A master of science degree candidate must have a minimum of thirty semester hours of graduate credit. This minimum requirement can include no more than six hours of research. Sixteen hours of lectures, conferences, or examinations, or thirty-two hours of laboratory work are equivalent to one semester hour of credit.

Students desiring to transfer from another graduate school are not allowed more than six semester hours of credit for previous course work, except in unusual cases and upon approval of the dean of the Graduate School.

The course of study consisting of classes, seminars, and research is compiled by a group including the student, the student's advisor, and the chair of the department of the major field of interest. It is recommended that, when possible, such programs include courses in fields other than that of major interest. At least twelve semester hours must consist of graduate courses exclusive of 600-level courses on the Reynolda campus.