The student, in conference with the faculty advisor, should prepare a program of study for the master's degree as a guide for planning an academic schedule. In some cases, the student's school may require that the proposed program be submitted to the chair of that school for approval.

The program of study must be completed satisfactorily within six consecutive calendar years and must include, at a minimum, thirty approved credit hours distributed as follows:

With thesis:

Minimum course credit hours in major field (a basic field of knowledge, not a department of specialization): 12
Minimum course credit hours at 6000 to 9000 level: 12
Minimum course credit hours for degree: 18
Minimum Thesis hours (7000): 6
Total credit hours: 30

Without thesis: (must have approval of school chair)

Minimum course credit hours in major field (a basic field of knowledge, not a department of specialization): 18
Minimum course credit hours at 6000 to 9000 level: 21
Total credit hours: 30

Some schools require more than the minimum credit hours. Refer to specific academic program descriptions for more detailed information.

Other than thesis hours, the student may use only 3 hours under the pass/fail designation in the approved program of study. As a rule, a course may not be counted toward more than one degree.

Undergraduate courses required for graduation in the discipline (designated degree) or discipline-of-origin (undesignated degree) at Georgia Tech may not be applied toward a master's degree. See Graduate Course Option for special exceptions in certain schools.