General Requirements for a Master's Degree
Master's Degree: Supervisory Committee
The supervisory committee will have at least four members. The members consist of
- The major adviser, who must be a full or associate member of the graduate faculty. The student selects the adviser with approval of the program administrator and the Dean of the Graduate School. The major adviser-student relationship must be a mutually acceptable one. The major adviser will act as the chair of the student's supervisory committee and will be in charge of the Plan of Study. The remaining members of the committee must be agreed upon by the student, the major adviser, and the Dean of the Graduate School.
- A second member, who must be a full or associate member of the graduate faculty.
- A third member, who could be either a faculty member or a qualified off-campus expert in the field. If this committee member is not a full or associate member of the graduate faculty, the approval of the Dean of The Graduate School is required. Approval by the dean requires a recommendation from the program administrator accompanied by rationale and a curriculum vitae.
- The Graduate School appointee. This appointment is made by the graduate dean, but suggestions as to whom the appointee might be are welcome and helpful. The Graduate School appointee must be a full member of the NDSU graduate faculty from outside the student's program. The role of The Graduate School appointee is to ensure that the student's Plan of Study follows Graduate School guidelines and that other Graduate School policies are observed. The Graduate School appointee also ensures that the expectations for the student's performance are reasonable and that interactions with the supervisory committee are conducted on a professional basis.
NOTE: Other qualified individuals may participate as committee members following approval by the Graduate Dean upon a recommendation accompanied by rationale and curriculum vitae by the appropriate program administrator and academic dean.
The supervisory committee should be formed not later than the term immediately after the major adviser is identified for the student, and members should be identified before the plan of study is formulated so all committee members have a chance to contribute to the plan of study.
The supervisory committee agreed upon by the major adviser and student, and approved by the program administrator and the academic dean shall be recommended to the Dean of The Graduate School for final approval.
Each committee member shall have an equal vote in committee decisions. The committee is to assist the student in the preparation of a plan of study and to advise him or her during the period of graduate work. The supervisory committee is encouraged to convene at least once per semester and meet at least once per year to review the progress of the student.
Master's Degree: Plan of Study
The plan of study shall be appropriate to meet the interests and needs of the student in his or her chosen field as determined by the supervisory committee and approved by the program administrator, the academic dean, and the Dean of The Graduate School. The plan of study should be submitted to The Graduate School for approval not later than the term immediately after the supervisory committee is formed and must be filed in The Graduate School prior to scheduling the final examination. Revisions may be made later as advisable and necessary, but must be approved by the student, all supervisory committee members, the administrator of the student's program, and the Graduate Dean. The Graduate Dean will officially notify the student, supervisory committee, program administrator, and academic dean of all changes.
The plan of study shall include the specific courses the student is expected to complete and any other special requirements of the particular master's degree that the student is seeking. The total credits will be determined by each program but must not be less than 30 graduate credits.
For the Thesis Option, of the required minimum 30 graduate credits, at least 16 credits must be approved for graduate credit numbered from 601-689, 691, 700-789, and 791 while the research credits (798) must be not fewer than 6 nor more than 10 credits. Once these minimum requirements have been met, any other graduate courses can be used to satisfy the remaining plan of study requirements.
For the Comprehensive Study Option, of the required minimum 30 graduate credits, at least 21 credits must be completed using courses approved for graduate credit numbered from 601-689, 691, 700-789, and 791 while the research credits (797) must be not fewer than 2 nor more than 4 credits.
The various programs determine which approved graduate courses may be used. For specific requirements, the student should consult the specific programs.
Master's Degree: Transfer of Credit
All graduate credits used to meet the requirements of a master's degree must be approved by the supervisory committee, the program administrator, the academic dean, and the Dean of The Graduate School. A candidate for the master's degree must petition in order to transfer up to a maximum of 9 semester hours of graduate credit from another institution to satisfy course requirements on the plan of study.
Courses listed in the Graduate Bulletin of the Tri-College University Educational Leadership Program are not considered transfer credits and can be included on programs of study without petition. All other Minnesota State University Moorhead graduate credits are subject to the minimums of transfer credits and to the policies given in the text.
Transfer credits 1) must ordinarily have been earned from a U.S. or Canadian institution accredited to offer graduate courses and degrees (Credits from international institutions can be transferred only if approved by a committee from the student's program); 2) must carry only grades of A or B; 3) must have been earned within a 7-year period at the time of the final examination; 4) must be graduate level; 5) must not be a continuing education, correspondence, extension, or workshop course; 6) must not be internship, individual study, special problem, or research (disquisition) courses, or courses graded Pass/Fail or Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory; 7) must not have been used to fulfill the requirements of a baccalaureate degree; 8) must be verified by an official transcript; and 9) will not be used in calculation of the grade point average. It is the responsibility of the student to provide official transcripts of graduate courses taken elsewhere to The Graduate School.
