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Option I (Thesis Track) mandates a minimum of 24 units from graduate-level (200 series) courses completed at a UC campus (refer to residency guidelines). Among these, only 12 units can be allocated to thesis research, and typically none may come from 291-numbered courses (exam preparation). A faculty committee of three members, approved by the Graduate Dean, provides student guidance. Along with submitting an approved thesis, the department may administer additional examinations to verify the student's disciplinary knowledge. The final thesis must meet University formatting standards and be submitted electronically to the Graduate Division.
Option II (Comprehensive Exam Track) requires at least 18 units of graduate-level (200 series) UC campus coursework (see residency rules). This total cannot include thesis research units and generally excludes 291-numbered courses. Students must complete a department-designed comprehensive examination, with a maximum of two attempts permitted to achieve a passing score.