General Policies and Regulations

General Policies and Regulations

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GENERAL POLICIES AND REGULATIONS

It is the responsibility of every graduate student to know and comply with all of the policies, procedures, and regulations of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies. Failure to read this Catalog and understand its contents does not excuse any graduate student from the requirements, policies, procedures, and regulations described herein. Therefore, every student must carefully read all regulations concerning graduate studies because the student is held responsible for knowing and observing all relevant ISU regulations.  All application credentials become the property of Indiana State University and are not returned to the student.

Indiana State University has two main categories of admission, degree-seeking and non-degree-seeking. In all cases, applicants must submit one official transcript from each undergraduate and graduate institution attended. Transcripts will be accepted as official only when they are sent directly to the College of Graduate and Professional Studies from the registrar of the institution.  Students must submit official transcripts from all institutions at which college course work has been attempted.

What follows are the minimum admission requirements for post-baccalaureate degree-seeking applicants.

Admission to Master’s Degree Programs

Regular Admission

Regular admission status, upon the recommendation of an academic unit, may be granted to an applicant who meets the minimum admission requirements of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies. It should be noted that some academic units may have higher and/or other admission requirements. For regular admission status in the College of Graduate and Professional Studies, an applicant must, as a minimum:

1. Hold a baccalaureate degree granted by a regionally accredited institution (for international students, a degree granted by a recognized institution).
2. Have earned a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.7 in all undergraduate course work; or have earned a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 in the last 60 hours of undergraduate course work; or have earned a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 in the applicant’s major field of study; or have earned a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 in all courses taken at the graduate level.
3. Where required, submit departmentally acceptable scores in the General Test of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or, where applicable, other appropriate standardized measures.
4. Satisfy and/or meet any and all additional admission requirements of the department/program where admission is being sought.
5. Submit to the College of Graduate and Professional Studies a fully completed Graduate Admission Application Form with a non-refundable admission application fee of $35.00 payable by cash, credit card, money order, or check made payable to Indiana State University.

Conditional Admission

Conditional admission is intended for those students whose undergraduate record does not reflect their current capacity to do graduate work. In those circumstances conditional admission status, upon the recommendation of an academic unit, may be granted. It should be noted that some academic units may have higher or other admission requirements. Conditional admission has a maximum time limit of one academic year. Applicants admitted on a conditional basis must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 while enrolled in the College of Graduate and Professional Studies. A final admission decision shall be reserved by the academic unit until an applicant’s performance has been evaluated after one academic year of enrollment. For conditional admission status, an applicant must, as a minimum:

1. Hold a baccalaureate degree granted by a regionally accredited institution (for international students, a degree granted by a recognized institution).
2. Have earned a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.3 in all undergraduate course work; or have earned a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 in the last 60 credit hours of undergraduate course work; or have earned a minimum grade point average of 2.5 in the applicant’s major field of study.
3. Where required, submit departmentally acceptable scores in the General Test of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or, where applicable, other appropriate standardized measures.
4. Satisfy and/or meet any and all additional admission requirements of the department/program where admission is being sought.
5. Submit to the College of Graduate and Professional Studies a fully completed Graduate Admission Application Form with a non-refundable admission application fee of $35.00 payable by cash, credit card, money order, or check made payable to Indiana State University.

Provisional Admission

Provisional admission is intended for those students meeting regular or conditional admission requirements who are missing admissions materials other than an application, application fee, and an official transcript from the institution granting their highest completed degree. Provisional admission status may be granted upon the recommendation of an academic unit. Final decision on an applicant admitted on a provisional basis shall be reserved until all missing documents are received but may not exceed one semester. For provisional admission status, an applicant must, as a minimum:

1. Meet the criteria for regular or conditional admission.
2. Submit official transcripts.
3. Submit to the College of Graduate and Professional Studies a fully completed Graduate Admission Application Form with a non-refundable admission application fee of $35.00 payable by cash, credit card, money order, or check made payable to Indiana State University.

Admission of Applicants with Undergraduate Degrees from Non-Accredited Institutions to a Master’s Degree Program

Conditional Admission

Applicants with undergraduate degrees from non-accredited institutions may not be granted regular admission status. However, upon the recommendation of an academic unit, conditional admission may be granted to such applicants. Conditional admission has a maximum time limit of one academic year. Under this category of admission, final admission decision by the respective academic units shall be reserved until after the evaluation of an applicant’s performance, after completion of one academic year. In order to be considered for such conditional admission status, applicants with undergraduate degrees from non-accredited institutions must, as a minimum:

1. Have earned a baccalaureate degree, which includes general education program/courses similar to that of Indiana State University.
2. Submit official transcripts showing a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.7 in all undergraduate course work; or submit official transcripts showing a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 in the last 60 credit hours of undergraduate course work; or submit official transcripts showing a minimum grade point average of 3.0 in the applicant’s major field of study.
3. Where required, submit departmentally acceptable scores in the General Test of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or, where applicable, other appropriate standardized measures.
4. Complete nine to 12 credit hours of undergraduate or graduate courses prescribed by applicant’s chosen academic unit at Indiana State University, and achieve a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 during the first academic year. 
5. Satisfy and/or meet any and all additional admission requirements of the department/program where admission is being sought.
6. Submit to the College of Graduate and Professional Studies a fully completed Graduate Admission Application Form with a non-refundable admission application fee of $35.00 payable by cash, credit card, money order, or check made payable to Indiana State University.

 It should be noted that some academic units may have higher and/or additional requirements beyond those stated above.

Provisional Admission

Provisional admission is intended for those applicants from non-accredited institutions who meet conditional admission requirements but are missing admissions materials other than an application, application fee, and official transcripts from the institution granting their highest completed degree. Provisional admission status may be granted to such applicants upon the recommendation of an academic unit. Final decision on applicants admitted on a provisional basis shall be reserved until all missing documents are received but may not exceed one semester. For provisional admission status, applicants must, as a minimum:

1. Have earned a baccalaureate degree, which includes general education program/courses similar to that of Indiana State University.
2. Submit official transcripts showing a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.7 in all undergraduate course work. 
3. Submit to the College of Graduate and Professional Studies a fully completed Graduate Admission Application Form with a non-refundable admission application fee of $35.00 payable by cash, credit card, money order, or check made payable to Indiana State University.

Admission to the Educational Specialist Degree Program

Regular Admission

Regular admission status, upon the recommendation of an academic unit within the College of Education, may be granted to an applicant who meets the minimum admission requirements of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies. It should be noted that some academic units may have higher and/or other admission requirements. For regular admission status in the educational specialist degree program in the College of Education, an applicant must, as a minimum:

1. Hold a master’s degree granted by a regionally accredited institution (for international students, a degree granted by a recognized institution).
2. Have earned a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 in courses taken at the graduate level. 
3. Where required, submit departmentally acceptable scores in the General Test of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or, where applicable, other appropriate standardized measures.
4. Satisfy and/or meet any and all additional admission requirements of the department/program where admission is being sought.
5. Submit to the College of Graduate and Professional Studies a fully completed Graduate Admission Application Form with a non-refundable admission application fee of $35.00 payable by cash, credit card, money order, or check made payable to Indiana State University.

Conditional Admission

Conditional admission for the educational specialist degree program is intended for those applicants with strong general credentials but whose cumulative graduate grade point average and Graduate Record Examination scores are slightly below the requirements for regular admission as outlined in items two and three under regular admission requirements. In those circumstances, conditional admission status, upon the recommendation of an academic unit within the College of Education, may be granted. Conditional admission has a maximum time limit of one academic year. Applicants admitted on a conditional basis must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 while enrolled in the College of Graduate and Professional Studies. A final admission decision by the academic unit shall be reserved until the evaluation of an applicant’s performance after completion of one academic year. For conditional admission status, an applicant must, as a minimum:

1. Hold a master’s degree granted by a regionally accredited institution (for international students, a degree granted by a recognized institution).
2. Have earned a minimum cumulative grade point average slightly below 3.25 in courses taken at the graduate level. 
3. Where required, submit departmentally acceptable scores in the General Test of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or, where applicable, other appropriate standardized measures.
4. Submit to the College of Graduate and Professional Studies a fully completed Graduate Admission Application Form with a non-refundable admission application fee of $35.00 payable by cash, credit card, money order, or check made payable to Indiana State University.

Provisional Admission

Provisional admission is intended for those students meeting regular or conditional admission requirements who are missing admissions materials other than an application, application fee, and an official transcript from the institution granting their highest completed degree. Provisional admission status may be granted upon the recommendation of an academic unit. A final decision on an applicant admitted on a provisional basis shall be reserved until all missing documents are received but may not exceed one semester. For provisional admission status, an applicant must, as a minimum:

1. Meet the criteria for regular or conditional admission.
2. Submit official transcripts. 
3. Submit to the College of Graduate and Professional Studies a fully completed Graduate Admission Application Form with a non-refundable admission application fee of $35.00 payable by cash, credit card, money order, or check made payable to Indiana State University.

