Portal by April 1, selecting the term in which you expect to complete your degree requirements to have your name included in the commencement program. 

Be sure to see the  CU Boulder commencement website  for additional information about upcoming conferral, recognition and commencement activities.. Ensure that you have updated your diploma name and address by the posted deadline; learn more about diplomas and transcripts on the Office of the Registrar's website . 

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Master's Degree with AM Concentration (Without Thesis)

I. qualifying exam.

Student must satisfy the Qualifying Exam requirement  (i.e., three qualifying exams) subject to the following modifications: a Masters level pass in any written qualifying exam, and a GPA of at least 3.0 for all course sequences.

II. Course Requirements

Student must has at least 30 total graduate course credits and satisfy the Course Requirements:

• 15 credits must be in courses with primarily math content. 3 credits must be a course in Numerical Analysis (grade B or better).
• For the area of application, the student must have 6-9 credits.
• 1 credit of Applied Math or appropriate seminar offered by a participating department.

III. Scholarly Paper

Student must have written a Scholarly Paper on an acceptable topic in applied math or scientific computation under the guidance of designated faculty member/advisor. The paper must include an abstract and references to all literature used. The paper must also be approved by the designated faculty member/advisor.

IV. Certification

Certification of Masters Degree must be completed and signed by advisor and Director.

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A Non-thesis Master’s degree is an academic degree that involves classroom-based studies in a predefined set of core subjects. This master’s program can take between two and five years to complete, but it is worth it, as you’ll have a tangible product to show for your learning. This option is also ideal if you’re interested in working closely with your professors, or in pursuing multiple projects during your studies.

Non-thesis master’s degree involves classroom-based studies for a pre-defined set of core subjects

A thesis-based master’s degree requires students to complete extensive research projects. A non-thesis master’s degree, on the other hand, involves classroom-based studies for a pre-defined set of core subjects. Both types of master’s degree programs require students to complete some type of project or research as a final requirement. The thesis option involves a substantial research project that students may complete over several semesters.

A non-thesis master’s degree is generally shorter than a thesis-based program. The non-thesis option allows students to take fewer electives and less research credit, but students must complete the Advanced Biological Project. A thesis-based program typically takes longer to complete because students devote multiple semesters to conducting research. A thesis-based program also requires students to write a substantial paper sharing their research, methods, and data.

A non-thesis master’s degree is a good choice if you want to work full-time or are unable to complete a thesis. Non-thesis master’s degrees are less expensive and require fewer credits to complete. Non-thesis master’s degrees are often equivalent to post-baccalaureate non-degree programs.

A non-thesis master’s degree typically requires a written examination. Students may take a final comprehensive examination. These examinations cannot be held prior to mid-semester. The results of these exams must be unanimous, although there can be one dissension. The Graduate and Professional School must approve any substitution of committee members.

A non-thesis master’s degree involves classroom–based studies for a predefined set of core subjects. Typically, students take nine graduate credits per semester. However, those enrolled in less than 150 hours are considered part-time students. The credit hours must align with program requirements and ensure that the student maintains the knowledge acquired in undergraduate study.

A non-thesis master’s degree consists of classroom-based studies for a pre-determined set of core subjects. Students with completed degree plans must obtain final clearance of their thesis or dissertation, as well as their final examination results. This document can be obtained after all degree requirements have been fulfilled. The degree is valid for four years and three semesters.

To receive this type of master’s degree, a candidate must complete the minimum credits for a Master’s program. For example, students with a B.S. in English may obtain the degree in four years, while those with an M.A. in history or literature may graduate within six years. The certificate conferred will not allow students to pursue a doctoral degree in the same field.

A non-thesis master’s degree is also known as a thesis-free master’s degree. This master’s degree is non-thesis and is generally considered a post-baccalaureate degree. Students who choose to complete a thesis-free master’s degree must fulfill the requirements of their master’s degree program, as outlined by their institution. A non-thesis master’s degree is considered an option for students who already have a post-baccalaureate degree.

It can take 2 to 5 years to complete

If you have a strong interest in a field but aren’t sure about the requirements for a thesis, a non-thesis master degree may be a better option for you. It takes between two and five years to complete the coursework and thesis, depending on the university. However, a thesis master’s degree may be more useful for you if you want to pursue a research career or pursue a Ph.D.

A non-thesis master’s degree may take two to five years to complete, depending on the program and scholarship. Students who receive more than 50% scholarship may be required to complete the program on a different timetable than students who receive less. However, a thesis master’s degree will be available to those who meet the minimum requirements for admission to graduate school. This degree is one of the most popular ways to pursue a master’s degree, and many universities have them.

A non-thesis master’s degree can take two to five years to complete, with one course a semester. During the summer, students typically complete summer courses, which are often part of the third semester. After completing a non-thesis master’s degree, students can apply for a PhD program. Once accepted, students who successfully complete this program can start their PhD studies. This means that non-thesis master degrees are suitable for students who have no immediate plans to pursue a PhD.

A master’s degree is an advanced degree, and a thesis is required to obtain it. Typically, a master’s degree document is between 60 to 100 pages long and 20,000 to 40,000 words. Candidates for master’s degrees are assigned a faculty advisor early in their tenure. This person provides guidance and support to students, and they must have a publishable quality document to earn the highest marks. If they are applying for a professional license, the examination is required and may not substitute for the thesis.

A thesis master’s degree, on the other hand, requires students to write a thesis, which is an original piece of scholarship. Students conduct research under a faculty advisor and expand upon the body of knowledge. Students present and defend their work to a committee of three faculty advisors and examiners. They also need to complete research that is independent. A master’s thesis is an excellent primer for the Ph.D., as it requires in-depth research.

Another non-thesis master’s degree is the Professional Masters of Computational and Applied Mathematics (MCAM). It is designed for those who want to pursue a technical career in the computer field and would benefit from a broad understanding of the computational tools and methods used in science and engineering. Rice students can complete their MCS degree in their fifth year. This makes them more competitive in the job market.

It can improve writing skills by completing a thesis

Although most master’s programs require a thesis, there are some fields that allow non-thesis students. While not every program requires a thesis, many do allow students to complete an alternative track. Non-thesis masters programs do not require extensive papers, but they do require more classes to meet graduation requirements. In addition, each master’s program requires a final project, which may be a capstone project or a field experience.

The first step in the non-thesis master’s degree process is to declare your intention to complete the program. You may only choose this option once you have successfully completed 15 units of required classes. However, once you have completed the entire program, you cannot switch your option unless you have failed all of your required comprehensive exams, the proposal, or the thesis defense. For more information about the timeline for the program, visit the Timeline page.

For more information, visit:

How much do thesis papers cost to buy?

How long does it take to write PhD thesis?

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When do you start PhD thesis?

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The Master’s program is open to qualified students holding BS degrees in electrical and/or computer engineering or in a related discipline. Both a thesis and a non-thesis option are available. Each candidate for a master’s degree is required to have good general knowledge in his/her field of study and, for the thesis option, acquire a reasonable level of competence in research skills. In order to graduate, a student must meet the minimum requirements described below and achieve a 3.0 or higher grade point average (GPA) on a scale of 4.0 on all electrical engineering courses applicable towards his/her graduate degree. The MS student is required to have an examination committee that includes at least two graduate faculty members from the ECE division and have an approved Plan of Study by the end of the second semester or upon completion of 15 or more hours of credit. All coursework must be approved by the major professor and the division’s Graduate Studies Committee. Up to twelve hours of credit from a US institution may be applied towards a master’s degree program upon approval. Courses at the (4xxx) level, which are required in the Electrical and Computer Engineering BS programs at LSU are generally not acceptable for graduate credit. A complete and current set of requirements appears in the ECE Graduate Handbook that can be accessed at www.lsu.edu/eng/ece/files/Grad_Handbook.pdf .

Thesis Option

The MS degree with the thesis option requires a thesis and 30 hours of credit at the graduate level, including a maximum of six hours of credit for the thesis. The minimum curricular requirements include the following:

• Six hours of thesis credit ( EE 8000   ).
• 12 hours of credit in the division’s graduate (EE 7xxx) level courses, excluding independent study courses.
• 12 hours of suitable electives* + .

These 30 hours of coursework are subject to additional requirements including the following:

• The maximum credit permitted at the 4000-level is 12 hours.
• A maximum of 12 hours of coursework can be from EE 4x0x, EE 7x00, EE 709x, and other individual study/seminar/special topics courses.
• EE 709x cannot be used to satisfy the EE 7xxx requirements.
• Courses taken outside the division need approval of the Graduate Studies Committee.

*May include a maximum of three credits of EE 709x.

+ In addition, students may take a maximum of 12 hours outside the division.

The student must pass a final exam consisting of a thesis defense.

Information Technology (IT) Concentration MS Thesis

• Satisfy the minimum requirements for the MS Thesis option in EE
• 15 of the 30 hours of required credit should come from the IT Concentration approved course list using at least three of the course groupings listed at: www.ece.lsu.edu/grad/IT_area.html , with a minimum of three credits from each of the three selected groups.
• Thesis topic must be related to Information Technology.

Non-Thesis Option

The MS degree with the non-thesis option requires 36 hours of credit as follows:

• Three hours of project credit (EE 709x) 1
• 15 hours of credit in the division’s graduate (EE 7xxx) courses, excluding independent study courses.
• 18 credit hours of suitable electives 2,3

These 36 hours of coursework are subject to additional requirements including the following:

• No more than 18 hours of coursework can be from EE 4x0x, EE 7x00, EE 709x, and other independent study/seminar/special topics courses.
• EE 709x cannot be used to satisfy the EE 7xxx requirements.

1 - EE 709x must be taken in the final year of MS graduation.

2 - May include three credits of EE 709x.

3 - In addition, students may take at most 12 hours outside the division.

The student must pass a final exam consisting of a written project report and an oral exam administered by a three-member committee.

Information Technology (IT) Concentration MS Non-Thesis

• Satisfy the minimum requirements for the MS Non-Thesis option in EE.
• 21 of the 36 credit hours required should come from the IT Concentration approved course list using at least three of the course groups listed at: www.ece.lsu.edu/grad/IT_area.html , with a minimum of three credits from each of the three selected groups.
• EE 709x Independent Research can be used to satisfy no more than 3 hours and only if the topic is related to Information Technology and approved by the Graduate Studies Committee.

Space Studies grad programs

Rice University has unique degree programs designed hand in hand with industry partners for bright students who  love science/engineering but do not want to pursue research. 

All our STEM graduate non-thesis degree programs offer an alternative career option for science students helping them to advance their technical education and develop workplace skills valued by top employers. 

For Physics and Astronomy and Engineering students interested in the space industry, we are offering :

• Space Studies
• Coordinated MBA/MS in Space Studies

This comprehensive, professional 3-semester degree intersects both science/engineering and business in every aspect. Not only does it give students the edge to succeed in the space industry covering all the bases from advanced technical courses to business courses, but also provides them with communication, leadership training, networking opportunities, and an internship! Regardless of the employment sector, Rice PSM graduates are finding exciting, well-compensated careers.

We offer rolling admission, the GRE is not required and there is no application fee!

Thanks for your time and support,

Best regards,

Dagmar K. Beck (she/her) Director  Professional Science Master’s Program Rice University | Keck Hall 203, MS 103

Graduate Program Handbook

Jump to a section

• Program description
• Degree requirements
• Timeline for degree completion
• Committee selection guideline
• Graduate assistantship
• Additional funding
• Health insurance
• Leave of absence
• Graduate student association
• Campus resources
• Policies: Frequently Asked Questions

1. Program description

The Department of English at the University of Nevada, Reno, with 27 graduate faculty, has specialists in most areas of literary, rhetorical, composition, and linguistic study. The University is a Research One university, and our faculty are active researchers pursuing cutting-edge work in a variety of fields. At the same time, our graduate program is small enough that students enjoy a sense of community and benefit from close faculty mentoring. Faculty members take their roles as mentors very seriously, giving students the careful attention that helps them define and achieve their professional goals. Hence, our program has a low attrition rate. MA and MFA alumni have entered successful careers in writing, publishing, community college teaching, business, and non-profits and have been accepted to Ph.D. programs at other top-rated universities. Ph.D. alumni hold a range of positions in higher education and outside the academy.

