Non-thesis graduate students have the opportunity to take up to 6 credits of Direct Independent Study towards their elective requirements and will have the opportunity to work closely with faculty members conducting research.
Thesis graduate students works closely with a faculty member on an extensive research project that culminates in a scholarly paper. Only students with strong writing skills who are capable of doing a substantial independent research project should choose the thesis track. The thesis track gives graduate students the opportunity to gain knowledge and expertise in a particular field.