皇家华人

Select Either Master Programs or Doctorate Programs to find the Graduation Requirements for each degree program.

• Master Programs
• Doctoral Programs
• Education Specialist Programs

Masters Program

Master of Accountancy (M.Acc.)

• Accounting

1. If transferred from an AACSB-accredited graduate business program, up to six semester hours of graduate business courses may be counted toward the requirements for the MAcc degree at 皇家华人 State University. Students wishing to transfer credit must request and receive permission to do so from the Director before beginning the program. This credit must be documented in the form of an official transcript at the time of admission. Transfer credit will be evaluated after admission, by the academic department. To be eligible, credit must be no more than seven years old at the time of admssion unless otherwise approvd by the program.
2. Policy provides for automatic dismissal if a student accumulates 3 or more deficiency points based on the following scale:
   A = 0,
   B = 0,
   C = 1,
   D = 2
   WF or F = 3, 
   U = 2
   A student may appeal the dismissal decision within 30 business days of grades being posted on the VSU Banner system.  The form for appeals is available on the VSU Graduate School website.  Graduate students who wish to appeal a dismissal must first discuss the issue with their professor.  Further appeals are then directed, in order, to the professor's department head, the director of the MAcc program, the dean of the Langdale College, the Associate Provost for Graduate Studies and Research, and the Vice President for Academic Affairs/Provost.
3. Any student who receives two or more grades below a B will be subject to review for continuation in the MAcc program.
4. No grade below a C will be credited toward a graduate degree.
5. The maximum time allowed for completion of the master’s degree is seven calendar years. All requirements for the MAcc degree must be completed within the seven-year period beginning with the student’s first term of enrollment in a graduate course (i.e., a 7000-level course).
6. After admission, courses taken more than seven years prior to the semester of degree completion cannot be used to meet graduate degree requirements or admission to doctoral candidacy requirements unless otherwise indicated by individual program requirements. 
7. Students dismissed from the program will not be readmitted.

Masters of Arts (M.A.)

• English 

• History

1. No more than 6 semester hours of academic work may be transferred from another institution into a master's-level graduate program. Transfer credits will be evaluated after admission, but the academic department. To be eligible, credit must be no more than seven (7) years at the time of admission, unless otherwise approved by the program.

2. The maximum time allowed for completion of the master's degree is seven (7) calendar years. No work completed more than seven years prior to the degree completion will be accepted toward the degree, except with special permission from the student's major professor and the Head of the Department of History and approval from the Dean of the Graduate School.

3. Student grades will be evaluated at the end of each semester. Earning grades below “B” in graduate courses will result in the following consequences: Students admitted Fall 2011 and thereafter will be dismissed from the Graduate School if they accumulate TWO or more academic deficiency points unless otherwise indicated by individual program policy. A grade of “C” (although it may be credited toward a degree) equals one deficiency point. A grade of “D,” “WF” or “F,” or “U” (none of which will be credited toward a degree) equals two deficiency points. Candidates admitted to the MA in History Program with regular status BEFORE Fall 2011 and receiving two grades below a "C" (i.e., "D", "F", "WF", or "U") will be dismissed from the program. A student with probationary status receiving a grade below a "B" will be dismissed. Student grades will be evaluated at the end of each semester.

4.  If dismissed from the program a student must not be enrolled for two semesters. Application for readmission may be initiated during the second semester. Readmission is not guaranteed, and prior academic performance and student conduct/disposition in the program will be considered. The academic program reserves the right to place specific conditions and contingencies on any offer of readmission.

Master of Arts in Communication (M.A.C.)

• Communication Arts

1. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 for all graduate courses;

2.  Earning grades below “B” in graduate courses will result in the following consequences: Students admitted Fall 2011 and thereafter will be dismissed from the Graduate School if they accumulate three or more academic deficiency points unless otherwise indicated by individual program policy. A grade of “C” (although it may be credited toward a degree) equals one deficiency point. A grade of “D,” “WF” or “F,” or “U” (none of which will be credited toward a degree) equals two deficiency points. Candidates admitted BEFORE Fall 2011 and receiving two grades below “C” (“D”, “F”, “WF”,“U”) will be dismissed from the program. One grade below a "C" results in a warning. 

3. If dismissed from the program, the student must wait a minimum of two semesters and obtain approval from the academic department, before applying for readmission. The academic program reserves the right to place specific conditions and contingencies on any offer of readmission. Readmission is not guaranteed and prior academic performance and conduct in the program will be considered. 

4. The maximum time allowed for completion of the master’s degree is seven calendar years. After admission, courses taken more than seven years prior to the semester of degree completion cannot be used to meet graduate degree requirements or admission to doctoral candidacy requirements unless otherwise indicated by individual program requirements. 

5.  No more than 6 semester hours of academic work may be transferred from another institution into a master’s-level graduate program. This credit must be documented in the form of an official transcript at the time of admission. Transfer credit will be evaluated after admission by the academic department. To be eligible, credit must be no more than seven years old at the time of admission unless otherwise approved by the program.

Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.)

• Business Administration

1. If transferred from an AACSB-accredited graduate business program, up to six semester hours of graduate business courses may be counted toward the requirements for the MBA degree at 皇家华人 State University. Students wishing to transfer credit must request and receive permission to do so from the Director before beginning the program. This credit must be documented in the form of an official transcript at the time of admission. Transfer credit will be evaluated after admission, by the academic department. To be eligible, credit must be no more than seven years old at the time of admission unless otherwise approved by the program.

2.  Students will be dismissed from the MBA program if they accumulate three or more academic deficiency points. A grade of “C” equals one deficiency point, but the course will count toward the MBA degree. A grade of “D” equals two deficiency points, and the course will not count toward the MBA degree. A grade of “F” or “WF” equals three deficiency points, and the course will not count toward the MBA degree.

3.  The maximum time allowed for completion of the master’s degree is seven calendar years. All requirements for the MBA degree must be completed within the seven-year period beginning with the student’s first term of enrollment in a graduate course (i.e., a 6000-7000 level course).

4.  After admission, courses taken more than seven years prior to the semester of degree completion cannot be used to meet graduate degree requirements or admission to doctoral candidacy requirements unless otherwise indicated by individual program requirements. 

5. Students dismissed from the program will not be readmitted.

• Web Business Administration

1. If transferred from an AACSB-accredited graduate business program, up to six semester hours of graduate business courses may be counted toward the requirements for the MBA degree at 皇家华人 State University. Students wishing to transfer credit must request and receive permission to do so from the Director before beginning the program. This credit must be documented in the form of an official transcript at the time of admission. Transfer credit will be evaluated after admission, by the academic department. To be eligible, credit must be no more than seven years old at the time of admission unless otherwise approved by the program.

2.  Students will be dismissed from the MBA program if they accumulate three or more academic deficiency points. A grade of “C” equals one deficiency point, but the course will count toward the MBA degree. A grade of “D” equals two deficiency points, and the course will not count toward the MBA degree. A grade of “F” or “WF” equals three deficiency points, and the course will not count toward the MBA degree.

3.  The maximum time allowed for completion of the master’s degree is seven calendar years. All requirements for the MBA degree must be completed within the seven-year period beginning with the student’s first term of enrollment in a graduate course (i.e., a 6000-7000 level course).

4. After admission, courses taken more than seven years prior to the semester of degree completion cannot be used to meet graduate degree requirements or admission to doctoral candidacy requirements unless otherwise indicated by individual program requirements. 

5. Students dismissed from the program will not be readmitted.

Master of Education (M.Ed.)

• Adult and Career Education: Workforce Education

1. After admission, courses taken more than seven years prior to the semester of degree completion cannot be used to meet graduate degree requirements or admission to doctoral candidacy requirements unless otherwise indicated by individual program requirements. 

2.  No more than 6 semester hours of academic work may be transferred from VSU or another institution into a master’s-level graduate program. This credit must be documented in the form of an official transcript at the time of admission. Transfer credit will be evaluated after admission, by the academic department. To be eligible, credit must be no more than seven years old at the time of admission unless otherwise approved by the program.

3.  Earning grades below “B” in graduate courses will result in the following consequences: Students admitted Fall 2011 and thereafter will be dismissed from the Graduate School if they accumulate three or more academic deficiency points unless otherwise indicated by individual program policy. A grade of “C” (although it may be credited toward a degree) equals one deficiency point. A grade of “D,” “WF” or “F,” or “U” (none of which will be credited toward a degree) equals two deficiency points. Candidates admitted BEFORE Fall 2011 and receiving two grades below “C” (“D”, “F”, “WF”,“U”) will be dismissed from the program. One grade below a "C" results in a warning. 

4. If dismissed from the program a student must not be enrolled for two semesters. Application for readmission may be initiated during the second semester. Readmission is not guaranteed, and prior academic performance and student conduct/disposition in the program will be considered. The academic program reserves the right to place specific conditions and contingencies on any offer of readmission

• Adult and Career Education: Career and Technical Education

1. After admission, courses taken more than seven years prior to the semester of degree completion cannot be used to meet graduate degree requirements or admission to doctoral candidacy requirements unless otherwise indicated by individual program requirements. 

2. No more than 6 semester hours of academic work may be transferred from another institution into a master’s-level graduate program. This credit must be documented in the form of an official transcript at the time of admission. Transfer credit will be evaluated after admission, by the academic department. To be eligible, credit must be no more than seven years old at the time of admission unless otherwise approved by the program.

