School of Graduate Studies

Vice Provost of Graduate Studies: D. Richard Cutler
Location: Main 164
Phone: (435) 797-1189
FAX: (435) 797-1192
Website: School of Graduate Studies

Graduate programs at Utah State University are supervised by the Vice Provost of Graduate Studies and assisted by the Graduate Council. The council consists of the vice provost, a faculty representative from each of the nine colleges of the University, a representative from the Faculty Senate, a representative from the University library, and two graduate students. The Graduate Council establishes policies and regulations for graduate education with the approval of the Faculty Senate.

Utah State University has awarded Master of Science degrees since 1914 and doctoral degrees since 1950. The School of Graduate Studies was formally organized in 1945. Most of the University’s departments have graduate degree programs, and in addition, there are aseveral interdepartmental graduate programs. Nationally and internationally known scholars and research units participate in and support graduate studies at Utah State University.

The School of Graduate Studies holds memberships in the Council of Graduate Schools in the United States and the Western Association of Graduate Schools.

Graduate Degrees and Majors

Academic/Research Degrees

Master of Arts (MA)
Master of Science (MS)
Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Professional Degrees

Master of Accounting (MAcc)
Master of Applied Economics (MAE)
Master of Aviation Science (MAS)
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Master of Computer Science (MCS)
Master of Data Analytics (MDATA)
Master of Dietetics Administration (MDA)
Master of Education (MEd)
Master of Engineering (ME)
Master of Family and Human Development (MFHD)
Master of Financial Economics (MFE)
Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
Master of Fitness Promotion (MFP)
Master of Food Safety and Quality (MFSQ)
Master of Human Resources (MHR)
Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA)
Master of Management Information Systems (MMIS)
Master of Marriage and Family Therapy (MMFT)
Master of Mathematics (MMath)
Master of Music (MM)
Master of Natural Resources (MNR)
Master of Professional Studies in Horticulture (MPSH)
Master of Public Health (MPH): Health Education and Promotion
Master of Public Health (MPH): Public Health Nutrition
Master of Public Health (MPH): Veterinary Public Health
Master of Rehabilitation Counseling (MRC)
Master of Second Language Teaching (MSLT)
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Master of Technical Communication (MTC)
Doctor of Audiology (AuD)
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Educational Specialist (EdS)

A. Graduate Admission Requirements

Admission to the Utah State University School of Graduate Studies requires the following:

• A bachelor’s degree (or, for some doctoral programs, a master’s degree) that is or will be completed before the student matriculates in the degree program. See Section 1 Applying, (b) Bachelor’s Degree Requirement
• A 3.0 or higher grade point average for terms that include the student’s last 60 semester credits of their undergraduate degree or 30 semester credits of their graduate degree.
• Official score or scores at or above the 40th percentile on all parts of the appropriate admissions test. Some graduate programs accept a portfolio in place of scores on an admissions test. See individual department websites or contact the department for more information.
• Upt to three satisfactory letters of recommendation determined by the department and program.
• International applicants are required to submit proof of proficiency in English. See Section 1. Applying, (d) International Admissions, English Proficiency.

Some degree programs have additional admission requirements.

*Departments may appeal any of these admissions requirements on a case-by-case basis to the Vice Provost of Graduate Studies using the Admissions Justification Waiver.  

**The School of Graduate Studies calculates GPAs as follows:

1. From the 60 credits of the most recently earned undergraduate degree taken directly from official transcripts.
2. The most recent 60 undergraduate credits of a degree in progress. In these situations, the Admissions Officers will use as many semesters necessary to reach a minimum of 60 credits. Calculations are done by semesters and may exceed 60 credits.
3. 30 graduate credits will be taken from an earned post-baccalaureate degree or degree in progress.

All credits calculated must be for degree yielding coursework. Pre-requisites and extracurricular coursework will not be calculated towards the School of Graduate Studies GPA requirement.

1. Applying

Applications are processed online at application portal. Application information and admission requirements can be found at here. 

(a) Application Procedures

The School of Graduate Studies must receive the following items before a student’s application will be considered complete:

• A completed online application accompanied by the nonrefundable application fee.
• Official transcript from each previously attended college and/or university (except Utah State University), sent directly to the School of Graduate Studies. A notarized translation mus accompany non-English transcripts.*
• Score(s) on the appropriate admissions test(s) sent directly to the School of Graduate Studies by the testing agency. The electronic application will indicate how and what to submit if the program allows portfolio submissions in place of an admissions test.
• Up to three letters of recommendation, each addressing the applicant’s potential for success in the proposed graduate degree program. If an applicant has been enrolled in school during the last five years, at least two of the letters must come from individuals familiar with and can make an authoritative assessment of the applicant’s recent academic performance. Recommender names and e-mail addresses are required on the application.

Once a prospective student has completed the online application and paid the application fee, the School of Graduate Studies will request that the applicant’s recommenders submit their letters directly to the Graduate School.

*Transcripts will not be copied for or returned to the applicant.

(b) Bachelor’s Degree Requirement

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. college or university or a similarly recognized international university is required for admission to a graduate program. Three-year bachelor’s degrees from accredited or similarly recognized institutions are accepted with the approval of the academic department or degree program and the School of Graduate Studies Admissions Officer.

(c) Admissions Tests

Admissions tests are dependent upon departmental requirements. Applicants should contact their intended program for more information regarding testing requirements.

Applicants should request their test report be sent directly to the School of Graduate Studies by the testing agency.

(d) International Admissions

English Proficiency

Applicants who have completed two years of college in one of the countries listed below and the primary language of instruction is in English are considered proficient in the English language and will not be required to provide additional evidence of English language proficiency.

Antigua and Barbuda

Australia

Bahamas

Barbados

Botswana

British Virgin Islands

Canada (except Quebec Province)

Cook Islands

Dominica

Federated States of Micronesia

Gambia

Ghana

Guam

Guyana

Ireland

Jamaica

Kenya

Liberia

Mauritius

Namibia

New Zealand

Nigeria

The Philippines

Rwanda

Singapore

Sierra Leone

South Africa

St Kitts and Nevis

St Lucia

Tanzania

Uganda

United Kingdom (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales)

United States

Zimbabwe

Applicants may satisfy the English language requirement by submitting official scores in one of the ways below and should request that the testing agency send official exam scores directly to Utah State University.

• TOEFL internet-based (iBT) exam score of 79 or paper-based exam score of 550. The institution code for Utah State University is 4857.*°
• IELTS score of 6.5 overall band score with a minimum of 5.0 on each subscale.*°
• MET score of 55.
• Cambridge B2 First, C1 Advanced, or C2 Proficiency score of 176.

*Departments may require a higher score.