1.1 Degrees offered

The M.A. program is designed for students who plan to continue working toward a Ph.D., for potential community college teachers, for individuals who want to acquire an overall background in the study of language and literature, and for those interested

Master of Arts (MA)

The M.A. program is designed for students who plan to continue to work toward a Ph.D., for potential community college teachers, for individuals who want to acquire an overall background in the study of language and literature, and for those interested in writing and editing careers. The MA degree is offered with areas of concentration in

• Public Engagement
• Rhetoric and Writing Studies

Both a thesis plan and a non-thesis plan are available. Proficiency in one foreign language (the equivalent of four semesters of college-level coursework) or equivalent interdisciplinary literacy (MAPE) is required.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students will obtain a broad knowledge of several of the historical fields in, literary genres of, and major critical approaches to British, American, and World Literatures in English; or, broad knowledge of writing studies issues and methodologies; or broad knowledge in literary and rhetorical public engagement and its methodologies; or broad knowledge of linguistics issues and methodologies. Students will demonstrate specialized competence in the primary and secondary literature of an appropriate specialized sub-field of literature or writing or public engagement or language.

Master of Fine Arts (MFA)

The MFA in creative writing provides top-level training and experience to writers of promise, in order to best prepare them to be publishing creative writers and /or to pursue careers in college-level teaching. In addition, the program allows apprentice writers to develop their gifts amidst a community of artists in a university setting; the program also provides a link between student writers and the wider professional community of published writers, editors, and agents. Students produce bodies of original work, based on an understanding and study of historic, contemporary, and avant-garde literatures, culminating in a book-length thesis. Students are expected not only to produce creative work, but to develop traditional scholarly and pedagogical skills, so as to better articulate their knowledge—to a potential audience including readers, colleagues, and students—as befits the recipient of a terminal degree in English.

By the end of their degree program, MFA candidates should be able to:

• Demonstrate mastery of manipulation of elements of craft/technique within their chosen area of emphasis. (in fiction, this is defined as: form (the novel, novella, and short story); generic tropes; narrative structure; point of view; tone; and voice. In poetry, this is defined as: traditional forms; line/enjambment; imagery and metaphor; meter; rhyme and free verse);
• Demonstrate an understanding of the contemporary publishing landscape for fiction (both genre and literary) and/or poetry, for book-length works as well as for individual stories/poems;
• Demonstrate the ability to curate/edit the creative work of others for publication;
• Create a book's-length of work of publishable creative writing, as well as identify its audience/market;
• Analyze and describe their creative work within the context of historical trends/movements and genres in literature;
• Compile a professional portfolio demonstrating an understanding of future career options and approaches to the same.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

The Ph.D. program is designed for students preparing to be teachers and scholars at universities and community colleges. The Ph.D. is offered with areas of concentration in

Students will obtain a broad knowledge of several of the historical fields in, literary genres of, and major critical approaches to British, American, and World Literatures in English; or, broad knowledge of writing studies issues and methodologies; or, broad knowledge of linguistics issues and methodologies. Students will demonstrate specialized competence in the primary and secondary literature of an appropriate specialized sub-field of literature or writing or language.

1.2 Emphases

Our programs of study allow for and encourage study and training across the various fields in the department, resulting in a remarkably productive and exciting intellectual atmosphere.

Literature (MA and Ph.D.)

The English Department offers a wide range of courses in English, American, and Anglophone literatures and cultures. Our faculty members publish in leading journals and have authored recent books on topics ranging from Shakespeare’s first folios to postmodern American lyric. We have particular strengths in modernist studies; archival and media studies; twentieth-century and contemporary American, British, and comparative literatures; and cultural studies and theory. Faculty members also teach in a variety of programs across campus, including the Gender, Race, and Identity Program.

Our Ph.D. graduates have been appointed to tenure-track positions at schools across the country and abroad as well as non-tenure-track jobs and careers outside of academia. MA students have gone on to advanced graduate study in areas including English, law, education, and business, and to careers in politics, business, editing, and many other fields. Our students are active in the profession, from organizing panels at national conferences to working at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Graduate students may have opportunities for teaching a range of courses and for sponsored travel and research.

Rhetoric and Writing Studies (MA and Ph.D.)

Focusing on those interested in careers in academic research and teaching, program administration (first-year writing, writing across the curriculum, and writing center), as well as community and workplace literacy, the Ph.D. in Rhetoric and Writing Studies is designed to balance theory/practice and teaching/scholarship. In addition to seminars in classical and modern rhetoric, feminist rhetoric, research methodologies, composition pedagogy, rhetorical studies of cultural practices, and various other topics, the curriculum offers internships that place students in community and school settings. We also strongly emphasize students' development as writers, with workshop courses offered in the craft of writing, advanced nonfiction, and creative nonfiction.

The Rhetoric and Writing Studies faculty are committed to collaborative activity with students, engaging with them in local internship opportunities, conference presentations, scholarly research, program development and assessment, and writing projects. In addition, students receive active mentoring in teaching and administration, as well as opportunities to serve in leadership positions in the Core Writing Program and the University Writing Center. Ph.D. students in Rhetoric and Writing Studies also develop expertise in one cognate area, such as American literature, oral history, women's literature, critical theory, environmental literature, narrative theories, secondary school pedagogy, business/technical writing, or linguistics. Qualified Ph.D. candidates have opportunities to teach intermediate and upper-division courses in their areas of emphasis.

The MA in Rhetoric & Writing Studies is designed for students who wish to strengthen their skills as writers while deepening their understanding of theories of writing from the fields of rhetoric, composition, and writing studies. Cognate work in linguistics, literature, or literacy studies further enriches the study of writing. Students may choose either a non-thesis or thesis program of study. This emphasis supports a range of professional pursuits, including technical and professional writing, literacy studies, the teaching of composition, and rhetorical studies. Students in the program are active in publishing, participating in conferences, and serving as writing interns in businesses, community agencies, or educational institutions.

The Ph.D. program of study in Rhetoric and Writing Studies has had notable success placing its graduates in tenure-track positions. Placements have occurred at a wide range of colleges and universities, including Indiana University of Pennsylvania; UT San Antonio; UC Davis; Arizona State; Saint Mary’s College of California; and University of Northern Colorado, to name only a few. Other graduates place into industry jobs, for example a recent graduate is now a Narrative Writing Specialist at The Change Companies. The MA Rhetoric & Writing Studies program has placed graduates in community colleges, positions in the public and private sectors, and Ph.D. programs throughout the US.

Public Engagement (MA)

Our English department, located in a land-grant institution, has always had an outreach mission. That mission is especially crucial now as we seek to reinvigorate the humanities and serve the communities that nurture the University. We are the department with particular knowledge in reading, writing, and language study—the skills most crucial to the current technological age. The Public Engagement emphasis brings these talents to bear on issues of public concern. The emphasis prepares students with a required seminar in public intellectualism and emphasizes experiential learning and the development of interdisciplinary literacy. It includes core coursework in rhetoric and in literature. But it also incorporates any course in the English department that may serve a public engagement student’s particular commitments. For instance, a course in postmodern poetics might be useful to a student committed to creating a space for local spoken word; a course in rhetoric and Marxism might be useful to a student who does labor advocacy work; a course in environmental literature might be useful to a student active in local sustainability movements; and a course in literature and film might be useful to a student who wants to facilitate community reading groups. Like a magnet, the Public Engagement emphasis draws expertise from across the English faculty to help students tailor their MA to their interests in public engagement.

The Public Engagement MA emphasis is designed to serve students whose career goals may include teaching, working for non-profits, and/or going on for a Ph.D. in literature or rhetoric programs that emphasize community activism.

Language (MA)

The MA program of study in Language and Linguistics is designed primarily for students who have some background in linguistics but did not major in the field as undergraduates. The program is an excellent complement to BA or advanced degrees in Anthropology, Composition and Rhetoric, English Literature, Foreign Languages, Philosophy, Psychology, or Speech Pathology. The MA can serve as a terminal degree, or as preparation for further study in a Linguistics Ph.D. program.

The program provides students the opportunity to study the English language and to master the analytical tools of linguistics, which can be applied to the study of any language. In addition to a firm grounding in the basic concepts of linguistics, students receive training in phonology, morphology, syntax, sociolinguistics, discourse analysis, the history of the English language, and Old English.

Creative Writing (MFA)

The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree in creative writing is designed for students who wish to pursue a professional degree with emphases on both students’ writing and graduate-level scholarship in English. The degree involves a three-year course of study, requiring a series of rigorous workshops centered on the development of students’ creative work, in addition to coursework in literary history, critical theory, and literary craft. Students will have the opportunity to develop a significant body of publishable creative work with an understanding of and the ability to describe the work’s historical/ literary context.

As the terminal degree in the field of creative writing, the MFA degree prepares graduates to teach at the collegiate level, as well as for employment in the fields of publishing, literary agenting, and editing. The degree also guides writers toward publishing in nationally prominent presses, journals, and magazines.

The MFA program offers specializations in fiction and poetry and welcomes writers who aspire to high levels of literary quality, including fiction writers working within traditional genres (i.e., young adult, science fiction, fantasy, mystery, horror, etc.).

Contact Information

The Director of Graduate Studies, James Mardock , is available to advise applicants to our program. To schedule an appointment, contact the front office staff at (775) 784-6689 .

To learn more about our graduate program, explore the links above. For an introduction to the University of Nevada and the surrounding area, visit the About the University page.

For information about English Department graduate faculty, please see Graduate Faculty on the Department of English page.

2. Admission

Applications must be submitted with the  Graduate School’s application process . The application deadline for the following Spring Semester (MA only) is October 1. The application deadline for the following Fall semester is January 15. The Program does not admit students for the Spring semester. See the English department’s website for additional information concerning the admission process and admission criteria.

2.1 Transfer credits

These are credits transferred from another institution. Credits completed at the University in another program or as a graduate special do not need to be transferred. Transfer credit can be requested on the  Graduate Credit Transfer Evaluation Request form  available on the Graduate School website, and must be signed by the student, major advisor, and graduate director. Transfer credits applied to a master’s program must comply with the time limitation on master’s work (6 years). Thus, if a student took a course five years prior to admission, they would have to complete the degree within one year for the course to apply to the degree. Credits from a completed master’s degree will be exempt from the 8-year time limitation for those students pursuing a doctoral degree.

3. Degree requirements

3.1 master of arts (ma).

The Department of English offers four areas of emphasis within its MA program: Language , Literature , Rhetoric and Writing Studies , and Public Engagement . These emphases serve a variety of students with a wide range of professional goals and ambitions.

Applicants to the MA program must have an undergraduate major or minor in English or its equivalent from an accredited college or university, and a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0. Potential applicants who do not meet these minimum requirements should talk with the Director of Graduate Studies to determine which undergraduate English courses to take should they wish to prepare for graduate studies in English.

General Requirements

The following general requirements apply in all emphases within the MA program, except where clearly stated in the specific descriptions for each emphasis.

1. Time Limit.

All requirements must be satisfied during the six calendar years immediately preceding the granting of the degree.

2. Graduate Committee.

As soon as is practical and in consultation with the Director of Graduate Studies, a student should choose an advisory committee and complete a Program of Study. The graduate program in English emphasizes a close working relationship between the student and his or her advisory committee. Advisory committees for master's students consist of a chair and a second member from the graduate faculty in the Department of English and one member of the graduate faculty from another University department.

3. Choice of Thesis or Non-Thesis Plan.

Most of our MA emphases allow students the option of writing a thesis or of substituting coursework for the thesis. We encourage students to follow the non-thesis plan unless there is a compelling reason to select the thesis plan.

4. Total Credits.

Both the non-thesis and thesis plans require 31 credits of graduate work; for the thesis plan, 6 of those will be thesis credits. No more than 3 credits of Internship and 3 credits of English 790 Special Topics (Independent Study) may be counted toward the degree. Except in the case of required internships, independent study and internship credits may not be used to fulfill course requirements but may be counted for the total number of credits required for degrees.

