During their second year in the program, students complete an empirical research project under the guidance of a three-person thesis committee. A member or associate member of the SMLR graduate faculty may serve as the committee chair and direct the research project. A satisfactory oral defense of the thesis is required. Usually, the oral defense is scheduled as a presentation in the Proseminar. The defense is open to the public and must be announced at least two weeks in advance. Upon completion of the thesis and oral defense, and 30 credits of coursework (of which 6 may be research credits for completing the thesis), student are awarded the master of science degree and become eligible to take the qualifying exam.