3.  Earning grades below “B” in graduate courses will result in the following consequences: Students admitted Fall 2011 and thereafter will be dismissed from the Graduate School if they accumulate three or more academic deficiency points unless otherwise indicated by individual program policy. A grade of “C” (although it may be credited toward a degree) equals one deficiency point. A grade of “D,” “WF” or “F,” or “U” (none of which will be credited toward a degree) equals two deficiency points. Candidates admitted BEFORE Fall 2011 and receiving two grades below “C” (“D”, “F”, “WF”,“U”) will be dismissed from the program. One grade below a "C" results in a warning.

4.  If dismissed from the program a student must not be enrolled for two semesters. Application for readmission may be initiated during the second semester. Readmission is not guaranteed, and prior academic performance and student conduct/disposition in the program will be considered. The academic program reserves the right to place specific conditions and contingencies on any offer of readmission

• Adult and Career Education: Business Education and Information Technology

1. After admission, courses taken more than seven years prior to the semester of degree completion cannot be used to meet graduate degree requirements or admission to doctoral candidacy requirements unless otherwise indicated by individual program requirements. 

2. No more than 6 semester hours of academic work may be transferred from another institution into a master’s-level graduate program. This credit must be documented in the form of an official transcript at the time of admission. Transfer credit will be evaluated after admission, by the academic department. To be eligible, credit must be no more than seven years old prior at the time of admission unless otherwise approved by the program.

3. Earning grades below “B” in graduate courses will result in the following consequences: Students admitted Fall 2011 and thereafter will be dismissed from the Graduate School if they accumulate three or more academic deficiency points unless otherwise indicated by individual program policy. A grade of “C” (although it may be credited toward a degree) equals one deficiency point. A grade of “D,” “WF” or “F,” or “U” (none of which will be credited toward a degree) equals two deficiency points. Candidates admitted BEFORE Fall 2011 and receiving two grades below “C” (“D”, “F”, “WF”,“U”) will be dismissed from the program. One grade below a "C" results in a warning. 

4. If dismissed from the program a student must not be enrolled for two semesters. Application for readmission may be initiated during the second semester. Readmission is not guaranteed, and prior academic performance and student conduct/disposition in the program will be considered. The academic program reserves the right to place specific conditions and contingencies on any offer of readmission

• Communication Sciences and Disorders

1. Students must successfully complete EDUC 5999 CSD (Entry to Education) prior to or during the first semester of their enrollment. A student will be restricted from continuing her or his course of study until the 5999 course is successfully completed.  This will delay her or his progression in the program and graduation date. 
2. Students should have successfully completed one 3 credit undergraduate course in each of the following fields: physical science (either chemistry or physics), biology, socio-behavioral science, math, and statistics.  Students who have not met these requirements at the undergraduate level must do so prior to graduation from this program.
3. Earning grades below “B” in graduate courses will result in the following consequences: Students admitted Fall 2011 and thereafter will be dismissed from the Graduate School if they accumulate three or more academic deficiency points unless otherwise indicated by individual program policy. A grade of “C” (although it may be credited toward a degree) equals one deficiency point. A grade of “D,” “WF” or “F,” or “U” (none of which will be credited toward a degree) equals two deficiency points. Candidates admitted BEFORE Fall 2011 and receiving two grades below “C” (“D”, “F”, “WF”,“U”) will be dismissed from the program. One grade below a "C" results in a warning.
4.  A maximum of  6 semester hours of academic work may be transferred from another institution into a Dewar College of Education graduate program.  Transfer credit will be evaluated after admission, by the academic department.  To be eligible, credit must be no more than seven years old at the time of admission unless otherwise approved by the program.
5. If dismissed from the program, the student must wait a minimum of two semesters before applying for readmission. Readmission is not guaranteed and prior academic performance in the program will be considered.

• Deaf Education 5th Year

1. Students must successfully complete CSD 2999 (Entry to Education) prior to or during the first semester of their enrollment. A student will be restricted from continuing her or his course of study until the 2999 course is successfully completed.  This will delay her or his progression in the program and graduation date. 
2. Students should have successfully completed one undergraduate course in each of the following fields: physical science, biology, socio-behavioral science, math, introduction to special education or introduction to students with disabilities, and a course taken in the past five years demonstrating proficiency in computer skills. Students who have not met these requirements at the undergraduate level must do so prior to graduation from this program.
3. Earning grades below “B” in graduate courses will result in the following consequences: Students admitted Fall 2011 and thereafter will be dismissed from the Graduate School if they accumulate three or more academic deficiency points unless otherwise indicated by individual program policy. A grade of “C” (although it may be credited toward a degree) equals one deficiency point. A grade of “D,” “WF” or “F,” or “U” (none of which will be credited toward a degree) equals two deficiency points. Candidates admitted BEFORE Fall 2011 and receiving two grades below “C” (“D”, “F”, “WF”,“U”) will be dismissed from the program. One grade below a "C" results in a warning.
4.  A maximum of  6 semester hours of academic work may be transferred from another institution into a Dewar College of Education graduate program.  Transfer credit will be evaluated after admission, by the academic department.  To be eligible, credit must be no more than seven years old aat the time of admission unless otherwise approved by the program.
5. If dismissed from the program, the student must wait a minimum of two semesters before applying for readmission. Readmission is not guaranteed and prior academic performance in the program will be considered.

• Elementary Education

1. After admission, courses taken more than seven years prior to the semester of degree completion cannot be used to meet graduate degree requirements or admission to doctoral candidacy requirements unless otherwise indicated by individual program requirements. 
2. No more than 6 semester hours of academic work may be transferred from another institution into a Dewar College of Education graduate program.  Transfer credit will be evaluated after admission, by the academic department.
3. Earning grades below “B” in graduate courses will result in the following consequences: Students admitted Fall 2011 and thereafter will be dismissed from the Graduate School if they accumulate three or more academic deficiency points unless otherwise indicated by individual program policy. A grade of “C” (although it may be credited toward a degree) equals one deficiency point. A grade of “D,” “WF” or “F,” or “U” (none of which will be credited toward a degree) equals two deficiency points. Candidates admitted BEFORE Fall 2011 and receiving two grades below “C” (“D”, “F”, “WF”,“U”) will be dismissed from the program. One grade below a "C" results in a warning.
4. If dismissed from the program a student must not be enrolled for two semesters. Application for readmission may be initiated during the second semester. Readmission is not guaranteed, and prior academic performance and student conduct/disposition in the program will be considered. The academic program reserves the right to place specific conditions and contingencies on any offer of readmission.

• Educational Leadership: Higher Education

1. No more than 6 semester hours of academic work may be transferred from another institution.  Transfer credit will be evaluated after admission, by the academic department.  To be eligible, credit must be no more than seven years old prior at the time of admission unless otherwise approved by the program.
2. After admission, courses taken more than seven years prior to the semester of degree completion cannot be used to meet graduate degree requirements or admission to doctoral candidacy requirements unless otherwise indicated by individual program requirements. 
3. Earning grades below “B” in graduate courses will result in the following consequences: Students admitted Fall 2011 and thereafter will be dismissed from the Graduate School if they accumulate three or more academic deficiency points unless otherwise indicated by individual program policy. A grade of “C” (although it may be credited toward a degree) equals one deficiency point. A grade of “D,” “WF” or “F,” or “U” (none of which will be credited toward a degree) equals two deficiency points. Candidates admitted BEFORE Fall 2011 and receiving two grades below “C” (“D”, “F”, “WF”,“U”) will be dismissed from the program. One grade below a "C" results in a warning.
4. If dismissed from the program a student must wait a minimum of one semester before reapplying for admission. The academic department reserves the right to place specific conditions and contingencies on any offer of readmission.   Readmission is not guaranteed and prior academic performance and conduct in the program will be considered.

• Health and Physical Education

1. After admission, courses taken more than seven years prior to the semester of degree completion cannot be used to meet graduate degree requirements or admission to doctoral candidacy requirements unless otherwise indicated by individual program requirements. 
2. No more than 6 semester hours of academic work may be transferred from another institution into a College of Education graduate program. Transfer credit will be evaluation after admission by the academic department.
3. Earning grades below “B” in graduate courses will result in the following consequences: Students admitted Fall 2011 and thereafter will be dismissed from the Graduate School if they accumulate three or more academic deficiency points unless otherwise indicated by individual program policy. A grade of “C” (although it may be credited toward a degree) equals one deficiency point. A grade of “D,” “WF” or “F,” or “U” (none of which will be credited toward a degree) equals two deficiency points. Candidates admitted BEFORE Fall 2011 and receiving two grades below “C” (“D”, “F”, “WF”,“U”) will be dismissed from the program. One grade below a "C" results in a warning.
4. If dismissed from the program a student must not be enrolled for two semesters. Application for readmission may be initiated during the second semester. Readmission is not guaranteed, and prior academic performance and student conduct/disposition in the program will be considered. The academic program reserves the right to place specific conditions and contingencies on any offer of readmission.
5. Candidates (regardless of status) who have been admitted to the M.Ed. degree program in health and physical education at VSU who take coursework outside this M.Ed. program may not apply that coursework toward the M.Ed. degree in health and physical education.

• Instructional Technology: Library Media

1. After admission, courses taken more than seven years prior to the semester of degree completion cannot be used to meet graduate degree requirements or admission to doctoral candidacy requirements unless otherwise indicated by individual program requirements. 
2. No more than 6 semester hours of academic work may be transferred from another institution into a Dewar College of Education graduate program.  Transfer credit will be evaluated after admission, by the academic department.
3. Earning grades below “B” in graduate courses will result in the following consequences: Students admitted Fall 2011 and thereafter will be dismissed from the Graduate School if they accumulate three or more academic deficiency points unless otherwise indicated by individual program policy. A grade of “C” (although it may be credited toward a degree) equals one deficiency point. A grade of “D,” “WF” or “F,” or “U” (none of which will be credited toward a degree) equals two deficiency points. Candidates admitted BEFORE Fall 2011 and receiving two grades below “C” (“D”, “F”, “WF”,“U”) will be dismissed from the program. One grade below a "C" results in a warning.
4. If dismissed from the program a student must not be enrolled for two semesters. Application for readmission may be initiated during the second semester. Readmission is not guaranteed, and prior academic performance and student conduct/disposition in the program will be considered. The academic program reserves the right to place specific conditions and contingencies on any offer of readmission.

