Master of Science Degree      
The Master's degree requires 30 credit hours (based on a quarter system) of course work from disciplines that meet the needs of your research specialty, and 15 credit hours of thesis research.

In the course of your program, you will be required to prepare and orally defend a thesis based on your research.  Students require approximately two years to complete the Master of Science degree.

 Doctorate Degree       
The Doctorate degree requires 60 credit hours of course work beyond the Master's degree and 30 hours of research.  It may be possible to pursue a doctoral program without receiving a Master of Science degree.

You will conduct original research and prepare a dissertation, then make an oral defense of your completed research before your examination committee.  Students require about three to four years beyond the Master's degree to complete a Ph.D. program.