All MS thesis option and PhD candidates are required to submit a thesis or dissertation containing the results of original research. In addition to thesis or dissertation research, students are expected to participate in other research projects of their major professor, advisory committee members, and fellow graduate students, as approved by the major professor. Many of the routine and specialized methods and techniques used in research are not taught in classrooms. Exposure to, and participation in, as much of the overall departmental research program as possible is considered an essential part of graduate education. Thus, to receive the greatest benefit from their program, each graduate student should provide substantial assistance in other research projects, and should solicit collaboration of other students in their own research.