Admission to Doctoral Degree Programs

Regular Admission

Regular admission status to a doctoral program, upon the recommendation of an academic unit, may be granted to an applicant who meets the minimum admission requirements of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies. It should be noted that some academic units may have higher and/or additional admissions requirements. For regular admission status in the College of Graduate and Professional Studies, an applicant must, as a minimum:

1. Hold a master’s degree granted by a regionally accredited institution (for international students, a degree granted by a recognized institution), unless applying to a department/program that accepts students with undergraduate degrees. In the latter case, an applicant must, at a minimum, meet the regular admission requirements for a master’s candidate (see Admission to Master’s Degree Programs).
2. Have earned a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.2 in all courses taken at the graduate level. 
3. Where required, submit departmentally acceptable scores in the General Test of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or, where applicable, other appropriate standardized measures.
4. Satisfy and/or meet any and all additional admission requirements of the department/program where admission is being sought.
5. Submit to the College of Graduate and Professional Studies a fully completed Graduate Admission Application Form with a non-refundable admission application fee of $35.00 payable by cash, credit card, money order, or check made payable to Indiana State University.

Conditional Admission

Conditional admission is intended for those students whose previous academic record does not reflect their current capacity to do doctoral level work. In those circumstances conditional admission status, upon the recommendation of an academic unit, may be granted. It should be noted that some academic units may have higher and/or other admission requirements. Conditional admission has a maximum time limit of one academic year. Applicants admitted on a conditional basis must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5 in the first full semester in the College of Graduate and Professional Studies. The academic unit shall reserve the final admission decision until the evaluation of an applicant’s performance after completion of one academic year. For conditional admission status, an applicant must, as a minimum:

1. Hold a master’s degree granted by a regionally accredited institution (for international students, a degree granted by a recognized institution), unless applying to a department/program that accepts students with undergraduate degrees. In the latter case, an applicant must, at a minimum, meet the regular admission requirements for a master’s candidate (see Admission to Master’s Degree Programs).
2. Have earned a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 in all courses taken at the graduate level.
3. Where required, submit departmentally acceptable scores in the General Test of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or, where applicable, other appropriate standardized measures.
4. Satisfy and/or meet any and all additional admission requirements of the department/program where admission is being sought.
5. Submit to the College of Graduate and Professional Studies a fully completed Graduate Admission Application Form with a non-refundable admission application fee of $35.00 payable by cash, credit card, money order, or check made payable to Indiana State University.

Provisional Admission

Provisional admission is intended for an applicant who meets regular or conditional admission requirements to a doctoral program, but is missing admissions materials other than an application (with fee) and an official transcript from the institution granting the highest completed degree. Provisional admission status may be granted upon the recommendation of an academic unit with a time limit of one semester/term. Final decision on an applicant admitted on a provisional basis shall be reserved until all missing documents are received but may not exceed one semester/term. For provisional admission status, an applicant must, as a minimum:

1. Hold a master’s degree granted by a regionally accredited institution (for international students, a degree granted by a recognized institution), unless applying to a department/program that accepts students with undergraduate degrees. In the latter case, an applicant must, at a minimum, meet the regular admission requirements for a master’s candidate (see Admission to Master’s Degree Programs).
2. Submit official transcripts for the highest degree earned.
3. Submit to the College of Graduate and Professional Studies a fully completed Graduate Admission Application Form with a non-refundable admission application fee of $35.00 payable by cash, credit card, money order, or check made payable to Indiana State University.

Admission of International Students

International applicants, in addition to meeting the appropriate admission requirements in the respective admission categories as described in other sections of this Catalog, must submit the following:

1. Submit official academic records (transcripts) demonstrating successful completion of a baccalaureate degree granted by an accredited institution. Academic records from all universities attended must be received in English and the native language.
2. Official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of a minimum of 550 on the regular examination or 213 on the computer-based examination or 80 on the iBT version (minimum standards are under review at this time and may be revised, the most current standards will be available on the College of Graduate and Professional Studies Web site; or a minimum score of 6.5 in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS); or official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores with a minimum score of 440 or 149 (after August 2011) in the verbal section; or official transcripts with a minimum of 30 credit hours of earned undergraduate credits of classroom-based course work at a regionally accredited college or university in the United States or a recognized college or university in the United Kingdom, Australia, or other institutions of higher learning approved by the Indiana State University College of Graduate and Professional Studies; or official transcripts showing an earned undergraduate or graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution in the United States.  It should be noted that international applicants from English-speaking countries or former British colonies may be exempted from the above (TOEFL) requirements.
3. An Affidavit of Financial Support (United States Department of Justice Form I-134 or equivalent documentation). 
4. Submit to the College of Graduate and Professional Studies a fully completed International Student Admission Application Form with a non-refundable admission application fee of $35.00 payable by credit card, money order, or cashier’s check (or bank check negotiable in the United States), made payable to Indiana State University.
5. Provide on the application for admission a complete educational history from secondary school or the thirteenth year through the highest level of education completed. Failure to list all institutions attended and the date of attendance could result in dismissal.

It should be noted that some academic units may have higher and/or additional admissions requirements.

Admission to Education Licensure or License Renewal Programs

Library Media Services Licensure: Public School or Public Library

To be considered for admission into this program, applicants as a minimum must:

1. Possess a valid state or national instructional license and meet any additional requirements, in their chosen area of interest, as specified elsewhere in this Catalog; or, for the Public Library Licensure Program, meet any additional requirements, in their chosen area of interest, as specified elsewhere in this Catalog.
2. Submit to the College of Graduate and Professional Studies a fully completed Non-Degree Admission Application Form with a non-refundable admission application fee of $35.00 payable by cash, credit card, money order, or check made payable to Indiana State University.
3. Contact the Indiana State University Education Student Services Office (soeess@isugw.indstate.edu or 812-237-3131) for appropriate advising prior to enrolling in any courses toward this license.

Initial Licensure (Educational Leadership Administrative License only)

To be considered for admission into this program, applicants as a minimum must:

1. Possess a valid (current or expired) State of Indiana Instructional License and meet any additional requirements, in their chosen area of interest, as specified elsewhere in this Catalog.
2. Submit to the College of Graduate and Professional Studies a fully completed Non-Degree Admission Application Form with a non-refundable admission application fee of $35.00 payable by cash, credit card, money order, or check made payable to Indiana State University.
3. Contact the Indiana State University Education Student Services Office (soeess@isugw.indstate.edu or 812-237-3131) for appropriate advising prior to enrolling in any courses toward this license.

It should be noted that in addition to the course work at Indiana State University, the State of Indiana requires a minimum of two years of teaching experience prior to issuance of this license.

License Renewal or Professionalization

1. Applicants must possess a valid (current or expired) State of Indiana Instructional License and meet any additional requirements, in their chosen area of interest, as specified elsewhere in this Catalog. 
2. Submit to the College of Graduate and Professional Studies a fully completed Non-Degree Admission Application Form with a non-refundable admission application fee of $35.00 payable by cash, credit card, money order, or check made payable to Indiana State University.
3. Contact the Indiana State University Education Student Services Office (soeess@isugw.indstate.edu or 812-237-3131) for appropriate advising prior to enrolling in any courses toward this license.

Transition to Teaching Program

This post-baccalaureate non-degree licensure program leads to teacher licensure in the State of Indiana, in elementary or secondary education. Much of the course work in this program is available on-line (via distance education) to allow students flexibility in location and time.

 Elementary Education (Kindergarten-Fifth)

The Elementary Transition to Teaching Program is a graduate level cohort model consisting of 24 credit hours of study and related teaching experiences over a period of one year. To be considered for admission applicants, as a minimum must: 

1. Possess a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0; or possess a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and have a minimum of five years of professional experience in an education-related field.
2. Meet the testing requirements for PRAXIS I and PRAXIS II.
3. Submit to the College of Graduate and Professional Studies a fully completed Non-Degree Admission Application Form with a non-refundable admission application fee of $35.00 payable by cash, credit card, money order, or check made payable to Indiana State University.
4. Contact the Indiana State University Education Student Services Office (soeess@isugw.indstate.edu or 812-237-3131) for appropriate advising prior to enrolling in any courses toward this license.

