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 coursework 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 a special course designed for
that purpose.
In programs consisting entirely of coursework,
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 coursework.