5. Transfer Credits.

No more than nine total credits applicable to the approved program of study may be accepted from graduate courses taken at another institution and/or taken at the University of Nevada, Reno on graduate special status. These courses must have been completed within the six-year time limit for the MA degree and must be approved to count toward the degree by the student's committee chair, the Director of Graduate Studies, and the Graduate School.

6. Residence.

In the non-thesis plan, a minimum of 23 credits must be earned in residence; in the thesis plan, the minimum is 21 credits.

7. Continuous Registration.

Graduate School regulations require graduate students to maintain continuous registration of at least three credit hours per semester to remain active in the pursuit of a degree. This means that students studying for comprehensive exams or writing theses must (even if they are not in residence) register for at least three credit hours each semester (summers excluded) until they graduate.

8. Seminar Requirement.

All MA students are required to take a substantial portion of their coursework at the 700 level. In the Public Engagement emphasis, at least 16 credits must be completed in courses numbered 700 or above. In the Literature, Rhetoric and Writing Studies, and Language emphases, 19 credits must be numbered 700 or above in the thesis plan, or 16 credits in the non-thesis plan.

9. Foreign Language Requirement.

Competence in one foreign language is required. French, German, Spanish, Italian, Latin, or Greek are recommended, but other languages may be approved by the student's advisory committee. The student is strongly advised to complete the work necessary to meet this requirement before becoming a graduate student, or as soon as possible after beginning graduate study. The requirement may be met either by coursework or by examination. Coursework: competence is demonstrated by the student completing fourth-semester college-level coursework in the language with a grade of C or better in the final term of the course, or by the student completing the second semester of a sophomore reading course with a grade of B or better. Examination: the student must pass a proficiency exam given by the Department of World Languages and Literatures at the University of Nevada, Reno.

10. Comprehensive Examination.

In order to register for 795 (comprehensive exam), a student must have met these requirements:

• Filed a completed Program of Study with the Graduate School;
• Completed all but the last semester of coursework toward the degree for the MA;
• Met the foreign language requirement for their degree and area of emphasis;
• Met with their committee chair to work out plans for completing the written and oral portions of the exams;
• Returned the completed “Approval to Register for Comprehensive Exams” form (available in NevadaBox) to the English department office prior to the end of registration.

The MA program requires a comprehensive exam as a part of the degree requirements. Students must register for English 795, Comprehensive Exam, 1 credit, the semester they will be completing their exams. In general, the exam includes three parts: a) a professional paper; b) a written examination over a set reading list; c) an oral exam of about an hour and a half, covering the professional paper or portfolio and the written exam. Examinations for each program emphasis are detailed below. A student must have completed the professional paper or portfolio and have passed the written exam prior to taking the oral exam. Failed written or oral exams can be retaken only once, no sooner than two months after the failed attempt, and the student must register for ENG 795 a second time in the following semester.

11. Thesis (thesis plan only).

Students choosing a thesis plan will first prepare a thesis prospectus, in consultation with the chair of the advisory committee, for the committee's approval. The finished thesis, after meeting the approval of the advisory committee, is defended in the final oral examination, which also covers the written exam. In the Writing program, the final oral defense is separate from the discussion of the portfolio and written exam. While the thesis is in progress, the candidate should register for the six required hours of thesis credit (English 797), including one hour to be taken during the writing of the prospectus. Documentation and bibliography should follow the current MLA Style Manual . Precise guidelines for thesis format and submission are available at the Graduate School. Students doing research involving human subjects must check with the Office of Human Subjects Research in Ross Hall regarding necessary protocols and review procedures.

12. Graduation.

To graduate in any given semester, the student must file an Application for Graduation by the date specified for that semester in the University Catalog and meet that semester's deadlines for submission of the Notice of Completion and (if on the thesis plan) the final copy of the thesis to the Graduate School. Students should be aware that graduation application dates at the University of Nevada, Reno are unusually early: the deadline is generally eight weeks prior to graduation .

13. Paperwork.

The student is responsible for knowing the degree requirements and for submitting all Graduate School forms on time. Early in their graduate careers, students should become familiar with the most important of these forms: the Program of Study, the Notice of Completion, and the Application for Graduation. Most Graduate School forms are available on the web on the Graduate School website .

MA Literature emphasis, specific requirements

The MA Literature emphasis is designed for students interested in developing their knowledge of American, British, and global literatures in English; it focuses on the ability to think and write critically about literary texts. The Literature emphasis requires students to take a variety of courses dealing with different literary genres and periods, yet also allows them to concentrate their studies in the areas they find to be of greatest interest. This emphasis is primarily, but not exclusively, intended for people who are preparing for Ph.D. programs or professions in which they will teach literature, conduct literary research, or write professionally.

1. General Requirements.

See the section on MA General Requirements.

2. Course Requirements.

• Research Methods. ENG 711, Introduction to Graduate Study, is required and must be taken at the first opportunity. It is customarily offered each fall semester.
• Distribution Requirements (elective). The student must take at least one course in nine of the following ten fields: Poetry, Fiction, Drama, Linguistics, Nonfiction/Intellectual Prose, Rhetoric, Literary Criticism, American Literature, British Literature before 1800, and British Literature after 1800. Five of the distribution requirements may be met by courses taken at the advanced undergraduate level (the equivalent of our department's 400-level courses) in which the student earned a B or above. The Director of Graduate Studies, in consultation with the faculty, determines which distribution requirement(s) specific courses may meet.
• Literature Topic or Field (elective). The student must take at least two courses in a particular field of interest, determined in consultation with his or her MA committee chair. Fields or topics might, for instance, include the Renaissance, African American literature, or the American novel.

For a list of graduate elective courses, see the University Catalog .

3. Professional Paper (non-thesis plan only)

 In consultation with their committee chair, each student will complete a professional paper. No credit toward Course Requirements (see above) will be granted for work on the professional paper or portfolio. The professional paper is a substantial literary-critical essay. The student selects one seminar paper written in the MA program and revises it, working with their chair and with the professor in whose course it was originally written, who must be a member of the student's committee. When revised, this paper will be presented to the committee as an example of the student's ability to perform research and write a convincing, reasoned argument on a topic related to literature. The paper should be approximately twenty pages long and should be of professional, publishable quality.

4. Comprehensive Examination (written).

In consultation with the MA committee chair, each student will put together a reading list based on his or her particular topic or field of concentration. The list should consist of 10 to 15 items, at least eight of which should be book-length. The written portion of the comprehensive exam will be designed to demonstrate the student's mastery of the materials on this reading list. The student completes a one-day exam on the reading list. The exam questions will be set by the members of the student's MA committee, who will then evaluate the written exam.

5. Thesis (thesis plan only).

Each student will present a prospectus, written in consultation with the student's committee chair, to the student's advisory committee. This prospectus should constitute a sound plan for writing the thesis and may include a bibliography and a tentative table of contents. The prospectus is normally approved before the student completes the written exam. The student then writes the thesis, working closely with committee members. The student must register for 6 credits of ENG 797, Thesis.

6. Comprehensive Examination (oral) and Thesis Defense.

The oral exam lasts about an hour and a half and is administered by the student’s MA committee. In the non-thesis plan, the student takes the oral exam after completing the professional paper or portfolio and the written exam; the oral will include questions on each of these works. In the thesis plan, the student takes the final oral exam after the completed thesis has been approved by his or her committee. In addition to those works covered in the exam for the non-thesis plan, the oral for students who choose the thesis plan also includes a defense of the thesis. It is the responsibility of the student to schedule the oral exam with his or her committee. The student must register for ENG 795, Comprehensive Examination, one credit, the semester he or she will be completing the oral exam.

Contact the department office for a checklist of degree requirements for the MA English, Literature emphasis.

MA Public Engagement emphasis, specific requirements

The Public Engagement MA emphasis is designed to serve students whose career goals may include teaching, working for non-profits, and/or going on for a Ph.D. in literature or rhetoric programs that emphasize community activism. The objectives of this emphasis are as follows:

• To provide a sound foundation in the rhetoric, literature, and theory of public engagement;
• To provide a rigorous critical framework for understanding and evaluating public engagement efforts;
• To produce citizen-scholars who can work both in academia and in the community;
• To familiarize students with the genres, forums, contexts, relationships, and techniques best suited to public engagement;
• To serve as a resource for tackling and articulating larger cultural issues for both the University and the larger community.

Accordingly, students who achieve an MA in English in the Public Engagement emphasis will be able to do the following:

• Articulate the theoretical and/or ideological commitments of particular public engagement efforts;
• Articulate their own theoretical and/or ideological commitments as they pursue public engagement efforts;
• Understand and apply critically the literature relevant to public engagement;
• Clearly articulate a problem in public engagement and select suitable theoretical and practical approaches to it;
• Select and deploy the genres, forums, and techniques best suited to a particular public engagement effort;
• Work productively with both academic and community partners on a public engagement effort;
• Produce professional documents and creative texts appropriate to a particular audience, purpose, and rhetorical situation.
• Research Methods. Either ENG 711 (Introduction to Graduate Study) or ENG 730 (Introduction to Graduate Study in Rhetoric and Composition) must be taken at the earliest opportunity. Both are typically offered every fall semester.
• Public Intellectualism. ENG 740: English Studies and Public Intellectualism must be taken at the earliest opportunity. It is typically offered every spring semester in even years.
• Experiential Learning. Options for fulfilling this requirement include ENG 736, an internship, or another course (either taught or taken) that has a significant experiential learning component. An Experiential Learning Application (available on Nevada Box) must be completed and approved for experiential learning courses other than ENG 736.
• Power, Place, and Publics. Two PPP courses are required. A PPP Application must be completed by the student and instructor for each course and approved by the MAPE committee.
• One course from the University Catalog’s list of electives .
• Interdisciplinary Literacy. Competence in a foreign language (see General Requirements), two 600- or 700-level courses in a cognate discipline, or three advanced courses in linguistics; plan must be approved by the committee chair. NB: Interdisciplinary literacy courses that are not ENG courses (or cross-listed as such) count neither toward the 15 700-level credits nor the 31 graduate credits required for the MA degree.

3. Professional Portfolio.

The professional portfolio requires the student to develop critical and professional materials specific to an issue of civic engagement. The materials should include a historical and critical framework for understanding the issue as well as professional materials that display the application of that framework. Ideally, these materials should develop the writing done in courses as well as community engagement work. The portfolio will be developed in consultation with the student’s committee and will be discussed during the oral exam. There is no thesis option for the Public Engagement emphasis.

5. Comprehensive Examination.

The comprehensive exam will consist of a written exam and an oral examination. Working with his or her advisor, the student develops a bibliography of approximately 15 texts relevant to the student’s interests. These texts will vary in length and form according to the student’s topic of choice and professional goals. The student completes a one-day written exam, designed to demonstrate his or her mastery of the materials on the reading list. The exam questions will be set by the members of the student's MA committee, who will then evaluate the written exam. Once the exam has passed, the student will proceed to the oral examination. Lasting one and a half hours, the examination will cover materials from both the portfolio and the written exam.

Contact the department for a checklist of degree requirements for the MA English, Public Engagement emphasis.

MA Rhetoric and Writing Studies emphasis, specific requirements

The MA RWS emphasis is designed for students who wish to strengthen their skills as writers while deepening their understanding of literature and language. It is intended for people who are preparing for careers in writing and editing or planning to teach writing in schools or colleges. The program is centered on the craft of writing and offers elective courses in both imaginative and expository writing. Students in the program are active in professional activities of various kinds: publishing, participating in conferences, and serving as writing interns in businesses, community agencies, or educational institutions.

