Master of Arts, Master of Science, Master of Arts in Liberal Studies, and Master of Fine Arts
Candidates for the master of arts (M.A.), master of science (M.S.), master of arts in liberal studies (M.A.L.S.), or master of fine arts (M.F.A.) degree must satisfy the
requirements of the Graduate School–Newark, as well as those of the
program in which they are enrolled. The Graduate School–Newark requires
that students:
1. Earn a minimum of 30 credits of successful
graduate study. Three exceptions are the programs in jazz history and research, nursing, and
psychology, each of which requires 36 credits. Environmental geology also requires 36 credits under their nonthesis option. The other exceptions are
global affairs, which requires 40 credits, and creative writing, which requires 48 credits.
2. If required by
the program, complete successfully a final comprehensive examination in
the student's field of concentration.
3. Satisfy a writing
requirement by submitting a master's thesis or by demonstrating to the
faculty the ability to write a creditable expository or critical essay.
Students who do not submit a thesis may fulfill the writing requirement
as part of a regular course, in a seminar, or through a special
assignment designed for this purpose.
4. Pass a foreign language examination if required by the program.
5. Complete at least 60 percent of their degree programs in
graduate-level courses that are under the jurisdiction of the Graduate
School–Newark.
In addition, the school has three other
requirements that limit the number of credits that will be accepted
below a grade of B, that can consist of transferred credits, and
that can be earned in undergraduate courses. Specifically, these
requirements state that:
1. No more than 6 credits or two courses with a grade of C or C+ may be used in meeting the requirement for a master's or doctoral degree.
2. No more than 40 percent of a student's program may consist of
transferred graduate-graded coursework. In the public administration
program, this includes professional credit.
3. No more than 6
credits in courses numbered below 500 may be used to fulfill the requirement for an advanced degree. The only exception to this rule is the master of arts for teachers (M.A.T.) program.
With the
approval of the graduate program director, however, students may select
courses from a single program or from several related programs. All
programs of study are subject to review by the dean of the Graduate
School–Newark and to the approval of the candidate's program faculty.
Specific program requirements are noted in the Programs, Faculty, and Courses chapter.
Master of Arts for Teachers
Programs leading to the degree of master of arts for teachers (M.A.T.) are
offered to secondary school teachers who wish to further their studies.
These programs do not lead to teacher certification although they may
fulfill certification requirements through additional studies.
Inquiries concerning teacher certification should be directed to the
Graduate School of Education, Rutgers, The State University of New
Jersey, 10 Seminary Place, New Brunswick, NJ 08901-1183.
The
degree requirements for the M.A.T. differ from those for the M.A.,
M.S., M.A.L.S., and M.F.A. For the M.A.T., there is no limit on the advanced undergraduate
courses that a student may take. All programs consist primarily of work
in regular courses of study, and no program requires a thesis. All
other requirements governing the M.A.T. degree may be found in the
preceding section on M.A., M.S., M.A.L.S., and M.F.A. degrees.
