Master's Degree

UC Merced offers the Master of Science (M.S.), Master of Arts (M.A.) degrees. New students are assigned a faculty advisor and committee that assist them in developing a curriculum to meet the requirements. Although considerable flexibility to meet individual needs exists, requirements usually include a core of required material that a student must master.

The M.S. and M.A. degrees are either Plan I or Plan II programs. Plan I requires a minimum of 24 semester units in approved graduate courses plus completion of a thesis. Plan II requires at least 24 semester units in approved graduate courses, followed by a comprehensive examination administered by the faculty.

Master of Science (M.S.) and Master of Arts (M.A..)

Plan I (Thesis):

  • Completion of a thesis
  • A minimum of 24 semester units in approved courses, at least 20 of which much be earned in 200-series graduate-level courses exclusive of credit given for thesis research and preparation.
  • A general examination is also required.

Plan II (Comprehensive Examination):

  • A comprehensive examination administered by the faculty
  • A minimum of 30 semester units approved courses, at least 24 of which must be from graduate-level courses in the 200 series.

At least two semesters of academic residence at UC Merced is required for all master's degrees.

Master’s Degree Learning Outcomes

The goal of the M.S./M.A. degree at UC Merced is to sufficiently educate students at an advanced level in specific fields of knowledge so that they may continue in their pursuit of graduate education, or be competitive for careers in the private or public sector. Towards this end, recipients of the M.A. or M.S. degree:

  1. Have an understanding of the principles that underlie the field of study.
  2. Are able to use the research and/or working methodologies of the field of study.
  3. Are able to use the communication formats of their field to effectively communicate with professional, specialist audiences as well as to other audiences as appropriate for the field.
  4. Are proficient in the professional skills necessary to lead productive careers in their chosen profession.

 

Last Updated: August 2020