Degrees

Degrees are awarded three times each year, in August, December, and May. Each academic year’s degrees are conferred formally at the annual commencement in May. Degree candidates are not eligible to graduate if the graduate grade-point average is lower than 3.0 in all courses acceptable for graduate credit. Only doctoral candidates who have fulfilled all degree requirements by the deadline date for graduation in May are allowed to participate in the May doctoral hooding ceremony.

Students who are working toward two degrees must complete requirements for each degree. Course work may not count toward fulfilling degree requirements for more than one degree.

Graduate students may not earn an additional KU degree with the same name and degree code as a previously awarded degree from KU. This applies to the completion of different degree tracks, concentrations, and subspecialties within a given degree. This does not prohibit students from earning additional master’s or doctoral degrees in another discipline.

Master’s Degrees

Traditional Master of Arts and Master of Science degrees are granted, as well as a number of professional master’s degrees that have developed out of the arts and science degrees.

Master of Arts and Master of Science. Historically, most of the master’s degrees granted have been the Master of Arts and Master of Science. This fact conforms with the traditional liberal arts background out of which most U.S. graduate schools developed. These degrees’ requirements are generally concentrated in one area or major discipline.

Master of Arts and Master of Science with a Major in Special Studies. For students whose academic and professional goals can best be achieved by interdisciplinary study at the master’s level, KU offers the M.A. and M.S. degree programs in special studies. See M.A. and M.S. with a Major in Special Studies under Master’s Degree Requirements in this chapter. Specific information on eligibility for admission may be obtained from the Graduate Division offices.

Professional Master’s Degrees. A number of professional master’s degrees are granted, most of which are offered through the professional schools. Exceptions are noted by an asterisk (*). Consult the chapter pertaining to the appropriate college or school for detailed descriptions of all professional master’s programs.

Master’s Degree Programs

School of Allied Health
Master of Arts
• Audiology
• Speech-Language Pathology
Master of Occupational Therapy
Master of Science
• Dietetics and Nutrition
• Molecular Biotechnology
• Nurse Anesthesia
• Occupational Therapy
School of Architecture, Design and Planning
Master of Architecture
Master of Arts
• Architecture
• Design
Master of Fine Arts
• Design
Master of Science
• Architectural Engineering (with School of Engineering)
Master of Urban Planning
School of Business
Master of Accounting
Master of Business Administration
Master of Science
• Business
School of Education
Master of Arts
• Education
Master of Science
• Counseling Psychology
Master of Science in Education
School of Engineering
Master of Civil Engineering
Master of Construction Management
Master of Engineering—Aerospace Engineering
Master of Science
• Aerospace Engineering
• Architectural Engineering (with School of Architecture, Design and Planning)
• Bioengineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Computer Science
• Electrical Engineering
• Engineering Management
• Environmental Engineering
• Environmental Science
• Information Technology
• Mechanical Engineering
• Petroleum Engineering
• Water Resources Science
School of Journalism and Mass Communications
Master of Science
• Journalism
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Master of Arts
• African and African-American Studies
• American Studies
• Anthropology
• Applied Behavioral Science
• Audiology
• Biochemistry and Biophysics
• Botany
• Chemistry
• Child Language
• Classics
• Clinical Child Psychology
• Communication Studies
• East Asian Languages and Cultures
• Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
• Economics
• English
• Entomology
• French
• Geography
• Germanic Languages and Literatures
• Gerontology
• Global Indigenous Nations Studies
• History
• History of Art
• International Studies
• Latin American Studies
• Linguistics
• Mathematics
• Microbiology
• Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology
• Museum Studies
• Philosophy
• Political Science
• Psychology
• Religious Studies
• Russian and East European Studies
• Slavic Languages and Literatures
• Sociology
• Spanish
• Speech-Language Pathology
Master of Fine Arts*
• Creative Writing
• *Professional degree administered by the Department of English
Master of Public Administration*
• *Professional degree administered by the Department of Public Administration
Master of Science
• Atmospheric Science
• Chemistry
• Geology
• Physics
School of the Arts
Master of Arts
• Film and Media Studies
• Theatre
• Visual Art Education
Master of Fine Arts
• Design
• Theatre Design
• Visual Art
School of Medicine
Master of Arts
• Cell Biology and Anatomy
• Microbiology
• Pathology
• Pharmacology
Master of Health Services Administration
Master of Public Health
Master of Science
• Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• Clinical Research
• Molecular and Integrative Physiology
• Pharmacology
• Toxicology
School of Music
Master of Music
• Music
Master of Music Education
• Music Education
• Music Therapy
School of Nursing
Master of Science
• Nursing
School of Pharmacy
Master of Science
• Hospital Pharmacy
• Medicinal Chemistry
• Pharmaceutical Chemistry
• Pharmacology and Toxicology
School of Social Welfare
Master of Social Work

The college and the schools listed above may offer either or both of the degrees Master of Arts and Master of Science with a major in special studies.