 Secondary Education (Sixth-Twelfth)

The Secondary Education Program is a graduate level cohort model consisting of 18 credit hours of study and related teaching experiences over a period of one year. To be considered for admission applicants, as a minimum, must:

1. Possess a graduate degree, in the chosen subject area of interest, from a regionally accredited institution; or possess a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0; or possess a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5, and have a minimum of five years experience in the subject area that applicants teach or plan to teach.
2. Meet the testing requirements for PRAXIS I and PRAXIS II.
3. Submit to the College of Graduate and Professional Studies a fully completed Non-Degree Admission Application Form with a non-refundable admission application fee of $35.00 payable by cash, credit card, money order, or check made payable to Indiana State University.
4. Contact the Indiana State University Education Student Services Office (soeess@isugw.indstate.edu or 812-237-3131) for appropriate advising prior to enrolling in any courses toward this license.

Guest (Special) Admission

Guest (special) admission status is intended for students enrolled in graduate programs at other institutions who wish to take graduate courses at Indiana State University for transfer and/or other purposes. The maximum number of credits under this category of admission shall not exceed 12 per student. Upon recommendation of an academic unit, a student enrolled at another institution may be granted guest (special) admission status. In order to be considered for such admission status in the College of Graduate and Professional Studies an applicant must:

1. Be in good standing (i.e. not under probation, suspension, and/or expelled), and enrolled in, or must have been admitted to, graduate school by a regionally accredited institution in the United States.
2. Having earned a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 in all courses taken at the graduate level. If applicant is an undergraduate who has been offered admission to graduate school by another institution, but has not taken any graduate courses at the time of application, then the applicant must:

a. Submit official transcripts showing a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.7 in all undergraduate course work; or submit official transcripts showing a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 in the last 60 credit hours of undergraduate course work; or submit official transcripts showing a minimum grade point average of 3.0 in applicant’s major field of study.

3. Submit to the College of Graduate and Professional Studies a fully completed Non-Degree Admission Application Form with a non-refundable admission application fee of $35.00 payable by cash, credit card, money order, or check made payable to Indiana State University.

ISU Certificate Programs Admission

This category is intended for applicants who wish to earn non-degree certificates issued by Indiana State University. To be considered for admission into ISU certificate programs applicants must:

1. Posses an undergraduate or graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution.
2. Submit to the College of Graduate and Professional Studies a fully completed Non-Degree Admission Application Form with a non-refundable admission application fee of $35.00 payable by cash, credit card, money order, or check made payable to Indiana State University.
3. Meet any and all requirements of the academic unit offering the chosen program.

Unclassified Student Admission

Unclassified student admission status is intended for applicants who wish to take a limited number of graduate courses for various reasons but are not seeking admission to pursue a degree, educational licensure, or an ISU certificate. A maximum of 12 hours taken as an unclassified student may be transferred to a degree program. Upon approval of an academic unit applicants may be permitted to take certain graduate courses on a semester-to-semester basis, depending on availability of space and applicant’s academic performance. To be considered for admission with an unclassified status, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

1. Posses an undergraduate or graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution.
2. Submit to the College of Graduate and Professional Studies a fully completed Non-Degree Admission Application Form with a non-refundable admission application fee of $35.00 payable by cash, credit card, money order, or check made payable to Indiana State University.

Students who wish to audit a graduate course for no credit must obtain written permission from the instructor of the course, the chairperson of the department which offers the course, and the dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies during the add period of each semester. Permission to Audit forms are available in the College of Graduate and Professional Studies. Permission may be denied if the classroom is crowded or the course is not appropriate for auditing; that is, a course which requires any type of student participation and faculty interaction, such as physical education, art, foreign language, computer science, etc. Those who audit do so for the purpose of hearing and seeing only; they do not have the privilege of participating in class discussions, laboratory work, or field work. They neither take tests, submit term papers, nor receive grades. Students who audit a course will not appear on grade rolls and no notation of the audit will be made on the student’s transcript. A student may not transfer from audit to credit or from credit to audit. The fee for auditing a course is $5.00 per credit hour.

A senior student at Indiana State University with an overall grade point average of 3.0 or above may be granted permission to enroll in a limited amount of 500-level graduate courses with approval of the student’s advisor, graduate program representative, and the dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies.  Once approved, the registration form must be taken to the Office of Registration and Records for processing.

Opportunity for post-doctoral study is available at Indiana State University for visiting professors from other institutions, post-doctoral fellows, and others who have also attained doctoral status. These scholars may conduct research, attend classes, and participate in seminars. Upon request of the appropriate department, they may also teach classes. The privilege of attending class without credit or payment of fees will be granted upon the approval of the appropriate department chairperson and the dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies. Prospective researchers requiring laboratory space must be sponsored by a member of the graduate faculty and meet approval of the chairperson of the department in which work is planned. Library and parking privileges and general usage will be available on the same basis as for regular staff without obligation of the University for salary and insurance.  Persons who wish to receive academic credit for courses attended must apply for admission to graduate school, register as graduate students, and pay appropriate fees.

Any student admitted to the College of Graduate and Professional Studies and to a department who has not enrolled and earned graduate credit for work at Indiana State University for a period of two consecutive years will have his or her admission automatically cancelled. In order to re-enroll in classes, a student whose admission has been cancelled must apply for readmission to the College of Graduate and Professional Studies and the department/program of interest. Students who are readmitted in the above manner will be governed by the policies and regulations in effect at the time of readmission.

Courses bearing the Catalog number 500 or above carry graduate credit. Those numbered in the 500 series may also have 400 counterparts, which are open to undergraduate students. A course taken at the 400 level for undergraduate credit may not be repeated at the 500 level for graduate credit without permission of the dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies. Courses numbered in the 600 series and above are open only to graduate students. At least one-half of the credit hours required for a graduate degree must be earned in courses numbered 600 or above. Courses numbered in the 700 and 800 series are designated for students in post-master’s and doctoral programs.

A full-time course load is considered to be nine credit hours during the fall and spring semesters. During a regular semester the maximum course load, graduate courses or any combination of graduate and undergraduate courses, is 12 credit hours. In the summer terms, a student is allowed to earn no more than a total of 15 credit hours. However, upon the approval of a student’s academic advisor, the department chairperson, and the dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies a student may be permitted to enroll in additional hours beyond the limits indicated above.  Full-time graduate assistants must maintain full-time enrollment as outlined in the Graduate Assistantship and Scholarship/Fee Waiver Award Guidelines. Except for unusual circumstances, the normal class load of 12 credit hours per semester will not be exceeded. Part-time graduate assistants must enroll in a minimum of nine credit hours each semester and one credit hour per summer session.

A new plus/minus grading system was approved by the Faculty Senate effective fall 2009 and is reflected in the table below.  Courses taken before fall 2009 will retain their old grade point values; courses taken in fall 2009 and beyond will follow the new grade value.  Official transcripts will also reflect this change beginning with the fall semester of 2009.  Letter grades indicating the quality of graduate course work completed and for which the credit hours earned can be applied toward graduation requirements generally can be interpreted as follows:

An average of at least 3.0 is required to remain in the College of Graduate and Professional Studies, for admission to candidacy, and for graduation on any graduate degree program. The minimum grade point average may be increased in specific colleges and departments. (See departmental statements in this Catalog.)  Grades of “DP” (passing at time of drop) and “DF” (failing at time of drop) will be assigned to courses dropped after the fourteenth calendar day of the semester through the last day to drop for the semester. Grades of “W” will be assigned to officially withdrawn courses after the last day to drop for the semester. “DP,” “DF,” and “W” grades will not be calculated in the student’s grade point average.

An “in progress” grade (IP) can be used for graduate courses which require work of a continuing nature to extend over more than one semester.  Upon completion of the course work, the instructor of record will submit a change of grade form.  A student changing from a program requiring a thesis/dissertation may, at the discretion of the major department, receive a grade “S” for the portion of the work completed.  If a change of grade form is not submitted, any remaining “IP” grades on the transcript will be changed to “U” at the time of graduation or the designated time limits for completion of degree or an approved time limit extension.  A student is not eligible to graduate with any “IP” grades remaining on their transcript. 

An incomplete grade (IN) may be given only at the end of a semester or term to those students whose work is passing but who have left unfinished a small amount of work–for instance, a final examination, a paper, or a term project which may be completed without further class attendance.  When a grade of incomplete (IN) is assigned, the professor will specify, via Web grading, the work necessary to complete the course and receive a grade, the deadline date for completion, and the grade to be assigned if the work is not completed by the specified date. The date for completion will normally be within four weeks of the beginning of the next semester, but will not be longer than one calendar year. The sole exception is for graduate research courses, which will have no maximum deadline.  In the event that the instructor from whom students receive an “IN” is not on campus, the disposition of students’ eventual grade resides with the appropriate department chairperson.