• Research Methods. ENG 730, Introduction to Graduate Study in Rhetoric and Writing Studies, is required and should be taken at the earliest opportunity. It is customarily offered each fall semester.
• ENG 600A - Topics in Writing  (3 units)
• ENG 600B - Topics in Professional Writing  (3 units)
• ENG 601B - Advanced Non-Fiction  (3 units)
• ENG 606A - Document Design  (3 units)
• ENG 607B - Fundamentals of Technical Writing  (3 units)
• ENG 608B - Tutoring Student Writers  (3 units)
• ENG 609C - Contemporary Rhetorical Theory and Criticism  (3 units)
• ENG 675B - Literary Nonfiction  (3 units)
• ENG 729 - Contemporary Rhetoric  (3 units)
• ENG 731 - Research in Rhetoric and Composition  (3 units)
• ENG 732 - Problems in Writing  (3 units)
• ENG 733 - Classical Through Medieval Rhetoric  (3 units)
• ENG 734 - Writing in the Academy  (3 units)
• ENG 735 - Seminar in Rhetoric and Composition  (3 units)
• ENG 736 - Internship  (1 to 4 units)
• ENG 737 - Teaching College Composition  (3 units)
• ENG 738 - Seminar in Professional Writing  (3 units)
• ENG 739 - Renaissance Through Modern Rhetoric  (3 units)
• Other Electives. In consultation with the advisory committee, the student will choose at least 2 courses (Thesis Plan) or 3 courses in (Non-Thesis Plan), to complement his or her interests. No more than three courses may be taken outside the Department of English.
• ENG 411B - Principles of Modern Grammar  (3 units)
• ENG 611B - Principles of Modern Grammar  (3 units)
• ENG 412A - Linguistics  (3 units)
• ENG 612A - Linguistics  (3 units)
• ENG 414A - History of the English Language  (3 units)
• ENG 614A - History of the English Language  (3 units)

3. Comprehensive Examination (written and oral).

Working closely with the advisory committee, the student will prepare a bibliography of approximately 15 important works in the field of writing. This bibliography may be prepared throughout the student's time in the program; the works to be included must be approved in advance by the advisory committee. For the comprehensive examination, the student writes a synthesizing paper on a topic approved by the committee. Alternatively, the student may elect to take a one-day written examination, prepared by the committee, over ideas and concepts represented by the student's selected reading list. After the student has passed the paper or written exam, the advisory committee will conduct an oral exam, not to last more than an hour and a half. The student must register for English 795, Comprehensive Examination, one credit, the semester he or she will be completing the oral exam.

4. Thesis (Thesis Plan only).

The thesis may be a piece of empirical research, a library research project, a critical/rhetorical paper, or work in imaginative writing. After approval of a prospectus by the advisory committee, the student completes the thesis, registering for 6 credits of ENG 797.

5. Thesis Defense (Thesis Plan only).

The final oral exam, given by the candidate's advisory committee, will last about an hour and a half and will be a defense of the thesis. Candidates who prepare writings as a thesis project may instead present their thesis as a public reading and discussion of that work.

Contact the department for a checklist of degree requirements for the MA English, Rhetoric and Writing Studies emphasis.

MA Language emphasis, specific requirements

The MA Language emphasis offers a concentration in the study of the English language, with courses in linguistics, the structure and history of the English language, and literature. The range of available courses is designed to give students the latitude to design programs of study suited to their individual professional interests in the field of English language and linguistics. The student who selects the Language emphasis must work closely with his or her advisor and committee in planning this program of study.

Note that English 281 or equivalent course is a prerequisite for all linguistics courses.

• ENG 612D - Introduction to Phonology  (3 units)
• ENG 717 - Old English  (3 units)
• ENG 612B - Applied Linguistics  (3 units)
• ENG 613A - Sociolinguistics  (3 units)
• ENG 613B - Historical Linguistics  (3 units)
• ENG 615D - Introduction to Old Norse  (3 units)
• ENG 616B - Language and Gender  (3 units)
• ENG 692C - Language and Culture  (3 units)
• ENG 713 - Problems in Language  (3 units)
• ENG 714 - Problems in Modern Grammatical Study  (3 units)
• ENG 718 - Beowulf  (3 units)
• ENG 720 - Problems in Medieval English  (3 units)
• Other Electives. Other courses should be selected in consultation with the student’s advisory committee to complement the student’s interest in language. Courses may include graduate courses in English, or in other disciplines such as Anthropology, Psychology, Computer Science, World Languages, Basque Studies, Speech Pathology, Philosophy or in the College of Education.

3. Comprehensive Examination (written).

At the completion of coursework, the student must pass written examinations administered by his or her advisory committee. In the Thesis Plan, the written examination will last four hours. Two hours of the exam will be based on the student's coursework, and two hours will be based on basic linguistic principles, history and structure of the English language, and English dialects. In the Non-Thesis Plan, the exam will last six hours, with three hours based on coursework and three hours on the basic materials specified above. The questions will ask that the student demonstrate both specific information and a broader understanding of concepts important to the study of language.

4. Thesis (Thesis Plan).

The student writing a thesis should submit a prospectus to his or her advisory committee before beginning to write the thesis. The thesis will be written with the guidance of the chair and committee. The student must register for 6 credits of English 797, Thesis.

5. Comprehensive Examination (oral) and Thesis Defense.

Approximately three weeks after passing the written examination, the Non-Thesis Plan candidate will take an oral examination lasting no longer than one and a half hours, administered by the student's advisory committee. Like the written examination, the oral exam will be based on the student's knowledge of the structure and history of the language and on the student's coursework, although its range may be broader. For a student studying under the Thesis Plan, the oral exam will be given when the thesis is completed and approved by the advisory committee. While the exam will focus on the student's own research, it may also explore areas in which the student has had coursework. The student must register for English 795, Comprehensive Examination, one credit, the semester he or she will be completing the oral exam.

Master of Fine Arts (MFA), Specific Requirements

The Master of Fine Arts degree in creative writing is designed for students who wish to pursue a professional degree with emphases on both students’ writing and graduate-level scholarship in English. The degree involves a three-year course of study, requiring a series of rigorous workshops centered on the development of students’ creative work, in addition to coursework in literary history, critical theory, and literary craft. Students will have the opportunity to develop a significant body of publishable creative work with an understanding of and the ability to describe the work’s historical/literary context.

Applicants to the MFA program in creative writing must have a Bachelor’s degree or Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from an accredited university, school, or college, and a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0. Applicants need not have received their previous degree in English, but all applicants must demonstrate readiness to engage in graduate-level scholarship in English.

• Demonstrate mastery of manipulation of elements of craft/technique within their chosen area of emphasis. (In fiction, this is defined as: form (the novel, novella, and short story); generic tropes; narrative structure; point of view; tone; and voice. In poetry this is defined as: traditional forms; line/enjambment; imagery and metaphor; meter; rhyme and free verse);
• Demonstrate an understanding of the contemporary publishing landscape for fiction and/or poetry, for book-length works as well as for individual stories/poems;
• Create a book-length of work of publishable creative writing, as well as identify its audience/market;
• Analyze and describe their creative work within the context of historical trends/ movements and genres in literature;

Master of Fine Arts (MFA), specific requirements

All MFA candidates must enroll in a minimum of 6 units per semester during their first five semesters in the program and at minimum must maintain graduate standing thereafter. In the sixth semester, they must finalize/finish a thesis project. Candidates must maintain a minimum 3.5 grade-point average. During the second year of study, candidates must choose one Department of English creative writing faculty member to serve as the MFA committee chair and advisor; two additional department faculty (one from creative writing, and one outside the student’s declared course of study) to serve as a committee member; and a fourth committee member from outside the Department of English, chosen in consultation with the committee chair. During the student’s third year of study, the MFA program requires the candidate to take a comprehensive written examination, on topics of the committee chair’s choosing, over the candidate’s knowledge of a 30-book reading list and annotated bibliography; this will be followed closely thereupon by an oral examination, conducted by the student’s full committee, during which the student will defend written exam answers and the annotated bibliography. At the end of the third year of study, students will complete and present to the full committee a written book-length thesis or original fiction/poetry, of publishable quality. At the conclusion of 48 credit hours, the student will be required to pass a defense of the completed thesis before the full committee.

Students on assistantship may also be required to take  ENG 737  and  ENG 793 , which may be counted as one of the student’s elective courses.

1. Course Requirements

• Research Methods (3 credits). ENG 711, Introduction to Graduate Study, is required and must be taken at the first opportunity. It is customarily offered each fall semester.
• Poetry/Fiction Workshop (12 or 15 credits).
• Creative Writing (6 credits).
• ENG 710: Literary Editing and Publishing (3 credit hours)
• ENG 707: Craft and Forms of Creative Writing OR ENG 708: Topics and Problems in Creative Writing (3 credit hours)
• ENG 707 - Craft and Forms of Creative Writing  (6 units)
• ENG 708 - Topics and Problems in Creative Writing  (3 units)
• ENG 721 - Problems in the History of Literary Criticism  (3 units)
• ENG 722 - Problems in Literary Theory  (3 units)
• ENG 723 - Problems in Themes and Ideas in Literature  (3 units)
• ENG 724 - Topics in Literature  (3 units)
• ENG 725 - Problems in the Novel  (3 units)
• ENG 726 - Problems in Literary Form  (3 units)
• ENG 730 - Introduction to Graduate Study in Rhetoric and Composition  (3 units)
• ENG 740 - English Studies and Public Intellectualism  (3 units)
• ENG 741 - Problems in Early American Literature  (3 units)
• ENG 743 - Problems in Later American Literature  (3 units)
• ENG 745 - Seminar in Ecocriticism and Theory  (3 units)
• ENG 761 - Problems in the Early Renaissance  (3 units)
• ENG 762 - Problems in 17th Century Literature  (3 units)
• ENG 764 - Problems in Non-Shakespearean Drama  (3 units)
• ENG 765 - Problems in Shakespeare  (3 units)
• ENG 767 - Problems in Milton  (3 units)
• ENG 771 - Problems in the Age of Reason  (3 units)
• ENG 775 - Problems in the Romantic Movement  (3 units)
• ENG 781 - Problems in the Victorian Age  (3 units)
• ENG 783 - Problems in Early 20th Century British Literature  (3 units)
• ENG 784 - Problems in 20th Century British and American Literature  (3 units)
• ENG 785 - Problems in Contemporary American Literature  (3 units)
• ENG 786 - Topics in Anglophone Literature  (3 units)
• ENG 787 - Problems in Contemporary British Literature  (3 units)
• ENG 788 - Problems in Modern Comparative Literature  (3 units)
• ENG 790 - Special Topics  (1 to 3 units)
• ENG 791 - Special Topics  (1 to 3 units)
• ENG 793 - Pedagogical Practicum in Creative Writing  (2 units)
• ENG 795: Comprehensive Exam (1 credit, see below)
• ENG 797: Thesis Study (14 or 17 credits). Students must enroll in a minimum of 17 credit hours of thesis study, or 14 for those who opt to take a fifth workshop. These hours may be split across multiple semesters (including summer). Thesis study is overseen by the chair of the student’s advisory committee.

2. Time Limit

3. advisory committee.

During the second year of study, and in consultation with the Director of Graduate Studies, MFA candidates must choose one Department of English creative writing faculty member to serve as MFA committee chair and advisor; two additional department faculty (one from creative writing, and one outside the student’s declared course of study) to serve as committee members; and a fourth committee member from outside the Department of English, chosen in consultation with the committee chair.

4. Residence

It is assumed that students in their sixth semester will be completing their thesis

projects (see below), and will likely be registered only for thesis credits.

5. Continuous Registration

Graduate School regulations require graduate students to maintain continuous registration of at least three credit hours per semester (summers excluded) to remain active in the pursuit of a degree.

6. Total Credits

The MFA requires 48 credits, all of which must be taken at the graduate level.

7. Transfer Credits

Students will only be allowed to transfer credits from previous graduate courses in exceptional circumstances, to be determined by the Department of English MFA Committee and Director of Graduate Studies. In most circumstances, no more than three graduate classes applicable to the approved program of study may be accepted from graduate courses taken at another institution and/or the University of Nevada, Reno. These courses must have been completed within the six-year time limit for the MFA degree and must be approved to count toward the degree by the MFA Committee, the Director of Graduate Studies, and the Graduate School. No previous writing workshops will count for transfer credit.

8. Seminar Requirement

MFA students are required to take all courses at the 700 level. The student may in unusual circumstances take a 600-level class in English, but only in consultation with his or her committee chair and the Director of Graduate Studies.