• Instructional Technology: Technology Applications 

1. After admission, courses taken more than seven years prior to the semester of degree completion cannot be used to meet graduate degree requirements or admission to doctoral candidacy requirements unless otherwise indicated by individual program requirements. 
2. No more than 6 semester hours of academic work may be transferred from another institution into a Dewar College of Education graduate program.  Transfer credit will be evaluated after admission, by the academic department.
3. Candidates receiving two grades or below a “C” (“D”, “F”, “WF”, or “U”) will be dismissed from the program.
4. If dismissed from the program a student must not be enrolled for two semesters. Application for readmission may be initiated during the second semester. Readmission is not guaranteed, and prior academic performance and student conduct/disposition in the program will be considered. The academic program reserves the right to place specific conditions and contingencies on any offer of readmission.

• Middle Grades Education

1. Candidates must obtain a satisfactory criminal background check.
2. Candidates must acquire professional liability insurance.
3. After admission, courses taken more than seven years prior to the semester of degree completion cannot be used to meet graduate degree requirements or admission to doctoral candidacy requirements unless otherwise indicated by individual program requirements. 
4. No more than 6 semester hours of academic work may be transferred from another institution into a Dewar College of Education graduate program. Transfer credit will be evaluation after admission by the academic department.
5. Earning grades below “B” in graduate courses will result in the following consequences: Students admitted Fall 2011 and thereafter will be dismissed from the Graduate School if they accumulate three or more academic deficiency points unless otherwise indicated by individual program policy. A grade of “C” (although it may be credited toward a degree) equals one deficiency point. A grade of “D,” “WF” or “F,” or “U” (none of which will be credited toward a degree) equals two deficiency points. Candidates admitted PRIOR to Fall 2011 and receiving two grades below “C” (“D”, “F”, “WF”,“U”) will be dismissed from the program. One grade below a "C" results in a warning.
6. If dismissed from the program a student must not be enrolled for two semesters. Application for readmission may be initiated during the second semester. Readmission is not guaranteed, and prior academic performance and student conduct/disposition in the program will be considered. The academic program reserves the right to place specific conditions and contingencies on any offer of readmission.

• Counselor Education

The university faculty has the duty and responsibility to provide the public with ethical and competent practitioners. To achieve these goals, the university adopts selective admissions, retention, and graduation policies. The delivery of psychological and counseling services, especially of a clinical nature, in schools, mental health settings, and organizations requires the practitioner to meet both academic and professional standards of competence. Accordingly, the faculty of the Department of Human Services has adopted requirements that candidates must meet in order to graduate from one of the department’s graduate programs. These requirements include that candidates must demonstrate professionally appropriate behavior and may be terminated for academic and non-academic reasons. Academic progress is determined by grades earned in the program of study for which the candidate is currently enrolled, as well as performance on comprehensive examinations as required by the specific program.

1. Candidates must  have met the competency requirements by demonstrating skill level or completed course work in the following areas: Special Education (SPEC 3000), Curriculum (CIED 7060), and Computer Skills (ACED 2400).Those who do not meet these competency requirements will be required to take course(s)to successfully meet this requirement;
2. Candidates must have passed or exempted the GACE Basic Skills tests and the GACE Content Tests for School Counseling in order to be certified in School Counseling by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.
3. Candidates will be dismissed from the program if they accumulate three or more academic deficiency points. A grade of “C,” while credited toward the degree, will result in one deficiency point. A grade of “D” is two deficiency points; a grade of “F” or “WF” or “U” is three deficiency points;
4. If a candidate wishes to withdraw from a class with a grade of “WP,” it is the candidate’s responsibility to initiate and complete the withdrawal process prior to the midterm deadline. “WP” grades do not affect academic deficiency points or grade point average.
5. No more than 6 semester hours of academic work may be transferred from another institution into a master’s-level graduate program. This credit must be documented in the form of an official transcript at the time of admission. Transfer credit will be evaluated after admission, by the academic department. To be eligible, credit must be no more than seven years old prior to completion of the degree.
6. After admission, courses taken more than seven years prior to the semester of degree completion cannot be used to meet graduate degree requirements or admission to doctoral candidacy requirements unless otherwise indicated by individual program requirements. 
7. If dismissed from the program, the student must wait a minimum of two semesters before applying for readmission. The academic program reserves the right to place specific conditions and contingencies on any offer of readmission. Readmission is not guaranteed and prior academic performance and conduct in the program will be considered.

Remediation Process

Steps 1-3, below, constitute “due process.”  Student are advised of the areas that need improvement and the actions needed to improve these areas, are given an opportunity to correct the problems they are experiencing, and are made aware of the possible consequences of failure to make improvements in the areas in which they are experiencing difficulty.

Step 1:   Faculty regularly confer about the progress of each student in the School Counseling Program.  When a student is experiencing difficulties, the student’s advisor gathers relevant documentation identifying any particular problems the student is experiencing. Students are informed that this information is being gathered. The written documentation gathered includes grades, coursework, semester reports, and information from the student's advisor, instructors, site supervisors, and other school personnel who have had contact with the student.

Step 2:   The faculty advisor then meets with the student, summarizes the documentation gathered, and discusses the problem with the student. 

Step 3:   When appropriate, a written remediation plan will be approved by the advisor and two other program faculty members. This plan will clearly state:

        a.     specific areas needing improvement

        b.     specific changes that are expected

        c.     the steps needed to make the outlined changes

        d.     the time frame in which the changes must be made

        e.     that failure to remediate may result in termination from the program.

        f.     the appeals process

• SECONDARY EDUCATION

1. After admission, courses taken more than seven years prior to the semester of degree completion cannot be used to meet graduate degree requirements or admission to doctoral candidacy requirements unless otherwise indicated by individual program requirements. 
2. No more than 6 semester hours of academic work may be transferred from another institution into a master’s-level graduate program. This credit must be documented in the form of an official transcript at the time of admission. Transfer credit will be evaluated after admission, by the academic department. To be eligible, credit must be no more than seven years old at the time of admission unless otherwise approved by the program.
3. Earning grades below “B” in graduate courses will result in the following consequences: Students admitted Fall 2011 and thereafter will be dismissed from the Graduate School if they accumulate three or more academic deficiency points unless otherwise indicated by individual program policy. A grade of “C” (although it may be credited toward a degree) equals one deficiency point. A grade of “D,” “WF” or “F,” or “U” (none of which will be credited toward a degree) equals two deficiency points. Candidates admitted PRIOR to Fall 2011 and receiving two grades below “C” (“D”, “F”, “WF”,“U”) will be dismissed from the program. One grade below a "C" results in a warning.
4. If dismissed from the program a student must not be enrolled for two semesters. Application for readmission may be initiated during the second semester. Readmission is not guaranteed, and prior academic performance and student conduct/disposition in the program will be considered. The academic program reserves the right to place specific conditions and contingencies on any offer of readmission

Master of Library and Information Sciences (M.L.I.S.)

• Library and Information Sciences

1. Students must have a cumulative institutional GPA of 3.0 for all graduate courses in order to graduate from the VSU MLIS program. 

2. Earning grades below “B” in graduate courses will result in the following consequences: Students admitted Fall 2011 and thereafter will be dismissed from the Graduate School if they accumulate three or more academic deficiency points unless otherwise indicated by individual program policy. A grade of “C” (although it may be credited toward a degree) equals one deficiency point. A grade of “D,” “WF” or “F,” or “U” (none of which will be credited toward a degree) equals two deficiency points. Candidates admitted PRIOR to Fall 2011 and receiving two grades below “C” (“D”, “F”, “WF”,“U”) will be dismissed from the program. One grade below a "C" results in a warning.

3. If dismissed from the program, the student must wait a minimum of two semesters and obtain approval from the academic department, before applying for readmission. The academic program reserves the right to place specific conditions and contingencies on any offer of readmission. Readmission is not guaranteed and prior academic performance and conduct in the program will be considered.

4. After admission, courses taken more than seven years prior to the semester of degree completion cannot be used to meet graduate degree requirements or admission to doctoral candidacy requirements unless otherwise indicated by individual program requirements. 

5. No more than 6 semester hours of academic work may be transferred from another institution into a master’s-level graduate program. This credit must be documented in the form of an official transcript at the time of admission. Transfer credit will be evaluated after admission, by the academic department. To be eligible, credit must be no more than seven years old at the time of admission unless otherwise approved by the program.

Master of Music Performance (M.M.P.)