°Scores more than 2 years old are not accepted.

I-20 Applications

International students must also submit an I-20 application form and a financial guarantee. Please contact the Office of Global Engagement with further questions.

Because of immigration regulations, international students cannot be admitted as conditional matriculation.

(e) Summer Semester Admission

The summer semester consists of two 1-week pre-sessions for workshops and short special programs, an 8-week semester of regular coursework, and a post-session of 1 week for workshops and seminars. Nonresident students pay only resident tuition for summer semester credits. All summer semester students are eligible to register the following fall semester. For information regarding deadlines and course availability, applicants should contact the department to which they plan to apply.

(f) Application Deadlines and Processing

Application deadlines are department or program specific. Applicants should be aware of all deadlines and plan accordingly.

Applications are not processed and referred to departments or programs until they are complete and all required items (e.g., transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation) are received. The time it takes to process and refer an application for department review primarily depends on the speed with which the School of Graduate Studies Admissions receives all supplemental items required by the School of Graduate Studies and the department to which they are applying. . This process may take six to eight weeks.

Once the department or program reviews an application, the School of Graduate Studies Admissions is notified with the final recommendation. The School of Graduate Studies Admissions then processes recommendations to accept or deny admission. No notification of acceptance or rejection other than that from the School of Graduate Studies is official.

(g) Degree Verification and Official Transcript Holds

Utah State University requires official degree verification for each student’s highest previous degree. Students will be asked to provide updated official transcripts if the degree verification was not listed on the official transcript at the time of admission, If the degree verification is not received, a hold will be placed on the student’s account, preventing registration for the subsequent semesters. The hold will be removed once the School of Graduate Studies verifies the student’s degree.

2. Other Admissions Considerations

(a) Split Form Policy

A Utah State University undergraduate student doing well in their studies and planning to pursue a graduate degree at Utah State University may file a Split Form to request that a maximum of 9 semester credits be reserved (split out) from the undergraduate degree for their graduate degree. Students must also receive instructor’s permission to register for graduate courses. For a Split Form approval, the student must meet all the following requirements:

• Applied for undergraduate graduation
• Enrolled in at least one required undergraduate class
• A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher the semester the form is submitted
• Applied and paid applicable fees to the School of Graduate Studies

In accordance with School of Graduate Studies admission policy, a transitional student will not be matriculated in the School of Graduate Studies their bachelor’s degree has been completed. Approval of a Split Form does not guarantee acceptance to the School of Graduate Studies.

By default, courses numbered 0010 through 4990 will be posted to an undergraduate transcript, and courses numbered 6000 through 7990 will be posted to a graduate transcript. Courses numbered 5000 through 5990 are generally posted to either an undergraduate or graduate transcript, based on the primary program level of the student. Therefore, undergraduate students who meet the qualifications to have some of their coursework ‘split out’ for a graduate degree will need to submit a form to the School of Graduate Studies stating which courses they desire to have ‘split out.’ Students should contact their undergraduate advisor and/or their Graduate Program Coordinator for help with submitting the appropriate form.

Per university policy, a class may not be applied to more than one degree program.

A Split Form cannot be processed after the bachelor’s degree has been completed and posted on the transcript.

(b) Transfer and Nonmatriculated Credits

Provided Utah State University residency requirements (see specific credit requirements under each degree) are met, a student may transfer graduate credits earned at another accredited institution, including credits with earned P grades. The credits must not have been used for another degree.

Master’s students may transfer 6-semester credits into a graduate program at Utah State University; an additional 6-semester credits may be transferred provided residency requirements are met and with approval from the student’s committee and the Vice Provost of Graduate Studies. Doctoral students may transfer a maximum of 12-semester credits into a graduate program at Utah State University. Transfer credits cannot replace required residency credits.

Transfer credits are subject to the approval of the supervisory committee and the Vice Provost of Graduate Studies. Credits with P grades may be transferred only with committee approval. Credits over eight years old may not be accepted and will require revalidation.

These stipulations apply to transferred nonmatriculated credits: no more than 12 credits taken at Utah State University or another institution prior to matriculation at Utah State University may be used in a program of study.

(c) Concurrent Graduate Degrees

Students may pursue concurrent master’s or concurrent master’s and doctoral degrees with the approval of the cooperating departments and the Vice Provost of Graduate Studies.

An application should first be submitted for the first-degree program. If granted admission, the student may apply for a second-degree program by submitting a Concurrent Degrees request to the School of Graduate Studies. To be considered concurrent degree-seeking, admission to the second-degree program must be finalized before the end of the second semester in the first-degree program

Concurrent Master’s Degree Programs

In special cases, a student may concurrently complete the requirements for two master’s degrees, in the same or in different departments, with fewer than the total credits required, provided that the following conditions are met:

• The student must submit a Concurrent Degree request and be accepted into the second program or prior to completing 50% of the credits required for the first program.
• Depending on the program and plan type, the chairperson of the student’s supervisory committee in each department must also be a member of the other committee.*
• The supervisory committee, department head(s), and Vice Provost of Graduate Studies must approve each degree’s program of study.

A maximum of 9 concurrent credits can be shared between the two degrees. A student could thus complete the requirements for both degrees with up to 9 fewer semester credits than the usual minimum totals for two degrees.

Concurrent credits will not be applied toward both degrees, per university policy. Thus, the first degree will be awarded at the minimum credit requirement. The second degree will reflect the credit overlap and not include the shared coursework on the Program of Study.  

*The Supervisory Committee form and Program of Study must be in accordance with the School of Graduate Studies and program requirements.

Concurrent Doctoral-Master’s Degree Programs

In special cases, a student may concurrently complete the requirements for two master’s degrees, in the same or different departments, with fewer than the total credits required, provided that the following conditions are met:

• The student must submit a Concurrent Degree request and be accepted into the second program or prior to completing 50% of the credits required for the first program.
• The student’s doctoral supervisory committee must consist of four members from the doctoral department and two members from the master’s department if the student is on a thesis plan. The master’s committee must consist of two master’s departmental members and the doctoral committee chair.*
• The student’s supervisory committee, the two department heads, and the Vice Provost of Graduate Studies must approve each Program of Study.

A maximum of 9 concurrent credits can be shared between the two degrees. A student could thus complete the requirements for both degrees with up to 9 fewer semester credits than the usual minimum totals for two degrees.

Concurrent credits will not be applied toward both degrees, per university policy. Thus, the first degree will be awarded at the minimum credit requirement. The second degree will reflect the credit overlap and not include the shared coursework on the Program of Study.

*The Supervisory Committe form and Program of Study must be in accordance with the School of Graduate Studies and program requirements.

