Under the non-thesis option, the Advisory Committee meets with the student to determine the nature and extent of the research experience and of the written report describing the results from the research activities. At completion, this report is submitted to the student’s Advisory Committee for approval.

A Manual for Theses and Dissertations is available on the Graduate College website. This manual details the process of preparing a Master’s thesis. As the University is extremely specific as to what it will accept, and since the degree cannot become official until this requirement is satisfied, it is strongly recommended that students acquire a copy of this manual and read it carefully before beginning preparation of their thesis.

For completion of the requirements for the M.S. degree, students must defend their thesis work. The first hour of this final examination will consist of an open presentation/seminar on the research followed by a closed examination of the candidate by their Major Advisor and Advisory Committee. This examination will follow guidelines established by the Graduate College and can be wide-ranging but will usually utilize the student’s research as a starting point. At the completion of the examination, the Major Advisor and Advisory Committee will vote to either pass or fail the student. This examination does not have to be scheduled with the Graduate College.

After the students have obtained approval of their Master’s Report or passed their Master’s Thesis final examination, they must turn in to the SPS a bound or electronic copy of their report/thesis for the archives.

The Major Advisor and two additional members must sign the Completion of Degree Requirements form. At least 2 members of the Advisory Committee must hold a tenure-track appointment in the Major. The 3rd member of the committee may be a tenure-track faculty member from another University of Arizona department or may be a non-tenure track member. A request for a special non-tenure track member of a committee must be approved by the Graduate College prior to the examination. Modifications in the Plan of Study may be made on the Completion of Degree Requirements form or on the Changes in Student’s Records form. Modifications may consist of changes in course work or change in student’s address. Name changes also require that an official name change is filed with the Registrar’s Office. All outstanding fees must be paid before the final completion date. Any financial encumbrances will delay mailing of the diploma and transcripts. Contact the Bursar’s Office, Room 208, Administration Building, or call 621-3232. All grades must be submitted for Incompletes and current semester course work before completion of the degree. Consult the Schedule of Classes for information on deadlines for submission of grades.