NOTE: The Special Problem credits of item (6) above are equivalent to North Dakota State University's 696/796 Special Topic credits.
Master's Degree: Time Limitation
Graduate credit for any course work which is more than seven (7) calendar years old at the time of the final examination cannot be used to satisfy degree requirements. The final examination must be retaken if the final five (5) copies of the approved disquisition are not delivered to The Graduate School within one (1) year of the date of the final examination or if any other degree requirements have not been completed within one (1) year of the date of the final examination.
If a period of time two years or greater lapses before the final copies are submitted, the student must reapply to The Graduate School and must register for a minimum of two (2) credits. Degree date is based on the date when final copies are submitted to The Graduate School.
Master's Degree: Final Examination
The candidate shall pass a final examination (either oral or written as specified for the degree) before being awarded the master's degree. The supervisory committee shall serve as the examining committee of which the major adviser shall serve as chair. Substitutions must be approved by the Dean of The Graduate School.
The final examination shall cover the course work taken by the candidate and also the disquisition, seminar papers, or oral examination paper and knowledge fundamental thereto. The candidate shall prepare for each member of the committee a written statement describing the plan of study, i.e., a list of courses, instructors, credits, grades, and dates taken. Permission to schedule the examination must be requested of The Graduate School by the student's major adviser using the appropriate form. The request to schedule must be sent to The Graduate School at least two (2) weeks prior to the examination. Also, the student should personally meet with The Graduate School to verify that all courses on the plan of study have been completed and the required grade point average has been attained. The Graduate Dean will formally notify the committee and the student when and where the examination has been scheduled.
Care should be taken by the student to schedule the examination with all committee members. The notification by The Graduate School will confirm this scheduled examination.
The disquisition in a near final form must be given to the committee members no fewer than seven (7) days prior to the examination. If this seven (7)-day stipulation cannot be met, the student must either secure the concurrence of all committee members or reschedule the examination.
At the conclusion of the examination, the examining committee shall record, in writing, approval or disapproval. This form must be filed with The Graduate School within seven (7) days of the exam.
A negative vote by more than one member of the student's committee will signify failure of the final examination. The student may repeat the examination only upon permission from a majority of the supervisory committee. The committee will specify a period of time, not less than one (1) month, that must elapse before the examination can be repeated. Exceptions to this time limit will be considered by the Graduate Dean upon presentation of written justification from the chair of the committee in consultation with the committee.
Should the examination be failed twice, the student will not be given a third examination except by recommendation of the examining committee, program administrator, and special approval of the Dean of The Graduate School following consultation with the Graduate Council.
Continuous enrollment is required until all degree requirements are completed, including submitting final copies of a thesis, paper, or dissertation.
To participate in commencement, the student must have passed the final examination seven days prior to the commencement ceremony.
Multiple Graduate Degrees
On occasion, a student may be allowed to work at satisfying the requirements of two graduate degrees concurrently. In completing all program and Graduate School requirements for two degrees, a maximum of nine (9) graduate credits of course work can be applied to both programs of study as approved by all members of both supervisory committees, the two program administrators, the academic dean(s), and the Dean of The Graduate School. The disquisitions must differ substantially and must result from substantial work completed independently in each discipline. There are two final examinations. The appropriate time limitation applies to all course work.
Master's Degree with Two Major Areas
Under special circumstances, a student may pursue one master's degree with two major areas. Such a program must have the concurrent recommendation of the administrators of the two programs. The plan of study shall clearly delineate the course work required for each major area. A minimum of 40 credit hours is required, including at least 14 graduate course credits in each of the two major areas. No more than 10 of the required 40 credits shall be research credits under the Thesis Option while no more than 3 of the required 40 credits shall be paper credits under the Comprehensive Study Option. The student is required to conduct interdisciplinary scholarly work culminating in a disquisition acceptable in both major areas.
Master of Science Requirements
The Master of Science degree is offered in two options: Thesis Option (available in all programs) or Comprehensive Study Option (not available in all programs). The Thesis Option emphasizes research and abilities to analyze data and prepare a scholarly thesis, whereas the Comprehensive Study Option emphasizes a broader understanding of a major area.
In those programs offering both options, the choice should be made jointly by the student and adviser, based upon the nature of the responsibilities for which the student is preparing.