B. Financial Assistance

Applications for assistantships, fellowships, and other financial aid should be made through departmental offices. Utah State University is a party to a resolution of the Council of Graduate Schools that establishes April 15 as the deadline for acceptance of offers of financial assistance. If a student accepts an offer before April 15 and then wishes to withdraw, a resignation of the appointment may be submitted in writing at any time before April 15. However, after April 15, a student is not to accept another offer without obtaining a written release from the institution to which a commitment has been made.

Students who are awarded waivers, fellowships, and/or scholarships must be full-time students enrolled in approved graduate-level coursework and meet the requirements for the duration of the given semester.

1. Graduate Tuition Awards

Graduate students may be eligible to receive graduate tuition awards for the resident and/or nonresident portion of tuition. Most of these awards are coordinated through the admitting college, department, and program. Domestic students must obtain Utah residency before their third semester starts to minimize nonresident tuition costs. Additional information regarding Utah residency requirements can be found here.

• The Alumni Legacy Waiver: The nonresident portion of tuition for the first two semesters will be waived for a student with at least one parent or grandparent (biological, step, or legal guardian) who earned an associate degree or higher from Utah State University and is enrolled as a first-time graduate student at Utah State University. Time spent in Utah on the scholarship can be counted toward establishing Utah residency for tuition purposes as long as the student remains in good standing. Students who receive the waiver are expected to obtain Utah residency after their second semester in a graduate program. Please visit Tuition and Financial Aid for more information.
• Research Nonresident Tuition Waiver: The nonresident portion of tuition will be waived for any graduate student who is in a PhD program or an MS, Plan A program and supported by a 0.5 FTE assistantship beginning the first day of classes and ending the last day of finals for the given semester. This is a true waiver of nonresident tuition, with no limit on the number of waivers that may be awarded per semester. Domestic students can only receive this waiver for two semesters (excluding summer) after which they must gain Utah residency. International students may receive this waiver for as many semesters they remain eligible.
• Nonresident Tuition Waiver for Excellence: This waiver for nonresident tuition is available to students in any graduate degree program. The nonresident portion of tuition will be waived two semesters for any incoming graduate student who has an admission GPA above the college average and meets the definition of excellence outlined by each college. College averages for admission GPA will be computed each October, based on students who are enrolled for the fall semester; those averages will determine waiver eligibility the following academic year.

• Supplemental Language Tuition Waiver: A petition to the School of Graduate Studies for funds to cover foreign language required coursework in some disciplines. Upon approval, the School of Graduate Studies will allocate dollars from the limited fund to support the cost of tuition for foreign language coursework that is not supported by tuition pool dollars allocated to colleges and departments. The language coursework must be included in an approved Program of Study, and the student seeking tuition assistance must submit the waiver each semester.

• Western Regional Graduate Programs (WRGP): Students who are in good-standing and a resident of participating states may enroll in graduate programs approved as Western Regional Graduate Programs (WRGP) by the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) without paying nonresident tuition. Utah State University’s WRGP degrees are on the School of Graduate Studies website. Please visit Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education for more information. Time spent on the WRGP waiver does not count toward obtaining Utah state residency.

2. Graduate Assistantships

Teaching, research, and graduate instructor assistantships are available in many departments. Assistantships may be awarded up to but cannot exceed 20 hours per week (.5FTE). In the interest of timely degree completion, the University generally employs graduate students for no more than 20 hours per week. Employment for more than 20 hours per week in one or more positions must be approved by the student’s advisor, degree-program department head, and Vice Provost of Graduate Studies. Please visit: Work 20+ Hours for more information.

Graduate assistants must be full-time, matriculated students during the fall and spring semesters. Students admitted during summer may work but must be accepted by the department.  Full-time status for students employed as graduate assistants is based on the full-time equivalent or FTE. A .125 to 0.374 FTE requires a student to enroll for at least 9 graduate-level credits; a 0.375 to 0.50 FTE requires a student to enroll for at least 6 graduate-level credits. See also Student Classifications.

Students on a 0.5 FTE graduate assistantship are considered university employees and required to have health insurance. Utah State University offers subsidized health insurance to students on a 0.5 FTE through Student Health Services with departments covering a portion of the premium. Students who have comparable health insurance through another source may opt out of the university health insurance. Eligible students must enroll or request to waive out of the subsidized graduate insurance for both fall and spring semesters. For more information, please see the Student Health Services website or contact ship@usu.edu.

Graduate assistants must maintain an institution grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher. Once a Program of Study has been approved, the department head may request that the institution GPA be based only on courses listed on the Program of Study. GPAs are checked by the School of Graduate Studies at the end of each semester. If the student has not yet started the graduate program, the overall GPA for terms that include the last 60 semester, or 90 quarter, credits will be used to determine eligibility as a graduate assistant.

Graduate assistants may register for a maximum of 12 credits per semester, unless a petition to take additional credits is approved by the Vice Provost of Graduate Studies.

(a) Teaching Assistantships/Graduate Instructors

Graduate students may be teaching assistants or graduate instructors. Teaching loads vary up to a maximum of 20 hours per week, and salaries vary with department and teaching load.

Each student awarded a teaching assistantship or graduate instructorship must complete either the USU Assistantship training (USU 7920) or the approved department equivalent. In addition, international students are required to complete IELI 7920.  The workshops cover USU policy, FERPA, and Sexual Harassment Prevention training and help students gain the techniques and skills to be effective teachers in the University environment.

International students may be considered for teaching assistantships if they demonstrate adequate proficiency in English communication, as determined by Utah State University’s Intensive English Language Institute, and have participated in the required workshops (USU 7920 and IELI 7920), which aid international students in understanding American university culture and in improving communication.

To be eligible for the Research Non-Resident Tuition waiver, the student must be in an MS, Plan A, or Ph.D. program. The assistantship must be 0.5 FTE, begin the first day of classes, and end on the last day of finals.

(b) Research Assistantships

Research assistantships are typically funded on research grants and are awarded by faculty. To be eligible for the Research Non-Resident Tuition waiver, the student must be in an MS, Plan A, or Ph.D. program. The assistantship must be 0.5 FTE, begin the first day of classes, and end on the last day of finals.

3. Fellowships and Scholarships

Fellowship and scholarship awardees must be matriculated, full-time students enrolled in approved graduate-level coursework. Some fellowships and scholarships may make students eligible for subsidized health insurance. Applications for fellowships and scholarships are submitted to and awarded by the individual departments.

4. Federal College Work-Study Assistantships

Graduate students may apply for work-study support by completing the online FAFSA application. For more information or assistance with the application, contact the Financial Aid Office.