• Music Performance

1. Students will complete diagnostic examinations during the first semester of study to aid in the planning of courses; any deficiencies identified in the diagnostic examinations must be remedied by recommendations of the Graduate Music Committee; studio teachers may also recommend areas needing remedial work to the Graduate Music Committee for approval; undergraduate coursework will not receive graduate credit.
2. Vocal and choral conducting majors will be required to take a proficiency examination in German, French, and Italian during their degree programs; choral conducting majors will be required to take a piano proficiency examination during their degree program.
3. The required principal performing ensemble for choral conducting majors is Chamber Singers.
4. Students register for four hours credit per semester for two 50-minute private lessons per week. Requirements include attendance at master classes as specified by the instructor, a student recital performance each semester, a final examination performance for a faculty jury at the end of each semester, attendance at student recitals and other designated Music Department events, and a graduate recital or recitals.
5. The maximum load of regular full-time students during any semester is 12 hours and 9 hours for graduate assistants. Students employed full-time outside the Department of Music may enroll for no more than 4 hours. Enrollment during the first or second session of the summer term may not exceed one half of the maximum load for the full summer term. Any exception to the maximum load limits must be approved by the Advisor and the Head of the Department of Music.
6. After admission, courses taken more than seven years prior to the semester of degree completion cannot be used to meet graduate degree requirements or admission to doctoral candidacy requirements unless otherwise indicated by individual program requirements. 
7. No more than 6 semester hours of academic work may be transferred from another institution into a College of Arts graduate program.  Transfer credit will be evaluated after admission, by the academic department. To be eligible, credit must be no more than seven years old at the time of admission unless otherwise approved by the program.
8. Earning grades below “B” in graduate courses will result in the following consequences: Students admitted Fall 2011 and thereafter will be dismissed from the Graduate School if they accumulate three or more academic deficiency points unless otherwise indicated by individual program policy. A grade of “C” (although it may be credited toward a degree) equals one deficiency point. A grade of “D,” “WF” or “F,” or “U” (none of which will be credited toward a degree) equals two deficiency points. Candidates admitted PRIOR to Fall 2011 and receiving two grades below “C” (“D”, “F”, “WF”,“U”) will be dismissed from the program. One grade below a "C" results in a warning.
9. If dismissed from the program, a student must sit out two semesters before applying for readmission. Readmission is not guaranteed. The academic program reserves the right to place specific conditions and contingencies on any offer of readmission.
10. Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 for all graduate courses. Failure to do so will result in probationary status.

Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.)

• Public Administration

1. No grade below “C” will be credited toward the Master of Public Administration degree.
2. Students will be dismissed from the program if they accumulate three or more academic deficiency points. A grade of “C” (while it will be credited toward the MPA degree) equals one deficiency point. A grade of “D,” “WF” or “F,” or “U” (none of which will be credited toward the MPA degree) equals two deficiency points.
3. If dismissed from the program, the student must wait a minimum of two semesters and obtain approval from the academic department, before applying for readmission. The academic program reserves the right to place specific conditions and contingencies on any offer of readmission. Readmission is not guaranteed and prior academic performance and conduct in the program will be considered.
4. No more than 6 semester hours of academic work may be transferred from another institution into a master’s-level graduate program. Transfer credit will be evaluated after admission, by the academic department. To be eligible, credit must be no more than seven years old at the time of admission unless otherwise approved by the program.
5. After admission, courses taken more than seven years prior to the semester of degree completion cannot be used to meet graduate degree requirements or admission to doctoral candidacy requirements unless otherwise indicated by individual program requirements. 

Master of Science (M.S.)

• Biology

1. Students must have a cumulative institutional GPA of 3.0 for all graduate courses. 
2. Earning grades below “B” in graduate courses will result in the following consequences: Students admitted Fall 2011 and thereafter will be dismissed from the Graduate School if they accumulate three or more academic deficiency points unless otherwise indicated by individual program policy. A grade of “C” (although it may be credited toward a degree) equals one deficiency point. A grade of “D,” “WF” or “F,” or “U” (none of which will be credited toward a degree) equals two deficiency points. Candidates admitted BEFORE Fall 2011 and receiving two grades below “C” (“D”, “F”, “WF”,“U”) will be dismissed from the program. One grade below a "C" results in a warning.
3. If dismissed from the program, the student must wait a minimum of two semesters before applying for readmission. The academic program reserves the right to place specific conditions and contingencies on any offer of readmission. Readmission is not guaranteed and prior academic performance and conduct in the program will be considered.
4. After admission, courses taken more than seven years prior to the semester of degree completion cannot be used to meet graduate degree requirements or admission to doctoral candidacy requirements unless otherwise indicated by individual program requirements. 
5. No more than 6 semester hours of academic work may be transferred from another institution into a master’s-level graduate program. This credit must be documented in the form of an official transcript at the time of admission. Transfer credit will be evaluated after admission by the academic department. To be eligible, credit must be no more than seven years old at the time of admission unless otherwise approved by the program.

• Criminal Justice

1. A 3.00 cumulative grade point average (GPA) is required for graduation. No grade below “C” will be credited toward the M.S. degree with a major in Criminal Justice.
2. Students must receive a grade of “B” or better in all core courses.
3. Students will be dismissed from the MSCJ program if they accumulate three or more academic deficiency points. Students who receive their first "Unsatisfactory" grade on their thesis or area paper will receive one deficiency point. Students who receive a second "Unsatisfactory" grade on their thesis or area paper will receive two additional deficiency points. A grade of “C” in any core course will not be counted toward the MSCJ degree and equals one deficiency point. A grade of “C” in any non-core course will be credited toward the MSCJ degree but also equals one deficiency point. A grade of “D” or “U” will not be credited toward the MSCJ degree and equals two deficiency points. A grade of “F” or “WF” (neither of which will be credited toward the MSCJ degree) equals three deficiency points.
4. If a student is dismissed, they may, after a minimum of three semesters, apply for readmission. Readmission is not guaranteed. The student must also retake only those courses with deficiencies until the number of deficiency points is fewer than or equal to two. The student cannot take a class more than three times or apply for readmission more than twice.
5. No more than 6 semester hours of academic work may be transferred from another institution into a master’s-level graduate program. Transfer credit will be evaluated after admission, by the academic department. To be eligible, credit must be no more than seven years old at the time of admission unless otherwise approved by the program.
6. After admission, courses taken more than seven years prior to the semester of degree completion cannot be used to meet graduate degree requirements or admission to doctoral candidacy requirements unless otherwise indicated by individual program requirements. 

• Exercise Physiology

1. Students must have a minimum grade of "C" in all graduate program courses. 
2. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 for all graduate courses.
3. Students receiving two failing grades ("D," "F," "WF," or "U") will be dismissed from the program.  Earning grades below "B" in graduate courses will result in the following consequences: Students will be dismissed from the Graduate School if they accumulate three or more academic deficiency points.  A grade of "C" (although it may be credit toward a degree) equals one deficiency point. A grade of "D," "WF," "F," or "U" (none of which will be credited toward a degree) equals two deficiency points.  One grade below a "C" results in a warning. 
4. If dismissed from the program, the student must wait a minimum of one calendar year and obtain approval from the academic department before applying for readmission.  The academic program reserves the right to place specific conditions and contingencies on any offer of readmission.  Readmission is not guaranteed, and prior academic performance and conduct in the program will be considered. 
5. After admission, courses taken more than seven years prior to the semester of degree completion cannot be used to meet graduate degree requirements or admission to doctoral candidacy requirements unless otherwise indicated by individual program requirements. 
6. No more than 9 semester hours of academic work may be transferred from another institution into a master’s-level graduate program. This credit must be documented in the form of an official transcript at the time of admission. Transfer credit will be evaluated after admission, by the academic department. To be eligible, credit must be no more than seven years old at the time of admission unless otherwise approved by the program.

• Marriage and Family Therapy

1. The MFT program is traditionally completed in 2 years of fulltime graduate work.  In consultation with an advisor, students can work out a Plan of Study that takes 3 or 4 years to complete.  
2. After admission, courses taken more than seven years prior to the semester of degree completion cannot be used to meet graduate degree requirements or admission to doctoral candidacy requirements unless otherwise indicated by individual program requirements. 
3. No more than 6 semester hours of academic work may be transferred into the MFT program from another program or institution.  Credit considered for transfer must be no more than seven years old at the time of admission unless otherwise approved by the program.  Transfer credit will be evaluated by the academic department after the student is admitted. 
4. Students will be dismissed from the program if they accumulate three or more academic deficiency points. A grade of “C” (which is credited toward the degree) equals one deficiency point. A grade of “D” (which is not credited toward the degree) equals two deficiency points. Grades of “F” or “WF” (neither of which are credited toward the M.S. degree) each equal three deficiency points.
5. Students are screened for personal and academic readiness prior to enrollment in clinical work with the public.  Students must demonstrate professionally appropriate behavior and can be dismissed for non-academic reasons.
6. If dismissed from the program, a student must sit out two semesters before applying for readmission. Readmission is not guaranteed and prior academic performance and/or conduct in the program will be considered. If readmitted, the student must retake only courses with deficiencies until the number of deficiency points is less than or equal to two. A student cannot take a class more than twice or apply for readmission more than once. The academic program reserves the right to place specific conditions and contingencies on any offer of readmission.

• Psychology: Concentration in Industrial/Organizational Psychology

The university faculty has the duty and responsibility to provide the public with ethical and competent practitioners. To achieve these goals, the university adopts selective admissions, retention, and graduation policies. The delivery of psychological and counseling services, especially of a clinical nature, in schools, mental health settings, and organizations requires the practitioner to meet both academic and professional standards of competence. Accordingly, the faculty of the Department of Psychology and Counseling has adopted requirements that candidates must meet in order to graduate from one of the department’s graduate programs. These requirements include that candidates must demonstrate professionally appropriate behavior and may be terminated for academic and non-academic reasons. The  is available.. Academic progress is determined by grades earned in the program of study for which the candidate is currently enrolled, as well as performance on comprehensive examinations as required by the specific program.

