The master's programs provide attractive alternatives for students who wish to pursue a shorter advanced education program. Graduates of the M.S. degree program generally find careers in industrial laboratories or education. The program, requiring course work and either thesis research (at a much briefer level than that required for the Ph.D. degree) or a critical essay, is normally completed in two years. It is possible to obtain sooner if a student has already taken graduate courses before starting the program, and can transfer some credits. The M.S.T. degree program is primarily a subject-matter-oriented program for teachers. M.S. students often take the same core courses as the Ph.D. students during their first year, but this is not required. Courses can be chosen, in consultation with the program director or a faculty adviser, to fit individual needs.