5. Probationary Status, Eligibility for Assistantship

A student appointed as a university teaching or research assistantship or fellowship and changed to probationary status will be terminated from their position. The department may submit a petition to the Vice Provost of Graduate Studies appealing the student’s status and request to continue the assistantship or fellowship.

6. Other Financial Assistance

Students not employed as assistantships or fellowships may receive financial assistance by working for departments or other campus units. Graduate students are generally not employed by the university for more than 20 hours per week. Employment beyond 20 hours per week must be approved by the student’s advisor, degree program department head, and the Vice Provost of Graduate Studies.

In addition, graduate students may apply for Federal Stafford Loans, Federal Perkins Loans, Federal Supplemental Loans for Students (SLS), Emergency Loans, and Federal College Work-Study through the Financial Aid Office. More information can be found through the Financial Aid Office.

Some students may be eligible for GI Bill®* Benefits and should contact the Veterans Resource Office.

*GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

C. Student Classifications

1. Matriculated Graduate Students

A matriculated graduate student has been accepted by a department, with the approval of the Vice Provost of Graduate Studies, into a graduate degree program and enrolled at the university.

A student may be accepted on a conditional basis when (1) information, such as GRE scores, has yet to be received by the School of Graduate Studies, or (2) when a missing prerequisite or academic deficiency must be remedied. The conditions and time limit for remedying these deficiencies must be specified to the student in writing at the time of admission. If the conditions are not met as specified, the student’s participation in the degree program may be terminated.

A full-time matriculated graduate student must be one of the following:

• Registered for 9 or more graduate credits.
• Registered for 6 or more graduate credits if employed as a graduate assistant for 15 hours or more per week.
• Registered for 3 graduate credits* meeting one of the following:
  • All required coursework completed, and only the research component of the degree remaining
  • The semester of final thesis or dissertation defense
  • The last semester of coursework required on the student’s Program of Study for non-thesis students

*Students registered for 3 credits must have an approved Program of Study and the Full-Time at 3 Credit form.

Undergraduate credits can be used to meet these minimum credit requirements on an approved Program of Study.

A matriculated-probationary graduate student may be placed on Academic Warning or Probation due to inadequate progress in their degree program. Individual departments are responsible for determining and communicating the conditions to meet and the time limit. These conditions must be specified to the student in writing at the time the student is placed on probation by the supervisory committee or program advisor and approved by the department head. If the conditions are not met as specified, the student’s participation in the degree program may be terminated.

2. International Students

An international student must be admitted to a degree program and hold a valid F-1 or J-1 visa before enrolling in classes at Utah State University. A student on an F-1 or J-1 visa must maintain full-time student status throughout the degree program. For more information, please contact the Office of Global Engagement.

3. Nonmatriculated Post-baccalaureate Students

A nonmatriculated post-baccalaureate student holds a bachelor’s degree and is enrolled in Utah State University coursework but has not applied or been accepted to a graduate degree program. If the student does not intend to pursue a graduate degree, the student should apply to the undergraduate Admissions Office as a nonmatriculated student.

A maximum of 12 semester credits earned as a nonmatriculated, post baccalaureate student may be used in a graduate degree program, but only if approved by the student’s supervisory committee.

D. General Regulations for Graduate Study

Each graduate student is responsible for knowing and following the policies, regulations, procedures, and timelines of the School of Graduate Studies and their department or program. The policies and regulations stated in this catalog and departmental handbooks may be changed between publication dates, and students are responsible for obtaining up-to-date information.

1. Sexual Assault Prevention Training

All Utah State University students are required to complete an online Sexual Assault Prevention program before or during their first semester. Students who do not complete this training will not be able to register for the following semester. Contact the Office of Equity with any questions.

2. Grades and Credits

(a) Course-Level Numbering and Acceptability

7000-7989 are doctorate-level courses. With supervisory committee and instructor approval, they may be used in a master’s program.

6000-6989 are master’s-level courses. With supervisory committee approval, they may be used in a doctoral program.

5000-5990 are advanced, upper-division courses and may be used in a graduate program if approved by the supervisory committee (see below).

3000-4990 are junior/senior, upper-division undergraduate courses.

The Program of Study for a master’s degree, or for a doctoral degree if the student has a master’s degree, must include at least 15 semester credits at the level of 6000 or above. For a doctoral degree, if the student does not have a master’s degree, the Program of Study must include at least 30 credits at the level of 6000 or above.

Coursework below the 5000 level should typically be in areas outside the student’s graduate degree field and must be approved by the student’s supervisory committee as appropriate for the student’s individual degree program. Courses students entering the graduate program are expected to have taken as undergraduates and prerequisites for graduate courses may not be included on a Program of Study.

Credits in the following areas are not acceptable in a degree program: foreign languages (unless included on an approved Program of Study), continuing graduate advisement, individual home study, military science, and courses numbered below 3000.

No more than 12 workshop credits may be applied to a master’s degree. Audited courses may not be used for a degree program or toward status as a full-time student.

(b) Auditing Classes

Admitted students who wish to audit a class must register as auditors. Auditing is dependent on space, resource availability, and instructor approval. Students who audit a course will not receive academic credit for the course and will be assigned an “AU” (audit) grade at the end of the semester. Students will pay appropriate tuition and student body fees for all audit courses. At no future time may students request or receive academic credit for the audited course. Audit requests, approved by the instructor, must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office and tuition and fees must be paid before class attendance is permitted. Students are not permitted to register as auditors prior to the first day of classes for any given semester.

Audit courses are subject to the dates outlined in the university Academic and Registration Calendars . Students who are registered for a class and would like to change to an audit registration may do so only up through the Adding Classes deadline, which also coincides with the Last Day to Drop without Notation on Transcript. Students who drop after this period will receive a W (withdrawal) grade and may not register as an auditor.

(c) Semester Credit Limit

Students must have authorization from their department to enroll in more than 18 credits a semester and submit the Registration Options Form request for approval.

(d) Minimum Grades and Credit Acceptability

Graduate students are required to maintain at least a 3.0 GPA for degree-program courses. Grades of C- or lower will not be accepted for a graduate degree. Some departments do not accept C grades.

P-Grade Policy

P (Pass) will be accepted only for seminars, special problems, interdisciplinary workshops, thesis or dissertation research, and continuing graduate advisement.

Correspondence Course Credits

Distance Education correspondence (independent home study) courses are not accepted for graduate degrees.

3. Continuous Graduate Registration

Graduate students using university facilities or faculty time must be registered for a minimum of 3 graduate credits every semester until completion of all degree requirements, except, in some cases, the semester of final thesis or dissertation approval. Students employed as graduate assistants or graduate instructors during all semesters, excluding summer semester, must be registered as full-time matriculated students. 

