The department offers thesis and non-thesis Master of Science programs. The thesis option requires a minimum of 24 hours of graduate coursework plus 6 hours of thesis followed by successful defense of the thesis and final examination.

The non-thesis degree requires a minimum of 36 hours of graduate coursework and a final examination. Transfer from a thesis to a non-thesis degree is not allowed after the first semester of enrollment. However, transfer from a non-thesis to a thesis degree is allowed for students showing a significant aptitude, provided that a major advisor has the desire and resources to support the transfer.

Before recommendation for candidacy to a master?s degree program, students may be requested to take a preliminary examination to determine proficiency and background for graduate work. Students may be required to take (without graduate credit) such undergraduate leveling courses as may be designated by the graduate advisory committee.