General Requirements

Candidates for the master of arts (MA), master of science (MS), or master of fine arts (MFA) 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, 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 36 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., 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., and M.F.A. degrees.