An off-campus student in a planned Regional Campuses and Distance Education program who is enrolled in a 1- or 2-credit course that is the only course offered locally that semester may be approved by the Vice Provost of Graduate Studies for continuous registration upon written recommendation of the department head. Continuous registration may be met with courses, seminars, independent study, research credit, or 6990 or 7990 (Continuing Graduate Advisement). The continuous registration requirement goes into effect the semester a student matriculates in the School of Graduate Studies.

A graduate student not using university facilities or faculty time may meet the continuous registration requirement by paying the Continuous Registration Fee of $100 each fall and spring semester. Students should submit a continuous registration request each semester and contact the School of Graduate Studies the semester they intend to register for courses. Due to immigration regulations, international students usually do not qualify to pay the Continuous Registration Fee.

4. Grace Semester

Students must be registered for at least 3 credits the semester they defend a thesis, Plan B paper/project, dissertation, or take final oral examinations. Doctoral and master’s students will be given until the last day of the next semester (spring, summer, or fall) following a successful defense to complete the remaining degree requirements.

If a student has not completed all degree requirements by the end of the grace semester, the student must pay a $100 Late Completion Fee for each subsequent semester. If working with faculty involves more than a routine submission of the thesis or dissertation to the School of Graduate Studies, registration for 3 or more credits is required.

If all degree requirements are not complete within one year of a successful defense, then the major professor, with the support of all members of the supervisory committee, must submit an appeal to the Vice Provost of Graduate Studies, justifying why the student should not be required to defend the thesis, Plan B paper/project, or dissertation a second time.

Students who wish to retain access to IT and library services during their grace semester should register for USU 7777. Students who wish to use university facilities in addition to IT and library services can pay the fees associated with the 5-credit tuition amount at the Registrar’s Office.

International students who want to register for USU 7777 should meet with the Office of Global Engagement before registration to review visa requirements and time limits. Because of SEVIS regulations, a student holding an F-1 or J-1 visa is not eligible to pay the $100 fee to complete the degree but must be registered as a full-time student through the semester of completion.

5. Leave of Absence

A leave of absence, during which neither continuous registration nor a $100 payment is applicable, may be granted under the following conditions:

• Illness, required military service, and other extenuating circumstances acceptable to the department head and the Vice Provost of Graduate Studies.
• Lack of availability of courses.
• Participation in a planned program based primarily on summer semester courses.

For the second or third condition to apply, the student must have an approved Program of Study.

To request a leave of absence, a Leave of Absence request must be approved by the department head and submitted to the School of Graduate Studies. A leave of absence may be the basis for extending the time limit to complete a degree but not to extend the time limit for course validity.

A student needing to extend an approved Leave of Absence should contact their Graduate Program Coordinator. Should the reason for leave change, a new submission and approvals are required.

6. Complete Withdrawal from the University

Matriculated and enrolled graduate students who wish to completely withdraw must inform the School of Graduate Studies Office by emailing gradforms@usu.edu; this email must include the student’s A#. Withdrawals are processed according to the date the email is received. Prior to requesting withdrawal, students are responsible for dropping courses in accordance with all university calendar deadlines and procedures. A student who withdraws must be accepted for readmission before reenrolling.  

Applicants who wish to withdraw prior to department review or receiving a decision should contact graduateadmissions@usu.edu. These students will be required to formally apply to the School of Graduate Students and resubmit all supplement items for departmental review.

Once final examinations have begun for the semester, students may no longer request a complete withdrawal from the university. Students will receive the grades and academic credit earned in the courses both of which will be included on their transcript.

7. Time Limit

A master’s degree must be completed within six years of entering the degree program. A doctorate must be completed within eight years of entering the degree program. Additional time may be requested by the student’s committee and submitted to the Vice Provost of Graduate Studies for review.

Coursework over eight years old at the time of degree completion may not be used for a graduate degree unless revalidated. If permitted by the departmental or interdepartmental degree program policy, a supervisory committee may develop and submit a revalidation plan to the Vice Provost of Graduate Studies for approval. The plan and determination must be verified in writing and include the Vice Provost of Graduate Studies and the student’s major professor or other person(s) responsible for the revalidation.

Work experience cannot be substituted for out-of-date coursework or used for revalidation, except where that work experience can be documented to have involved the use of current knowledge and application of material currently covered in the coursework.

Graduate credits from another institution exceeding the eight-year limit at the time of degree completion may be transferred to a Utah State University graduate degree only if the student’s supervisory committee provides a justification acceptable to the Vice Provost of Graduate Studies. The revalidation procedures described above apply.

8. Academic Nepotism

A faculty member is not to participate in admission or graduate assistant employment decisions, serve as a major professor, or serve on the supervisory committee of a relative, including a person with whom the faculty member has or has had an amorous relationship. Graduate students may enroll in classes taught by a relative only under special conditions. For information, contact the department head or the School of Graduate Studies.

9. Low-GPA Notification for Graduate Students

The School of Graduate Studies will notify students whose cumulative or overall GPA is below 3.0 at the completion of the fall and spring semesters. If a student’s institution GPA remains below 3.0 for two consecutive semesters, the student may be placed on probationary status, and their graduate program may be terminated.

Graduate students must maintain an institutional grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher. Once a Program of Study has been approved, the department head may request that the institution GPA be based only on courses listed on the Program of Study. The School of Graduate Studies checks GPAs at the end of each semester.

10. Matriculation of Faculty

Except under unusual circumstances, it is the policy of the university not to grant graduate degrees to its faculty members where the degree satisfies a prerequisite for appointment or advancement in rank. Requests for exceptions must be individually considered and approved by the provost based on appropriate recommendations. Please see Faculty Policies for more information. 

11. Monitoring of Progress

The student’s department and the School of Graduate Studies monitor the progress of graduate students. For continued participation in a graduate program, a student must complete the requirements in a timely manner. Several factors will be considered in reviewing a student’s progress, including demonstrated ability to develop a thesis proposal, independence in conducting research, performance on comprehensive examinations, GPA, and special program requirements. Satisfactory progress also involves maintaining the standards of professional ethics and integrity expected in the student’s discipline.

E. Research and Intellectual Property

1. Research Approval

All University research involving human subjects, animal subjects, radiation materials, recombinant DNA, biohazardous materials, or certain highly toxic chemicals must be reviewed and approved by the appropriate University committee(s) before the research is started. Graduate students are, with the assistance of their advisors, responsible for obtaining the necessary approval for their research. Verification of approval must be submitted to the School of Graduate Studies before the student’s Master’s Thesis/Project Approval Form or doctoral Application for Candidacy can be approved. For further information regarding compliance and integrity, contact the Office of Research.