Thesis Option
Under the guidance of the major adviser, each candidate shall prepare a thesis approved by the administrator of the major program and acceptable to the oral examination committee and to the Dean of The Graduate School. Of the 30 graduate credits required, a minimum of 16 credits must be in courses approved for graduate credit numbered 601-689, 691, 700-789, and 791 (referred to as didactic courses); thesis credits must not be fewer than 6 nor more than 10 credits. The thesis bearing the approval of the major adviser shall be in the hands of the examining committee at least seven (7) days before the final oral examination. The candidate shall consult the major adviser regarding the form in which the thesis is to be presented. General instructions on the thesis format are included in the North Dakota State University Graduate School’s Guidelines for the Preparation of Dissertations, Theses, and Papers. The thesis is the basis for opening the oral examination.
Comprehensive Study Option
This option is offered in certain fields where the candidate may benefit more from a broader range of knowledge than from the preparation of a thesis. Of the 30 graduate credits required, a minimum of 21 credits must be in courses approved for graduate credit numbered 601-689, 691, 700-789, and 791 (referred to as didactic courses). The research credits(797) must not be fewer than 2 nor more than 4.
The creative component(paper, portfolio, etc.) bearing the approval of the major adviser shall be in the hands of the examining committee at least 7 days before the final oral examination. The creative component must demonstrate ability to do scholarly study appropriate to the major field and present evidence of appropriate written expression. The creative component is the basis for opening the oral examination. General instructions on the format for papers are included in the North Dakota State University Graduate School's Guidelines for the Preparation of Dissertations, Theses, and Papers.
Master's Degree IRB, IBC, and/or IACUC Approval
Disquisitions which involve research using human or animals as subjects or biohazard materials will not be approved by The Graduate School if such research has not been previously approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB), Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), or Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) as appropriate. Every effort should be made by advisers to see that students are aware of these University requirements.
NOTE: If a proposed graduate research project involves human, animal, or biohazard subjects, it must be submitted for review and approval by the Institutional Review Board (IRB), the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), and/or the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC). This process should be initiated by the student after his or her supervisory committee has approved the final research design because IRB, IBC, and/or IACUC approval must be obtained before the research project commences and cannot be granted retroactively. Please include a copy of the appropriate approval letters when the dissertation is submitted for editing.
Filing the Thesis or Paper
After the final examination, the student incorporates into the thesis or paper corrections suggested at the oral examination. The student, major adviser, and program administrator then sign the Checklist for Dissertations, Theses, and Papers; and one copy of the thesis or paper, printed on regular paper, is presented to The Graduate School for approval by a disquisition editor and the Dean of The Graduate School. This copy must be accompanied by a receipt from the Business Office for the completion package. After approval, 5 final copies of the thesis or paper, on the required paper are to be presented, unbound, to The Graduate School. Two bound copies of the thesis or paper go to the university library. The remaining 3 bound copies are for the student, the student's adviser, and the student's program.
The student will have 1 year from the date of the final examination to deliver the 5 final copies to The Graduate School and complete all other degree requirements. Should the disquisition not be deposited as specified or any other degree requirements not be completed, the student must retake the final examination. If a period of time two years or greater lapses before the final copies are submitted, the student must reapply to The Graduate School and must register for a minimum of 2 credits. Degree date is based on the date when final copies are submitted to The Graduate School.
Master of Arts Requirements (M.A.)
The Master of Arts degree is offered in two options: The Thesis Option or the Comprehensive Study Option. Candidates for the Master of Arts degree will meet the above general requirements and those specific requirements in the humanities or social and behavioral sciences. These normally include 2 years of a foreign language. This requirement can be satisfied with undergraduate courses and/or a proficiency examination. The Department of Modern Languages will certify proficiency in the specified foreign language by signing the program of study in the appropriate place.
Master of Architecture (M.Arch.)
The Master of Architecture degree is a non-disquisition, professional degree program structure to serve qualified students who hold a 4-year pre-professional degree in architectural studies. Priority is given to students currently enrolled in North Dakota State University's 4-year Bachelor of Science in Environmental Design program. Additional students can be admitted subject to available space. For admission information, contact the Department of Architecture and Landscapes Architecture at (701) 231-8614.
Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.)
The Master of Business Administration degree is a non-disquisition, professional degree program structured to serve qualified students with any undergraduate degree. The program has two general parts: a foundation course requirement involving up to 30 semester credits and an MBA (common body of knowledge) graduate course requirement of 30 semester credit hours. Depending upon the student's prior course work, all or part of the foundation requirement may be waived. For more details, see the section on Business Administration in this bulletin.
Master of Education (M.Ed.)
The Master of Education degree is a non-disquisition, practitioner-oriented degree for teachers and school counselors. Candidates for this degree will meet these general requirements as well as specific requirements established by the School of Education.
Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in Educational Administration
In addition to offering several Master of Education (M.Ed.) programs preparing candidates for administration credentials in North Dakota, the Educational Leadership program is an integral part of the Tri-College University (a consortium of North Dakota State University, Minnesota State University Moorhead, and Concordia College) which prepares students for Master of Science (M.S.) and Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degrees in Educational Administration. Programs meet certification requirements in the various areas appropriate to elementary and secondary administration. Information can be secured from the Tri-College University Office or the NDSU Graduate School.