Combined Degrees. Several combined degrees are granted in programs meeting the requirements of the graduate master’s or doctoral degree and the professional post-baccalaureate degree. Approved programs include those for the degrees of

M.A. or M.S. in basic medical science fields with the M.D.
• M.A. with a major in American Studies with M.U.P.
• M.A. with a major in Geography with M.U.P.
• M.A. with a major in East Asian Languages and Cultures, Economics, Global Indigenous Nations Studies, Philosophy, or Political Science with J.D.
• M.B.A., M.H.S.A., M.P.A., M.S. in Journalism, M.S.W., or M.U.P. with J.D.
• M.B.A. with Master’s in Management from ESC Clermont, France
• M.B.A. with M.A. in area studies (East Asian Languages and Cultures; Latin American Studies; or Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies)
• M.B.A. with M.Arch.
• M.B.A. with Pharm.D.
• M.H.S.A. with B.S. in Health Information Management
• M.P.A. with M.U.P.
• M.D. with M.P.H.
• M.D. with M.H.S.A.
• M.D. with Ph.D. in Bioengineering
• M.P.H. with Ph.D. in Behavioral Psychology, offered through the Department of Applied Behavioral Science
• M.S. in Nursing with M.H.S.A. or M.P.H.
• Au.D. with Ph.D.

Specialist in Education

The degree of Specialist in Education is offered through the School of Education and may be earned as a concentration on the basis of two years of graduate work (which can include an appropriate master’s degree or equivalent). Information on this degree, including the concentration in which it may be earned, can be found in the School of Education chapter.

Doctoral Degrees

KU offers eight graduate doctoral degrees: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.), Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Doctor of Engineering (D.E.), Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.), Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.), Doctor of Occupational Therapy (O.T.D.), and Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.). The programs offering these degrees are administered by the schools and colleges through their departments and Graduate Divisions, from admission through final recommendation for degree award.

General descriptions for each of the doctoral degrees are given here in succinct form to provide convenient comparison of the degrees. Detailed information about requirements for each degree as it is offered in specific disciplines should be obtained from the appropriate college, school, or department listing in this catalog. The requirements there are in addition to the general requirements described in this chapter of the catalog.

Doctor of Philosophy. The degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) is the highest degree offered by the university. It is awarded for mastering a field of scholarship, for learning the methods of investigation appropriate to that field, and for completing a substantial piece of original research. In addition to preparing research specialists, the process of earning a Ph.D. shares certain goals with liberal education: putting order into human experience; fostering a love of learning for its own sake; instilling respect for human values; integrating various human powers into a process of creation; and making vital, in many fields at least, a sense of history.

Although the courses and research leading to the Ph.D. are necessarily specialized, the attainment of this degree should not be an isolated event in the enterprise of learning. The Ph.D. aspirant is expected to be a well-educated person with a broad base of general knowledge, not only as preparation for more advanced work but also as a means of knowing how the chosen specialty is related to other fields of human thought.

To give depth and breadth to their doctoral programs, many departments require some work in a minor field or at least an articulated selection of extra-departmental courses. Because of the diversity of the fields in which the Ph.D. is offered, and the variety of needs and interests of individual students, the degree does not have a specific requirement for a minor. However, the Ph.D. aspirant is encouraged to plan an integrated program, under departmental direction, that includes courses outside the major field.

Ph.D. with a Major in Special Studies. To accommodate the student whose academic and professional goals require a program embracing several disciplines that cannot be obtained through a single, established program, KU offers interdisciplinary special studies doctoral programs. To be eligible for such a program, the student must already have demonstrated academic excellence in graduate studies at KU and must present evidence of basic knowledge in each of the involved disciplines. For specific admission and implementation procedures, see Ph.D. with a Major in Special Studies under Doctoral Degree Requirements in this chapter of this catalog.

Doctor of Audiology. The Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) program prepares students to meet the academic and clinical requirements for the Certificate of Clinical Competence awarded by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association; it is designed to be completed in four years. Courses include basic science, clinical science, and clinical procedures. Consistent with ASHA certification standards, degree requirements also include the completion of a minimum of 2,000 hours of supervised clinical practicum. Au.D. students also must complete a research project and present the findings at a faculty-student forum. Degree requirements are listed under Communicative Disorders: Intercampus Program in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences chapter of this catalog.