(a) Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR)

All doctoral students who began their program after July 2013 are required to complete the Utah State University Responsible Conduct of Research course offered on the CITI website. All MS/A (thesis), MA, and MFA students who began their program after March 2020 are also required to complete this course. RCR training is also required for students supported by funding from some federal agencies (NSF, USDA-NIFA). Students supported by funding from NIH are required to complete a face-to-face component through the Division of Research Integrity and Compliance.

2. Academic Honesty and Research Misconduct

Maintaining the highest standards of academic honesty and research ethics is especially important at the graduate level, where students are expected to do original, scholarly work in preparation for future professional and academic roles. Academic dishonesty is defined in The Code of Policies and Procedures for Students at Utah State University Article VI, Section 1 to include cheating, falsification of information, and plagiarism.

Violations of the above policy will subject the offender to the university disciplinary procedures as outlined in Article VI, Section 3 of the student Code, with the penalties or disciplinary measures to include one or more of the following:

• Performance of community service.
• Denial or revocation of degrees.
• Assigning a designation with a course grade indicating a violation involving academic integrity. Conditions for removal may be specified, but the designation remains on the student’s transcript for a minimum of one year; provided however, that once the student’s degree is posted to the transcript, the designation may not be removed thereafter.
• Probation: continued participation in an academic program predicated upon the student satisfying certain requirements as specified in a written notice of probation. Probation is for a designated period of time and includes the probability of more severe disciplinary penalties if the student does not comply with the specified requirements or is found to be committing academic integrity violations during the probationary period. The student must request termination of the probation in writing.
• Suspension: temporary dismissal from an academic program or from the University for a specified time, after which the student is eligible to continue the program or return to the University. Conditions for continuance or readmission may be specified.
• Expulsion: permanent dismissal either from an academic program or from the University.
• Assigning a designation with a course grade indicating a violation involving academic integrity. Conditions for removal may be specified, but the designation remains on the student’s transcript for a minimum of one year; provided however, that once the student’s degree is posted to the transcript, the designation may not be removed thereafter.

(a) Research Misconduct

Research is a vital part of graduate education; therefore, appropriate scientific and research conduct is not only expected, but required. Allegations of scientific misconduct involving funded research are handled through the Office of Research. If the research is not externally sponsored, allegations are handled following The Code of Policies and Procedures for Students at Utah State University.

Research misconduct may be determined either during or after a student’s program. Students found guilty of research misconduct may face penalties including (1) correction and reanalysis of data, (2) and/or rewriting of the thesis or dissertation, with resubmission and a new defense required, (3) and/or loss of financial assistance. If the misconduct is found to have been knowingly or deliberately committed, the penalty may include dismissal from a program or revocation of an awarded degree.

3. Appeals Procedure

Graduate students with grievances relating to academic matters may appeal to the Vice Provost of Graduate Studies following the steps and procedures outlined in The Code of Policies and Procedures for Students at Utah State University.

F. Graduate Degree Requirements

1. Master’s Degrees

When a student is accepted to a master’s degree program, the department head appoints a temporary advisor. In most master’s degree programs, a supervisory committee will be established for each student. During the first semester following matriculation, the student should meet with the temporary advisor to discuss the appointment of a supervisory committee. A completed Supervisory Committee Approval form should be submitted to the School of Graduate Studies for final approval by the end of the student’s second semester. Changes to a supervisory committee must be approved by submitting a Supervisory Committee Revision form and cannot be made six weeks prior to the final defense.

A master’s degree supervisory committee must include at least three faculty members who hold a master’s degree or higher and are members of the Graduate Faculty. At least one member must represent the student’s area of specialization, and at least one must be from outside the specialization area. Adjunct faculty can be members with the approval of the Vice Provost of Graduate Studies. Upon recommendation of the department head, emeritus faculty may serve on supervisory committees but may not chair new committees.

Within the School of Graduate Studies and departmental requirements, the supervisory committee (1) determines courses for the student’s Program of Study; (2) conducts any required departmental qualifying examinations; (3) supervises the student’s thesis research, Plan B paper, or project; (4) and conducts the defense or final examination. A student’s defense or final examination must be scheduled through the School of Graduate Studies. The major professor, who serves as the committee chairperson, usually directs the thesis, paper, or other degree project.

Before the end of the second semester, a master’s student’s Program of Study should be submitted to the School of Graduate Studies for approval. Amendments to the Program of Study can be made by submitting a revised Program of Study to the School of Graduate Studies.

(a) Credit Requirement

The minimum requirement for a master’s degree is 30 semester credits. Programs or departments may have higher credit requirements for some master’s degrees.

(b) Residency Requirement

At least 24 semester credits for a master’s degree must be from a committee-approved and a School of Graduate Studies-approved Program of Study from Utah State University. Furthermore, any allowed transfer credits cannot replace required residency credit.

2. Master’s Degree Plan Types

(a) Plan A

The Plan A option for a master’s degree requires the preparation and defense of a thesis. Students are required to complete a minimum of 6 semester credits of thesis research (6970) with a maximum of 15 thesis credits applied toward a Program of Study. The semesters during which a student registers for thesis credit should correspond as closely as possible to those in which the thesis work is done, and faculty supervision is provided.

The thesis is intended to be either a contribution to the field of knowledge based on the student’s own research or a treatment and presentation of known subject matter from a new point of view. The student and major professor are encouraged to decide upon a problem or subject for the thesis study by the end of the student’s first semester of graduate study.

A Master’s Thesis/Project Approval Form, signed by the entire committee, should be submitted to the School of Graduate Studies after the committee approves the research proposal. This form is also used to document that the student has obtained any necessary regulatory approvals and completed any safety training and should therefore be submitted before the student conducts the majority of thesis research. After the final defense, the student must submit their finalization paperwork and finished manuscript to the School of Graduate Studies for review. Once approved, the manuscript will be uploaded to DigitalCommons or physically submitted to the library if the student wishes to embargo their work. Library personnel will notify the student and the School of Graduate Studies once the manuscript is accepted.

(b) Plan B

A Plan B option requires producing and defending a paper or project, depending on the department and program. A minimum of 2 credits of thesis research (6970) are required, but no more than 3 thesis research credits can be included in an approved Program of Study. Some degree programs require creative project credits in addition to or in place of research.

The Plan B paper is typically a literature review, with conclusions drawn after conceptualizing an area of inquiry, planning a systematic search, and analyzing or critiquing the acquired information. The summary and conclusions developed should enhance a student’s knowledge of the discipline. If a Plan B paper or project includes research beyond a literature review, the student should submit a Master’s Thesis/Project Approval Form after the committee approves the research plan. This form is also used to document that the student has obtained any necessary regulatory approvals and completed any safety training and should therefore be submitted before the student conducts the majority of thesis research.

