Both a non-thesis and thesis option are available. Requirements for the non-thesis option include 36 semester hours of graduate courses distributed as follows.

Of the total 36 semester hours, at least nine must be in courses numbered 6000 or above and, of these nine hours, at least six must be in the major field. A maximum of 12 semester hours of computer science courses may be applied toward the MNS degree. As a result, students may not major in computer science for this degree, but a minor in computer science is permitted. A maximum of nine semester hours in science education may be applied to the MNS degree. Apart from Computer Science or Curriculum & Instruction, a student may major in any of the participating departments below. All elective hours do not have to be taken in the participating departments. The student works out an approved program of study with the program administrator. Although a modest number of hours in independent study or research courses is allowed, a student may not apply Thesis Research (8000) hours to this degree. A comprehensive final oral exam before the student's committee is required to complete the degree.

Requirements for the thesis option include 24 hours of coursework and 6 hours of thesis credit. The final oral exam will include a defense of the thesis.