Graduate Program
General Information
Degrees
Graduate degrees and post baccalaureate credentials offered by the University are identified in the Catalog section on degrees and credentials.
Academic Policies for Graduate Students
The policies and procedures identified here represent baseline policies that apply to all University graduate programs. Each graduate program has additional, program-specific policies that can be found in each program’s respective section of the catalog and in graduate program handbooks (which apply to students pursuing degrees in those programs). In all cases, program-specific graduate program policies supersede baseline standards outlined in this section.
Information regarding admission criteria for specific graduate programs can be found in the program’s section in the catalog. Graduate program admission requirements vary by program.
Full-Time and Part-Time Status for Graduate Students
Students Enrolled in the Master's and Clinical Doctoral Programs
The University:
- Classifies a graduate student enrolled for 9 semester credits during either the fall or spring semesters as a full-time student;
- Classifies a graduate student enrolled for 6 semester credits during either the fall or spring semesters as a three-quarter time student;
- Classifies a graduate student enrolled for 3 semester credits during either the fall or spring semesters as a part-time student.
- Classifies a student enrolled for 6 semester credits during the summer as a full-time student.
The University certifies student loans for graduate students enrolled in master's and clinical doctoral programs for half-time enrollment if the student is enrolled in a minimum of 4.5 credits for a fall or spring semester, or for a minimum of 3 credits for the summer semester. University policies governing changes to a student’s registration (e.g., dropping, adding, and withdrawing from courses) apply.
Students Enrolled in PhD Programs
The University:
- Classifies a graduate student enrolled for 6 semester credits during the fall, spring, or summer semesters as a full-time student
- Classifies a graduate student enrolled for 3 semester credits during either the fall, spring, or summer semesters as a part-time student
Re-taking Graduate Coursework
Students should refer to the policies of their specific graduate program regarding whether they are permitted to re-take courses (i.e., to improve their grade or to complete a course from which they have withdrawn) and, if so, what policies govern the retaking of a course.
Academic Standing in Graduate Programs
The criteria for maintaining good academic standing in graduate programs are more rigorous than they are for undergraduate programs. Generally, a grade of "B" is considered the lowest acceptable grade in a graduate program. Therefore, maintaining good academic standing in a graduate program involves the student maintaining a minimum cumulative graduate grade point average of 3.0 or higher. (Please note: A graduate student’s grade point average is calculated based solely on the graduate courses in which they have enrolled. The student’s undergraduate grade point average does not factor into their graduate grade point average.).
Some graduate programs may allow a student to successfully complete a graduate program with one or two C grades on their transcript. In other graduate programs, a student cannot complete the program with a C in any course. Students should consult their program-specific policies for more information about minimum grades in program courses.
Each graduate program has its own processes and procedures for addressing situations in which students fail to meet the minimum academic standards for the program, which may be found in program-specific policies.
Summative Experiences in Graduate Programs
Many graduate programs require students to successfully complete a summative experience in order to complete the program. These summative experiences vary from program. They may include experiences such as clinical experiences, practicums, comprehensive exams, theses, or dissertations. Students should consult their program in the Catalog regarding program specific summative experiences.
Certification for Degree Completion
The graduate student’s department completes a degree audit on behalf of the student which confirms that the student has completed all requirements for the graduate degree in question. This degree audit is then reviewed by the Office of the Registrar, which verifies degree completion for the student’s official record and for graduation. Information on timelines for application for graduation can be obtained from the graduate program director or appropriate designee.
Graduate Students' Participation in Commencement
Graduate students may participate in commencement upon certification by a graduate program director. Policy regarding whether graduate students with outstanding degree requirements may participate in commencement varies by academic program.