9. Comprehensive Examination (Written)

In order to register for 795 (the comprehensive exam), a student must have met the following requirements:

• Completed five semesters of study toward the degree;
• Met with the student's committee chair to work out plans for completing the written and oral portions of the exams;

Working closely with his or her advisory committee, at the beginning of his or her second year of study, the student will prepare a reading list of 30 works. As soon as is feasible, the student will turn in an annotated bibliography of this reading list to his or her committee. Prior to the end of his or her third year of study, the student will take a one-day written examination, prepared by the committee, focusing on ideas and concepts represented by the student's reading list and annotations. After the student has passed the written exam, the advisory committee will conduct an oral exam, not to last more than an hour and a half. The student's advisory committee is responsible for the evaluation of the exam. Graduate School regulations stipulate that if more than one negative vote is cast, the examination is failed. If this happens, the student may be allowed to repeat specific areas of the exam, or the entire exam. However, no part may be retaken more than once, and three months must elapse between attempts.

A book-length work of fiction or poetry of publishable quality, written and revised over the course of the student’s studies and under the thesis committee’s supervision. Prior to the end of the third year of study (by which time the student shall have registered for/completed 17 credits of thesis study) students will present a polished draft of the thesis to their committee for review, then (shortly after completing the Comprehensive Examination) defend the completed thesis before the full committee. The committee will then vote according to the Department of English bylaws whether to confer the MFA degree.

12. Graduation

To graduate in any given semester, the student must file an Application for Graduation by the dates specified for that semester in the University Catalog and meet that semester's deadlines for submission of the Notice of Completion and (if on the thesis plan) the final copy of the thesis to the Graduate School. Students should be aware that graduation application dates at the University of Nevada, Reno are unusually early: the deadline is generally eight weeks prior to graduation. MFA candidates may be hooded during graduation but must meet all Notice of Completion deadlines listed for Ph.D. candidates in order to do so.

12. Paperwork

The student is responsible for knowing the degree requirements and for submitting all Graduate School forms on time. Early in their graduate careers, students should become familiar with the most important of these forms: the Program of Study, the Notice of Completion, and the Application for Graduation. Most Graduate School forms are available on the Graduate School’s web site .

Contact the department for a checklist of degree requirements for the MFA English, Creative Writing Emphasis.

3.3 Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

The Department of English offers two areas of emphasis within its Ph.D. program: Literature and Rhetoric and Writing Studies. Students in each emphasis design their specific programs of study following departmental guidelines and in consultation with their advisory committees. Specializations are available in a variety of fields within each emphasis.

Applicants to the Ph.D. program must have an MA in English or its equivalent from an accredited college or university, an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0, and a cumulative graduate GPA of at least 3.5. Potential applicants without an MA in English should talk with the Director of Graduate Studies to determine whether their graduate work in a related field is comparable to that expected.

Detailed information on applying to the Ph.D. program is found here: Apply to the University of Nevada, Reno. Ph.D. admissions are entirely separate from MA admissions; completion of the MA program at the University of Nevada, Reno does not ensure admission to the Ph.D. program.

The following general requirements apply in all emphases within the Ph.D. program, except where clearly stated in the specific descriptions that follow.

All requirements must be satisfied during the eight calendar years immediately preceding the granting of the degree.

2. Advisory Committee.

As soon as practical (typically in the third semester) and in consultation with the Director of Graduate Studies, a student should choose an advisory committee and complete a Program of Study. The graduate program in English emphasizes a close working relationship between the student and his or her advisory committee. Advisory committees for doctoral students consist of a chair and two other members from the graduate faculty of the Department of English and two members from the graduate faculty in other departments.

3. Residence.

A Ph.D. degree requires a minimum of six semesters of full-time work beyond the baccalaureate degree, of which at least two successive semesters (excluding summer sessions) must be spent in full-time residence at the University of Nevada, Reno. (Full-time residence requires a minimum of nine credits per semester. Teaching assistants taking at least six credits per semester are also considered to be in full-time residence.)

4. Continuous Registration.

Graduate School regulations require graduate students to maintain continuous registration of at least three credit hours per semester to remain active in the pursuit of a degree. This means that students studying for comprehensive exams or writing dissertations must, even if they are not in residence, register for at least three credit hours (usually ENG 799) each semester (summers excluded) until they graduate.

5. Total Credits.

Candidates for the Ph.D. degree must complete a minimum of 73 graduate credits, including at least 49 credits in coursework and 24 dissertation credits beyond the baccalaureate degree. Students are required to take at least eight courses in residence, for a minimum of 24 credits. No more than 4 credits of English 736 Internship and 3 credits of ENG 791 Special Topics (Independent Study) may be counted toward the degree. Except in the case of required internships, independent study and internship credits may not be used to fulfill course requirements but may be counted for the total number of credits for degrees.

6. Transfer Credits.

A maximum of 24 credits in graduate courses with grades of B or higher may be transferred from another university and applied toward the requirements for the Ph.D. Students with a master's degree in English from another university can thus transfer as 24 credits, at most. Transfer credit requests must be approved by the student's committee chair, the Director of Graduate Studies, and the Graduate School. Whether courses taken elsewhere may substitute for specific course requirements at Nevada will be determined by the Director of Graduate Studies and/or the student's advisory committee.

7. Seminar Requirement.

Exclusive of dissertation credits, a total of 31 credits, at least 19 of which are beyond the master's degree, is required in courses numbered 700 or above.

8. Foreign Language Requirement.

Students may meet the foreign language requirement in one of two ways: 1) competence in one foreign language; or 2) coursework in linguistics and the nature of language. The choice of languages or linguistics coursework is left to the student in consultation with his or her advisory committee; preference should go to those languages that would prove most useful to the student over a lifetime of reading and research. Competence in a language is defined as completion of the equivalent of four semesters of college level work in the language with a grade of C or better in the final semester, or as completion of the second semester of a sophomore reading course with a grade of B or better. The requirement is considered satisfied when a college transcript shows such a grade in the appropriate final course (whether the earlier courses are shown or not), or when the student has passed at the appropriate level a test administered by the Department of World Languages and Literatures. As an alternative to the foreign language, the student's advisory committee may allow her or him to substitute a three-semester sequence of specified graduate courses in linguistics, language, and language-related topics from other disciplines, such as psychology or anthropology.

9. Comprehensive Examination (written)

In order to register for ENG 795 (comprehensive exam), a student must have met the following requirements:

• Completed all coursework toward the degree for the Ph.D.;
• Met the foreign language requirement for the student's degree and area of emphasis;

After completing coursework and the foreign language requirement, the Ph.D. student must pass a comprehensive examination, consisting of a written test and an oral review. The options for Ph.D. exams in each program emphasis are detailed under “Specific Requirements” below. The student's advisory committee is responsible for the evaluation of the exam. Graduate School regulations stipulate that if more than one negative vote is cast, the examination is failed. If this happens, the student may be allowed to repeat specific areas of the exam, or the entire exam. However, no part may be retaken more than once, and three months must elapse between attempts.

10. Comprehensive Examination (oral)

After passing the written exam, the student must also pass an oral examination, administered by his or her advisory committee and lasting approximately two hours. The oral exam will review the written exam and--in the Rhetoric and Writing Studies emphases--the student's writing portfolio (described in the "Specific Requirements" pages). As with the written examination, a failed oral exam may be retaken only once. Students who have completed all coursework, finished the foreign language requirement, and passed both the comprehensive written and oral exams are formally admitted to Ph.D. candidacy. The student must register for ENG 795, Comprehensive Examination, and one credit in the semester he or she will be completing the oral exam.

11. Dissertation.

Candidates for the Ph.D. degree must present a dissertation that makes a significant scholarly or critical contribution to knowledge. A dissertation prospectus must be submitted to and approved by the candidate’s advisory committee before work begins on the dissertation. Typically this prospectus will include a bibliography and an extensive description of contents. Since the dissertation requires close and constant supervision by the chair of the advisory committee, the candidate should develop the dissertation in residence. When considerable progress has already been made, the candidate may be permitted to complete the dissertation elsewhere, under such arrangements as his or her advisory committee may specify and the Graduate Dean approves. In the process of working on the dissertation, each candidate must register for at least twenty-four credits of dissertation under ENG 799.

Documentation and bibliography should follow the current MLA Style Manual or Chicago Manual of Style . The Graduate School has formatting requirements and submission guidelines . Students doing research involving human subjects must check with the Office of Human Subjects Research in Ross Hall regarding necessary protocols and review procedures.

12. Dissertation Defense (final oral examination).

After the dissertation has been accepted by the candidate's advisory committee, an oral examination specifically covering the dissertation and related topics will be administered. The student must pass this oral exam with not more than one dissenting vote of his advisory committee. The oral exam may be repeated once, but at least three months must elapse between attempts.

13. Graduation.

To graduate in any given semester, the student must file an Application for Graduation by the dates specified for that semester in the University Catalog and meet that semester's deadlines for submission of the Notice of Completion and the final copy of the dissertation to the Graduate School. Students should be aware that graduation application dates at the University of Nevada, Reno are unusually early: the deadline is generally eight weeks prior to graduation .

14. Paperwork.

The student is responsible for knowing the degree requirements and for submitting all Graduate School forms on time. Early in their graduate careers, students should become familiar with the most important of these Graduate School Forms : the Graduate Credit Transfer Evaluation Request, the Program of Study, and the Admission to Candidacy/Comprehensive Examination Report, the Application for Graduation, and the Notice of Completion.

Ph.D. Literature emphasis, specific requirements

The Ph.D. Literature emphasis is designed for people planning to pursue careers in scholarship and teaching at the college or university level. It is a rigorous but flexible emphasis in which individual programs of study are shaped through collaboration between the Ph.D. student and his or her advisory committee. Students in the program are strongly encouraged to participate in professional activities, including academic conferences.

See the section on general doctoral degree requirements.

• Research Methods. ENG 711, Introduction to Graduate Study, is required and must be taken at the first opportunity; it is customarily taught each fall semester. Students who have had a graduate-level research methods course at another university should consult with the Director of Graduate Studies to see whether that course fulfills this requirement.
• Elective Courses. The Ph.D. Literature emphasis does not require a specific core of courses. Rather, the student and his or her advisory committee plan a course of study, considering the student's prior coursework, primary areas of interest, planned examination fields, and long-term professional aspirations.

3. Comprehensive Examination.

Each student in the literature emphasis will take comprehensive exams in three areas: period, genre and (theoretical) method. The format for taking the exam is determined by the student and his or her advisory committee. Exams, which are open book, are offered in the following format: the student will write the exams in three areas and will not take longer than a month to complete them. The student will have eight hours to complete each exam. The student should plan to spend about four hours writing a response for each exam and about four hours planning, freewriting, outlining, revising, polishing, and proofreading for each exam. The exam should be no longer than 20 pages. Committee members should keep these time constraints in mind when drafting questions. At the conclusion of the exam period, the student will email the chair the completed exam in .docx or PDF format.

• Period: Periods may be selected from the following list: Old English, Middle English, Renaissance-to-1600 (including all of Shakespeare), 17th-century British (including all of Shakespeare), 18th-century British, 19th-century British, 20th-century British, 20th-and-21st century global Anglophone, American to 1890, American since 1890, or a field of linguistics or philology to be defined by the student and his or her advisory committee. Students will be expected to be familiar with the literature, the literary history, and the intellectual history of the chosen period.
• Genre: Genres may be selected from the following list: poetry, drama, fiction, intellectual prose, or a field of linguistics or philology to be defined by the student and his or her advisory committee. Students will be expected to know the major theories pertaining to their chosen genre and the literature within their genre in the historical periods immediately preceding and immediately following their period of specialization.
• Theory/Method: Theories and methods refer to a body of ideas and intellectual traditions that help reveal new perspectives about a literary text. Some examples of theory/method include feminism, Marxism, critical race theory, postcolonial theory, post-structuralism, queer theory and cultural studies. Students will be expected to know the major authors and texts of a given theoretical tradition and be able to apply theories to literary texts.

The written comprehensive examinations will be followed by an oral examination, as described under general requirements. The student must register for ENG 795, Comprehensive Examination, one credit, the semester they will be completing the oral exam.

4. Dissertation Defense (final oral examination).

After the dissertation has been accepted by the candidate's advisory committee, the committee will conduct an oral examination dealing with the dissertation and related topics. The defense will be approximately two hours in length.

Contact the department for a checklist of degree requirements for the Ph.D. English, Literature Emphasis.

