As part of the requirements for the M.A. in HDFS, students may select either the Master's Project or Master's Thesis option.
The master’s project track is intended for students who do not plan to continue graduate work beyond the Master's degree, and provides the opportunity to approach research and theory in a more applied manner. The presentation and interpretation of original research is not required. For the master’s project option, students complete a project that will enhance their professional goals. The role of the master’s project advisor is to guide the student with identifying relevant areas of investigation and to assist the student in successfully completing the master’s project.
The thesis track is intended for research-oriented students and is designed to provide the opportunity to conduct original research. The thesis is recommended for students who intend to continue in graduate school beyond the master's level. Approval of a thesis proposal by the student's thesis committee is required, as is the successful completion of an oral final examination conducted by the thesis committee.
Approval of the proposed project or thesis by the student's master's committee is required, as is the successful completion of an oral final examination conducted by their committee. The College of EHHS's deadline for master's projects and theses must be adhered to by students. Students should allow a minimum of at least two semesters for completion of the project or thesis. The thesis or project proposal must be approved by the student's committee no later than the Friday of the first week of classes in the semester the student intends to graduate. The deadline for the oral defense is generally the tenth week of the semester in which the student is planning to graduate.