Master’s degree students are required by the Graduate School to complete at least 60 percent of the coursework for their official degree programs as registered University of Minnesota Graduate School students. 

• Plan A (thesis): Consists of a minimum 20 credits of coursework, of which at least 6 credits are outside the Department of Family Social Science in a supporting program; and a research thesis for 10 credits that is presented in written format, followed by an oral examination. MA Plan A Coursework: Degree checklist.

The UofM Graduate School requires that two-thirds of the required credits for a degree program and all core courses must be taken on an A-F grading basis. The department requires an MA student (Plan A or Plan B) to maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.80 (on a 4 point scale) to remain in good standing. 

Transferring credits: With approval of the advisor, the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) in the major (and DGS in the minor, if courses are for a designated minor), and the Graduate School, students may transfer up to 40 percent (8 credits) of the degree program coursework from any combination of the following:

• other recognized Graduate Schools

• registration for graduate credit by non-admitted students

• registration through other University of Minnesota units in pursuit of graduate-level degrees