Ph.D. Rhetoric and Writing Studies emphasis, specific requirements

The Ph.D. Rhetoric and Writing Studies emphasis is intended for people planning to pursue careers in scholarship, teaching, and program administration at the college or university level. The emphasis offers a core of work in rhetoric and writing theory, coupled with focused study in other fields of English language and literature, with possibilities for interdisciplinary study as well.

Students in the program are active in professional activities of various kinds, e.g., publishing, participating in conferences, and serving as interns in community agencies, educational institutions, or businesses.

• Research Methods. ENG 730, Intro to Graduate Study in Rhetoric and Writing Studies, or a comparable course at the MA level, is required and should be taken at the first opportunity. It is customarily offered each fall semester.
• Core Courses. ENG 731, Research in Composition and Rhetoric; and EITHER ENG 733, Classical through Medieval Rhetoric, OR ENG 739, Renaissance through Contemporary Rhetoric.
• ENG 603A - Advanced Creative Writing: Fiction I  (3 units)
• ENG 603B - Advanced Creative Writing: Fiction II  (3 units)
• ENG 604A - Advanced Creative Writing: Poetry I  (3 units)
• ENG 604B - Advanced Creative Writing: Poetry II  (3 units)
• Additional Area. The student also develops expertise in another area, typically in a field of literature or language, but with interdisciplinary study possible as well.
• The student will complete a practicum or internship approved by the committee, including applied work in the field, documentation of that experience, writing a paper and participating in a public forum discussing the implications of the internship. The internship may be taken for credit as ENG 736.

The comprehensive examination process serves as the endpoint of Ph.D. coursework and is the last formal step before the evaluation of the dissertation prospectus. It is coordinated and evaluated by the candidate’s committee.

The comprehensive examination is based upon three reading lists that together comprise a total of 80-120 sources. These lists should be composed by the student in collaboration with the student’s chair and committee. The first list is the primary or major area and represents mostly canonical work. The other two lists represent particular areas of expertise directly relevant to the student’s dissertation work. Generally, at least 40 of the sources are monographs.

Exams are generally taken in the spring semester of the third year of the Ph.D. program and should be completed no later than the end of the fall semester of the student’s fourth year. The timing of the exams must be agreed upon between the student, adviser, and committee well in advance.

The comprehensive examination consists of three components: three timed questions; a longer paper; and an oral examination. These three components together span roughly 10 weeks including evaluation time. The oral examination should be scheduled to take place no earlier than two weeks (14 days) and no later than four weeks (28 days) after the evaluation of the written components is returned. The written examinations must be passed by the committee for the oral examination to take place. Committees should give their evaluation of each component within a two-week (14-day) window. All three exams must be passed by the last day of instruction in the chosen semester for a Satisfactory grade to be entered for ENG 795.

Advancement to Ph.D. candidacy is determined by (a) a Satisfactory grade recorded for ENG 795; and (b) the signing and filing of the “Doctoral Degree Admission to Candidacy/Comprehensive Examination Report” form, available at the Graduate School website . The Prospectus process begins immediately after the candidate is advanced (see “Dissertation” above under General Requirements).

The specific procedures for the three examination components are as follows and should proceed in order:

First Component: Three timed written exams

• This portion of the exam will consist of three written questions, answered in separate 24-hour sessions. These 24-hour sessions will be scheduled by the student and chair but must take place within four weeks (28 days).
• While each student has their own writing process, appropriate time should be allotted to prewriting, writing, revising, editing, and proofreading.
• The three questions will come from sets approved by the student’s committee. The first set will pertain primarily to the student’s first/canonical list while the second and third set of questions will primarily examine the secondary and tertiary lists...
• On each writing day, the chair will email the student one question set. This email marks the beginning of the 24-hour response period.
• On each scheduled date, the student will select one question from the emailed set to answer. The response should be 15-25 pages in length, depending on the number of texts engaged. Any sources used must be acknowledged in the text, but formal, formatted citations are not required.

Second Component: Essay

• This component is executed simultaneously with the timed exams and is to be submitted no later than two weeks prior to the scheduled oral defense.
• The essay may be entirely new material, but it is more common for a student to take a seminar paper they have written and develop it toward publication.
• The essay should be of typical length for a journal article; generally 20-30 pages.
• In the essay, the student should articulate the conversation that has taken place about a particular scholarly problem in the field of Rhetoric & Composition; the student should enter that conversation with a clear, focused analytical argument; the student should primarily employ relevant sources from the Comprehensive lists, though some outside sources, particularly primary sources, may appear.
• Committees may advise on the formulation of the topic for the essay before writing begins. However, they will not provide any kind of written outline or template for the essay; nor will they answer questions about the essay or read drafts of it during the writing period.
• The essay should be formatted as an MS for submission to a journal, including an abstract, citations for all source material, and a works-cited list in an appropriate disciplinary style (usually MLA, but Chicago and APA are also acceptable depending on the sub-field of Rhetoric & Composition).

Third Component: Oral exam

• This portion of the exam will begin with a 20-minute presentation in which the student narrates their scholarly development up to this point in their academic career.
• This narrative should be a coherent, focused argument about the student’s scholarly identity that articulates the importance and relevance of their interests to the field.
• This narrative presentation will be followed by a 1-hour session during which committee members will ask questions pertaining to the student’s project and to the combined reading list.
• This component of the examination process will be an opportunity for committee members to follow up on any concerns or omissions related to the narrative presentation or to the written components of the examination.

After the dissertation has been accepted by the candidate's advisory committee, the committee will conduct an oral examination dealing with the dissertation and related topics. The defense will be approximately one and one-half to two hours in length.

Contac the department for a checklist of degree requirements for the Ph.D. English, Rhetoric and Writing Studies Emphasis.

3.4 Graduate School academic requirements

All graduate students must maintain a cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0. If their GPA drops below 3.0 they are either placed on probation or dismissed. Undergraduate courses will not count towards graduate GPA.

View Graduate School requirements

Students whose cumulative graduate GPA is 0.1 to 0.6 points below that needed for a 3.0 GPA are put on probation. Students are placed on academic probation for one semester. If they fail to raise their cumulative GPA to 3.0 by the end of one semester, they are dismissed from their graduate program. Thesis, dissertation, S/U graded credits, and transfer credits have no impact on a student’s GPA.

Students whose cumulative graduate GPA is 0.7 or more grade points below that needed for a 3.0 GPA are dismissed. Dismissed students are no longer in a graduate program but may take graduate-level courses as a Grad Special. Students wishing to complete their degree must obtain approval to take graduate-level courses, raise their graduate GPA to at least 3.0 and then re-apply to a graduate program. Any courses taken to raise their GPA will be included in the graduate special/ transfer credit limitation (9 credits for master’s degrees).

Please refer to Nevada System of Higher Education CODE on Student Program Dismissal Procedures (SPDP) and review conference policies: (NSHE CODE, Chapter 11, Sections 1-3). If program dismissal is based upon failure to maintain required grades or a required GPA as described above, SPDP does not apply and the student may be summarily dismissed from the English graduate program.

4. Timeline for degree completion

4.1 master’s degrees.

All coursework must be completed within six years preceding the awarding of the degree.

Sample Timeline: MA (two years)

• Read degree requirements (general and program-specific) on English Web site and Graduate School Web site
• Read the Graduate Student Survival Handbook on the Graduate School Web site
• Meet with Director of Graduate Studies in English in the early weeks of the semester
• Meet twice with appointed faculty mentor
• Plan approach to fulfill the requirements for your degree (including language requirements)
• Submit Transfer Credit Evaluation form (if applicable) to Director of Graduate Studies
• Meet and talk with faculty members who share your interests
• If you do not have a TA but wish to, apply (or reapply) for the TA by the deadline
• Choose a committee chair, and in consultation with chair form rest of your committee; use DocuSign to submit Declaration of Advisor/Major Advisor/Committee Chair form
• Check progress toward degree requirements, including foreign language requirement
• In consultation with committee chair, consider the thesis vs. non-thesis option (if you choose thesis, begin to consider topics)
• Draft Program of Study for approval of Director of Graduate Studies; submit it through DocuSign
• Begin focusing plans for the MA comprehensive exam/final project(s)/thesis
• Continue preparation for exam/final project(s)/thesis
• Consider doing a summer internship, field institute, or volunteer work
• Consider and begin to research longer-term goals (more graduate school vs. careers, etc.)
• Continue taking language classes if requirements not yet met

Second Year

• Meet with chair early to discuss progress through degree
• Prepare for the MA comprehensive exam and/or work on final project(s)/thesis
• Apply to graduate schools with early deadlines (if applicable)
• Finish coursework
• Apply to graduate schools and/or jobs
• Complete comprehensive exam/final project(s)/thesis
• Submit application for graduation to Graduate School early
• Submit Notice of Completion (and thesis) by Graduate School deadline

Note: A teaching assistantship in the MA program may be held for a maximum of two years. The MA degree must be completed within six years from the time the student first earns graduate credits that you apply toward the degree. This timeline represents a very general model for your progress toward the degree. Students should keep medium- and long-range goals in mind, and consult frequently with their mentor/chair.

Sample Timeline: MFA (three years)

• Read degree requirements, general and MFA-specific, on English website and Graduate School website
• Read the Graduate School Survival Handbook on the Graduate School website.
• Meet twice with faculty mentor
• Meet and talk with faculty who share your interests, even if you’re not taking classes with them
• Submit Transfer Credit Evaluation form (if applicable) to Director of Graduate Studies.
• In consultation with faculty mentor, plan approach to fulfill MFA requirements
• If you do not have a TA but wish to, apply (or reapply) for the TA by the deadline.
• Meet with faculty mentor to strategize the creation of a committee and reading list.
• Attend AWP conference in April; seek out other venues for networking and professionalization
• Begin submitting work for publication, if you have not already, and continue to do so throughout your time in the program
• Consider doing a summer internship or volunteer work
• Begin to think about the shape of your thesis and whom you might want to chair, and sit on, your committee
• In consultation with chair, establish the rest of your committee.
• In consultation with chair, establish reading list for comprehensive examination and plan for summer work to develop and focus plans for the thesis.
• Take an interdepartmental elective in a field related to your literary interests or the subject of your thesis.
• In consultation with committee chair and Director of Graduate Studies, prepare Program of Study form and file it with Graduate School.
• In consultation with committee chair, prepare thesis prospectus and submit it to full committee for approval
• Read, or reread, the texts on your list.
• Begin work on annotated bibliography.
• Consider and begin to research longer-term goals (more graduate school versus immediate job search, publishing goals, etc.).
• Begin writing/compiling/revising thesis
• Meet with chair early to discuss progress toward degree.
• Continue work on thesis.
• Prepare for, and take, comprehensive exam.
• Apply to graduate schools with early deadlines (if applicable).
• Finish coursework.
• Complete and submit thesis.
• Apply to graduate schools and/or jobs.
• Submit application for graduation
• Defend thesis.
• Submit Notice of Completion to Graduate School

Note: A teaching assistantship in the MFA program may be held for a maximum of three years. The MFA degree must be completed within six years from the time the student first earns graduate credits that you apply toward the degree. This timeline represents a very general model for your progress toward the degree. Students should keep medium- and long-range goals in mind, and consult frequently with their mentor/chair.

4.2 Doctoral degrees

All coursework must be completed within eight years preceding the awarding of the degree. Credits transferred into doctoral degree from a completed master’s degree are exempt from this eight-year limit.

Sample Timeline: Ph.D.

