In some cases, students working toward the Ph. D. may earn the M. S. or the?M. S. E. degree without formal presentation of the M. S. thesis if they have: (1) passed the Ph. D. Qualifying Examination; (2) satisfied the course requirements for the M. S.; and (3) completed a research project under the supervision of a research adviser, resulting in acceptance for publication of a peer-reviewed research paper with the student as its first author.? A substantial paper mainly written by the student is an acceptable substitution for a thesis, and the peer review process substitutes for a thesis defense.? Students meeting the above requirements may petition the department to grant the M. S. without formal presentation of a thesis.