Natural Sciences, M.N.S.

(MNS)

Both a non-thesis and thesis option are available. Requirements for the non-thesis option include 36 semester hours of graduate courses distributed as follows:

• a major in mathematics or a biological or physical science (see below for a listing of cooperating departments)— 15 semester hours minimum
• a minor in a cognate or related minor field—nine semester hours minimum
• electives in physical sciences, biological sciences, or mathematics—12 semester hours minimum
• at least nine of the total 36 semester hours must be in courses numbered 6000 or above (six of these nine must be in the major field)

A maximum of 12 semester hours of computer science courses may be applied toward the MNS degree. As a result, students may not major in computer science for this degree. A minor in science education is permitted. A maximum of nine semester hours in science education may be applied to the MNS degree.

Apart from computer science or curriculum and instruction, a student may major in any of the participating departments below. All elective hours do not have to be taken in the participating departments. The student develops an approved departmental-level academic course plan with the program administrator. Although a modest number of hours in independent study or research courses is allowed, a student may not apply thesis research (8000) hours to this degree. A comprehensive final oral exam before the student’s committee is required to complete the degree.

Requirements for the thesis option include 24 hours of course work and six hours of thesis credit. The final oral exam will include a defense of the thesis.