GRS Master’s Degree Requirements

Students admitted into a master’s program in the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences must have completed an approved bachelor’s degree at an accredited institution.

Advisor

A student in a Graduate School of Arts & Sciences (GRS) master’s degree program is required to have an advisor who is a member of the faculty in the student’s department or program. If an advisor is not assigned in advance of registration, the student should consult the department chair/program director or director of graduate studies about assignment procedures.

All courses must be approved by the student’s major advisor and department chair, program director, or director of graduate studies.

Unit and Course Requirements

Students are required to complete a minimum of 32 graduate units, although specific degree programs may require more. These units may be earned through graduate courses, seminars, or directed study or research with an individual faculty member. Specific requirements of courses, seminars, and research or directed study are determined by the student’s department or graduate program. Graduate units are those earned from courses numbered 500 or higher. At least 16 of the required 32 units must be in the major field.

Normally, no more than 18 units per term may be taken concurrently. Students must register for at least 2 units or Continuing Student Status each term until the completion of all degree requirements, unless they obtain an authorized leave of absence. The number of courses that may be transferred to a master’s program is explained in more detail in the Transfer of Units section of this website.

Students must be registered for every term or Summer Term during which a degree requirement is completed or University facilities are used unless on an official leave of absence. When finishing the degree, students must be registered in the term in which the final degree requirements are completed.

Language Requirement

The Graduate School of Arts & Sciences has no general foreign language requirement. Proficiency in one or more foreign languages is required in many of our degree programs; please consult the individual program listings for specific requirements.

Thesis or Comprehensive Examination

A thesis or a comprehensive examination may be required, as determined by the department or division of major study.