The completion of a minimum of 24 and 48 credits are required for M.S. and Ph.D. graduation, respectively. At least 50% of the required credits must be taken as graduate courses within the research area. Also, the graduate student may request the use and/or transfer of credits (maximum 50% of the minimum required), obtained in the M.S. degree or as graduate non-matriculated student. Each credit unit represents 15 hours of lecture or 30 hours of hands on class.