Graduate College Program Requirements

Following is a brief discussion of the general requirements established by the Graduate College at Mississippi State University. More detailed information for entrance requirements, registration and degree requirements can be found in the official Graduate College Bulletin published by the Graduate College.

Master of Science Programs

Each student's course of study and research is directed by a committee of graduate faculty called a Graduate Committee. A Graduate Committee for this degree must be composed of at least three members, all of whom must be members of the Graduate Faculty. A minimum of 30 semester hours of graduate study (with at least 24 hours of course work) is required in all Master's degree programs.

Students in Master of Science degrees are required to present a thesis. A minimum of six semester hours is assigned to thesis research and thesis writing. The student must also conduct an oral defense of the thesis before the Graduate Committee. A final examination is required of all degree candidates.

Doctor of Philosophy

In order to earn the Ph.D. degree, a candidate must demonstrate mastery of a particular field of knowledge, of the techniques of research, and of the correlation of his/her specialty with the larger areas of knowledge, especially those directly related to his/her own field of interest.

Each student's course of study and research is directed by a committee of Graduate Faculty called a Graduate Committee that is composed of five members of the Graduate Faculty. At least three academic years beyond the Bachelor's degree are necessary to meet course requirements. The number of course hours will vary according to the specific requirements of the department concerned and the student's needs.

A preliminary/comprehensive examination for admission to candidacy for the degree must be taken, only after the student has completed or is within six hours of completing the course work, completed the research skills requirements, and has the dissertation topic approved.

A dissertation is required of all candidates for the doctorate, and a minimum of twenty semester hours of research for the dissertation must be scheduled. The dissertation must show (a) mastery of the techniques of research, and (b) a very distinct contribution to the field under investigation and study. The Graduate Committee must approve the dissertation topic, the outline, and the final product. Following acceptance, the student will conduct an oral defense of the dissertation before his Graduate Committee. Only after a successful defense and submission of an acceptable dissertation will the candidate become eligible to receive the Doctor of Philosophy degree.

Additional information can be obtained by contacting the Graduate College; P.O. Box G; 116 Allen Hall; Mississippi State University; Mississippi State, MS 39762 or grad@grad.msstate.edu

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