Masters Degree Requirements

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The application file must be complete with the application form, application fee, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and other materials as required by Graduate School before processing the application will begin. Applicants for the Master’s degrees must have an approved Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (except in approved/accelerated programs). Applications for domestic, international or non-degree seeking students are found at http://www3.sdstate.edu/Academics/GraduateSchool/FormsandDocuments/

After consultation with the student, the head of the major department will designate a major advisor. As soon as possible, but no later than the completion of 50 percent of the credits toward graduation, the major advisor will recommend to the Dean of the Graduate School members of an Advisory Committee as follows:

1. Major Advisor- acts as chairperson of the committee, must have Graduate Faculty status.
2. Major Department Representative- an additional member of the major department.
3. An additional member of the major department or a related department, or a professional with an outstanding academic record and/or knowledge in the field from outside the University.
4. Graduate Faculty Representative- selected by the Graduate Dean, from a department not closely related to the major/minor/supporting areas. This member ensures that rules and regulations are followed and acts as the student’s advocate, if necessary.
5. Thesis Advisor- if different from major advisor.

The above four or five members shall be members of the Graduate Faculty except when an outside representative is used in “C” above. Additional members of the committee may be requested by the student or the major advisor and assigned to the committee by the Dean of the Graduate School.

The Advisory Committee is responsible for assisting the student in developing a suitable Graduate Program, providing continuing guidance and counsel, and certifying the completion of the degree requirements to the Dean/Associate Dean of the Graduate School. The Major Advisor approves the plan of study and any revisions of it, approves the thesis proposal (if applicable), conducts the examinations appropriate to each option, supervises the validation of courses, and ensures that professional standards have been met in completing the degree requirements.

Guidelines - During the first semester of graduate work and no later than the end of the first year or completion of 50 percent of the credits needed for graduation, the plan of study should be prepared on the appropriate form and approved by the major advisor. The plan of study will then be submitted to the Dean of the Graduate School for approval. Courses for the major must be taken in the major department or in related fields. At least 50 percent of the credits on a plan of study must be in courses open only to graduate students (600-series or above). Failure to submit a plan of study may result in disapproval of courses taken prior to approval and/or registration restrictions. After approval, changes in the plan of study must be requested on a form furnished by the Graduate School and approved by the major advisor and the Dean of the Graduate School. The “Plan of Study” form is available at http://www3.sdstate.edu/Academics/GraduateSchool/FormsandDocuments/ While devising a plan of study, refer to the “Academic Information” section in this catalog in addition to the following information.

*Requirements may vary by Graduate Program

Minor/Supporting Area Requirement - Most Masters’ programs do not require a minor or supporting area of coursework. If required, it is indicated in the listing of degrees and in the department/program section of this catalog. Whether required or not, consideration should be given to both depth and breadth of courses on the plan of study.

Language Requirement - There is no general language requirement for the Master’s degree. However, individual departments may require a speaking or reading knowledge of a modern language other than English.

Comprehensive - In those majors and specializations requiring a comprehensive written examination, the examination will be given by the Advisory Committee at least two weeks prior to the final oral examination, filed in the major department for review, and be available at the final oral examination. A comprehensive written examination is required of all students on non-thesis, Option C, programs. This comprehensive written examination may take different formats according to program requirements.

Final - An oral examination will be administered by the Advisory Committee covering the student’s plan of study and research if appropriate. This examination must be comprehensive, testing the student’s ability to analyze, integrate, and apply knowledge from the discipline. The “Final Oral Exam” form must be submitted to the Graduate School ten working days before the exam. This examination must occur at least ten working days before Commencement. The Graduate Faculty Representative and all but one of the graduate committee must pass the student.

Students following Option B must complete at least two credits for a Research Problem (or Design Paper in Engineering) in the major field and present a written report. The content, style, and format of the report must meet the requirements of the major department. The Research Report or Design Paper must be approved by the Advisory Committee and filed in the major department. A copy of the written report should be provided to each committee member, including the Graduate Faculty Representative, and be available at the final oral examination.

Grading - For more information regarding grading policies for Research Paper and Design Paper, go to http://www3.sdstate.edu/Academics/GraduateSchool/StudentFAQs/GradingPolicies/.

A thesis must meet the requirements of the major department and the Graduate School and must be submitted by each student completing a Master’s degree in Option A. The thesis must represent a scholarly contribution to research knowledge in the major field.

Credits - A research area for the thesis topic should be chosen after consultation with the major advisor as early in the student’s program as possible. The thesis accounts for 5 to 10 semester hours in the major.

Guidelines - The thesis may be prepared with a view to publication and conform to the style of one of the journals in the major field as required by the major department. It must be prepared in the format required by the Graduate School as shown in “Instructions for Thesis” available from the Graduate School. The thesis should be a single document rather than a compilation of individual manuscripts. For more information, go to http://www3.sdstate.edu/Academics/GraduateSchool/ThesisDissertationSubmittal/.

Use of Human Subjects or Vertebrate Animals in Research, if applicable - After receiving approval to proceed with a thesis, students must also seek approval for the use of human subjects or vertebrate animals in research from the appropriate committee. These approvals must be secured before beginning the study. For more information, visit the Research Compliance website at http://www3.sdstate.edu/UniversityResearch/ResearchCompliance/ or contact the SDSU Research Compliance Coordinator in the Office of Research & Sponsored Programs, SAD 124, 605/688-6975.

Review - A copy of the thesis must be filed with the Graduate School for review at least ten working days before the oral examination. Failure to do so may cause a delay in completing the degree. It is the responsibility of the student to schedule the oral examination and distribute a copy of the thesis to each member of the graduate committee including the graduate representative ten working days in advance of the oral examination.

Binding - At least five working days prior to Commencement, two copies, one on at least 50 percent rag content paper (cotton bond), corrected in accordance with suggestions by the Advisory Committee and the Graduate School, must be returned to the Graduate School with a receipt from the Library showing the fee paid for the binding of four copies.

Electronic Thesis Submission - All Masters candidates are required to submit their thesis in the appropriate format for electronic publication. Students should contact the Graduate School for appropriate guidelines or go to http://www3.sdstate.edu/Academics/GraduateSchool/StudentFAQs/ThesisDissertationInformation/.

Graduate students may pursue a second or additional Master’s degree in areas other than their first Master’s degree, providing the degree designation is different.

Obsolete Program - If the requirements for the Master’s degree are not completed within six years from the time of admission to work toward the degree, a reconsideration of the student’s program will be required and the rules of the Graduate School in effect at the beginning of the seventh year will apply.

Obsolete Coursework - Courses completed more than six years prior to completion of the requirements of the Master’s degree are regarded as obsolete coursework. Such courses may be used in the Master’s degree program if validated. Validation is allowed at the discretion of the department with approval of the Graduate School. Validation of obsolete coursework cannot exceed 50 percent of the total coursework listed on the plan of study and must be certified by the department on a form prescribed by the Graduate School.

*Graduate School forms are available at the Graduate School (SAD 130) or on-line. Go to http://www3.sdstate.edu/Academics/GraduateSchool/FormsandDocuments/.