Plan B papers and projects should follow the same format specifications as theses and dissertations and are expected to reflect equivalent scholarship standards. However, they may be less intensive and not demand the originality of a Plan A thesis. Plan B papers and projects are defended but not formally reviewed by the School of Graduate Studies or signed by the Vice Provost of Graduate Studies. Instead, Plan B papers or projects must be submitted directly to the Merrill-Cazier Library and uploaded to DigitalCommons. Library personnel will notify the student and the School of Graduate Studies once the Plan B paper or project is accepted.

(c) Plan C or Professional Programs

A Plan C option typically includes a culminating creative or integrative experience and is a non-thesis or Plan B program. Plan C students may be required to enroll in a course or seminar on research methods, but thesis credits are not accepted on a Program of Study or applied towards a degree. Plan C students should contact their department early in their final semester to be certain that all degree requirements, including completion of graduation forms, will be met and that all appropriate paperwork has been sent to the School of Graduate Studies.

Utah State University’s Plan C or professional degree programs are offered through a particular college, school, or department. Contact the sponsoring entity for program details.

3. Post-Master’s Professional Degrees

Educational Specialist (EdS)programs are designed for students who seek to improve their professional skills and knowledge beyond the master’s degree. The minimum requirement for each degree is 30 semester credits beyond the master’s degree and 60 credits beyond a bachelor’s degree.

4. Doctoral Degrees

When a doctoral student is admitted, the department head appoints a temporary advisor to work with the student until a supervisory committee is formally established. A completed Supervisory Committee Approval form should be submitted to the School of Graduate Studies for approval by the end of the student’s third semester. Changes to a supervisory committee must be documented and approved by submitting a Supervisory Committee Revision form and cannot be made six weeks prior to the final defense.

A doctoral supervisory committee must include at least five faculty who hold doctoral degrees and are current members of the Graduate Faculty. The committee must consist of three members from within the student’s department and at least one member outside the department or interdepartmental degree-granting program in which the student is enrolled. Adjunct faculty can serve on doctoral committees with the approval of the Vice Provost of Graduate Studies. Upon recommendation of the department head, emeritus faculty may serve on supervisory committees but may not chair new committees.

Within School of Graduate Studies and departmental requirements, the supervisory committee (1) determines courses for the student’s Program of Study; (2) oversees any qualifying examinations and comprehensive examination unless another departmental or program procedure is in place*; (3) approves the dissertation proposal; (4) supervises the student’s research and preparation of the dissertation; (5) participates in or conducts annual departmental reviews*; (6) conducts the final oral examination. The major professor is the committee chairperson and usually directs the student’s research. Continuation in a doctoral program is contingent upon the availability of a major professor.

*Some departments or interdepartmental programs administer qualifying examinations. Each department or program has the responsibility of administering comprehensive examinations.

By the end of the third semester, a doctoral student’s Program of Study should be submitted to the School of Graduate Studies for approval. Amendments to the Program of Study can be made by submitting a revised Program of Study to the School of Graduate Studies.

Upon completion of all or most courses, successful comprehensive examinations, and approval of a proposal for dissertation research, the student must submit an Application for Candidacy to the School of Graduate Studies at least three months before the final defense. All committee members, the department head, the School of Graduate Studies, and the Office of Research must approve the candidacy form. Submitting the candidacy form is a significant point in the student’s program because the committee and department head attest that the student is ready to conduct independent dissertation research, although successful completion is not guaranteed. After the final defense, the student should submit their finalization paperwork and finished manuscript to the School of Graduate Studies for review. Once approved, the manuscript will be uploaded to DigitalCommons or physically submitted to the library if the student wishes to embargo their work. Library personnel will notify the student and the School of Graduate Studies once the manuscript is accepted.

(a) Credit Requirement

Doctoral degrees generally require 30 to 60 academic credits beyond a master’s degree or 60 to 90 academic credits beyond a bachelor’s degree. Students should check with individual departments for specific credit-hour requirements.

A minimum of 12 dissertation credits (7970) is required if the student has a master’s degree and a minimum of 18 dissertation credits (7970) is required if the student has a bachelor’s degree. The semesters during which a student registers for dissertation credit should correspond as closely as possible to the semesters in which the dissertation work is done and faculty supervision is provided.

(b) Residency Requirement

The purpose of the doctoral residency requirement is to ensure the student experiences at least one period of concentrated attention to study, research, and interaction with faculty. This period of immersion is an important part of preparation for future work in academic communities.  

At least 33 semester credits for a doctoral (PhD) or audiology (AUD) degree must be taken from Utah State University and must be part of an approved Program of Study. At least three semesters, two of which must be consecutive, of full-time registration in residence at Utah State University is required.

The following are suggested criteria for determining when a student has met the residency requirement. They should be checked and dated as completed and noted in the Application for Candidacy form. Note that some degree programs (PhD and professional doctoral degrees) may set more intense requirements for residency.

The candidate has:

• Directly engaged in research or creative endeavors with the major professor.
• Access to the required equipment and resources for the research or creative efforts.
• Engaged in the professional activities of the discipline.
• Time to concentrate and complete the research or creative activity in a reasonable period.
• Engaged in additional departmental residential requirements (please list).
• Been aware of additional departmental requirements.

Additionally, meeting the residency requirement means doctoral students must participate in their program’s academic community. Participation could include collaborative scholarship with faculty or peers, working as a research assistant or graduate instructor, attending professional meetings, being involved with student or professional organizations, and participating in colloquia or orientation programs. This participation may or may not coincide with the period of concentrated study. Departments have the responsibility to determine appropriate ways for their doctoral students to participate in the academic life of their field and to provide opportunities for this participation.

Certification of Residency

Residency is certified by the graduate supervisory committee. The required credits and the student’s participation in the academic and intellectual life of the program are noted as acceptable by signatures on the Application for Candidacy form.

5. Graduate Interdepartmental Degrees and Certificates

Utah State University offers a number of interdepartmental graduate degrees. A complete list of interdepartmental degrees and certificates is available through the School of Graduate Studies Degree Finder.

G. Degree Completion

The deadline for completing degree requirements is the last day of the semester. When the defense is scheduled during a semester break, the student must enroll for at least 3 credits the following semester.

1. Thesis, Dissertation, Committees

(a) Supervisory Committees

Supervisory committee members should hold a degree equivalent to or higher than the one the graduate student is seeking and have completed a dissertation or thesis requirement similar to that which the graduate student is completing.