General Summary of Procedures
- Gain admission to The Graduate School.
- Select, with the major adviser, two other members to serve on the supervisory committee. One of the members must be a full or associate member of the graduate faculty. The other member could be either a faculty member or a qualified off-campus expert in the field, depending upon the program. The fourth committee member is The Graduate School appointee, who must be a full member of the NDSU Graduate Faculty.
- If appropriate, remove admission deficiencies in order to qualify for full-standing status.
- Develop a plan of study with the major adviser in consultation with all other supervisory committee members.
- Submit the plan of study to the Dean of The Graduate School for approval no later than the term immediately after the supervisory committee is formed.
- Complete courses listed on plan of study, including the disquisition. Maintain continuous enrollment, or obtain leave of absence from the Dean of The Graduate School.
- Seek permission to schedule the oral examination from the major adviser. The request to schedule the examination is sent to The Graduate School two (2) weeks prior to the examination.
- Submit the disquisition in near final form to the supervisory committee members no fewer than 7 days prior to the examination.
- Be sure that the examining committee immediately reports, in writing, the results of the examination to the Dean of The Graduate School.
- Submit 1 draft of the thesis or paper to The Graduate School for approval. Please include a copy of the IRB, IBC, and/or IACUC approval letters(s) on top of this draft. The $200 completion package charge needs to be submitted with the first draft. Revision(s) of the thesis or paper may be required.
- Submit 5 final and approved copies of the disquisition to The Graduate School no later than 1 year after the oral defense. Failure to do so results in a second oral defense. Degree date is based on the date when final copies are submitted to The Graduate School.
- Submit request to participate in commencement. (Optional)
- Participate in commencement. (Optional)
Addendum
Culminating Experience for master’s degree programs
Approved 4-06
North Dakota State University offers master’s degrees in three broad categories. Plan A master’s includes completion of a thesis including an oral defense. Plan B master’s includes an individual creative component other than a thesis and includes an oral defense. Plan C master’s includes coursework accompanied by a well-defined culminating experience.
A program need not offer all three types of masters. The types of masters which a program chooses to offer should be justified based on relevant criteria such as pedagogy or principles appropriate to the field. Programs wishing to grant a Master of Science degree or a Master of Arts degree typically need to satisfy the requirements of either the Plan A or the Plan B options. The Plan C option is primarily intended for professional degree programs. In addition, the three plans differ in the composition of the student’s supervisory committee and required submissions to the Graduate School upon degree completion.
The Plan A option requires the completion of a thesis. The thesis would typically include a problem statement, a review of existing literature relevant to that problem, and the creation and presentation of new knowledge in providing a solution to the problem. Each student would assemble a supervisory committee as described in the graduate bulletin section titled General Requirements for a Master’s Degree. Each candidate is required to pass a final oral examination in which the supervisory committee serves as the examining committee. Following a successful defense, the candidate will submit copies of their thesis to the Graduate School as described in the graduate bulletin.
The Plan B option generally requires a student to develop a thorough understanding of existing knowledge and the ability to apply that existing knowledge to a problem of interest. Under this option, the student would generate an individual creative component which reflects a solution to the problem. Note that under this option, the new knowledge being created is limited, and this is the primary difference between the Plan A and Plan B options. The new knowledge created under the Plan B option need not meet the standard set forth under the Plan A option. The precise nature of the individual creative component is defined by the program with approval by the graduate school. Examples of possible creative components include a comprehensive paper, a portfolio, or an integrated field experience. As under the Plan A option, each candidate would assemble a supervisory committee and pass a final oral examination. Following a successful defense, the candidate will compose an executive summary or assemble other appropriate documentation as defined by the program to be submitted to the graduate school. This submission to the Graduate School is to be approved by the student’s supervisory committee.
The Plan C option is designed for degree programs in which a well-defined culminating experience is more important than is an individual creative component. This option will most frequently be available in professional degree programs. If a Plan C option is available the program must provide to the Graduate School a rationale for the use of the culminating experience and a plan for implementation. Under this option, each program will define a culminating experience such as a capstone course, a written examination, or some other approach to measure the candidate’s understanding of the relevant material in the area. The student’s supervisory committee would generally consist of faculty solely from within that discipline. The supervisory committee may specify that a certain level of performance (i.e., a minimum GPA) be obtained in specified courses or in the program itself. Upon completion of the appropriate coursework and culminating experience, the candidate will be considered to have completed their masters and their name will be forwarded by the program to the Graduate School. Plan C programs do not require the candidate to submit any other documentation to the Graduate School.