Doctor of Education. The degree of Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) is a professional degree designed primarily for practitioners in the field of education. Applicants must present evidence of successful experience in professional education. While many of the requirements for the degree closely parallel those for the Ph.D., the degree program—particularly the dissertation—focuses on research concerned with application of existing knowledge rather than on basic research. Specific degree requirements are listed in the School of Education chapter of this catalog.

Doctor of Engineering. The degree of Doctor of Engineering (D.E.) is directed toward the practice of engineering and includes the entire process of technology from planning to product. Candidates for the degree are intimately associated throughout their tenure with technology project teams, generally composed of master’s degree candidates and undergraduates.

Doctor of Musical Arts. The degree of Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.) is intended as recognition of high professional attainment. Since only exceptionally well-qualified candidates are admitted to the program, students are expected to devote their doctoral studies primarily to developing professional qualifications for teaching at the college level. The degree of Doctor of Musical Arts is offered in the specific fields of bassoon; church music (organ or choral conducting emphasis); clarinet; composition; conducting (band, choral, or orchestral); flute; French horn; oboe; organ; percussion; piano performance, literature, and pedagogy; saxophone; strings; trombone; trumpet; tuba; and voice.

Doctor of Nursing Practice. The Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) at the KU School of Nursing prepares advanced practice nurses at the highest level of nursing practice. Advanced practice nurses provide patient-centered care that is evidence-based, contribute to the development of evidence-based practice, and pursue leadership roles in a variety of health care and educational settings. Requirements are listed in the School of Nursing chapter of this catalog.

Doctor of Occupational Therapy. The Doctor of Occupational Therapy (O.T.D.) is a professional degree offered by the School of Allied Health. Requirements for admission are listed in the School of Allied Health chapter of this catalog.

Doctor of Physical Therapy. The Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) is a professional degree designed primarily for individuals entering physical therapy. Graduates with the D.P.T. may apply for state licensure or registration to practice physical therapy. To be eligible for admission, the student must have a minimum of a baccalaureate degree or its equivalent and have completed all prerequisites. Requirements for admission are listed in the School of Allied Health chapter of this catalog.

Doctoral Degree Programs

School of Allied Health
Doctor of Audiology
Doctor of Occupational Therapy
Doctor of Philosophy

• Audiology
• Rehabilitation Science
• Speech-Language Pathology
• Therapeutic Science Doctor of Physical Therapy
School of Architecture, Design and Planning
Doctor of Philosophy
• Architecture
School of Business
Doctor of Philosophy
• Business
School of Education
Doctor of Education
Doctor of Philosophy
• Education
• Counseling
• Psychology
School of Engineering
Doctor of Engineering
• Aerospace Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
Doctor of Philosophy
• Aerospace Engineering
• Bioengineering
• Chemical and Petroleum Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Computer Science
• Electrical Engineering
• Environmental Engineering
• Environmental Science
• Mechanical Engineering
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Doctor of Philosophy
• American Studies
• Anthropology
• Audiology
• Behavioral Psychology
• Biochemistry and Biophysics
• Bioinformatics
• Botany
• Chemistry
• Child Language
• Clinical Child Psychology
• Communication Studies
• Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
• Economics
• English
• Entomology
• French
• Geography
• Geology
• Germanic Languages and Literatures
• Gerontology
• History
• History of Art
• Linguistics
• Mathematics
• Microbiology
• Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology
• Philosophy
• Physics
• Political Science
• Psychology
• Public Administration
• Slavic Languages and Literatures
• Sociology
• Spanish
• Speech-Language Pathology
School of the Arts
Doctor of Philosophy
• Film and Media Studies
• Theatre
School of Medicine
Doctor of Philosophy
• Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• Cell Biology and Anatomy
• Health Policy and Management
• Microbiology
• Molecular and Integrative Physiology
• Pathology
• Pharmacology
• Toxicology
School of Music
Doctor of Musical Arts
• Music
Doctor of Philosophy
• Music
• Music Education
School of Nursing
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Doctor of Philosophy
• Nursing
School of Pharmacy
Doctor of Philosophy
• Medicinal Chemistry
• Neurosciences
• Pharmaceutical Chemistry
• Pharmacology and Toxicology
School of Social Welfare
Doctor of Philosophy
• Social Work

The University of Kansas School of Medicine offers the Doctor of Medicine degree. See www.catalogs.ku.edu/medicine or www.kumc.edu/som for further information.

The University of Kansas School of Law offers the Juris Doctor degree. See the School of Law Catalog or www.law.ku.edu for further information.