Degree Options

TYPE OF DEGREE OPTIONS

Thesis Option

Student conducts a research under the guidance of a thesis committee. Expected outcomes from the thesis research includes, but not limited to, establishment of facts, development of new theories, and reaching new conclusions, which are publishable in prestigious conferences or scholarly journals. Total 6 credit hours of EMGT 6991 must be successfully completed.

Project Option

The MSEM Capstone Project is the culminating experience of the program, allowing students to apply the knowledge and skills gained throughout their studies to a real-world problem. The Capstone is completed over 1.5 semesters through two courses: EMGT 6891 (half-term, offered only in the second half of Fall and Spring semesters) and EMGT 6892 (full-term, offered in Fall and Spring semesters). A detailed procedure is described below.

PROCEDURE OF DEGREE OPTIONS

Thesis Option

  1. Find a thesis advisor who can serve as your thesis committee chair.
  2. Be advised by the thesis advisor to form a thesis committee. Submit the Appointment of Master’s Thesis Committee form to Graduate School.
  3. Conduct the thesis research while registering for EMGT 6991 as per the guidance of the advisor (request permits to the advisor). Submit the Proposal Defense Report for Dissertation/Master’s Thesis form to Graduate School. Observe the submission deadline published in the academic calendar. (The Appointment of Master’s Thesis Committee form must be submitted before submission of this form.)
  4. Schedule a final defense for the thesis and inform the schedule to the Graduate Program Director (deadline is available in the academic calendar). Provide a complete draft of your thesis to the committee members at least two weeks prior to the scheduled defense date. The defense will be open to the public. When the defense was successful, submit the Final Defense Report form to Graduate School.
  5. Submit a finalized thesis that accommodates any comments provided by the committee members. Submit the Dissertation/Thesis Submission & ETD form to Center for Graduate Life.

Project Option

Capstone Project Process

Step 1: Capstone Project Request (Due on October 1 in Fall, March 1 in Spring)

  • Submit the Capstone Project Request Form, which includes:
    • Three courses where the student gained skills they would like to apply.
    • Three faculty members the student would like to work with.
    • Verification of eligibility for EMGT 6891.
  • The form will be provided via Google Form and managed by the Academic Advisor.

Step 2: Review and Assignment of Advisors

  • The Graduate Program Director (GPD) assigns faculty advisors.
  • The Academic Advisor notifies students and their assigned advisors, and issues permits for EMGT 6891.

Step 3: Registration for EMGT 6891 (see Note 2 for course offering frequency)

  • Eligible students register for EMGT 6891.
  • Prerequisites for EMGT 6891:
    • Completion of at least two courses from EMGT 5201, EMGT 5202, or EMGT 5203.
  • Restrictions for EMGT 6891:
    • Students must have at least 19 credit hours completed or currently in progress toward their MSEM degree requirements.

Step 4: Proposal Development (EMGT 6891)

  • Before the term starts, students must reach out to their advisor to set up weekly advising meetings.
  • Students work with their advisor to develop their project proposal.
  • Deliverables:
  • Presentation slides and proposal report (submitted to advisor by the last day of classes; GPD collects files from advisors).
  • Minimum requirements for the proposal:
    • Data collection.
    • Descriptive data analytics.
    • Proposed models.
    • Plan for continued study in EMGT 6892.
  • Grading and progression:
    • Students must earn a B or better to proceed to EMGT 6892.
    • A grade of C requires repeating EMGT 6891, unless suspended or terminated under academic progression rules.
    • A grade of U results in suspension or termination, depending on academic status.
    • Important Note: Students who are required to maintain full-time status (e.g., F-1 visa holders) may face significant financial burdens if they receive a C grade, as this may require them to extend their studies by two additional semesters while continuing to meet full-time enrollment requirements.

Step 5: Permit for EMGT 6892

  • Permits are issued by the Academic Advisor one week before the semester start date.

Step 6: Registration for EMGT 6982

  • Eligible students register for EMGT 6892 before the semester begins.

Step 7: Completion of Project

  • Before the semester starts, students must reach out to their advisors to set up weekly advising meetings.
  • Students continue their projects under the guidance of their advisor.
  • Deliverables:
    • Presentation in EMGT 6980 (schedule coordinated by GPD).
    • Presentation slides and final report (submitted to advisor by the last day of classes; GPD collects files from advisors).

Note 1: Before the Step 1 deadline, students may reach out individually to faculty members to initiate discussions on potential project topics.

Note 2: EMGT 6891 is offered only in the second half-term during Fall and Spring semesters.