 General Requirements for
Master's Degree
The
minimum requirements for most master's degrees can
be satisfied in one academic year of two semesters
or nine months. In practice, however, many students
need three semesters or longer. Certain departments
have special requirements as outlined in this Bulletin.
In addition, those who hold assistantships or fellowships,
those who engage in time-consuming work off-campus,
or those with scholastic deficiencies of any sort cannot
meet all requirements in the minimum time. Also, research
is unpredictable and frequently requires more time
than anticipated.
Certain departments offer a master's
degree under two plans, referred to as the Thesis Option
and the Non-Thesis Option.
Course Work
At least one-half of all credit
hours toward the minimum degree requirement must be earned
in 7000- and 8000-level courses, which are courses for graduate
students only. The remainder may be in 6000-level courses.
Plan of Study
Early in the graduate
program, each student should confer with the appropriate
departmental advisor or major professor to select courses
and discuss research interests. Then a plan of study should
be prepared and submitted to the Graduate School. The Plan
of Study should be prepared and submitted to the Graduate
School. The Plan of Study form is available on the web at
www.grad.auburn.edu or in the Graduate School. For full-time
students, the Plan of Study must be submitted no later than
the end of the first semester in Graduate School. For part-time
students, the plan of study must be submitted before registration
for the fourth course taken in Graduate School. Notification
of all changes must be provided before the beginning of the
final semester. One to three changes may be made by using
the simplified "Change in Existing Plan of Study Form" available
at the Graduate School or on the web. Four or more changes
require a new Plan of Study.
The student is responsible
for carrying out the planned program and for asking the major
professor to make necessary changes.
NO
STUDENT will be permitted to graduate who fails to submit
a Plan of Study to the Graduate School prior to the semester
of expected graduation. Graduation day is the official last
day of each semester and, therefore, is the deadline for
submitting Plans of Study and graudate checks for graduation
the following semester.
Residency Requirement
A
master's degree student under the thesis option must spend
one semester, or a ten-week term, on campus as a full-time
student. This requirement concerns academic residency only;
it has nothing to do with residency for fee purposes.
There is no residency requirement
for master's degree students under the non-thesis option.
Summary of
Procedures for Master's Degree Program
The student
should:
Obtain application forms from the
Graduate School and apply for admission by submitting
completed forms and other required materials as outlined
in this Bulletin. Apply for an assistantship, if pertinent,
with the department involved. Become familiar with requirements
for the desired degree as outlined in this Bulletin. - Consult with departmental advisor
and become oriented to departmental procedures.
-
Plan schedule of study for the first semester with advisor.
Establish an advisory committee through
the department head or chair and departmental advisor;
usually done during the first semester of course work.
Prepare a proposed Plan of Study in consultation with
the advisory committee. Submit a plan approved by the
committee and department head to the Graduate School
no later than the second semester. Consult with the
advisor on approval for the thesis plan, if pertinent,
and become familiar with the Guide To the Preparation
and Submission of Theses and Dissertations, available
in the University Bookstore and on the web. Fulfill
language requirements, if any. Request graduation check
in the Graduate School no later than the last day of
the semester (graduation day) prior to the semester
of graduation. Notify the Graduate School of the intent
to graduate no later than the fifteenth class day of
thes semester of graduation. Prepare thesis manuscript,
if pertinent. Arrange for final oral examination with
advisory committee.
For more information see
the: Auburn
University Bulletin
or visit the Auburn
University Graduate School |
