Culminating Projects Policies and Procedures
Completion of a Master's Program
All candidates for the Master’s degree must complete one of the following: a comprehensive examination, a capstone course, or a thesis, as required by the discipline. In some disciplines a combination of the above may be required.
Comprehensive Examination
Candidates choosing the Comprehensive Examination option for Master’s degrees must pass a comprehensive examination in their major field within six (6) months of completion of the course work for the degree. All students who take a comprehensive examination must register for it. A $10 examination fee may be required each time the examination is taken. The Comprehensive Examination may be attempted a maximum of three times at the discretion of the Comprehensive Examination Committee. Comprehensive Examinations are usually identified by the number CE90 and do not carry credit hour credit. Consult the Program Director for individual discipline regulations.
Capstone Course
Capstone courses provide an integrative learning experience and synthesis of knowledge which combine theory and research in the discipline. The courses build upon previous coursework and include application of theory to practical issues in the field. Capstone courses are usually numbered 63CS. Enrollment requires approval by the student’s Academic Advisor.
Thesis
Thesis policies are described below.
Completion of a Doctoral Program
Depending on the nature of the doctoral degree, programs may require a dissertation or project as a required culminating experience. The policies governing dissertation and doctoral projects are described below.