Master’s Degree, Specific Requirements
Master's degrees (M.A., M.A.cc., M.A.T., M.B.A., M.B.S., M.M., M.P.H., M.S., P.S.M.) are awarded for a level of academic accomplishment substantially beyond that required for the baccalaureate degree. Programs consist of a coherent pattern of courses, seminars, and supervised learning experiences that culminate in a comprehensive examination and, in some cases, a thesis. Master's programs require a minimum of 30 semester hours beyond the baccalaureate degree plus additional time in preparation for comprehensive examinations and/or thesis writing.
Master’s Degree Program Admission
Each applicant to a master's degree program must:
- possess a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university
- have a grade point average of 3.00 or better [on a 4.00 point scale] on the most recent 60 semester hours
If a program recommends an applicant for admission who does not meet the Graduate School standards, they must provide specific provisions and a rationale must be provided stating the factors which were considered in recommending the student: GPA in the discipline, maturity, letters of recommendation, samples of their work, GRE scores or other compelling factors. All recommendations for admission for applicants with a GPA below the 3.00 will be reviewed by the Graduate Dean or his/her designee.
Double Major
Only one degree will be awarded (e.g. M.A., M.A.cc.,M.A.T., M.B.A., M.B.S., M.M., M.P.H., M.S., P.S.M.) and reflected on the transcript, but both majors will be noted. The student must specify, therefore, which degree is to be used for degree granting purposes. Students pursuing double majors must meet all requirements and must apply for, take, and pass the comprehensive examination or approved equivalent in each major. No degree will be awarded until all requirements for both majors are complete.
If a student is interested in obtaining two master's degrees, he/she must complete the first degree program before applying to the other. Students may be advised that it is to their advantage to seek a higher degree (specialist or doctorate) upon completion of a master's degree rather than obtaining two master's degrees. Additional consultation from the student's program advisor or the Graduate School regarding a decision to declare a double major or to seek two master's degrees is strongly recommended.