Basis for Appeal

A student may appeal a grade granted by any instructor of any course. The student may appeal the grade based on one of more of the following:

1. An error in the calculation of the grade.
2. The assignment of a grade to a particular student by application of more exacting or demanding standards than were applied to other students in the same section of the same course, in the same semester, with the same instructor.
3. The assignment of a grade to a particular student on some basis other than performance in the course.
4. The assignment of a grade by a substantial departure from the instructor’s previously announced standards for that section of that course.
5. The assignment of a grade by a substantial departure from the written departmentally approved standards for a course.

Informal Appeal 

All students must follow the informal appeals process for questioning grades prior to engaging the formal appeal. In so doing, they are to, where possible, seek out the instructor for a face-to-face conversation. The instructor is encouraged to listen to the entirety of the student’s case and then to consider whether the current grade is appropriate. Should no resolution occur, the student is required to contact the department chairperson. The chairperson is required to meet with the student one-on-one, to seek a conversation with the instructor one-on-one, and then highly encouraged to meet with the two of them together. Students must initiate their informal appeal within 30 working days of the posting of the grade. Should no resolution occur, the student may choose to engage the formal appeal process.

Filing a Formal Appeal 

A formal appeal is made in writing to the dean of the college of the instructor, hereafter referred to as “the dean.” When filing an appeal, a student must specify the basis of the appeal and do so within 30 working days of the conclusion of the informal appeal. The student must indicate one of the following: 

1. The instructor is unable or unwilling to communicate with the student on the appeal and the informal appeal could not proceed.
2. No resolution resulted from the informal appeal process.

The contents of the appeal should include as much of the relevant physical or electronic record as is possible for the student to collect. If the second basis (differential standards) is asserted, the student should provide a list of the names of other students and specific assignments so that a review of the relevant materials and appropriate comparisons can be made. 

Verification of the Appropriateness of the Appeal 

An instructor “cannot respond” if he/she has died or has suffered a debilitating physical or mental condition. For appeals to grades submitted by instructors who have been terminated, resigned, or retired, it is the dean’s responsibility to manage the notification process. In doing so, the dean shall make three separate attempts at contact within 30 days with the last one in writing by registered letter to the last known address. If after ten working days of the dean’s receiving of the registered letter receipt, the instructor still refuses to discuss the grade appeal, the dean shall convene the Grade Appeal Committee.

If an instructor has denied the grade appeal after having met with the department chairperson, the dean must review the materials and discuss the matter with the student. The dean may choose to discuss the matter with the instructor, the chairperson, or both. If the dean cannot create a resolution satisfactory to the instructor and student, the dean shall convene the Grade Appeal Committee.

Graduate students receiving a grade of C (2.0) or lower may retake a non-repeatable course a maximum of one time. Once repeated, both the original and new grade will be included in the student’s grade point average. Both grades will remain on the student’s transcript.

Study Week is intended to encourage student preparation for final examinations given during the final examination week, but class attendance is expected.  No examination of any kind, including quizzes that count for over four percent of the grade, shall be given during Study Week preceding Finals Week.  Papers due during Study Week shall be specified in the class syllabus handed out to the student at the beginning of the semester.  The student is responsible for notifying the Student Government Association of a violation of any of the above terms. The Student Government Association will take the correct procedures for informing the faculty member and the academic department chairperson of the failure to comply with the terms of the Study Week policy.  The student’s name will be confidential to the Student Government Association.  Examination for laboratory, intensive, mini-courses, or summer sessions are permitted.

A student whose grade point average drops below a 3.0 (or higher in certain programs) will be placed on probation, suspended from graduate study, or dismissed from the College of Graduate and Professional Studies. The dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies, in accordance with the regulations of the student’s academic department and the College of Graduate and Professional Studies, will make decisions in such matters. In addition to academic standing, students may be removed from an academic program at the request of the program coordinator or department chairperson for failing to meet professional or licensure standards, or not meeting program specific expectations outlined in the catalog or a program’s student handbook. A student who is suspended from graduate study or dismissed from the College of Graduate and Professional Studies may request a review of the case by the Graduate Student Appeals Committee of the Graduate Council.

For the convenience of graduate students, the College of Graduate and Professional Studies has prepared a Handbook for Theses and Dissertations, which can be accessed through the ISU Web pages. A thesis should represent original scholarship such as:

1. A review and synthesis of literature or documentary evidence (master’s level only).
2. The collection and analysis of data not previously available.
3. A creative project involving the formulation of new problems, the elaboration of new implications, or the development of new relationships.

Once the general area of research is determined through conference with the appropriate departmental faculty, the student begins the process necessary for preparation of the thesis or dissertation.

1. Early in student’s program, upon the student’s formal request and supported by the recommendations of the advisor, a thesis/doctoral committee is appointed.  The thesis committee consists of three graduate faculty and include no more than one special purpose faculty.  The doctoral committee consists of at least five members of the graduate faculty (or at least three members of the graduate faculty in the College of Education and College of Technology) appointed in the same manner that the advisor was appointed.  One of the doctoral committee members must be from outside the student’s major area.  No more than one special purpose faculty member can serve on the committee.  The thesis/dissertation committee form must be submitted and approved by the College of Graduate and Professional Studies prior to schduling the proposal defense. 
2. Under the direction of the committee, the student prepares and submits a thesis or dissertation proposal for approval in the College of Graduate and Professional Studies. The proposal, as completely and explicitly as possible, describes the proposed original scholarship for the thesis or dissertation. If the research involves human subjects or animal subjects, approval from the appropriate ISU committee (Institutional Review Board, Approved Institutional Review Committees, or Animal Care and Use Committee) must accompany the proposal. Master’s students may register for course 699 (Thesis) only after formal approval of their thesis proposal and/or approval from their advisor. Doctor of philosophy students may register for course 899 (Dissertation) after admission to candidacy and/or approval from their advisor. Doctor of psychology students may register for course 799 (Ed.S. Advanced Thesis or Doctoral Project) after admission to candidacy and/or approval from their advisor.
3. Students must enroll for thesis or dissertation credit in course 699 (Master’s Thesis), course 799 (Ed.S. Advanced Thesis or Psy.D. Doctoral Project), or course 899 (Ph.D. Dissertation).  Once a student enrolls in course 699, 799, or 899, continuous enrollment during fall and spring semester is required until the student has completed all degree requirements, regardless of whether a student is in residence or away from campus. A student who applies to graduate in the summer will register for course 699, 799, or 899 dependent upon degree program.
4. The student defends the thesis or dissertation at an open meeting, the time and place together with the names of the student, the committee, and chairperson or director, and the title must be submitted to the College of Graduate and Professional Studies at least one week prior to the event. For master’s students, a Thesis Approval Form is submitted by the committee verifying the successful completion of the defense of the thesis. For doctoral students, a Dissertation Approval Form is submitted by the committee verifying the successful completion of the defense of the dissertation.
5. The student delivers a PDF of the approved thesis or dissertation (after all required changes/revisions including a final format and technical review of the PDF file by the College of Graduate and Professional Studies) and one original paper copy of the signature page (Certificate of Approval) to the College of Graduate and Professional Studies.  Ordinarily, the dissertation should be contained within a single comprehensive PDF file.  Students must adhere to the submission guidelines provided by the College of Graduate and Professional Studies.  Submission guidelines are located on the College of Graduate and Professional Studies’ Web site.  Copyright may be secured. The student is responsible for all associated fees.
6. The College of Graduate and Professional Studies must approve the thesis or dissertation after the student’s defense of the thesis.  During preparation and final approval of the thesis/dissertation, the student has available for consultation a staff member in the College of Graduate and Professional Studies. It is expected that when copy is presented to the College of Graduate and Professional Studies, however, few corrections will need to be made.
7. Upon final approval of the thesis or dissertation, the thesis or dissertation committee chairperson submits a letter grade for the thesis or a “satisfactory” for the dissertation.

The University recognizes that numerous circumstances may arise which will necessitate a separation of the student from the institution for a semester. If a student leaves without properly withdrawing, the absences from class will be justification for the grade of “F” to be assigned for the courses in which the student is enrolled.

Withdrawal Following Registration. Students who participate in registration must initiate a semester withdrawal if they elect not to attend any classes during the session for which they are registered. To withdraw from a semester, a student must complete a Withdrawal Form and submit to the Office of Registration and Records.  Refund schedules can be found in the Schedule of Classes and on the Web site of the Office of Registration and Records at www.indstate.edu/registrar

Grade Determination. Grades for students enrolled in the College of Graduate and Professional Studies, who withdraw from the University during a fall or spring semester is established as follows.  From the first through the tenth week of classes, no grades are assigned for processed withdrawals.  Beyond the tenth week, the grade of “W” will be given.

