Degree Program

A graduate student's program (degree plan) includes those courses listed for degree credit on the official degree plan form. All courses on the approved degree plan must be completed with a satisfactory grade to meet requirements for the degree. Changes in an approved degree plan can be made only with a recommendation to the dean of the Graduate School from the student's advisory committee or graduate coordinator and the chair of his/her major department.

Courses in which the student has received a final grade and that are listed for graduate credit on the approved degree plan may not normally be removed from the degree plan, although courses acceptable for graduate credit may be added. Exceptions to this policy must be approved by the student's advisory committee or graduate coordinator, the chair of his/her major department or college dean, and the dean of the Graduate School.

Degree Major

All degrees require a minimum of 18 semester hours be completed in the graduate student's major field, with the exception of the Master of Science Liberal Studies. Some graduate majors require an undergraduate background in the discipline of up to 24 semester credit hours. Program handbooks should be consulted for requirements and expectations. Students are strongly  encouraged to meet with a graduate program advisor to discuss the level of preparation necessary to be successful.  Each program sets their own standards; exceptions require approval of graduate program coordinators or the department chair.