• Read degree requirements (general and program-specific) on English website and Graduate School website
• Submit Transfer Credit Evaluation form to Director of Graduate Studies
• Check progress toward degree requirements, including foreign languages
• Start thinking about who you might want to chair your committee and about fields for your exams
• Consider applying for internships, volunteer work that gives professional experience
• Consider attending a professional conference and/or joining a few professional organizations
• Consider and begin to research possible scholarly focus areas
• Continue language classes if requirements not met
• Check progress toward degree requirements, including foreign language requirements
• Discuss comprehensive exams with your chair and begin planning your approach
• Become more professionally involved (memberships, internships, conferences, etc.)
• Complete coursework and any outstanding requirements (foreign language, etc.)
• In consultation with chair, complete reading list for exams
• Continue preparing for comprehensive exams
• Become more professionally active (presenting work, publishing book reviews, etc.)
• Complete any outstanding coursework or requirements (foreign language, etc.)
• Complete comprehensive exams this year
• When comp exams are passed, submit Admission to Candidacy form to Graduate School
• In consultation with chair, begin to determine dissertation topic
• Draft a dissertation prospectus
• Talk with your chair about the following issues:
• Presenting papers at conferences and making professional connections
• Sending out an essay or two for publication
• Applying for grants and fellowships
• Attend department Academic Job Placement Workshop
• After you have completed comprehensive exams, consider diversifying teaching

Fourth Year

• Get dissertation prospectus approved by committee if you haven’t already done so
• Determine dissertation completion timeline with your chair
• Consider sending out modified dissertation chapters for publication
• Continue presenting papers at conferences and making professional connections
• Familiarize yourself with the job market and application procedures
• Draft strong c.v., cover letter, writing sample(s), statement of teaching philosophy
• Continue to diversify teaching experiences
• Consider applying for research and/or dissertation fellowships
• Consider attending the MLA (and/or CCCC) conference
• Complete your dissertation
• Defend your dissertation
• Participate in department Academic Job Placement Workshop
• Revise c.v., cover letter, writing sample(s), statement of teaching philosophy
• Establish a dossier and solicit letters of recommendation
• Go on the job market
• Plan to attend the MLA (and/or CCCC) conference for job interviews
• Continue applying for jobs through spring
• Submit dissertation to Graduate School

Note: A teaching assistantship in the Ph.D. program may be held for a maximum of three years. The Ph.D. degree must be completed within six years from the time the student first earns graduate credits that you apply toward the degree. This timeline represents a very general model for your progress toward the degree. Students should keep medium- and long-range goals in mind, and consult frequently with their mentor/chair.

5. Committee selection guidelines

The student advisory committee assists the chair in writing and evaluating comprehensive exams, theses and dissertations (including prospecti), and oral defenses. Members sign all milestone degree completion forms. The relationship and communication between the student and members of the advisory committee should be approved by the student’s chair; some committee members may wish to be more involved in the drafting of dissertations and theses than others, but the committee chair should always be the student’s first point of contact.

In consultation with their chair, students should form their advisory committees in their second semester (MA) or their third semester (MFA and Ph.D.). The Graduate School requires committee formation no later than the third semester (MA) or the fourth (MFA and Ph.D.).

5.2 Doctoral programs

Consist of a minimum of five graduate faculty members; the chair, at least two faculty members from the student’s major department/program, at least one faculty member from a department in a field related to the student’s major, and at least one Graduate School representative.

In case of interdisciplinary graduate programs, the Graduate School Representative cannot have a primary appointment in the same department (or other appropriate major unit) as the student's committee chair.

Formal approval of all student advisory committees is made by the Graduate Dean.

6. Graduate assistantships

Graduate students may apply for teaching assistantships, which will allow them the opportunity to teach first-year composition and sophomore-level humanities courses. Our TA training program provides supportive mentorship and a research-based pedagogical foundation. Doctoral candidates may also have the opportunity to teach courses in their fields. Both masters and doctoral students are eligible for funding to support their professional presentations at academic conferences. Summer Research Assistantships provide an opportunity to work with faculty on their research projects.

All graduate students holding an assistantship (teaching GTA or GRA) are considered Nevada residents for tuition purposes. Non-resident tuition is only waived for the duration of the assistantship. To be eligible for an assistantship, students must be admitted to a degree-granting program and be in good academic standing. The student must have an overall GPA of at least 3.0 and must be continuously enrolled in at least 6 graduate level credits (600-700) throughout the duration of the assistantship. 

State-funded assistantships (GTA/GRA) may be held for a maximum of: three (3) years for master’s degree students and five (5) years for doctoral degree students.

6.1 How to Apply for a Teaching Assistantship

New applicants.

New applicants to the English Graduate Program may apply for a Teaching Assistantship at the same time as they apply for admission.

Current Students

If openings exist, current students may apply for a Teaching Assistantship every semester. Students who have applied before but have not been appointed to a Teaching Assistantship, or who would like to apply for renewal of a short-term assistantship, must reapply. See below for deadlines and instructions.

Fall TA: complete applications are due January 15.

Spring TA: complete applications are due October 1.

Applications that are not complete by these deadlines will not be considered.

Required Materials

• An application letter, which should be specifically aimed at making clear the applicant’s current experiences, qualifications, and/or ambitions as a teacher.
• Application for Teaching Assistantship
• Three letters of recommendation written within the last year, which if possible should address the applicant’s current experiences, qualifications, and/or ambitions as a teacher. (If you plan to re-use letters from a previous application, ask Kim Boehner to transfer them to your new application file.)

Where to Submit your TA Application

Current students should submit their TA application to the current Director of Graduate Studies, via email, before the deadline. Letters of Recommendation can be sent by email directly to the DGS. 

The most updated information on graduate assistantships is available from the Graduate School:   General information   and the   Graduate Assistantship handbook .

7. Additional funding

Graduate students have multiple opportunities for financial aid at the University.

The English Department offers a variety of annual awards and scholarships. The Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships provides information and assistance in applying for loans and University merit-based scholarships. The University’s Graduate Student Association also provides its own scholarships, grants, and loans to qualified graduate students.

On-campus employment opportunities are available at the University. Teaching Assistants who wish to take on additional work must get approval for an overload (see the FAQ section).

For additional financial aid options, see the list of external funding opportunities, below.

7.1 English Department Support

In addition to Teaching Assistantships, other forms of financial support are available through the English Department, including Letter-of-Appointment teaching, Travel Awards, Summer Research Assistantships, Scholarships, and Fellowships.

7.2 Letter-of-Appointment Teaching

LOAs teach first-year courses on a part-time, course-by-course basis. If you are interested in applying to teach as an LOA, please contact the English Department's Core Writing Program . In addition to being paid for the courses they teach, LOAs receive reduced tuition, for up to six credits, equal to the number of credits they are teaching. For example, if an LOA teaches a 3-credit course, then the tuition for 3 of the graduate credits he or she is taking that semester is reduced.

7.3 Travel Awards

Graduate students may apply for up to $400 per year toward travel to a conference at which they are presenting a paper.

7.4 Summer Research Assistantships

Continuing graduate students are eligible to apply for a summer research assistantship, designed to provide supplemental financial assistance, to give students an opportunity to gain experience in various academic fields, and to help prepare them to undertake their own future research projects. SRAs pay $15 per hour up to a maximum of $1200 (80 hours) for a student to work on a faculty member's summer research project.

7.5 Scholarships and Fellowships

The English Department awards a variety of annual scholarships and fellowships, including the Douglass Memorial Scholarship for teaching, the Ronald Memorial Dissertation Fellowship, the Macmillan and DQ Scholarships for writing, and the Leonard Scholarship for academic excellence. We also have had good success nominating our students for University and system-wide scholarships, such as Access Scholarships and the Regents Outstanding Scholar Award.

7.7 Graduate Student Association

Located in the Fitzgerald Student Services Building , the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships is an indispensable resource for students looking to fund their educations.

The Office provides information and assistance on a variety of student financial aid issues, including applying and receiving student loans, filling out the FAFSA, and links to University and external merit-based scholarships. Additionally, the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships, in collaboration with the Graduate School, administers a limited number of general scholarships for graduate students.

The Graduate Student Association (GSA) at the University of Nevada, Reno is one of the main sources of financial aid for the University’s graduate student population. Each spring semester, the GSA sponsors an awards program for outstanding UNIVERSITY graduate students, and awards scholarships and grants in several categories, including research, teaching, and mentoring.

In addition to merit-based scholarships and loans, the GSA also provides travel grants to graduate students attending professional conferences and offers a number of need-based scholarships, grants, and loans for current graduate students, including scholarships for childcare and medical hardships, loans for purchasing computer equipment, and grants for students experiencing unexpected financial crises. Additionally, the GSA Household Items program collects and distributes various furniture items and other household necessities for current graduate students. Visit the GSA website or in person at the Joe Crowley Student Union .

7.8 Writing & Speaking Center

The University Writing & Speaking Center provides writing assistance to the University’s entire student population, from undergraduate to graduate, at any stage of the writing process. Writing tutors assist students via one-on-one peer consultation or small group instruction.

The Writing Center is partially funded by student fees, and staffed entirely by a team of committed undergraduate and graduate students. New writing consultants are hired at the end of each semester. Find employment opportunities on the Writing & Speaking Center website .

7.9 Extramural Scholarships and Fellowships

Below is a brief listing of some of the many national and local financial aid opportunities available to qualified graduate students.

External search websites

Grapes: search engine for graduate funding.

The UCLA Graduate Division has an open search engine to identify funding sources for graduate students and postdocs. The UCLA GRAPES database contains information on over 500 private and publicly funded awards, fellowships, and internships for prospective and current graduate students and postdoctoral scholars.

Advanced search options allow users to refine their search by field, academic level, award type, award amount, and other criteria.

Humanities Fellowships for ABDs

Charlotte w. newcombe doctoral dissertation fellowships.

The Charlotte W. Newcombe Doctoral Dissertation Fellowships are designed to encourage original and significant study of ethical or religious values in all fields of the humanities and social sciences, and particularly to help Ph.D. candidates in these fields complete their dissertation work in a timely manner.

Henry Frank Guggenheim Emerging Scholar Awards

The foundation welcomes proposals from any of the natural and social sciences and the humanities that promise to increase understanding of the causes, manifestations, and control of violence, aggression, and dominance. Highest priority is given to research that can increase understanding and amelioration of urgent problems of violence, aggression, and dominance in the modern world.

Jacob K. Javits Fellowships Program

This program provides fellowships to students of superior academic ability—selected on the basis of demonstrated achievement, financial need, and exceptional promise—to undertake study at the doctoral and Master of Fine Arts level in selected fields of arts, humanities, and social sciences.

Mellon Fellowships for Dissertation Research in the Humanities and Original Sources

The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation fellowships are for students in the humanities or in a related element of the social sciences who are planning to do dissertation research primarily in original source material in the holdings of archives, libraries, historical societies, museums, related repositories, or a combination.

Mellon Foundation/American Council of Learned Societies Dissertation Completion Fellowship

This program assists graduate students in the humanities or related social sciences in the last year of Ph.D. dissertation writing. Students must have completed all requirements for the Ph.D. except the dissertation.

Spencer Foundation Dissertation Fellowships

The Dissertation Fellowship Program seeks to encourage a new generation of scholars from a wide range of disciplines and professional fields to undertake research relevant to the improvement of education.

Grants for Women

American association of university women (aauw) fellowships.

The AAUW Educational Foundation supports aspiring scholars around the globe, teachers and activists in local communities, women at critical stages of their careers, and those pursuing professions where women are underrepresented. AAUW offers a variety of fellowships to both international and American female students. 

Margaret McNamara Memorial Fund Grants

Margaret McNamara Memorial Fund (MMMF) awards grants to outstanding women from developing countries, who are completing degrees at U.S./Canadian universities, and are committed to improving the wellbeing of women and children in developing countries.

Grants for Minority Students

Ford foundation predoctoral fellowships for minorities.

Ford Foundation Predoctoral Fellowships for Minorities are three-year awards in the fields of behavioral and social sciences, literature and languages, history, philosophy and religion, life sciences, chemistry, earth sciences, physics and astronomy, engineering, mathematics and computer science. There are around 40 of these awards, which are open to U.S. citizens or nationals who are members of the following minority groups: Alaskan Natives (Eskimo or Aleut), Native American Indians, Black/African Americans, Mexican Americans/Chicanos, Native Pacific Islanders (Polynesian or Micronesian) and Puerto Ricans.

8. Health Insurance

All domestic degree-seeking graduate students, who are enrolled in six or more credits (regardless of the course level) in a semester, will be automatically enrolled and billed for the University-sponsored health insurance for each term they are eligible (fall and spring/summer). If a student has other comparable coverage and would like to waive out of the student health insurance, it is the student’s responsibility to complete the University online waiver form prior to the deadline. If approved, a health insurance waiver is good for the current academic year only. A new waiver must be submitted each academic year. All international graduate students are required to carry student health insurance, and the cost will be automatically added to your student account. Any international graduate students with insurance questions must contact the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS)  directly.

