When programs include pursuit of a research problem developed in a master's thesis, 6 credits of the total of 30 credits in the program are devoted to research for the thesis and writing the actual document. In exceptional cases, when it is desirable to give greater emphasis to the research project, the dean of the Graduate School-New Brunswick may, upon recommendation of the candidate's program, approve a maximum of 12 credits for research on an unusual problem and its treatment in the thesis.
In some master's programs, students pursue their degrees entirely through course work without writing a research thesis. In these cases, candidates must demonstrate to the faculty that they have the ability to write a creditable expository or critical essay as part of a seminar or special course designed for that purpose.
In programs consisting entirely of course work, at least 18 of the 30 credits of study must be undertaken in graduate-level courses (those numbered in the 500s and 600s). In programs in which a master's thesis accounts for a normal portion of the credit recorded, at least 12 credits of study must be undertaken in graduate-level courses. With the approval of the candidate's program faculty, the balance of his or her study in courses may be undertaken either in advanced undergraduate courses (numbered in the 300s and 400s) or in additional courses designed primarily for graduate students. In no case may the candidate for the master of arts or master of science degree offer more than 12 units of credit of advanced undergraduate course work.
