Academic Progress

Master's Students

The progress of all students working toward the master's degree will be reviewed regularly and at least once each year in June by the home graduate program and the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies. A candidate may be required to withdraw if progress has not been satisfactory as shown by coursework, the comprehensive examination (if required), progress on the thesis, or other requirements of the graduate program or the faculty.

Definition of Satisfactory Progress

60% is the minimum passing grade for master’s students; however, only 6 course credits with grades from 60-67% may be counted toward a master's program. For all other courses, students must obtain a minimum of 68%.

The student may repeat a course for higher standing or take an alternate course on the recommendation of the graduate program and the approval of the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies. If the graduate program does not make such a recommendation, or if the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies does not approve the recommendation, the student will be required to withdraw. A student who obtains a grade of less than 68% in a number of courses will normally be required to withdraw. The student will be informed of unsatisfactory academic progress in writing before any action regarding withdrawal is taken.

When repeating a failed required course, a student must obtain a minimum of 74%. The graduate program coordinator or the College of Graduate Studies may require higher minimum grades.

If a course is repeated, both grades will appear on the transcript. The higher grade will be used to determine promotion in a program and in any decision to admit or withdraw a student from a program. For all other purposes, averages will be calculated using both grades.

Doctoral Students

The progress of all students working toward the Ph.D. will be reviewed regularly and at least once each year in June by the home graduate program and the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies. A candidate may be required to withdraw if progress has not been satisfactory as shown by coursework, the comprehensives, advancing to candidacy, progress on the thesis, or other requirements of the graduate program or the faculty.

Definition of Satisfactory Progress

Students must achieve a minimum of 68% (B-) in all coursework taken for credit. Where a grade of less than 68% (B-) is obtained in a course, and on the recommendation of the graduate program and the approval of the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies, the student may repeat the course for higher standing or take an alternate course. If the graduate program coordinator does not make such a recommendation, or if the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies does not approve the recommendation, the student will be required to withdraw. A student who obtains a grade of less than 68% in more than one course will normally be required to withdraw. If progress in research is unsatisfactory, a student will be required to withdraw. The student will be informed of unsatisfactory academic progress in writing before any action regarding withdrawal is taken.

When repeating a failed required course, a student must obtain a minimum of 74%. The graduate program or the College of Graduate Studies may require higher minimum grades.

If a course is repeated, both grades will appear on the transcript. The higher grade will be used to determine promotion in a program and in any decision to admit or withdraw a student from a program. For all other purposes, averages will be calculated using both grades.

It is required that a doctoral student will be admitted to candidacy within three years from the date of initial registration. A student who is not admitted to candidacy will be required to withdraw from the program. Extensions may be granted under exceptional circumstances and with the permission of the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies.


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