9. Leave of Absence

The Graduate School grants a Leave of Absence for medical reasons and other emergencies. Leaves of Absence are treated the same as Withdrawals for financial aid purposes. If the student returns to his/her study prior to the date indicated on the Leave of Absence Application, he/she needs to request to the Grad School to be reinstated. Note that the Graduate School’s clock still ticks during the student’s Leave—6 years for MAs, 8 years for Ph.D.s.

Continuous Enrollment: To maintain “good standing” all graduate students are required to enroll in a minimum of three (3) graduate credits each fall and spring semester until they graduate. International students may be required to enroll in nine graduate credits each fall and spring semester depending on the requirements of their visa. All students holding assistantships (whether teaching or research assistantships) are required to enroll in a minimum of six (6) graduate credits each semester they hold the assistantship.

Leave of Absence: Students in good standing may request a leave of absence by completing a   Leave of Absence form   during which time they are not required to maintain continuous registration. Usually, a leave of absence is approved for one or two semesters. The leave of absence request may be extended by the student filing an additional leave of absence form. Students applying for a leave of absence should not have any “incomplete” grades which could be changed to “F” and have a detrimental impact on their cumulative GPA. Requests for leave of absence must be received by the Graduate School no later than the last day of enrollment for the semester the leave is to begin.

Reinstatement: When a student has been absent for one semester or more without an approved leave of absence, he or she may request reinstatement via the   Reinstatement form . This form allows the program the option to recommend the student be re-admitted to their graduate program based on their previous admission OR require the student to re-apply for admission which would require students to submit a new application for admission and pay the application fee. The Notice of Reinstatement to Graduate Standing must be received by the Graduate School no later than the last day of enrollment for the semester the reinstatement is to begin.

10. Graduate Student Association

The  Graduate Student Association represents all graduate students and promotes the welfare and interests of the graduate students at the University of Nevada, Reno. The GSA works closely with appropriate University administrative offices, including the Graduate School and Student Services and reports to the President of the University. The GSA government functions through the Council of Representatives, Executive Council and established committees.

The Graduate Student Association functions as one of our graduate students’ greatest support services, offering funding to attend conferences, computer loans, and low-cost household items. In addition, the GSA offers a variety of loans and merit-based scholarships to graduate students.

GSA sponsors a number of social events throughout the semester, including a beginning-of-the-semester wine and cheese social, and an end-of-the-semester breakfast and massage.

Visit the GSA online in person at the Joe Crowley Student Union .

11. Campus Resources

The University of Nevada, Reno is dedicated to providing its students with all the resources they need to have a successful academic career. The University is a Research One university, and students have access to extensive print and media-based resources at the Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center, the main University library.

Graduate students looking to take courses and get involved beyond the English Department may be interested in the University’s Gender, Race, and Identity Program. Students seeking options for additional funding, or for social, academic, and leadership opportunities can find them through the University’s Graduate Student Association. Additional support services and social opportunities can be found through the Center for Student Cultural Diversity, which welcomes all University students.

Visit Around Campus for a virtual tour of the University campus, including 360° panoramas.

11.1 Library

An indispensable resource on the University campus, the Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center combines traditional library resources with new digital and multimedia technologies. At 295,000 square feet and five stories tall, the Knowledge Center is both the intellectual and cultural hub of the University campus.

In the main library, the Knowledge Center houses over 1 million volumes of books and journals, plus 15,000+ electronic journals and a growing collection of electronic books. In Special Collections, researchers have access to manuscripts, architectural records, and historical maps, in addition to more than 200,000 photographs, and over 20,000 volumes of historical, rare, and artists’ books. If you still can’t find what you’re looking for, the Knowledge Center has excellent Interlibrary Loan agreements to make sure you always have access to all the research materials you need. Visit the University Libraries page for more information.

Additionally, the Knowledge Center is the home to the Nevada Writers Hall of Fame  the @One Digital Media and Technology Center , and the Basque Library and Center for Basque Studies , the only Center for Basque Studies in the United States.

The Knowledge Center also contains a 163-seat auditorium with a stage, an art gallery, a sculpture garden, and special exhibit areas.

The Knowledge Center is an ideal study location as there are computers available throughout the library featuring extensive online databases, multiple group study rooms, and quiet study locations. Graduate students have dedicated study space within the Faculty & Graduate Reading Room, a large, spacious, and comfortable area located on the fourth floor of the Knowledge Center. Private study carrels may be reserved on an annual basis.

Bytes Cafe, which serves the popular Peet’s Coffee, is easily accessible on the main floor of the library. Additional food and drink concessions are available next door at the Joe Crowley Student Union .

11.2 Gender, Race, and Identity Program

The Gender, Race and Identity (GRI) program is an umbrella of several majors and minors, with a graduate certificate program as well as an MA degree, designed to enhance students’ understanding of the roles gender, race, and difference have played in shaping history, culture, and identity. The program is designed to enrich participants’ scholarly understanding of these issues and is open to graduate students from multiple disciplines across campus, including English.

Students wishing to earn a GRI Certificate as part of their graduate studies must complete 12 credits of approved coursework.

11.3 Multicultural Center

The Multicultural Center is a critical hub of cultural, LGBTQIA+, gender-focused services, programs, and social justice initiatives that support student success and increase graduation rates of students at the University of Nevada, Reno. The Center empowers students to be innovative colleagues in creating a better-integrated community at the University and beyond.

All programs and services are offered at no cost and include: academic advisement, leadership development, retention services, financial management counseling, career and major exploration, time management, goal setting, and study skills training. Additionally, the Center sponsors a number of intercultural student organizations, while students who wish to simply study or relax can do so in the Center’s computer lab, study area, or plasma TV, Blu-Ray, and video game lounge.

12. Policies: Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to the most commonly asked questions about rules and regulations as well as the most important policies that apply to graduate students in English. If you have a question not answered here, please contact the Director of Graduate Studies.

12.1 Audits

To audit a class the student must sign up through Admissions & Records . You cannot sign up for an audit through MyNevada. Audit credits DO count toward the 6 credits required to maintain a TA-ship or the 3 credits required to maintain active standing. But audit credits do not count toward the total number of credits required for the degree, and audited courses may not be used to fulfill degree requirements. Audit credits are not always covered by Grant-in-Aid. Although audited courses cannot be applied to a degree program, they do appear on a student’s transcript.

12.2 Comprehensive exam (795), Thesis (797), and Dissertation (799) enrollment

To enroll in the Comprehensive Exam (795), students must have completed their foreign language requirement(s) and filed their Program of Study. To enroll in thesis (797) or dissertation (799) hours, students must have filed their Program of Study. Permission forms to register for these course numbers are available in NevadaBox and require your chair's signature.

12.3 Deadlines

The two most important sources for information about deadlines are the Graduate School’s website and the University Academic calendar, accessible from your MyNevada webpage. It is a good idea to consult these sources every semester, print the pages, and record key dates in your planner. Here are the links:

• Graduate School’s List of Graduation Deadlines
• Academic Calendar

12.4 Grant-in-Aid caps for TAs, and Letters of Exception

The Graduate School’s Grant-in-Aid for TAs is capped at 9 credits per semester, but exceptions can be made. If your curricular needs are such that you plan to enroll in more than 9 credits in a given semester, notify the Director of Graduate Studies a semester in advance, explaining what courses you will be taking and how they contribute to your graduate program. Pending approval of your request, the Director of Graduate Studies will send a Letter of Exception to the Graduate School, which will consider making an exception to the 9-credit fee waiver cap. There is a processing time involved, so notify the Director of Graduate Studies as soon as you know what courses you plan to take.

12.5 Grant-in-Aid for Foreign Language courses

If you are a TA and are registered for a foreign language course to meet requirements for your degree, you should notify the Director of Graduate Studies of the course. The Director of Graduate Studies will send a Letter of Request to the Graduate School, which will then consider covering your foreign language course through a grant-in-aid fee reduction. However, the Graduate School does not grant fee reductions for an open-enrollment course through the University department of Online and Independent Learning. Summer foreign language courses are not covered by grant-in-aid.

12.6 Incompletes for 795, the Comprehensive Exam

If a student does not take the exam in the semester for which he or she registered, the instructor assigns a grade of “I” (incomplete), and the student may take the exam the following semester without reregistering. After the student takes the exam, the instructor uses a “Change of Grade” form to submit the grade. 

If the student does not take the exam the following semester, the Incomplete will revert to a “U” (Unsatisfactory = Fail) unless an Incomplete Extension form is filed. That form is available from Admissions and Records (in person—it is not online).

12.7 Internships (ENG 736)

The steps to setting up an internship are as follows:

• Enlist an English Department faculty member to supervise the internship.
• Choose an internship and a site supervisor.
• Write an internship proposal that both the faculty supervisor and site supervisor agree to.
• Download ENG 736 Internship permission form from NevadaBox .
• Get your faculty supervisor's signature. (Must determine # of credits; internships are variable credit and can be taken from 1-4 credits.)
• Signatures needed: faculty supervisor, committee chair, site supervisor, Director of Graduate Studies
• Return signed form to the front office and you will be cleared to register.
• Internships may not be used to fulfill course requirements for the degree (unless the degree requires an internship).

No more than 4 credits of ENG 736 may be counted toward the degree.

12.8 Minimum Enrollment

Students in graduate programs at the University are required by the Graduate School to enroll in a minimum of 3 graduate-level credits in each fall and spring semester to remain in graduate standing. Those failing to do so will be dropped from graduate standing to graduate special status. It is at the discretion of the Department of English, subject to the regulations of the Graduate School, whether students who fail to maintain graduate standing are to be readmitted to the program at any subsequent date. Students who are unable to take the minimum number of credits in a given semester should thus request a leave of absence in writing, using the form available from the Graduate School, if they wish to retain their standing in a graduate program. (See Leave of Absence, above.)

To keep a teaching assistantship, a graduate student must continue to make satisfactory progress in a graduate degree program. A TA must register for a minimum of 6 graduate credits each semester to maintain an assistantship. In addition, he or she must pass at least 10 graduate credits each year. It should be noted that these are Graduate School minimums; meeting them does not prove satisfactory progress in English.

12.9 Overload work for those on TA

If you are a TA in English and you wish to take on additional work of any kind (e.g., tutoring, extra teaching, paid research help to a faculty member), please first talk with your committee chair about the advisability of that extra work. If your chair approves of that extra work in the context of your work for the TA and your progress on your degree, please ask your chair to send an email to the Director of Graduate Studies expressing approval of that extra work. If the Director of Graduate Studies approves the work overload, the DGS sends the appropriate form to the Graduate School. The overload work must be approved by the Graduate School before the TA begins the work.

12.10 Program of Study

The English Department strongly advises students to form their advisory committee and file their Program of Study form in a timely fashion. MA students should complete their Program of Study form in their second semester of study, while MFA and Ph.D. students should do so in their third semester. Filing your Program of Study on this schedule will reduce delays in your time to graduation. You may not sign up for the Comprehensive Exam (ENG 795) until your Program of Study is filed and your foreign language requirement has been met.

A PDF version of the Program of Study form (not accepted for formal submission, is available from the Graduate School.

The following is an ordered plan for Programs of Study, from the first to the last step. Although it looks involved, we have found that this procedure saves everyone time in the long run. Please bring your transcripts, course records, draft Program of Study, and checklist to all meetings.

• Fill out a draft Program of Study during or after consultation with your chair. Please note that, for English graduate students, the total credits required for the degree should be based on English program requirements (e.g. Non-thesis MA 33, thesis MA 31, MFA 60, Ph.D. 73) and not the minimums listed on the graduate school POS instructions.
• With your chair, check the form, look at transcripts, and use a degree checklist, making note of how the foreign language requirement has been met. The Chair does not sign in this step.
• Meet with the Director of Graduate Studies to check the form.
• After the Director of Graduate Studies okays the draft form, enter the information into the DocuSign powerform on the graduate school website. The powerform will be channeled to your chair, the members of your committee, and the DGS, before automatically going on file with the Graduate School. You will be notified that your approved Program of Study is on file or that revision is necessary.