A faculty member should not be appointed to a supervisory committee if, for any reason, they will not be available for committee meetings. Ideally, all members should be present for the final defense, and the defense should be scheduled accordingly. While the in-person defense is preferred and recommended, committee members may participate remotely with audio and video interaction. Students should work with their committee members to arrange defense participation and details prior to submitting an Appointment for Examination.

Changes in the membership of a supervisory committee cannot be made during the six weeks prior to the defense without a written request from the department head and approval of the Vice Provost of Graduate Studies.

2. Preparation and Approval of Thesis, Plan B Papers, and Dissertations

Before beginning work on a thesis, Plan B paper, or dissertation, students should review the Publication Guide for Graduate Students, available online, and the style manual or journal approved by the supervisory committee and/or department. These documents will guide students in the proper preparation of their manuscript. Students are encouraged to attend a thesis/dissertation information session when preparing to defend their Plan A thesis or dissertation.

Theses and dissertations may be prepared in either monograph or multiple-paper format. One article or an article manuscript may not be submitted by itself as an entire thesis or dissertation. The student’s supervisory committee must approve the content of a thesis or dissertation. Drafts of sections should be submitted periodically to the major professor for critique. Committee members should be consulted, especially on sections that involve their particular expertise.

Publications or manuscripts of which the student is a coauthor may be included if the committee determines that the student made a substantial intellectual contribution to the work. Permission to include a publication or manuscript in a thesis or dissertation does not depend on the order of authorship. Any included publication or manuscript must be a logical component of the overarching theme or themes addressed by the entire thesis or dissertation, which, as a whole, must represent the student’s individual and original effort. The student is responsible for obtaining reprint permission from the copyright holder for any published works included as part of the thesis or dissertation.

Preparing a thesis, Plan B paper, or dissertation is the culminating learning experience for a graduate student. The quality of the product, which should represent the student’s best work, is the student’s responsibility. Monitoring the quality of the thesis, Plan B paper, or dissertation and mentoring the student in writing are responsibilities of the major professor, with the assistance of the supervisory committee. Editing by anyone other than the major professor and the supervisory committee should be limited to mechanics, such as spelling and grammar.

3. Examination/Defense

The student should schedule the final defense after completing all courses and the thesis, Plan B paper or project,, or dissertation. Graduate students must be registered for 3 credits in the semester of defense.* When the defense is scheduled during a semester break, the student must enroll for at least 3 credits the following semester.

Changes in the membership of a supervisory committee cannot be made during the six weeks prior to the defense without a written request from the department head and approval of the Vice Provost of Graduate Studies.

*Students may register for 1 credit, with departmental approval, if all coursework on a Program of Study is complete and there is no need to maintain “full-time” status for any reason.

(a) Preparation and Scheduling

At least four weeks before the defense, a student should provide a copy of their thesis, Plan B paper or project, or dissertation to each supervisory committee member for review. No committee member should approve the Appointment for Examination and agree to proceed with a defense until they have carefully read and approved the thesis, Plan B paper, or dissertation. If committee members believe the document is not ready to be defended, they should immediately notify the student and major professor.

When the committee is ready to proceed with the defense, an Appointment for Examination must be submitted a minimum of ten working days prior to the anticipated defense date. . All committee members must indicate their approval of the proposed time and place for the defense to be considered valid by the School of Graduate Studies. The School of Graduate Studies must be notified, in advance, of any changes in the date, time, or location of defense. A new Appointment for Examination form must be submitted if any changes are made.

While an in-person defense is preferred and recommended, committee members may participate remotely with audio and video interaction. Students should work with their committee members to arrange defense participation and details prior to submitting an Appointment for Examination.

(b) Defense Expectations

The oral examination of the thesis, Plan B paper, or dissertation is a defense of a final document. Only minor changes, usually editorial, should be required following the defense. A defense of the revised manuscript should be held if significant changes are needed. The student must be registered during the semester of a new defense.

During the examination, the student defends their thesis, Plan B paper, or dissertation and answers questions about the research or related topics. The defense results and any additional requirements are recorded on the Record of Examination form and submitted to the School of Graduate Studies by the student’s Graduate Program Coordinator.

All supervisory committee members must approve and sign the thesis, Plan B paper, or dissertation. In the event of a lack of unanimity, the matter is taken to the Vice Provost of Graduate Studies.

Any final examination held without following the proper procedures may be invalid. If all degree requirements are not complete within one year of a successful defense, then the major professor, with the support of all members of the supervisory committee, must submit an appeal to the Vice Provost of Graduate Studies, justifying why the student should not be required to defend the thesis, Plan B paper/project, or dissertation a second time. Students must register for at least 3 credits the semester of their second defense.

4. Submitting Approved Thesis or Dissertation

Following the successful thesis or dissertation defense, the student is responsible for completing any necessary edits, proofreading, and having it read and approved by the department before submitting it to the School of Graduate Studies for review. Once the School of Graduate Studies has approved the document, a final copy will be sent to the library for upload into DigitalCommons and ProQuest unless an embargo has been requested. The committee members will approve the student’s title page form submitted online with the other necessary completion paperwork before it is finalized with the approval of the Vice Provost of Graduate Studies.

(a) Embargo Policy

A thesis or dissertation must not contain material that cannot be disclosed publicly. However, it is occasionally in the University’s best interest to delay disclosure of the contents of a thesis or dissertation while patenting and/or commercial development possibilities are investigated or for a period of report review by a funding agency. In such cases, electronic publication of a thesis or dissertation through submission to the DigitalCommons and ProQuest (UMI) may be delayed without delaying awarding the student’s degree.

The student’s advisor, department head, and the Vice Provost of Graduate Studies must approve the embargo of a thesis or dissertation. In addition, a printed copy of the thesis or dissertation must still be submitted to the Merrill-Cazier Library by the School of Graduate Studies degree completion deadlines. The student is responsible for paying to have their thesis or dissertation bound by the library.

A copy of the publication delay policy and the procedure of requesting an embargo may be found on the Merrill-Cazier Library website.

H. Final Steps

1. Completion of Requirements

A graduate student must satisfy all remaining degree requirements according to the semester deadlines before a degree is processed and awarded. In addition, all students anticipating graduation must submit a Graduation Application and have an approved Graduation Check.

The professor of record must resolve any incomplete grades using forms provided by the Registrar’s Office.

Any communication regarding degree awarding is sent to the student’s university email address. The student is responsible for monitoring their communication and ensuring these final steps are taken

2. Graduate Diplomas

The School of Graduate Studies posts degrees and the Registrar’s Office prepares diplomas at the end of each semester. Students who have fulfilled all degree requirements before the end of the semester may request a letter from the School of Graduate Studies verifying degree completion.