Master of Science (M.S.) Degree Requirements

The School of Natural Resources grants MS degrees primarily under Option I (thesis option). However, Option II programs are permitted under special circumstances. The choice of option should be determined by the type of education desired. Once admitted to Candidacy by filing a Memorandum of Courses, you may not change options. SNR does not offer Option III.

The following credit hours must be met:

Minimum credit hours (except where indicated)			Type of course work
Option I	Option II 1 minor	Option II 2 minors
30	36	36	Total graduate credit hours
15	18	15	In major (including thesis hours)
20-24	36	36	Total course work
6-10*	n/a	n/a	Thesis work
Optional	9	9	In each minor
8	12	12	Grad-only courses (without 400 or lower counterpart
2	2	2	Seminar*

* At least 2 hours. No more than 2 hours of seminar can be applied toward degree requirements.

Seminars

The School holds regular departmental and special seminars which you are expected to attend. These seminars are presented by students and faculty in the School, by faculty in other departments, and by visiting scholars from other universities or agencies. As a graduate student you will be required to present two seminars. A research prospectus seminar is required of all students and should be presented either late in your first semester or early in your second semester of residency. You are also required to give a presentation of your final research results before your final oral exam. As an Option I (thesis) graduate student you will be required to present two seminars. A research prospectus seminar is required of all Option I students and should be presented ... for your final oral exam. One seminar is required for Option II students during their program. The content of this seminar will be decided upon thorough consultations with your major advisor and your advisory committee, however, it should generally relate to your job/career activities (for example, a seminar describing an ongoing project(s) in your agency or firm which includes your direct involvement.
The Department requires two (2) credits in seminar. Numerous seminar courses are offered within the School in the various program areas.

Evaluations

At the end of your first semester, your progress will be reviewed in a meeting with your advisor. At the end of your first calendar year of residence, your progress will be reviewed again. Should your research and/or course work prove unsatisfactory, you may be asked to terminate your degree program. This decision is made by your major advisor. You will not be asked to leave without being warned by your advisor that your work is unsatisfactory. If you feel you are evaluated unfairly, contact the Graduate Committee Chair to obtain information on Grievance Procedures.

Examinations: M.S. Degree (Options I and II)

Comprehensive examinations

A comprehensive examination is required of all students and should cover the student's approved program of study. It should be administered within 10 months of graduation and typically in the semester prior to the one in which the student plans to graduate. The exam will consist of written and oral examinations administered by the major professor as directed by the student's committee.

Final Defense of the Thesis

The final defense of the thesis should be administered during the semester in which the student intends to graduate. The final examination consists of two parts: a seminar on the thesis topic and a formal oral examination. The two parts should be held on the same day but are not required to be held on the same day. The seminar should be (but is not required to be) a part of the School Seminar Series. The thesis examination of any student for an advanced degree is open to all faculty of the Graduate College. Active participation in the examination process (other than at the seminar) is at the discretion of the major professor and the student's advisory committee.

In the event that members of a final oral examining committee are not unanimous regarding passing a Candidate, the student is to be approved for the degree if only one examiner dissents. However, in each case, the dissenting member of the committee will be expected to file a letter of explanation in the Office of Graduate Studies.

If a student fails to pass the final oral examination for an advanced degree, his/her committee must file a report on the failure in the Office of Graduate Studies and indicate what the student must do before taking another examination. Another examination may not be held during the same semester or the same summer session in which the student failed.