Sept 16, 2009

To all MS graduate Students:                                                                                                               

Effective immediately, the Diagnostic Exam is no longer required for graduating with an MS degree.

Only if you are interested to continue for PhD you will have to take the Diagnostic exam.

In addition,  we  have introduced a new 3^rd  option,  called "Courses-only" option.

The three options available for the for Master's degree are: Thesis option, Project option and Courses-only option .

· Thesis Option. A minimum of 31 credit hours is required, including 24 credits of course work, 6 credits of thesis research and 1 credit of Colloquium. The candidate is required to write a thesis and make an oral presentation of the results.

· Project Option. A minimum of 34 credit hours is required, including 30 credits of course work, 3 credits of project work and 1 credit of Colloquium. The candidate is required to prepare a written report on the project and to orally present it.

· Courses-only Option. A minimum of 34 credit hours is required including 33 credits of course work and 1 credit of Colloquium. In addition, a student choosing this option must pass the Exit Comprehensive Examination.

Exit  Comprehensive Exam:  A student will write a status report that includes a listing of all the courses taken, the knowledge gained from these courses, suggestions for improvements and the overall impression of the MS program experience. The student will then meet with a  graduate advisory committee and orally present the report.  During the meeting the student  will be asked  fundamental questions pertaining to the set of listed courses. The outcome of that Exam is Pass/Fail. A failed student will be advised  of what to do to improve and pass the exam again.

In Summary:

If you choose either the Thesis or the Project option, there are no changes what so ever

(except that you are no longer required to take the diag. exam).

If you choose to follow the  new "courses-only" option, you will have to take the Exit  Comprehensive Exam.

Please contact me If you are an MS student and wants to take the diag exam  this Fall because you are interested in the PhD program.

Otherwise do not register for the diag exam and no further action is required in your part.

I will be happy to answer any question by either email or in person, my office hours are T&W 10:30-1:30.