The Master of Science degree is designed for graduate students who seek to improve the lives of individuals, families and communities. Students complete 30 semester hours of coursework designed to prepare them for advancement in their professional discipline. A capstone project is required during the final term of enrollment and a thesis is optional. Areas of focus within this degree program include:
- Clothing and Textiles
- Conflict Resolution (stand-alone graduate certificate is also available)
- Human Environmental Sciences
For additional information on each area of focus please contact the following faculty members
- Clothing and Textiles - Dr. Amy Thompson
- Conflict Resolution - Dr. Jennifer Humber
- Human Environmental Sciences - Dr. Deidre Leaver-Dunn
Admissions
See the Admission Criteria section of this catalog for more information.
Curricular Requirements
Students in the MS degree program complete 30 semester hours of coursework in disciplines offered by the College of Human Environmental Sciences. This includes HES 509, Research Methods; and HES 590, Special Problems in Human Environmental Sciences; CSM 590, Capstone CQM; or CTD 590, Special Problems in Clothing. The remaining 21-24 hours (7-8 classes) are drawn from graduate offerings in the area of focus. Within the Human Environmental Sciences area of focus, these may include courses from any discipline within the college that support the student's professional development goals and for which the student has completed the appropriate prerequisites.
Students will complete degree requirements following Plan II (non-thesis process), although there is an option for Plan I (thesis process). Each student must earn a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better for all graduate work. Grades below a 'C' are computed in the GPA, but they do not carry credit toward a degree.
| Required for All MS Graduate Students | Hours |
| HES 509 | Research Methods | 3 |
| HES 590 or | Special Problems in HES | 3 to 6 |
| CSM 590 or | Spec Prob Consmr Affairs |
| CTD 590 | Spec Prob Clothing |
| 21 to 24 |
Transfer Credit
Graduate School information on Transfer Credit.
Comprehensive Exam/Capstone Project
Students in the MS degree program complete a Capstone Project during their final term through enrollment in the Special Topics or Capstone class that aligns with their area of focus: HES 590 for Human Environmental Sciences, CSM for Conflict Resolution or Consumer Quality Management, or CTD 590 for Clothing and Textiles.
As part of the Special Topics or Capstone class, the student will work with their faculty mentor to identify an issue, topic or problem in their discipline and then develop a comprehensive document that addresses that specific focus. The final product will draw on the coursework included in the student’s specific plan of study and represent a synthesis of the major concepts from each one as they relate to the issue, topic or problem. It will include references using the citation style most often associated with the student’s discipline.
The Capstone Project must be submitted no later than 2 weeks before the final day of classes for the term in which the student is enrolled, and results reported to the Graduate School 2 weeks before the date of commencement for that semester.
Time Limits for Degree Completion Requirements
Graduate School information on Time Limits.
Student Progress Requirements
Graduate School information on Student Progress.
Academic Misconduct Information
Graduate School information on Academic Misconduct.
Withdrawals and Leave of Absence Information
Graduate School information on Withdrawals and Leave of Absence.
Academic Grievances Information
Graduate School information on Academic Grievances.
Grades and Academic Standing
Graduate School information on Grades and Academic Standing.
Graduate School Deadlines Information
Information on Graduate School Deadlines.
Application for Graduation Information
Information on the Application for Graduation.