Withdrawal During a Summer Term. All procedures concerning withdrawal are explained in the Schedule of Classes. See the Schedule of Classes for additional details regarding grading and refund schedules.

Withdrawal From Fall/Spring Enrollment. Students who participate in registration must initiate a withdrawal if they elect not to attend any classes during the semester for which registration was accomplished. Students who withdraw through the first week of regular day classes of the semester will receive a 100 percent refund of academic fees.  Students withdrawing during the second week of regular day classes during a semester will receive a 75 percent refund of academic fees; during the third week, a 50 percent refund; during the fourth week, a 25 percent refund; or after the fourth week, no refund. (All days will be counted regardless of whether or not the course meets beginning with the first day of class. This means Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays are counted.)

Withdrawal from Summer Enrollment. Students who participate in registration must initiate a withdrawal if they elect not to attend any classes during the term for which registration was accomplished. Academic fee refunds associated with summer withdrawals are available at the Web site http://www.indstate.edu/registrar

Refund Schedule for Summer Terms–Withdrawals. Students withdrawing from school will receive calendar day academic fee reductions according to the refund schedule. (All days will be counted regardless of whether or not the course meets beginning with the first day of class. This means Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays are counted.) The refund schedule can be found on the Office of Registration and Records Web site at www.indstate.edu/registrar.

Refund Policy-For Fall/Spring Semesters–Dropping of Courses. Students who drop one or more courses during the first week of regular day classes during the semester will receive a 100 percent refund of fees; during the second week, a 75 percent refund; during the third week, a 50 percent refund; during the fourth week, a 25 percent refund. (All days will be counted regardless of whether or not the course meets beginning with the first day of class. This means Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays are counted.) No refund of academic fees will be made for courses dropped thereafter. The University refund policies will be prorated for those classes which meet less than normally prescribed for a regular enrollment period.

Refund Policy–For Summer Terms-Dropping of Courses. Students adding and dropping classes in the same transaction for the same number of credit hours within a session will not be charged or refunded a credit hour fee if the classes have the same start dates and end dates. Students adding or dropping with different start dates and/or end dates will be charged the credit hour fee for the classes added and provided an academic fee reduction according to an established schedule which is based on the start and end dates of the classes which are dropped.

Refund Schedule for Summer Terms-Dropping of Courses. Students dropping courses will receive calendar day academic fee reductions according to the refund schedule. (All days will count regardless of whether or not the course meets beginning with the first day of class. This means Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays are counted.) The refund schedule can be found on the Office of Registration and Records Web site at www.indstate.edu/registrar.

Graduate Assistantship and Scholarships/Fee Waivers. Information regarding withdrawal can be found in the Graduate Assistantship and Scholarship/Fee Waiver Award Guidelines.  The guidelines are available at the College of Graduate and Professional Studies Web site.

Late Registration Fee. A late registration fee of $30.00 will be assessed during the first seven calendar days of the academic semester to a student who fails to complete registration on the dates and within the hours specified in the published procedure for registration for any particular fall/spring semester. The fee will increase to $100.00 starting with the eighth calendar day of the academic semester. For summer terms, the late registration fee will be $30.00.

General Information.  Work taken for graduate credit at other institutions may be transferred in partial fulfillment of degree requirements under the following conditions:

1. Transfer of credit will be considered for graduate work taken only at regionally accredited institutions or at institutions recognized by the Department of Education. Graduate credits earned from an international college or university will be evaluated by the International Programs and Services before being considered for transfer into an ISU degree program.
2. The research requirement must be taken at Indiana State University. Graduate credits appropriate to the degree taken at Indiana State University may be accepted for transfer at the recommendation of the student’s department-level curriculum committee.
3. Transfer credit requests on courses that are not part of a completed graduate degree, licensure, or post-bachelor’s certificate program and that were taken outside of the time to-degree completion guidelines, must be sent to the College of Graduate and Professional Studies.  Each department’s curriculum committee is responsible for evaluating the currency of the student’s knowledge from courses presented for transfer.
4. Transfer credits approved at enrollment remain current within the specified time-to-degree completion period (seven years for masters, eight years for education specialists, and nine years for doctoral degrees).
5. Hours of credit may be transferred, but grades earned in courses taken at other institutions do not transfer.
6. Only graduate courses in which a student has earned a grade of B (or 3.0 on a 4.0 scale) or better may be considered for transfer.
7. Graduate courses taken at another university on a credit/no credit, pass/fail, or satisfactory/unsatisfactory option are not accepted as transferable unless approved by the appropriate academic unit.

Master’s Degree Transfer Information. 

1. Master’s programs in the College of Graduate and Professional Studies will accept for transfer a maximum of nine credit hours for programs that require less than 40 hours, 12 credit hours for programs that require 40-49 hours, and 15 credit hours for programs that require more than 49 hours. Such credits, however, must be earned at an institution that is regionally accredited to award graduate degrees. No course in which a grade lower than a “B” (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) was earned will be accepted for transfer. Furthermore, transfer work must meet the standards for the credit hours earned at Indiana State University. All transfer hours must be appropriate to the particular program in which the student is enrolled.
2. Departments may set lower limits on transfer credit and therefore students should consult with the appropriate department chairperson for such information.

Educational Specialist’s Degree Transfer Information.

A student working toward the educational specialist degree may transfer up to 39 hours of graduate credit either applied to a completed master’s degree or to an administrative license or certificate issued by a state department of education. Courses must be approved in advance by the department’s admission committee or the advisor, in light of guidelines established by the committee.

Doctoral Degree Transfer Information.

No specific rule regulates the number of hours of graduate credit that are transferable from other institutions approved by the appropriate regional accrediting agency to offer graduate work leading to an advanced degree beyond the master’s degree. The dissertation and a minimum of 30 credit hours of work, exclusive of the first 32 hours, must be taken in residence on the Terre Haute campus.  Graduate work which has been completed previously will be evaluated by the student’s committee to determine what credits are applicable to the student’s program. Graduate credits earned more than seven years prior to admission to the program will not count toward fulfilling the minimum credit requirements for the doctoral degree.

Students wishing to request an exception to any of the policies of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies should contact the assistant dean.  The Graduate Student Appeals Committee considers academic petitions.

A master’s degree is awarded to a student upon successful completion of one of the graduate curricula in this Catalog, earning a minimum of 32 hours of graduate credit, and conforming to all rules and regulations of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies as well as meeting all of the requirements of the student’s chosen academic department/program. Generally, requirements include completion of a minimum of 18 credits in the major and, normally, six credits outside the major. At least one-half of the credit hours required for the degree must be earned in courses numbered 600 or above. Research experience and/or a culminating experience are required of all programs leading to the master’s degree and must be satisfactorily completed. Neither the research experience nor the culminating experience may be transferred from one master’s degree program to another by a student who wishes to pursue a second master’s degree.  It must be noted that the degree requirements of certain programs exceed the minimum standards of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies. Therefore, the student should contact the appropriate department chairperson for information about specific program requirements.

Transfer Credit Information

Transfer credit limitations for master’s degrees are provided under the Transfer Credit section in this Catalog.

Short Term Courses

As a general rule, eight credit hours of credit earned in short-term courses (i.e. courses of less than three weeks duration) may be applied toward the master’s degree at Indiana State University. The student’s advisor, the department chairperson, and the dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies must approve petitions for more than eight short-term hours.

Master Thesis Expectations

A thesis, if required by the master’s program, should be the result of scholarship which contributes to the discipline.  A thesis committee form must be submitted and approved one semester prior to the proposal defense.  A thesis committee consists of three graduate faculty and includes no more than one special purpose faculty.  Students are expected to defend their thesis proposal at least one semester prior to the final thesis defense.  Thesis requirements include registration for a minimu of credit hours stipulated by the program.  In preparing the thesis, the candidate should read carefully the material found in this section and follow the procedures outlined in the chapter on Regulations.  Continous enrollment during the fall and spring semesters is required until a student has completed all degree requirements and all documents are submitted to and accepted by the College of Graduate and Professional Studies, regardless of whether a student is in residence or is away from campus. 

TIME LIMITATION

A student must complete all master’s degree requirements, including completing a minimum of 32 credit hours of graduate credit, within seven years. No graduate credit will be counted toward the master’s degree if the student enrolled for the work more than seven years before the completion of the degree. Students with nine or fewer credit hours of out of date course work must submit course validations to the assistant dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies for approval. Students with more than nine hours of out of date course work must submit a petition with the appropriate course validations for consideration by the Graduate Student Appeals committee. Ordinarily, if more than 50% of the course work is out of date, all or a portion of the courses will need to be re-taken. Forms can be found on the College of Graduate and Professional Studies web site.

