Degree Credit for the Master’s Thesis, Paper or Project

This documents supersedes GFC Document 890 Revised and Approved December 15, 2003. It removes the section on master’s thesis grades, which has been incorporated into GFC document 1348 (Consolidated Graduate School Grades Policy).

Degree Credit Policy for Thesis/Paper/Project

Students will only be allowed to count master’s thesis/paper/project credits toward meeting degree requirements if that particular capstone requirement is completed. Thesis/project course enrollment will remain on the transcript, as with any other course enrollment that does not apply toward the
degree. A notation will be made on the transcript when a student switches to a non-thesis option. Grades will be changed to W (Withdrawn) in identifiable courses for the capstone option that was not completed.

It is recommended that departments maintain or establish a separate thesis/dissertation research course to distinguish this course from other independent study, reading, or research courses that are not related to the thesis.

In programs with multiple master’s options, language will be added to the Graduate School Bulletin to indicate that degree credit will only be granted if the thesis/paper/project is completed (and successfully defended, where applicable).

Justification for Proposed Policy

This will provide for consistent treatment of students who change to a non-thesis option after enrolling for thesis credit.

1. Revision of the Degree Credit Policy for the Master’s Thesis, Paper or Project is approved as described above.
2. The revised requirements are effective following appropriate administrative approval. Students entering in fall 2015 or later must follow the new requirements.

December 18, 2014

Subcommittee on Graduate Course and Curriculum

January 26, 2015

Approved

September 20, 2018

No. 3205