1. Candidates will be dismissed from the program if they accumulate three or more academic deficiency points. A grade of “C,” while credited toward the degree, will result in one deficiency point. A grade of “D” is two deficiency points; a grade of “F” or “WF” or “U” is three deficiency points;
2. If a candidate wishes to withdraw from a class with a grade of “WP,” it is the candidate’s responsibility to initiate and complete the withdrawal process prior to the midterm deadline. “WP” grades do not affect academic deficiency points or grade point average.
3. No more than 6 semester hours of academic work may be transferred from another institution into a College of Education graduate program. Transfer credit will be evaluated after admission, by the academic department. To be eligible, credit must be no more than seven years old at the time of admission unless otherwise approved by the program.
4. After admission, courses taken more than seven years prior to the semester of degree completion cannot be used to meet graduate degree requirements or admission to doctoral candidacy requirements unless otherwise indicated by individual program requirements. 
5. If dismissed from the program, the student must wait a minimum of two semesters and obtain approval from the academic department, before applying for readmission. The academic program reserves the right to place specific conditions and contingencies on any offer of readmission. Readmission is not guaranteed and prior academic performance and conduct in the program will be considered.

• Sociology

1. A 3.00 cumulative grade point average (GPA) is required for graduation. No grade below “C” will be credited toward the M.S. degree with a major in sociology.
2. Students will be dismissed from the M.S. program if they accumulate three or more academic deficiency points. A grade of “C” (while it will be credited toward the M.S. degree) equals one deficiency point. A grade of “D” (which will not be credited toward the M.S. degree) equals two deficiency points. A grade of “F,” “U,”or “WF” (none of which will be credited toward the M.S. degree) equals three deficiency points.
3. A student must apply for readmission. Readmission is not guaranteed. A student must wait a minimum of two semesters before applying for readmission. If the student has deficiencies in core courses (SOCI 7011, 7012, 7021, 7022, or 7050), the student must retake only those core courses that have deficiencies until the number of deficiency points is fewer than or equal to two. If the student has deficiencies in elective hours (whether sociology courses or courses from any other program), the student shall take only SOCI electives until the number of deficiency points is fewer than three. No elective hours outside of sociology will be accepted to make up deficiency points.
4. No more than 6 semester hours of academic work may be transferred from another institution into a master’s-level graduate program. Transfer credit will be evaluated after admission, by the academic department. To be eligible, credit must be no more than seven years old at the time of admission unless otherwise approved by the program.
5. After admission, courses taken more than seven years prior to the semester of degree completion cannot be used to meet graduate degree requirements or admission to doctoral candidacy requirements unless otherwise indicated by individual program requirements. 

Master of Science in Nursing(M.S.N.)

• Nursing

1. Students must have documentation of malpractice insurance of $1,000,000/$3,000,000.
2. Students must have documentation of current health and accident insurance.
3. Students must have documentation of current certification in American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR.
4. Students must maintain  current licensure as a Registered Nurse in the State of Georgia.
5. Students may be subject to background check and drug screening at any point during the program.
6. Students must have a minimum grade of "B" in all nursing courses.
7. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 for all graduate courses.
8. Students receiving two grades of "C" or below ("D", "F," "WF," or "U") will be dismissed from the program.
9. If dismissed from the program, the student must wait a minimum of 1 calendar year and obtain approval from the academic department before applying for readmission. The academic program reserves the right to place specific conditions and contingencies on any offer of readmission. Readmission is not guaranteed and prior academic performance and conduct in the program will be considered.
10. After admission, courses taken more than seven years prior to the semester of degree completion cannot be used to meet graduate degree requirements or admission to doctoral candidacy requirements unless otherwise indicated by individual program requirements. 
11. No more than 9 semester hours of academic work may be transferred from another institution into a master’s-level graduate program. This credit must be documented in the form of an official transcript at the time of admission. Transfer credit will be evaluated after admission, by the academic department. To be eligible, credit must be no more than seven years old at the time of admission unless otherwise approved by the program.
12. Students must provide evidence of current health status:
    • Current physical  examination (by a medical physician or nurse practitioner) on admission, affirming that they are free from communicable disease and able to function safely in a clinical environment.
    • Immunizations: Documentation must include but is not limited to MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), tetanus toxoid, varicella titer, hepatitis-B vaccination, and PPD tuberculin test as required by affiliating clinical agencies.

• • • MMR, serologic evidency of immunity or prior vaccination.
    • Tetanus toxoid must remain up to date during tenure in the College of Nursing & Health Sciences.  The CDC recommendations for healthcare personnel are utilized by our clinical agencies.  Adults who have completed a primary series of a tetanus/diphtheria-containing product (DTP, DTaP, DT, Td) should received Td boosters every 10 years.  Students younger than age 65 years with direct patient contact should be given a 1-time dose of Tdap, if Td booster is scheduled prior to admission or during tenure in the College of Nursing & Health Sciences.
    • Varicella (chickenpox) requires serologic proof of immunity, prior vaccination, or documented history of varicella disease.
    • Hepatitis B vaccination or proof of immunity (anti-HBs at least 10 mIU/ml) is required.  Students who initiate the recommended series for admission must provide proof of maintaining scheduled 3-dose series (dose #1 now, #2 in 1 month, #3 approximately 5 months after #2).
    • PPD (tuberculin skin test) is reuired annually or proof of a negative chest X-ray (every 5 years).
    • Influenza vaccine annually is recommended, but not required.

Master of Social Work (M.S.W.)

• Social Work

1. Students must maintain a grade point average of not less than 2.5 at all times.

2. No grade below “C” will be credited toward the M.S.W. degree.

3. Students will be dismissed from the program if they accumulate 4 or more academic deficiency points. A grade of “C” equals one deficiency point (and will be credited toward the M.S.W. degree). A grade of “D” equals 2 deficiency points (and will not be credited toward the M.S.W. degree). A grade of “F” or “WF” equals 3 deficiency points (neither of these will be credited toward the M.S.W. degree). Because of the emphasis on practicum performance in the social work program, a grade of “F” in practicum courses equals 4 deficiency points and will result in permanent dismissal from the program. Students who are admitted with Advanced Standing Status will be dismissed from the program if they accumulate 2 academic deficiency points or a grade of "F" in practicum.

4. Students may be terminated from the Division of Social Work for non-academic reasons that are identified in the 2009-2010 Student Handbook. A student’s enrollment may be terminated for the following non-academic reasons:

   • Violation of the NASW Code of Ethics or the Code of Ethics of the State of Georgia Composite Board. Students are responsible for being familiar with the NASW Code of Ethics. Content from the code is infused throughout the curriculum.The Code of Ethics can be found on the Division of Social Work Website.Links to the Code are found in the 2009-2010 Field Handbook and in the 2009-2010 Student Handbook.

   • Presenting oneself in such a way as to be rejected by four different agencies for practicum placement.

   • A pattern of complaints that indicates the student is unable to engage clients in such a way as to form a professional and helpful relationship. (For example being unable or unwilling to demonstrate nonjudgmental attitude, unable or unwilling to allow client self-determination).

   • A pattern of complaints that indicates the student is unable to work within agency policies and procedures when such policies and procedures are not in violation of professional social work values and/or codes of ethics (For example, failure to meet generally accepted standards of professional conduct, personal integrity or emotional stability, inability to engage in a supervisory relationship with an assigned field instructor including an inability to follow supervisory guidance, directives, or instructions; inappropriate or disruptive behavior toward colleagues, faculty, or staff, whether at school or within field placement.)

   • A pattern of complaints that indicates the student’s behavior does not reflect a standard of objectivity suitable to the profession. (For example, failure to maintain professional boundaries with clients, over identification or other behaviors with clients for personal advantage.)

   • Engaging in behavior that renders the student ineligible for licensing in the State of Georgia, for membership in the National Association of Social Workers, or for certification by the National Association of Social Workers

   • Students dismissed for non-academic reasons will not be considered for readmission to the program.

   • Readmission is not guaranteed for students dismissed because of academic deficiencies. A student must not be enrolled for two semesters before reapplying for readmission. If a student who was dismissed for academic reasons is readmitted, the student must retake only courses with deficiencies until the number of deficiency points is fewer than or equal to 2 deficiency points. A student may not take a class more than twice or apply for readmission more than once. If a candidate wishes to withdraw from a class with a grade of “WP,” it is the candidate’s responsibility to initiate and complete the withdrawal process prior to the midterm deadline. “WP” grades do not affect academic deficiency points or grade point average.

5. No more than 6 semester hours of academic work may be transferred from another institution into a master’s-level -graduate program. Transfer credit will be evaluated after admission, by the academic department. To be eligible, credit must be no more than seven years old at the time of admission unless otherwise approved by the program.

6. Graduate coursework completed at other CSWE-accredited institutions will be evaluated for equivalence to the VSU M.S.W. curriculum after admission to the program.

7. After admission, courses taken more than seven years prior to the semester of degree completion cannot be used to meet graduate degree requirements or admission to doctoral candidacy requirements unless otherwise indicated by individual program requirements. 

• Social Work Advanced Standing

1. Students must maintain a grade point average of not less than 2.5 at all times.

2. No grade below “C” will be credited toward the M.S.W. degree.

3. Students will be dismissed from the program if they accumulate 4 or more academic deficiency points. A grade of “C” equals one deficiency point (and will be credited toward the M.S.W. degree). A grade of “D” equals 2 deficiency points (and will not be credited toward the M.S.W. degree). A grade of “F” or “WF” equals 3 deficiency points (neither of these will be credited toward the M.S.W. degree). Because of the emphasis on practicum performance in the social work program, a grade of “Unsatisfactory” in practicum equals 4 deficiency points and will result in permanent dismissal from the program. Students who are admitted with Advanced Standing Status will be dismissed from the program if they accumulate 2 academic deficiency points or a grade of "Unsatisfactory" in practicum.

4. Students may be terminated from the Division of Social Work for non-academic reasons that are identified in the 2009-2010 Student Handbook. A student’s enrollment may be terminated for the following non-academic reasons:

   • Violation of the NASW Code of Ethics or the Code of Ethics of the State of Georgia Composite Board. Students are responsible for being familiar with the NASW Code of Ethics. Content from the code is infused throughout the curriculum.The Code of Ethics can be found on the Division of Social Work Website.Links to the Code are found in the 2009-2010 Field Handbook and in the 2009-2010 Student Handbook.

