N.J. Admin. Code § 9A:1-2.6

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 11, June 3, 2024

Section 9A:1-2.6 - Master's degree programs

(a) A master's degree requires at least 30 credits of graduate study or its equivalent.

(b) Master's degree programs should be distinguishable by their primary objectives as belonging to one of two general types: disciplinary or professional. The degree awarded to students completing disciplinary programs should be master of arts or master of science, with the discipline named (for example, master of arts in English literature, master of science in engineering). In professional programs, the degree should be appropriately specific (for example, master of library science, master of business administration, master of education, master of social work). The determining criterion is the objective that the program is designed to serve. The two types are further distinguished as follows:

1. Disciplinary type: A disciplinary master's degree entails advanced study and exploration in a particular academic discipline (for example, history, physics, engineering science, or musicology). The primary objective is increased knowledge of the subject, rather than its application to professional use. The majority of the degree credit awarded in programs of this type shall be at the advanced level in the principal field. Credit toward this type of master's degree shall not be given for introductory or elementary courses in the field.

2. Professional type: A master's degree program of the professional type consists of advanced study to extend and apply previous study to practice in such fields as engineering, law, applied music, pastoral ministry, or teaching; some such subjects may lend themselves also to disciplinary programs. Professional master's programs should be complete in themselves, although they may in some circumstances also be adaptable to preparation for a research or professional doctorate. A limited amount of introductory work in the field may have an appropriate place, especially in first-level professional programs.

N.J. Admin. Code § 9A:1-2.6