PROGRESS TOWARD DEGREE

During the period of study leading to the master’s degree, a graduate student must show evidence of sound scholarship. The following standards must be met to retain good standing as a graduate student:

1. Maintain a 3.0 average (or higher in certain programs) in all graduate work. Continuous enrollment in graduate work. Any student admitted to the College of Graduate and Professional Studies and to a department who has not enrolled and received graduate credit for work at Indiana State University for a period of two consecutive years will be required to re-apply for admission.
2. Have no encumbrances on his/her record.

SECOND MASTER’S DEGREE

A student with a master’s degree from an accredited institution may apply for admission to a second master’s degree program for the purpose of completing a new major area of graduate study. Students admitted to such programs are directed to the appropriate department chairperson or program director who may accept up to 30 percent of the minimum credits required from the student’s first master’s degree program as transfer credit. Credits applied from the previous master’s degree need not be less than seven year old: that is “old” courses may be deemed appropriate and applicable. The statute of limitations of seven years (see Time Limitation) applied on all other credits.  All regular requirements for the master’s degree program also must be met. Second master’s degree programs must include a new research component or culminating experience, neither of which can be transferred from the first master’s degree program.

THE MASTER OF FINE ARTS DEGREE

The master of fine arts is the recognized terminal degree in the visual arts for the areas of studio and design. As such, a minimum of 60 credit hours is required, usually completed over a two to three year period. At least 33 credit hours and the visual thesis exhibition must be completed in residence at Indiana State University. Students who have completed an acceptable Master of Arts degree in studio or design may have up to 27 credit hours of that degree counted towards the M.F.A. upon review by the Art Graduate Committee. Students who have another M.F.A. in a second area or students who have not completed the M.A. elsewhere, will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. A portfolio of 15 to 20 slides (or actual work) must accompany the application materials along with an official course transcript of undergraduate and any (if applicable) graduate study.

Time Limitation

A student must complete all M.F.A. degree requirements within seven years. No graduate credit will be counted toward the master’s degree if the student enrolled for the work more than seven years before the completion of the degree. Students with nine or fewer credit hours of out of date course work must submit course validations to the assistant dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies for approval. Students with more than nine hours of out of date course work must submit a petition with the appropriate course validations for consideration by the Graduate Student Appeals committee. Ordinarily, if more than 50% of the course work is out of date, all or a portion of the courses will need to be re-taken. Forms can be found on the College of Graduate and Professional Studies web site. 

REQUIREMENTS FOR EARNING THE EDUCATIONAL SPECIALIST (ED.S) DEGREE

A student admitted to an educational specialist program must earn a minimum of 27 hours of credit above the master’s degree and write an advanced thesis or otherwise demonstrate the competency to carry on individual research. The educational specialist is regarded as an advanced practitioner’s degree and as such, is a continuation of work completed in pursuit of the master’s degree in the area in which it is sought.  When the student is admitted to an educational specialist program, an advisor is appointed by the department chairperson of the student’s chosen field, with the approval of the dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies.  During the period of study leading to the educational specialist degree, a graduate student must show evidence of sound scholarship, ability to carry out a research project, and must meet the following standards:

1. Maintain a grade point average of 3.25 or above in all graduate work.
2. Complete a program of at least 66 hours of graduate study (including all work taken beyond the baccalaureate degree) according to the specific requirements of the major field to which he or she has been admitted. (See the College of Education for educational specialist degree programs.)
3. Earn a minimum of 27 hours of graduate credit beyond the master’s degree at Indiana State University.
4. Earn a minimum of 15 hours of credit after admission to the program.
5. Spend at least one semester or two consecutive five-week summer terms in full-time study (nine hours during the regular academic year, four hours during each five week summer session) at Indiana State University after admission to the educational specialist degree program.
6. Have no encumbrances on his/her record.

Transfer Credit Information

Transfer credit limitations for educational specialist’s degrees are provided under the Transfer Credit section in this Catalog.

Time Limitation

A student must complete all educational specialist degree requirements within eight years following admission to the program. Of the 27 hours of required graduate credit, no graduate credit will be counted toward the Ed.S. degree if the student enrolled for the work more than five years before enrollment in the program. Students with nine or fewer credit hours of out of date course work must submit course validations to the assistant dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies for approval. Students with more than nine hours of out of date course work must submit a petition with the appropriate course validations for consideration by the Graduate Student Appeals committee. Ordinarily, if more than 50% of the course work is out of date, all or a portion of the courses will need to be re-taken. Forms can be found on the College of Graduate and Professional Studies web site.

The doctor of philosophy degree is conferred only upon those students who have completed, with high distinction, a period of intensive study in a selected field. Candidates must have gained a thorough knowledge of the materials in the field, mastered the method of advanced study, and demonstrated this mastery through a dissertation. The dissertation must be the result of original research, which makes a contribution to knowledge in the field. There is no equivalency for this power of independent investigation and the proof of its possession.  While it is true that grades above those earned by the average person in graduate school should be maintained by the doctoral student, the doctorate is not granted on the basis of a mere collection of credits in prescribed courses. Multiple criteria are used for admission to the program, continuance in the program, admission to candidacy, and graduation. Examinations in the chosen field may be required by the department initially and at any point in the student’s progress toward the degree, in addition to those required by the College of Graduate and Professional Studies. High attainment on these examinations and superior ability to carry through independent research and capably report research results in a dissertation are absolute prerequisites to the awarding of the degree. What follows is a summary of the minimum requirements for earning a doctoral degree.

Course Requirements

Formal registration for a minimum of the equivalent of three academic years (six semesters) of graduate study and research beyond the bachelor’s degree is required. Within the student’s first 18 hours of doctoral course work, a Contract of Study listing minimum course work to be taken for the degree is completed and signed by the student, the student’s committee, and the dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies. To earn a doctoral degree, a student must meet the following minimum course work requirements (it should be noted that academic units may have additional course requirements beyond those indicated below):

1. Complete all general and academic requirements of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies as well as specific requirements of the student’s chosen degree program.
2. Complete a minimum of 65 hours of graduate course work (72 hours for programs in education), exclusive of the dissertation, with a grade point average of 3.0 or above (B+ equivalent for programs in education).
3. Complete a minimum of 30 hours of doctoral program work at Indiana State University with a grade point average of 3.0 or above (B+ equivalent for programs in education). At least one-half of the work toward the doctorate must be in courses numbered 600 or above.

Transfer Credit Information

Transfer credit limitations for doctoral degrees are provided under the Transfer Credit section in this Catalog.

Doctoral Committee

Early in the student’s program, upon the student’s formal request and supported by the recommendations of the advisor, a doctoral committee is appointed. The doctoral committee consists of at least five members of the graduate faculty (or at least three members of the graduate faculty in the College of Education and College of Technology) appointed in the same manner that the advisor was appointed. One of the doctoral committee members must be from outside the student’s major area and include no more than one special purpose faculty. This doctoral committee approves the student’s program of study, within the regulations of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies, conducts the preliminary and final examinations, supervises the dissertation, and recommends the student for the degree to the dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies. The dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies is an ex-officio member of all committees.  The dissertation committee form must be submitted and approved by the College of Graduate and Professional Studies prior to scheduling the proposal defense.

Research Proficiency

Evidence of proficiency in appropriate research tools is expected of all doctoral candidates. Such proficiency shall be determined and judged by each candidate’s academic unit and supervisory committee. The College of Graduate and Professional Studies does not require and/or administer proficiency examinations of any kind. However, individual academic units may, at their discretion, require, establish, and administer their own proficiency examination(s). Any research proficiency requirement (such as foreign language, computer applications, or statistics) shall be established by the candidate’s major department.

Period of Concentrated Study (Doctoral Residency) Requirement

A student working toward a doctoral degree must spend two consecutive semesters in residence on the Terre Haute campus in which full-time is devoted to the degree objective. During each of these semesters the student must complete a minimum of nine hours of graduate credit. Two consecutive five-week summer sessions may satisfy this requirement. (Students must be enrolled in nine hours over the ten-week period.) Residency requirements of certain programs may differ from those stated above. Therefore, the student should refer to the departmental information in the Graduate Catalog and/or contact the appropriate department chairperson for information about specific program requirements. Residence credit acquired during the first 32 hours of graduate study does not satisfy this requirement. Dissertation hours do not count toward the residency requirement.

Qualifying Examination

The student must satisfactorily pass both written and oral examinations in his or her fields of study. The department, with the approval of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies, will set dates for the administration of the examinations.  Upon evaluation of the written examination, the student’s committee may recommend advancement to oral examination. The examinations will be prepared according to regulations established by the various departments and the student’s committee will evaluate each student’s performance. The evaluation will be certified to the appropriate department chairperson, the appropriate dean, and the dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies.  The report of the committee should be unanimous. When one or more members of the committee dissent, the case will be referred to the department chairperson and dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies. The preliminary examinations will be evaluated as follows:

1. Pass.
2. Fail. This label automatically indicates that the student has eliminated himself or herself from the program.