   • Presenting oneself in such a way as to be rejected by four different agencies for practicum placement.

   • A pattern of complaints that indicates the student is unable to engage clients in such a way as to form a professional and helpful relationship. (For example being unable or unwilling to demonstrate nonjudgmental attitude, unable or unwilling to allow client self-determination).

   • A pattern of complaints that indicates the student is unable to work within agency policies and procedures when such policies and procedures are not in violation of professional social work values and/or codes of ethics (For example, failure to meet generally accepted standards of professional conduct, personal integrity or emotional stability, inability to engage in a supervisory relationship with an assigned field instructor including an inability to follow supervisory guidance, directives, or instructions; inappropriate or disruptive behavior toward colleagues, faculty, or staff, whether at school or within field placement.)

   • A pattern of complaints that indicates the student’s behavior does not reflect a standard of objectivity suitable to the profession. (For example, failure to maintain professional boundaries with clients, over identification or other behaviors with clients for personal advantage.)

   • Engaging in behavior that renders the student ineligible for licensing in the State of Georgia, for membership in the National Association of Social Workers, or for certification by the National Association of Social Workers

   • Students dismissed for non-academic reasons will not be considered for readmission to the program.

   • Readmission is not guaranteed for students dismissed because of academic deficiencies. A student must not be enrolled for two semesters before reapplying for readmission. If a student who was dismissed for academic reasons is readmitted, the student must retake only courses with deficiencies until the number of deficiency points is fewer than or equal to 2 deficiency points. A student may not take a class more than twice or apply for readmission more than once. If a candidate wishes to withdraw from a class with a grade of “WP,” it is the candidate’s responsibility to initiate and complete the withdrawal process prior to the midterm deadline. “WP” grades do not affect academic deficiency points or grade point average.

5. No more than 6 semester hours of academic work may be transferred from another institution into a master’s-level -graduate program. Transfer credit will be evaluated after admission, by the academic department. To be eligible, credit must be no more than seven years old at the time of admission unless otherwise approved by the program.

6. Graduate coursework completed at other CSWE-accredited institutions will be evaluated for equivalence to the VSU M.S.W. curriculum after admission to the program.

 7. After admission, courses taken more than seven years prior to the semester of degree completion cannot be used to meet graduate degree requirements or admission to doctoral candidacy requirements unless otherwise indicated by individual program requirements. 

Master of Arts for Teaching (M.A.T.)

• Middle Grades and Secondary Education

1. Candidates must obtain a satisfactory criminal background check.
2. Candidates must acquire professional liability insurance.
3. After admission, courses taken more than seven years prior to the semester of degree completion cannot be used to meet graduate degree requirements or admission to doctoral candidacy requirements unless otherwise indicated by individual program requirements. 
4. No more than 6 semester hours of academic work may be transferred from another institution into a Dewar College of Education graduate program. Transfer credit will be evaluation after admission by the academic department.
5. Earning grades below “B” in graduate courses will result in the following consequences: Students admitted Fall 2011 and thereafter will be dismissed from the Graduate School if they accumulate three or more academic deficiency points unless otherwise indicated by individual program policy. A grade of “C” (although it may be credited toward a degree) equals one deficiency point. A grade of “D,” “WF” or “F,” or “U” (none of which will be credited toward a degree) equals two deficiency points. Candidates admitted BEFORE Fall 2011 and receiving two grades below “C” (“D”, “F”, “WF”,“U”) will be dismissed from the program. One grade below a "C" results in a warning.
6. If dismissed from the program a student must not be enrolled for two semesters. Application for readmission may be initiated during the second semester. Readmission is not guaranteed, and prior academic performance and student conduct/disposition in the program will be considered. The academic program reserves the right to place specific conditions and contingencies on any offer of readmission.

• Special Education (General and Adapted Curriculum)

1. After admission, courses taken more than seven years prior to the semester of degree completion cannot be used to meet graduate degree requirements or admission to doctoral candidacy requirements unless otherwise indicated by individual program requirements. 
2. No more than 6 semester hours of academic work may be transferred from another institution into a College of Education graduate program. Transfer credit will be evaluated after admission by the academic department.
3. Earning grades below "B" in graduate courses will result in the following consequences: Students admitted Fall 2011 and thereafter will be dismissed from the Graduate School if they accumulate three or more academic deficiency points unless otherwise indicated by individual program policy. A grade of “C” (although it may be credited toward a degree) equals one deficiency point. A grade of “D,” “WF” or “F,” or “U” (none of which will be credited toward a degree) equals two deficiency points. Candidates admitted BEFORE Fall 2011 and receiving two grades below “C” (“D”, “F”, “WF”,“U”) will be dismissed from the program. One grade below a "C" results in a warning.
4. If dismissed from the program a student must not be enrolled for two semesters. Application for readmission may be initiated during the second semester. Readmission is not guaranteed, and prior academic performance and student conduct/disposition in the program will be considered. The academic program reserves the right to place specific conditions and contingencies on any offer of readmission.

• Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education

1. After admission, courses taken more than seven years prior to the semester of degree completion cannot be used to meet graduate degree requirements or admission to doctoral candidacy requirements unless otherwise indicated by individual program requirements. 
2. No more than 6 semester hours of academic work may be transferred from another institution into a College of Education graduate program. Transfer credit will be evaluation after admission by the academic department.
3. Earning grades below “B” in graduate courses will result in the following consequences: Students admitted Fall 2011 and thereafter will be dismissed from the Graduate School if they accumulate three or more academic deficiency points unless otherwise indicated by individual program policy. A grade of “C” (although it may be credited toward a degree) equals one deficiency point. A grade of “D,” “WF” or “F,” or “U” (none of which will be credited toward a degree) equals two deficiency points. Candidates admitted BEFORE Fall 2011 and receiving two grades below “C” (“D”, “F”, “WF”,“U”) will be dismissed from the program. One grade below a "C" results in a warning.
4. If dismissed from the program a student must not be enrolled for two semesters. Application for readmission may be initiated during the second semester. Readmission is not guaranteed, and prior academic performance and student conduct/disposition in the program will be considered. The academic program reserves the right to place specific conditions and contingencies on any offer of readmission.

• MAT Music Education

1. The MAT in Music Education has specific, fixed loads for each semester of study that ensure completion of the degree in four consecutive semesters of study. Any exception to load must be approved by the Coordinator of Music Education and the Head of the Department of Music.
2. After admission, courses taken more than seven years prior to the semester of degree completion cannot be used to meet graduate degree requirements or admission to doctoral candidacy requirements unless otherwise indicated by individual program requirements. 
3. No more than 6 semester hours of academic work may be transferred from another institution into a College of Education graduate program.  Transfer credit will be evaluated by the academic department after the student is admitted. To be eligible, credit must be no more than seven years old at the time of admission unless otherwise approved by the program.
4. Earning grades below “B” in graduate courses will result in the following consequences: students will be dismissed from the Graduate School if they accumulate three or more academic deficiency points unless otherwise indicated by individual program policy. A grade of “C” (although it may be credited toward a degree) equals one deficiency point. A grade of “D,” “WF” or “F,” or “U” (none of which will be credited toward a degree) equals two deficiency points. 
5. If dismissed from the program, a student must sit out a minimum of two semesters before applying for readmission and may not resume classes until the subsequent cohort begins in the next year. Readmission is not guaranteed. The academic program reserves the right to place specific conditions and contingencies on any offer of readmission.

• MAT English as a Second Language

1. After admission, courses taken more than seven years prior to the semester of degree completion cannot be used to meet graduate degree requirements or admission to doctoral candidacy requirements unless otherwise indicated by individual program requirements. 
2. No more than 6 semester hours of academic work may be transferred from another institution into a master’s-level graduate program. This credit must be documented in the form of an official transcript at the time of admission. Transfer credit will be evaluated after admission, by the academic department. To be eligible, credit must be no more than seven years old at the time of admission unless otherwise approved by the program..
3. Earning grades below “B” in graduate courses will result in the following consequences: Students admitted Fall 2011 and thereafter will be dismissed from the Graduate School if they accumulate three or more academic deficiency points unless otherwise indicated by individual program policy. A grade of “C” (although it may be credited toward a degree) equals one deficiency point. A grade of “D,” “WF” or “F,” or “U” (none of which will be credited toward a degree) equals two deficiency points. Candidates admitted BEFORE Fall 2011 and receiving two grades below “C” (“D”, “F”, “WF”,“U”) will be dismissed from the program. One grade below a "C" results in a warning. 
4. If dismissed from the program a student must not be enrolled for two semesters. Application for readmission may be initiated during the second semester. Readmission is not guaranteed, and prior academic performance and student conduct/disposition in the program will be considered. The academic program reserves the right to place specific conditions and contingencies on any offer of readmission.

