We are a PhD program only, however, students are able to "claim" their masters degree while working on their way to a PhD. Claiming your masters is not required.

If you earned a master’s degree from another university and received approval from the Graduate Advisor for course waivers, please note that those waived courses cannot be applied toward a UT master’s degree.

Students who wish to apply for their master’s should: 

1. Email the Graduate Program Administrator at chemegrad@utexas.edu
2. Ask to have the program of work for the degree option they are seeking loaded onto their records

Once this is done, they can apply for master’s graduation online at the beginning of the semester they wish to graduate. Review the different types of Masters degree here - MSE Requirements

Students should understand and comply with the Graduate School requirements and deadlines for master’s degree submission. Graduate students are responsible for the costs of thesis preparation and publication.

Report or Thesis option students must be registered for CHE 398R (Master's Report) or CHE 398B (Master's Thesis) during the semester they graduate. Otherwise, their graduation application will not be accepted by the Graduate School.

MSE Report vs Thesis 

What is the difference between MSE Report vs MSE Thesis? 

A master's report is a type of written document that is typically part of the requirements for completing a master's degree program. It is generally used in fields where a full thesis or dissertation may not be necessary. The purpose of a master's report is to demonstrate the student's ability to conduct research, analyze data, and present findings in a formal, academic manner.

Key Features of a Master's Report:

1. Focused Topic: Unlike a thesis, which can be more comprehensive, a master's report usually addresses a specific problem or issue within a particular area of study.
2. Research and Analysis: The report often involves applying research methods to investigate a question or solve a problem. It may include data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
3. Practical Application: In many cases, the report emphasizes practical application and problem-solving, rather than purely theoretical analysis.
4. Concise and Structured: It is typically shorter and more concise than a full thesis, with a clear structure that includes an introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion.
5. Project-Based: In some disciplines, a master's report may be based on a project or internship experience, where the student applies their academic knowledge to a real-world problem.

Master's Report vs. Thesis:

• A thesis is generally more comprehensive and aims to contribute new knowledge to the field.
• A master's report is usually shorter, more focused, and sometimes more practical in nature. It may be based on case studies, applied research, or industry projects.

In summary, a master's report is a scholarly document that showcases a student’s research and analytical abilities, usually within a narrower scope than a full thesis, and it might also emphasize practical problem-solving or industry-related topics.