The MS degree builds on the foundation of skills, breadth, and depth of the undergraduate education to achieve greater competency. The MS program brings students to the state-of-the-art in one or more specialty areas enabling them with the skills necessary to handle problems at the cutting edge of the profession.

There are two MS options: Thesis and Project.

The intent of a thesis is to advance the state of the art, while the intent of a project is to apply the state of the art. The results of a thesis should be publishable as a journal or conference article, while the results of a project may or may not be publishable. Students completing a thesis receive 6 credit hours for their effort, while students completing a project receive 3 credit hours for their effort. Work on a thesis is more likely to be funded than work on a project. Both a thesis and a project are reviewed by a graduate committee comprised of three faculty members. A thesis is presented to the faculty committee, while a project is usually presented in graduate seminar. Expectations regarding the quality of written and oral presentation are the same for both a thesis and a project.

Requirements for Degree.

• Credit hours: Thesis program: 31 minimum approved hours including 6 thesis hours and 1 hour of Graduate Seminar. Project program: 31 minimum approved hours including 3 project hours and 1 hour of Graduate Seminar.
• Program of Study: the graduate program of study must be submitted during the first semester of graduate study.
• Evaluations: evaluation of the student's graduate program progress by his/her department advisor is required at least twice each academic year.
• Residency requirements: residency is required for the major part of the work. This work must be completed under the specific direction of a graduate faculty member while the student is in residence at BYU. “In residence” is defined as (1) being registered for credit as a graduate student and (2) living and conducting research in the general vicinity of the university, where the student has ready access to research facilities and consultation with the faculty. Further, all work must be completely open for university review and publication. Any exceptions to the above must be supported by written approval from the department and college and obtained in advance of any work being performed.
• Prospectus: Students must submit a written prospectus on their proposed research topic during their first semester of graduate seminar.
• Examinations: students must complete an oral defense of thesis or oral presentation of project.
• Thesis or Project.
• Cumulative 3.0 GPA or above in all program of study courses.
• For a more detailed description of the graduate program requirements, see:  http://ceen.byu.edu and http://gradstudies.byu.edu.