• MAT Foreign Language Education (French or Spanish)

1. After admission, courses taken more than seven years prior to the semester of degree completion cannot be used to meet graduate degree requirements or admission to doctoral candidacy requirements unless otherwise indicated by individual program requirements. 
2. No more than 6 semester hours of academic work may be transferred from another institution into a master’s-level graduate program. This credit must be documented in the form of an official transcript at the time of admission. Transfer credit will be evaluated after admission, by the academic department. To be eligible, credit must be no more than seven years old at the time of admission unless otherwise approved by the program.
3. Earning grades below “B” in graduate courses will result in the following consequences: Students admitted Fall 2011 and thereafter will be dismissed from the Graduate School if they accumulate three or more academic deficiency points unless otherwise indicated by individual program policy. A grade of “C” (although it may be credited toward a degree) equals one deficiency point. A grade of “D,” “WF” or “F,” or “U” (none of which will be credited toward a degree) equals two deficiency points. Candidates admitted BEFORE Fall 2011 and receiving two grades below “C” (“D”, “F”, “WF”,“U”) will be dismissed from the program. One grade below a "C" results in a warning. 
4. If dismissed from the program a student must not be enrolled for two semesters. Application for readmission may be initiated during the second semester. Readmission is not guaranteed, and prior academic performance and student conduct/disposition in the program will be considered. The academic program reserves the right to place specific conditions and contingencies on any offer of readmission.

• MAT Health and Physical Education

1. After admission, courses taken more than seven years prior to the semester of degree completion cannot be used to meet graduate degree requirements or admission to doctoral candidacy requirements unless otherwise indicated by individual program requirements. 
2. No more than 6 semester hours of academic work may be transferred from another institution into a master’s-level graduate program. This credit must be documented in the form of an official transcript at the time of admission. Transfer credit will be evaluated after admission, by the academic department. To be eligible, credit must be no more than seven years old at the time of admission unless otherwise approved by the program.
3. Earning grades below “B” in graduate courses will result in the following consequences: Students admitted Fall 2011 and thereafter will be dismissed from the Graduate School if they accumulate three or more academic deficiency points unless otherwise indicated by individual program policy. A grade of “C” (although it may be credited toward a degree) equals one deficiency point. A grade of “D,” “WF” or “F,” or “U” (none of which will be credited toward a degree) equals two deficiency points. Candidates admitted BEFORE Fall 2011 and receiving two grades below “C” (“D”, “F”, “WF”,“U”) will be dismissed from the program. One grade below a "C" results in a warning. 
4. If dismissed from the program a student must not be enrolled for two semesters. Application for readmission may be initiated during the second semester. Readmission is not guaranteed, and prior academic performance and student conduct/disposition in the program will be considered. The academic program reserves the right to place specific conditions and contingencies on any offer of readmission.

Education Specialist Programs

• Coaching Pedagogy in Physical Education

1. No more than 6 semester hours of post-master’s academic work may be transferred from another institution into a College of Education graduate program.  Transfer credit will be evaluated after admission, by the academic department.  To be eligible, credit must be no more than seven years old at the time of admission unless otherwise approved by the program.
2. After admission, courses taken more than seven years prior to the semester of degree completion cannot be used to meet graduate degree requirements or admission to doctoral candidacy requirements unless otherwise indicated by individual program requirements. 
3. Earning grades below “B” in graduate courses will result in the following consequences: Students admitted Fall 2011 and thereafter will be dismissed from the Graduate School if they accumulate three or more academic deficiency points unless otherwise indicated by individual program policy. A grade of “C” (although it may be credited toward a degree) equals one deficiency point. A grade of “D,” “WF” or “F,” or “U” (none of which will be credited toward a degree) equals two deficiency points. Candidates admitted BEFORE Fall 2011 and receiving two grades below “C” (“D”, “F”, “WF”,“U”) will be dismissed from the program. One grade below a "C" results in a warning.
4. If dismissed from the program a student will not be considered for readmission. 

•  Leadership

1. No more than 6 semester hours of post-master’s academic work may be transferred from another institution into a College of Education graduate program.  Transfer credit will be evaluated after admission, by the academic department.  To be eligible, credit must be no more than seven years old at the time of admission unless otherwise approved by the program.
2. After admission, courses taken more than seven years prior to the semester of degree completion cannot be used to meet graduate degree requirements or admission to doctoral candidacy requirements unless otherwise indicated by individual program requirements. 
3. Earning grades below “B” in graduate courses will result in the following consequences: Students admitted Fall 2011 and thereafter will be dismissed from the Graduate School if they accumulate three or more academic deficiency points unless otherwise indicated by individual program policy. A grade of “C” (although it may be credited toward a degree) equals one deficiency point. A grade of “D,” “WF” or “F,” or “U” (none of which will be credited toward a degree) equals two deficiency points. Candidates admitted BEFORE Fall 2011 and receiving two grades below “C” (“D”, “F”, “WF”,“U”) will be dismissed from the program. One grade below a "C" results in a warning.
4. If dismissed from the program a student will not be considered for readmission.

• Instructional Technology

1. No more than 6 semester hours of post-master’s academic work may be transferred from another institution into a College of Education graduate program.  Transfer credit will be evaluated after admission, by the academic department.  To be eligible, credit must be no more than seven years old at the time of admission unless otherwise approved by the program.
2. After admission, courses taken more than seven years prior to the semester of degree completion cannot be used to meet graduate degree requirements or admission to doctoral candidacy requirements unless otherwise indicated by individual program requirements. 
3. Earning grades below “B” in graduate courses will result in the following consequences: Students admitted Fall 2011 and thereafter will be dismissed from the Graduate School if they accumulate three or more academic deficiency points unless otherwise indicated by individual program policy. A grade of “C” (although it may be credited toward a degree) equals one deficiency point. A grade of “D,” “WF” or “F,” or “U” (none of which will be credited toward a degree) equals two deficiency points. Candidates admitted BEFORE Fall 2011 and receiving two grades below “C” (“D”, “F”, “WF”,“U”) will be dismissed from the program. One grade below a "C" results in a warning.
4. If dismissed from the program a student will not be considered for readmission.

• School Counseling

The university faculty has the duty and responsibility to provide the public with ethical and competent practitioners. To achieve these goals, the university adopts selective admissions, retention, and graduation policies. The delivery of psychological and counseling services, especially of a clinical nature, in schools, mental health settings, and organizations requires the practitioner to meet both academic and professional standards of competence. Accordingly, the faculty of the Department of Human Services has adopted requirements that candidates must meet  in order to graduate for the department’s graduate programs. These requirements include that candidates demonstrate professionally appropriate behavior and may be terminated for academic and non-academic reasons. Academic progress is determined by grades earned in the program of study for which the candidate is currently enrolled, as well as performance on comprehensive examinations as required by the specific program.

1. Candidates will be dismissed from the program if they accumulate three or more academic deficiency points. A grade of “C,” while credited toward the degree, will result in one deficiency point. A grade of “D” is two deficiency points; a grade of “F” or “WF” or “U” is three deficiency points;
2. If a candidate wishes to withdraw from a class with a grade of “WP,” it is the candidate’s responsibility to initiate and complete the withdrawal process prior to the midterm deadline. “WP” grades do not affect academic deficiency points or grade point average.
3. No more than 6 semester hours of academic work may be transferred from another institution into a master’s-level graduate program. This credit must be documented in the form of an official transcript at the time of admission. Transfer credit will be evaluated after admission, by the academic department. To be eligible, credit must be no more than seven years old at the time of admission unless otherwise approved by the program.
4. After admission, courses taken more than seven years prior to the semester of degree completion cannot be used to meet graduate degree requirements or admission to doctoral candidacy requirements unless otherwise indicated by individual program requirements. 
5. If dismissed from the program, the student must wait a minimum of two semesters before applying for readmission. The academic program reserves the right to place specific conditions and contingencies on any offer of readmission. Readmission is not guaranteed and prior academic performance and conduct in the program will be considered.

Remediation Process

Steps 1-3, below, constitute “due process.”  Student are advised of the areas that need improvement and the actions needed to improve these areas, are given an opportunity to correct the problems they are experiencing, and are made aware of the possible consequences of failure to make improvements in the areas in which they are experiencing difficulty.

Step 1: Faculty regularly confer about the progress of each student in the School Counseling Program. When a student is experiencing difficulties, the student’s advisor gathers relevant documentation identifying any particular problems the student is experiencing. Students are informed that this information is being gathered. The written documentation gathered includes grades, coursework, semester reports, and information from the student's advisor, instructors, site supervisors, and other school personnel who have had contact with the student.

Step 2: The faculty advisor then meets with the student, summarizes the documentation gathered, and discusses the problem with the student. 

Step 3: When appropriate, a written remediation plan will be approved by the advisor and two other program faculty members. This plan will clearly state:

        a. specific areas needing improvement

        b. specific changes that are expected

        c. the steps needed to make the outlined changes

        d. the time frame in which the changes must be made

        e. that failure to remediate may result in termination from the program.

        f. the appeals process 

 

Doctoral Programs

Doctor of Education(Ed.D.)

• Adult and Career Education

1. The academic residency requirements are satisfied upon completion of two consecutive semesters of six semester hours or more of coursework.
2. No more than 9 semester hours of post-master’s academic work may be transferred from VSU or another institution into the program.  Following admission, the academic program advisor will evaluate transfer credit for equivalency and appropriateness for the selected concentration.  Courses considered for transfer credit must:
   • Not be over 7 years of age when the student is admitted to candidacy.
   • Be earned at an institution that is regionally accredited.
   • Be graduate-level courses. 
   • Upon recommendation of the program advisor, all transfer requests are subject to approval by the Associate provost of Graduate Studies and Research. 
   • Grades transferred fall under the current deficiency point system.
3. Earning grades below “B” in graduate courses will result in the following consequences: Students admitted Fall 2011 and thereafter will be dismissed from the Graduate School if they accumulate three or more academic deficiency points unless otherwise indicated by individual program policy. A grade of “C” (although it may be credited toward a degree) equals one deficiency point. A grade of “D,” “WF” or “F,” or “U” (none of which will be credited toward a degree) equals two deficiency points. Candidates admitted BEFORE Fall 2011 and receiving two grades below “C” (“D”, “F”, “WF”,“U”) will be dismissed from the program. One grade below a "C" results in a warning.
4. If dismissed from the program a student will not be considered for readmission.
5.  Candidates failing to maintain a 3.25 GPA on all doctoral coursework may face academic sanctions as determined by the Doctoral Coordinating Committee.
6. A comprehensive exam must be successfully completed prior to entering candidacy Candidates are permitted two attempts to complete the comprehensive exams. Candidates who fail to successfully complete the comprehensive exam after two attempts will be dismissed from the program.
7. Doctoral candidates may take up to five years from the term in which comprehensive exams are taken and passed to complete their dissertation work. A one year emergency stop-out may be requested by the student through the Emergency Stop-Out Form. During the stop-out the student must register for a minimum of 1 hour of dissertation credit per term. If the dissertation proposal has been approved before the stop-out year then an updated and reapproved proposal is required by the end of the first semester following the stop-out. An additional extension of two years beyond the 5+1 year limit would require successful completion of a second comprehensive exam that is scheduled, taken, and graded within one term of the expiration of the 5+1 year limit. The two years will begin in the term after the second comprehensive exam is passed. The dissertation proposal must be updated to reflect current literature. The updated proposal must be approved by the dissertation committee during the first term of the two year extension. Failure to pass the second comprehensive exam will terminate the dissertation process.

