Proposal for curriculum revisions

for the M.S. degree in Physics and Astronomy

At one time, the M.S. degree was the main research degree of the physics and astronomy program at UD. This has not been the case for a long time as this role has been taken over by the Ph.D. degree. At this point there is a need for a degree that has content appropriate for an M.S. but does not require the commitment to research. In first instance this will serve those students who entered the Ph.D. program but do come to the conclusion that they do not want to pursue a research career. Another group consists of those who in the end cannot meet Ph.D. program requirements such as passing the Ph.D. candidacy exam, but do meet expectations for an M.S. degree.

Specifically we propose the following changes:

1. The M.S. degree requires 30 credits hours in PHYS courses. Of those 30 credits at least 6 must be classroom course work at the PHYS 800 level.
2. Students may choose to obtain an MS degree with or without thesis. In the case of an MS with thesis, of the required 30 credits 6 credits will be thesis work (PHYS 869). After the M.S. thesis is completed, the candidate defends the thesis in an oral examination administered by the thesis committee.

Changes are indicated by highlighting the relevant sections in the current (2002) and proposed (2005) Graduate Program Policy Statements.