The non-thesis option also requires 30 semester hours of graduate course work (which includes 15 credit hours from ME, 6 credit hours of Math, with at least 3 credits being directly from the math department, and 9 credits from within or outside of ME), not more than 6 credits of which may be completed as independent project work (ME 597). Independent project work may be completed under the supervision of the Chair of the Advisory Committee (Major Professor) or any other member of the faculty, including members of the Advisory Committee. The more predictable time frame for completion of course work available through the non-thesis option allows students to more accurately plan a graduation date. Students completing the Master's degree by distance education will, in general, be completing the non-thesis option.