All courses offered for graduate credit are taught by members of the Graduate Faculty who are approved under the policies established by the University. The members of the Graduate Faculty also advise students, guide their research, conduct comprehensive examinations, direct preparation of terminal writing projects, and certify eligibility for graduation. They work with the Director of Graduate Studies individually and collectively to maintain the quality and integrity of the Graduate Program. The purpose of this category is to allow students to experience a variety of graduate courses for personal or professional growth. Their program is more structured and usually requires specific courses.
Degree seeking students satisfy two sets of admission requirements in pursuit of their degree.
The first admission step is application for admission to the graduate program. At the outset of the program, the student is expected to meet with an assigned advisor and design the program of study which will be followed. The second step is when a student applies to be admitted to candidacy. A student must apply for admission to candidacy after completion of ten hours and before completion of seventeen hours of graduate credit. Only a maximum of seventeen hours of graduate credit taken prior to admission as a candidate will be allowed to apply towards a degree.