When the student has met all requirements for candidacy, the chairperson of the committee will recommend to the department chairperson, to the appropriate dean, and to the dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies that the student be approved for admission to candidacy. Upon approval, the dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies notifies all concerned.

Admission to Candidacy

A student cannot and does not become a candidate for a doctoral degree until such time as he/she has been formally admitted to candidacy. In addition to successfully passing the qualifying examination, admission to candidacy must be based on other criteria including the academic record of the student and the collective opinion of the student’s doctoral committee concerning the student’s preparedness and readiness for candidacy. Therefore, admission to candidacy requires the approval of the student’s doctoral committee, chairperson of the student’s academic department, the dean of the college where the student is enrolled, and the dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies.  Before the student applies for admission to candidacy, all appropriate requirements (e.g., course work, residency, research proficiency, qualifying examination) must have been met. In addition, any provisions or special conditions that may have been placed on the student during and/or after admission to the program (including incomplete grades) must have been removed.

Dissertation

A dissertation, required of all candidates for the doctor of philosophy degree, is the result of an original investigation which makes a contribution to knowledge of sufficient significance to justify its publication. The dissertation committee form must be submitted and approved by the College of Graduate and Professional Studies prior to scheduling the proposal defense.  Students are expected to defend their proposal at least one semester prior to defending the dissertation.  In some programs, students are advised to defend their proposal even earlier.  Dissertation requirements include registration for a minimum of 18 credit hours of dissertation credit (i.e., the equivalent of two semesters of full-time work) in the planning, implementation, analysis, and report of findings.  In preparing the dissertation, the candidate should read carefully the material found in this section and follow the procedures outlined in the chapter on Regulations.  The dissertation is understood to require the equivalent of at least two semesters of full-time work. Registration for a minimum of 18 hours of dissertation credit in course 899 is required during the preparation of the dissertation. Continuous enrollment during the fall and spring semesters (e.g. 899 or advisor approved course) is required until a student has completed all degree requirements and all documents are submitted to and accepted by the College of Graduate and Professional Studies, regardless of whether a student is in residence or is away from campus. Only students who apply for August graduation must register for course 899 in the summer.  Formal approval of the dissertation proposal is accomplished after admission to candidacy. Registration for dissertation credit may only occur following admission to candidacy and/or advisor approval. Late registration (under no penalty) for dissertation hours may be approved by the dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies during the semester of admission to candidacy.

Dissertation Proposal. After admission to candidacy, and under the direction of the dissertation committee, the student prepares and submits a dissertation proposal for approval by the student’s committee, the appropriate academic dean, and the dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies. The proposal, as completely and explicitly as possible, describes the proposed original scholarship for the dissertation. If the research involves human subjects or animal subjects, approval from the appropriate ISU committee (Institutional Review Board, Approved Institutional Review Committee, or Animal Care and Use Committee) must accompany the proposal.

Dissertation Defense. At least nine weeks prior to the date the degree is to be conferred and at least two weeks prior to the final oral examination, copies of the dissertation will be made available to all members of the student’s doctoral committee.  The oral examination may be set at any date convenient to the committee and the student, providing the University is officially open, but must be at least seven weeks prior to the date the degree will be conferred. The time and place of the examination, together with the names of the student, the doctoral committee, and chairperson or dissertation director, and the title of the dissertation must be submitted to the College of Graduate and Professional Studies at least one week prior to the defense.  The College of Graduate and Professional Studies will post notification to the campus community.  Attendance at the examination is open to any member of the graduate faculty. Other interested individuals may attend the examination at the discretion of the committee chairperson.  Within one week following the oral examination, and in no case later than six weeks prior to the date the degree will be conferred, the chairperson of the student’s doctoral committee will certify to the department chairperson, the appropriate dean, and the dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies the report of the doctoral committee on the oral examination. The College of Graduate and Professional Studies must approve the final copy of the dissertation. The student must deliver a PDF of the approved thesis or dissertation (after all required changes/revisions including a final format and technical review of the PDF file by the College of Graduate and Professional Studies) and one original paper copy of the signature page (Certificate of Approval) to the College of Graduate and Professional Studies.  Ordinarily, the dissertation should be contained within a single comprehensive PDF file.  Students must adhere to the submission guidelines provided by the College of Graduate and Professional Studies.  Submission guidelines are located on the College of Graduate and Professional Studies’ Web site.  Copyright may be secured. The student is responsible for all associated fees.

Graduation

The doctoral degree candidate must take the following steps toward graduation:

1. The student must apply for graduation by the published deadline for the semester/term in which graduation is anticipated.
2. Complete the dissertation and defend it in an oral examination before the student’s doctoral committee and any other interested members of the graduate faculty.
3. Make any changes in the dissertation as directed by official action of the student’s doctoral committee and the College of Graduate and Professional Studies.
4. Obtain approval (signatures on the certificate of approval) of members of the student’s doctoral committee, department chairperson, dean of the appropriate college, and the dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies.
5. Deliver a PDF of the approved thesis or dissertation (after all required changes/revisions including a final format and technical review of the PDF file by the College of Graduate and Professional Studies) and one original paper copy of the signature page (Certificate of Approval) to the College of Graduate and Professional Studies.  Ordinarily, the dissertation should be contained within a single comprehensive PDF file.  Students must adhere to the submission guidelines provided by the College of Graduate and Professional Studies.  Submission guidelines are located on the College of Graduate and Professional Studies’ Web site.  Copyright may be secured. The student is responsible for all associated fees.
6. Pay all costs associated with publication of the abstract of the dissertation.
7. Remove any encumbrances and/or incomplete grades on his/her record.

Time Limitation

The doctor of philosophy degree must be completed within a total of nine years after admission to the program and within six years after admission to candidacy for the degree. Graduate credit earned more than seven years prior to admission to the program will not count toward the degree. The degree will not be granted during the semester in which the student is admitted to candidacy.  Students with nine or fewer credit hours of out of date course work must submit course validations to the assistant dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies for approval. Students with more than nine hours of out of date course work must submit a petition with the appropriate course validations for consideration by the Graduate Student Appeals committee. Ordinarily, if more than 50% of the course work is out of date, all or a portion of the courses will need to be re-taken. Forms can be found on the College of Graduate and Professional Studies web site.

The doctor of psychology degree program in clinical psychology is designed to provide training in the professional applications of clinical psychology with the primary objective of equipping graduates for the skilled delivery of clinical services. Degree requirements appear under the Department of Psychology. Policies relating to admission to candidacy, preliminary examinations, residence and transfer credit, time limitations, and graduation requirements are the same as those described under the doctor of philosophy degree.

The Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) degree program in clinical psychology is designed to provide training in the professional applications of clinical with the primary objective of equipping graduates for the skilled delivery of clinical services.   Candidates must have gained a thorough knowledge of the materials in the field, mastered the method of advanced study, and demonstrated this mastery through a dissertation.  The dissertation must be the result of orginal research, which makes a contribution to knowledge in the field.  What follows is a summary of the minimum requirments for earning a doctoral degree.  Additional information on the Psy.D. Program can be found in the Department of Psychology section.

Course Requirements

The Doctor of Psychology Program typically involves five years of study, including four years of academic preparation and one year of internship.  Requriements for the degree include successful completion of 96 credit hours of coursework in core clinical and basic psychology areas plus the clinical internship.  Clinical experience is obtained through clinical practica, third and fourth year community clinical placements, and the fifth year internship.  Students must also pass written and oral preliminary examinations.  A dissertation and oral defense of the project must also be completed.  A master’s degree may be obtained after two years of study, completion of required courses, and demonstration of basic proficiency in a specified set of clinical and research skills.

To be eligible for graudation the student must:

• Complete all general course and practicum requirements.
• Complete a minimum of 96 credit hours of graduate coursework, with a grade point average of at least 3.5 (Grades less that a B- cannot be couted toward the 96 hours.)
• Complete the Dissertation and defend it in an oral examination.
• Submit the Dissertation and Committee approval form to the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Graduate and Professional Studies.
• Receive final approval that the document conforms to the requirements of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies and complete the electronic submission process.
• Complete a departmentally approved clinical internship of at least 1800 hours.
• Pay the graduation fee.
• Maintain continous enrollment during the fall and spring semesters (Psy 799, 784, 697, or 698) until student has completed all degree requirements and all documents are submitted and accepted by the College of Graduate and Professional Studies.

