Doctoral and Master of Science degrees from AS&T

Applied Science & Technology is designed as a Ph.D program; however, students may choose to obtain a Master of Science degree while en route to obtaining the Ph.D.

Doctor of Philosophy

Course requirements. A minimum of thirty-two (32) semester units of letter-graded coursework is required, exclusive of seminars and research. Of these thirty-two (32) letter-graded units, at least twenty-four (24) units must be graduate-level (200 series) courses, and the remaining 8 units must be upper division or graduate level courses. Thirty (30) of the thirty-two (32) units must be from approved technical courses. The student is required to complete at least eighteen (18) letter-graded semester units from technical courses relating to the student’s major research field. In addition, a minor must be established. This is done by taking eight (8) letter-graded semester units from technical courses in the chosen minor emphasis area.  In summary, of the thirty-two (32) required units for the doctoral degree, twenty-six (26) units are specified to lie within the major area and minor fields of study, leaving six (6) discretionary units.  The 26 units in the major and minor programs must come from approved technical courses (not from seminars or survey courses).

The student’s academic program is developed in consultation with the Research Advisor, the assigned Academic Advisor, and the Head Graduate Advisor to suit his/her individual needs. The interdisciplinary nature of the group makes it particularly important that the student discuss his/her coursework with the Research Advisor, as the Research Advisor is most familiar with the skills and knowledge necessary to complete the dissertation.

Research requirements. Completion of a dissertation which has been approved by a dissertation committee.

Master of Science

Course requirements. Completion of twenty-four (24) letter-graded semester units from technical courses, of which at least twelve (12) units are in graduate level courses in the major field of study, not counting seminars or survey courses. Up to three (3) units of individual research may be included in the remaining twelve (12) units. The remaining units may be advanced undergraduate or graduate courses in other fields or in the major.

Research requirements. Completion of a master’s research project, in lieu of a comprehensive examination. The master’s research project must be read and approved by at least two (2) faculty members.