• Curriculum and Instruction

1. The academic residency requirements are satisfied upon completion of two consecutive semesters of six semester hours or more of coursework.
2. No more than 9 semester hours of post-master’s academic work may be transferred from VSU or another institution into the program.   Following admission, the academic program advisor will evaluate transfer credit for equivalency and appropriateness for the selected concentrations.  Courses considered for transfer credit must:
   • Not be over 7 years of age when the student is admitted to candidacy
   • Be earned at an institution that is regionally accredited
   • Be graduate-level courses
   • Upon recommendation of the program advisor, all transfer requests are subject to approval by the Associate Provost of Graduate Studies and Research.
   • Grades transferred fall under the current deficiency point system.
3. Earning grades below “B” in graduate courses will result in the following consequences: Students admitted Fall 2011 and thereafter will be dismissed from the Graduate School if they accumulate three or more academic deficiency points unless otherwise indicated by individual program policy. A grade of “C” (although it may be credited toward a degree) equals one deficiency point. A grade of “D,” “WF” or “F,” or “U” (none of which will be credited toward a degree) equals two deficiency points. Candidates admitted BEFORE Fall 2011 and receiving two grades below “C” (“D”, “F”, “WF”,“U”) will be dismissed from the program. One grade below a "C" results in a warning..
4. If dismissed from the program a student will not be considered for readmission.
5. Candidates failing to maintain a 3.25 GPA on all doctoral coursework may face academic sanctions as determined by the Doctoral Coordinating Committee.
6. A comprehensive exam must be successfully completed prior to entering candidacy. Candidates are permitted two attempts to complete the comprehensive exams. Candidates who fail to successfully complete the comprehensive exam after two attempts will be dismissed from the program.
7. Doctoral candidates may take up to five years from the term in which comprehensive exams are taken and passed to complete their dissertation work. A one year emergency stop-out may be requested by the student through the Emergency Stop-Out Form. During the stop-out the student must register for a minimum of 1 hour of dissertation credit per term. If the dissertation proposal has been approved before the stop-out year then an updated and reapproved proposal is required by the end of the first semester following the stop-out. An additional extension of two years beyond the 5+1 year limit would require successful completion of a second comprehensive exam that is scheduled, taken, and graded within one term of the expiration of the 5+1 year limit. The two years will begin in the term after the second comprehensive exam is passed. The dissertation proposal must be updated to reflect current literature. The updated proposal must be approved by the dissertation committee during the first term of the two year extension. Failure to pass the second comprehensive exam will terminate the dissertation process.

• Leadership

1. The academic residency requirements are satisfied upon completion of two consecutive semesters of six semester hours or more of coursework.

2. No more than 9 semester hours of post-master’s academic work may be transferred from VSU or another institution into the program.  Following admission, the academic program advisor will evaluate transfer redit for equivalency and appropriateness for the selected concentration.  courses considered for transfer credit must:

   • Not be over 7 years of age when the student is admitted to candidacy
   • Be earned at an institution that is regionally accredited
   • Be graduate-level courses
   • Upon recommendation of the program advisor, all transfer requests are subject to approval by the Associate Provost of Graduate Studies and Research.
   • Grades transferred fall under the current deficiency point system.

3. Earning grades below “B” in graduate courses will result in the following consequences: Students admitted Fall 2011 and thereafter will be dismissed from the Graduate School if they accumulate three or more academic deficiency points unless otherwise indicated by individual program policy. A grade of “C” (although it may be credited toward a degree) equals one deficiency point. A grade of “D,” “WF” or “F,” or “U” (none of which will be credited toward a degree) equals two deficiency points. Candidates admitted BEFORE Fall 2011 and receiving two grades below “C” (“D”, “F”, “WF”,“U”) will be dismissed from the program. One grade below a "C" results in a warning.

4. If dismissed from the program a student will not be considered for readmission.

5.  Candidates failing to maintain a 3.25 GPA on all doctoral coursework may face academic sanctions as determined by the Doctoral Coordinating Committee.

6. A comprehensive exam must be successfully completed prior to entering candidacy Candidates are permitted two attempts to complete the comprehensive exams. Candidates who fail to successfully complete the comprehensive exam after two attempts will be dismissed from the program.

7. Doctoral candidates may take up to five years from the term in which comprehensive exams are taken and passed to complete their dissertation work. A one year emergency stop-out may be requested by the student through the Emergency Stop-Out Form. During the stop-out the student must register for a minimum of 1 hour of dissertation credit per term. If the dissertation proposal has been approved before the stop-out year then an updated and reapproved proposal is required by the end of the first semester following the stop-out. An additional extension of two years beyond the 5+1 year limit would require successful completion of a second comprehensive exam that is scheduled, taken, and graded within one term of the expiration of the 5+1 year limit. The two years will begin in the term after the second comprehensive exam is passed. The dissertation proposal must be updated to reflect current literature. The updated proposal must be approved by the dissertation committee during the first term of the two year extension. Failure to pass the second comprehensive exam will terminate the dissertation process.

Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology (SLPD)

1. The academic residency requirements are satisfied upon completion of two consecutive semesters of six semester hours or more of coursework. 
2. No more than 6 semester hours of post-master's academic work may be transferred from another institution into a Dewar College of Education doctoral program.  Transfer credit will be evaluated after admission, by the academic department.  To be eligible, credit must be no more than seven years old at the time of admission unless otherwise approved by the program.
3. Earning grades below "B" in graduate courses will result in the following consequences: Students admitted Fall 2011 and thereafter will be dismissed from the Graduate School if they accumulate three or more academic deficiency points unless otherwise indicated by individual program policy.  A grade of "C" (although it may be counted toward a degree) equals one deficiency point.  A grade of "D," "WF," or "F," or "U" (none of which will be credited toward a degree) equals two deficiency points.  Candidates admitted BEFORE Fall 2011 and receiving two grades below "C" ("D," "F," "WF," "U") will be dismissed from the program.  One grade below a "C" results in a warning.
4. If dismissed from the program a student will not be considered for readmission.
5. Candidates failing to maintain a 3.25 GPA on all doctoral coursework may face academic sanctions as determined by the Doctoral Coordinating Committee.
6. A comprehensive exam must be successfully completed prior to entering candidacy.  Candidates are permitted two attempts to complete the comprehensive exams.  Candidates who fail to successfully complete the comprehensive exam after two attempts will be dismissed from the program.
7. Doctoral candidates may take up to five years from the term in which comprehensive exams are taken and passed to complete their dissertation work. A one year emergency stop-out may be requested by the student through the . During the stop-out the student must register for a minimum of 1 hour of dissertation credit per term. If the dissertation proposal has been approved before the stop-out year then an updated and reapproved proposal is required by the end of the first semester following the stop-out. An additional extension of two years beyond the 5+1 year limit would require successful completion of a second comprehensive exam that is scheduled, taken, and graded within one term of the expiration of the 5+1 year limit. The two years will begin in the term after the second comprehensive exam is passed. The dissertation proposal must be updated to reflect current literature. The updated proposal must be approved by the dissertation committee during the first term of the two year extension. Failure to pass the second comprehensive exam will terminate the dissertation process.

Doctor of Public Administration (D.P.A.)

• Public Administration

1. A 3.00 cumulative institutional grade point average is required for graduation. No grade below “C” will be credited toward the Doctor of Public Administration degree.

2. Students will be dismissed from the program if they accumulate three or more academic deficiency points. A grade of “C” (while it will be credited toward the DPA degree) equals one deficiency point. A grade of “D,” “WF” or “F,” or “U” (none of which will be credited toward the DPA degree) equals two deficiency points.

3. If dismissed from the program, the student must wait a minimum of two semesters and obtain approval from the academic department, before applying for readmission. The academic program reserves the right to place specific conditions and contingencies on any offer of readmission. Readmission is not guaranteed and prior academic performance and conduct in the program will be considered.

4. The academic advisor reviews official transcripts to determine course equivalence/similarity. Courses considered for transfer credit must: (1) be no more than 7 years of age, or more specifically, may not be over 7 years of age when the student completes the degree at VSU; (2) be earned at an institution that is regionally accredited; (3) be graduate-level courses; and (4) not exceed specific program limitations on total number of hours. All transfer requests are subject to approval by the Dean of the Graduate School, and grades transferred fall under the current deficiency point system.

5. After admission, courses taken more than seven years prior to the semester of degree completion cannot be used to meet graduate degree requirements or admission to doctoral candidacy requirements unless otherwise indicated by individual program requirements.