Degree Requirements

Each graduate program has specific requirements, which are outlined in the Academic Catalog. The Academic Catalog is published in the summer before the start of each academic year. Students’ degree requirements are based on their year of entry to their degree program. For example, students who begin their graduate studies in the Fall 2024 semester will follow the requirements outlined in the 2024-2025 Academic Calendar.

Students are expected to be familiar with the requirements for their graduate degree or certificate program and to proactively monitor their academic progress through our student information system, Workday. Students should meet regularly with their Faculty Advisor to ensure they are selecting appropriate courses and making satisfactory progress towards their degree. Students who have questions about their degree requirements should contact their Academic Advisor, which is listed in Workday.

Core and Elective Courses

Each program has core and elective courses. Core courses provide students with the foundational knowledge necessary to progress onto more advanced coursework and to be successful in a given field of study. Elective courses provide students with an opportunity to tailor their studies to their interests and goals. Students should meet with their Faculty Advisor to discuss the sequence in which they complete their core courses and to discuss potential electives.

Concentrations

Many graduate degrees include concentrations, which allow students to focus their learning within their field of study. Concentrations are optional for some programs and required for others. Concentrations typically require students to complete 3-4 specific courses. Students are encouraged to select their concentration as early as possible to allow for proper course planning and selection. Concentrations must be added to a student’s record on Workday using the instructions linked here.

Master’s Thesis

A Master’s Thesis is typically required for students receiving Graduate Assistantships and/or interested in pursuing a doctorate following completion of their Master’s degree. The requirements for a Master’s Thesis can be found on this page of the Stevens Hub.

Doctoral Requirements

Doctoral student progress is measured by several key milestones, including completion of required coursework, passing qualifying exams, conducting research, writing a dissertation, and defending a dissertation, among other things. Details about doctoral student requirements can be found in the Academic Catalog.