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    Apr 19, 2024  
American University Catalog 2015-2016 
    
American University Catalog 2015-2016 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Master’s Degree Requirements


Master’s students must have an approved Program of Study that includes, but is not limited to, coursework and a capstone experience. A master’s degree requires the completion of at least 30 semester credit hours of graduate work. The requirement for residence credit must be met. A detailed description of the degree requirements can be obtained from each graduate program and must be posted on the website of the teaching unit.

Capstone Experience

One capstone experience (e.g., thesis, research project, practicum, internship or other experience as determined by the graduate program) is required. The nature and scope of the capstone experience is determined by the graduate program and is included in the Program of Study. If the capstone is a comprehensive examination, the structure, content, and grading of the examination, as well as any policy on retaking the examination will be determined by the teaching unit.

Thesis

Students writing a thesis as their capstone experience are expected to demonstrate their capacity to do original, independent research. Students must take no fewer than three semester credit hours of master’s thesis research (797). Students continue to register for thesis credits each semester until the completion of the thesis. A thesis advisory committee shall consist of no fewer than two members of the AU faculty. In consultation with the Thesis Chair, the student solicits faculty for the committee and submits their names for approval by the Graduate Program Director.

Jointly Administered Degree Programs

A Jointly Administered Degree Program is a specified combination of courses, typically from more than one academic or teaching unit, that combines elements of the various courses of study in those units for the purpose of providing a combined program of study towards a specific degree. Both units have responsibilities to monitor student progress and provide academic advising. Upon completion of the Jointly Administered Degree Program, the student receives one graduate degree.

Dual Degree Programs

A Dual Degree Program is a combination of two separate approved degree programs. Students must be admitted to the second degree program before completing the first degree. Upon completion of a Dual Degree Program, a student will be conferred the two degrees included in the Dual Degree Program. Credits that apply from one program to another must be approved by their respective Graduate Program Directors and under the following conditions:

  • Students must meet all of the course, capstone, and other requirements for each degree program.
  • The Dual Degree Program must either be listed in the Academic Catalog or approved by the Vice Provost for Research and Dean of Graduate Studies or designee. If the program is not listed in the Academic Catalog, VPR/DGS approval is necessary for each student before admission to a second degree program. VPR/DGS approval for a particular Dual Degree Program may only be granted for three students before it must be approved by the Graduate Curriculum Committee and listed in the Academic Catalog.
  • The student applies for and receives each degree upon completion of all the requirements for that degree. The degrees may or may not be completed simultaneously.
  • At least 50% of the courses taken in each program in the Dual Degree Program must be taken in residence, and students must satisfy residency requirements as specified in the graduate regulations.
  • The maximum number of credits that can be shared between the degrees must follow these guidelines:
      Credits for the first degree
      30 - 35 credits 36 - 38 credits 39 and more credits
    Credits for the other degree 30 - 35 credits Share 6 credits Share 6 credits Share 9 credits
    36 - 38 credits   Share 9 credits Share 9 credits
    39 and more credits     Share 12 credits

    Dual degree programs may be established with other institutions with approval from the Office of the Provost. At least 50% of the credits within the program must be earned through American University courses.