Transfer Credit Information

The program allows a maximum of 9 credit hours to be transferred for courses taken at an accredited doctoral degree granting institution.  The Program requires that a grade of A was received in the course, course was taken within the past four years, course is judged to be comparable to a required Indiana State University course, and the student can demonstrate requisite skills.  Transfer credit is not typicaly granted for core clinical courses.

Doctoral Committee

Students must select the Chirperson of their Doctoral Committee by the end of their second year in order to facilitate the development of the necessary research skills and formulation of a dissertation.  The rest of the members of the Doctoral Committee must be selected in consultation with the Committee Chairperson prior to collecting data associated with the dissertation and prior to the defense.  However, it is advisable to form the Doctoral Committee no later than the end of the second year.  The Doctoral Committee consists of a minimum of three members, two of whom must be from the Clinical Faculty and one from the general experimental faculty.  Special Purpose faculty may be added to the Committee (pending approval by the student’s committee and the Psychology Department Personnel Committee). The Doctoral Committee approves the student’s program of study; conducts the oral defense of the preliminary examinations; supervises and approves the dissertation and conducts the oral defense of the proposal and final project; and recommends the student for the degree to the Dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies.  The dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies is an ex-officio member of all committees.

Preliminary Examinations 

Preliminary Examinations (also referred to as Qualifying Examinations) are generally offered in early to mid August and are typically taken just before the beggining of the student’s fourth year.  Exams may also be offered at other times (i.e., January) depending on student training needs as determined by the DCT.  Students must send written notification of their intent to take preliminary examinations to the DCT at least two months prior to hte date of the written examination. 

In order to take the Preliminary Examinations the student must have no more than six hours of required coursework left to complete or have permission to sit for the exam by their advisor and the DCT.  The Preliminary Examinations are divided into two parts:  written and oral.  Within four weeks of successful completion of the written part, the student must schedule and complete orals with his/her Doctoral Committee.  Students must re-take and pass any portion of the written or oral examination failed.  If a student fails any part of the Preliminary Examination, the Chairperson of the student’s Doctoral Committee, in consulation with the Committee and the Director of Clinical Training, will determine remediation and/or a study plan to facilitate skill or knowledge acquisition.  Students not passing any one part of the Preliminary Examinations upon the second attempt will be dismissed from the Program.  Upon successful completion of both parts of the written and oral portions of examination, the chairperson of the committee will report the results to the department chairperson, the dean of Arts and Sciences, and the dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies.

Admission to Candidacy       

Admission to the doctoral candidacy requires successful completion of the Preliminary Examinations.  The student’s Committee Chairperson submits a report indicating successful completion and recommends that the student be approved for admission to candidacy.  The report is forwarded to and signed by the department chairperson, the dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies.  Upon approval, the dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies notifies all concerned.  Students must be admitted to doctoral candidacy prior to submitting their rankings for internship in early February. 

Dissertation

A dissertation required of all candidates for the Doctor of Psychology degree, is the result of an original investigataion which makes a contribution to knowledge of sufficient significance to justify its publication.  A wide range of formats is acceptable, including: survey research, intervention and outcome studies, controlled laboratory studies, development and/or evaluation of a program, and the development or standardization of an assessment device.  All research conducted in the Department of Psychology involving human subjects must be approved (or designated as exempt) by the IRB.

Students are advised to defend their proposal before the beggining of the fourth year, and must have the dissertation proposal approved by their doctoral committee before submitting their rankings for internship in early February.  Formal approval of the dissertation proposal is accomplished after admission to candidacy.

Dissertation requirements include registration in Psy 799 for a total of 12 credit hours.  Additional hours of PSY 799 beyond 12 credits hours.  Additional hours of PSY 799 beyond 12 credits many be taken but do not count towards the 96 hours for the degree.  Registration for dissertation credit may only occur following admission to candidacy and/or advisor approval.  After internship, continuous enrollment during the fall and spring semesters (PSY 799, 784, 697, or 698) is required until a student has completed all degree requirements and all documents are submitted to and accepted by the College of Graduate and Professional Studies, regardless of whether a student is in residence or is away from the campus.  Late registration (under no penalty) for dissertation hours may be approved by the College of Graduate and Professional Studies during the semester of admission to candidacy.  In preparing the dissertation, the candidate should carefully read the material found in this section and follow the procedures outlined in the chapter on Regulations.

Two or more graduate degrees or certificates may be granted simultaneously provided all requirements for the degrees have been completed, no more than thirty percent of the coursework is shared between the degrees, and the research and/or culminating experiences (if required) are unique.

Students who expect to complete a graduate degree during the academic year or subsequent summer must file an Application for Graduation in the College of Graduate and Professional Studies no later than October 1 for December (fall semester) graduation, or February 1 for May (spring semester) graduation, or February 1 for August (summer) graduation. Only students who meet these deadlines can be assured of having their names appear in the commencement program. In order to qualify for a degree, the student must complete all academic program requirements, all College of Graduate and Professional Studies requirements, and have submitted a completed Program of Study Form signed by the student, the student’s advisor, and the dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies.  While degrees are conferred in May, August, and December, commencement ceremonies are held only in May and December. Participation in commencement is not required but it is encouraged as a memorable part of the university experience. Candidates for the Ed.S., Psy.D., or Ph.D. degrees must have completed all degree requirements prior to participation in a commencement ceremony. Students who only have internships remaining may participate in the appropriate ceremony.  Those attending the ceremony may purchase or rent the appropriate cap, gown, and hood from the University Bookstore.

Graduate students are expected to abide by the University’s Code of Student Conduct, which includes a statement about academic integrity.  Issues of plagiarism discovered in a thesis, dissertation, or culminating project could result in withholding or revoking of the graduate degree.

Indiana State University provides Academic Renewal as an option to returning students applicants who have been out of school for a significant period of time and whose previous academic performance may not be indicative of the academic work of which they are now capable. Academic renewal recognizes that such students are often hampered by a previous, low grade point average and it offers them the opportunity to complete a graduate degree program.

While a student who has successfully petitioned the dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies for academic renewal may be permitted to graduate as an exception to the existing grade point average guidelines, the overall grade point average and transcripts will remain unchanged. The following conditions apply:

1. One or more years must have passed between the student’s previous enrollment in an ISU graduate program and the current term of readmission to the student’s initial program of application; OR one or more years have passed between the student’s previous enrollment in an ISU graduate program and the current term of readmission to a new program. Departmental review is required.
2. Academic Renewal can occur only once, and it is irreversible.
3. All academic requirements in place a the time of readmission must be met.
4. Students who have completed all degree requirements, met the minimum grade point average, and earned no grades lower than a “B” (3.0) following readmission will be graduated as an exception by a memorandum from the dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies to the Provost.

To apply for Academic Renewal, students should consult with the assistant dean in the College of Graduate and Professional Studies.

Select graduate programs may provide students with an opportunity to receive a limited amount of graduate credit as a result of an appropriate and rigorous assessment of prior learning which would ordinarily include the submission of documentary evidence such as a professional portfolio or a comprehensive examination.  

Students must be enrolled at ISU and have departmental consent to be eligible for credit by assessment of prior learning. If a student’s performance on the departmental assessment meets or exceeds departmental standards, credit will be granted. Students who earn credit through an assessment of prior learning do not receive a letter grade.  

No student may earn more than 30% of their total graduate credits through the assessment of prior learning. In addition, the combined total of transfer credit and assessment of prior learning may not exceed 30% of the total minimum credit hours required for the program. As such, Master’s programs in the College of Graduate and Professional Studies will accept credits for transfer and/or prior learning that have been approved by the department and College of Graduate and Professional Studies for a maximum of nine credit hours for programs less than 40 credit hours, 12 credit hours for programs that require 40-49 credit hours, and 15 credit hours for programs that require more than 49 credit hours. Departments with specialized programs make seek an exception to this policy by petitioning the College of Graduate and Professional Studies through the Graduate Council. All associated testing fees, protocols, and related policies for the assessments are determined by the University Testing Office and approved by the University Board of Trustees. All students earning credit are additionally required to pay the standard credit by exam fee per hour earned as determined by the University Board of Trustees. All program proposals for a credit bearing assessment of prior learning are to be approved by the Graduate Council.

Dual Master’s Degree Programs

ISU offers a limited number of approved dual master’s degree programs that are intentionally designed to complement one another and prepare students for unique professional and educational opportunities. All dual degree programs will require a minimum of at-least 48 hours of graduate level coursework and students must complete no less than 21 hours or fifty percent (50%) of discipline or program specific required coursework for each degree program, whichever is higher. Finally, no more than fifty percent of the courses can be double counted or applied toward either degree program and both degrees must be conferred simultaneously.