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Graduate Regulations
Note: These regulations are in addition to those found earlier in this Bulletin, which are applicable to all School of Education students.
Admissions and Registration
Preparation for Graduate Study
Applicants for admission to graduate study in education must have earned a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. Specific undergraduate course requirements in academic and/or professional study vary according to the graduate program to which the student is applying.
Advanced Certification Offerings
In cooperation with the Pennsylvania Department of Education's Bureau of Teacher Preparation and Certification, the School offers a number of advanced certificates in special professional areas, including: supervisory certification in Communication, Curriculum and Instruction, Foreign Languages, Mathematics, Reading, Science, Social Studies, and Special Education; educational specialist certification as Elementary and Secondary School Counselor and Instructional Technology Specialist; and administrative certification as Assistant Superintendent and Superintendent, Elementary and Secondary Principal.
Master's Degree Admissions Deadlines and Requirements
Deadlines for application for admission to a master's program in the School of Education are:
February 1 for the summer term and the fall term
November 15 for the spring term
Applications for admission are available in the Office of Student Personnel Services, School of Education, 5N Forbes Quadrangle. Each applicant must submit:
(1) the completed application form;
(2) the non-refundable application fee;
(3) official transcripts of work done in all previous undergraduate and graduate study
(a minimum QPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale is usually required. Students with QPAs below 3.00 may be admitted with evidence of professional and academic competence);
(4) a written statement of career goals and degree objectives; and
(5) other requirements of particular departments, such as additional standardized admissions test scores, a professional writing sample, a personal interview, or letters of recommendation, as stated in the section, "Academic Programs."
Each applicant whose native language is not English and/or who has not finished academic degree requirements in an accredited US college or university must submit a score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A minimum TOEFL score of 550 is normally considered acceptable for admission. All students with a TOEFL score less than 650 ordinarily take the Michigan Test of English Proficiency upon arrival. In some exceptional cases where TOEFL scores are less than 550, students may be admitted but must take the Michigan Test of English Language Proficiency before being permitted to register, and may be required to complete English language classes on campus in the English Language Institute.
Applicants for admission to the master's program in Instructional Design and Technology must also submit scores from the General Test section of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) (recommended but not required of international students).
Doctoral Degree Admissions Deadlines and Requirements
Deadlines for application for admission to a doctoral program in the School of Education are:
February 1 for the summer term and the fall term
November 15 for the spring term
Applications for admission are available in the Office of Student Personnel Services, School of Education, 5N Forbes Quadrangle. Each applicant must submit:
(1) the completed application form;
(2) the non-refundable application fee;
(3) official transcripts of work done in all previous undergraduate and graduate study
(a minimum QPA of 3.30 on a 4.00 scale in graduate studies for students with a master's degree, or a minimum QPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale in undergraduate studies for students without a master's degree, is usually required. Students with QPAs below that usually required may be admitted with evidence of professional and academic competence);
(4) scores on the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) General Test (recommended but not required of international students);
(5) a written statement of career goals and degree objectives;
(6) three written academic and/or professional recommendations;
(7) other requirements of particular departments, such as additional standardized admissions test scores, a professional writing sample, or personal interview, as stated in the section, "Academic Programs."
Each applicant whose native language is not English and/or who has not finished academic degree requirements in an accredited US college or university must submit a score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A minimum TOEFL score of 550 is normally considered acceptable for admission. All students with a TOEFL score less than 650 ordinarily take the Michigan Test of English Proficiency upon arrival. In some exceptional cases where TOEFL scores are less than 550, students may be admitted but must take the Michigan Test of English Language Proficiency before being permitted to register, and may be required to complete English language classes on campus in the English Language Institute.
Admission
Faculty members in the department to which the student applies evaluate the applicant's credentials and recommend admission for applicants meeting the criteria set by the department.
Approved applicants will be notified of their admission for a specific term. Should they be unable to register for courses for the term specified in their admissions letter, they should notify the Office of Student Personnel Services. Approved applicants may defer admission for up to one year from the term specified in their admissions letter. Approved applicants unable to register for courses within one year of the term specified in their admissions letter must reapply for admission.
Admission Status
Programs of Study Leading to a Degree/Certification
Full Graduate Status. For admission to full graduate status, an applicant must be a graduate of an accredited college or university and must be judged by the department and the School to be prepared for graduate study in a degree or certification program. Only students with full graduate status may be considered for an advanced degree/certification.
Provisional Graduate Status. Applicants who are graduates of an accredited college or university but who do not qualify for admission to full graduate status may be considered for provisional graduate status. Students may not be awarded a degree/certification while under provisional graduate status. Transfer from provisional to full status is initiated and recommended by the program after the student has removed any deficiencies and met any other conditions specified at the time of admission.
Programs of Study Not Leading to a Degree/Certification
Special Graduate Status. Special graduate status affords the applicant who is not interested in meeting the requirements for an advanced degree or certification the opportunity to enroll in courses for professional or personal reasons.
Additionally, students may complete the requirements for permanent (Instructional II) certification with special graduate status. Students enrolled to complete Instructional II certification requirements should select courses that relate to their fields of certification and that expand their professional capabilities.
Applicants may be admitted with special graduate status provided they have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and a quality point average representative of good academic standing. Transcripts indicating prior degrees must be received no later than the time of initial registration for courses.
Special graduate status students may apply for admission to an academic program to complete requirements for a degree or for initial teacher (Instructional I), specialist, supervisory, or administrative certification. Transfer from special graduate status to a degree or certification program requires admission to the department offering the degree or certification program. A maximum of 15 credits earned under special graduate status may be transferred toward a degree or certification.
Changing Programs for Graduate Study
A student wishing to change programs for graduate study must file a new application for admission, noting the request for the change, in the Office of Student Personnel Services. All work taken both in undergraduate and graduate study will be reviewed by the program to which the student is applying before a decision will be made about admission to the new program.
Any change from one program to another in the School of Education while the student is on active status will not alter the active status. The student must register within the dates set for continuing active students.
Full- and Part-time Study
Graduate students who register for nine credits in a single term are considered full-time students. Some programs may require students enrolled in a degree program to register for more than nine credits. Graduate students who register for fewer than nine credits are considered part-time students. Admission procedures for part-time students are the same as those for full-time students.
Cross-Registration
Carnegie Mellon, Duquesne University, the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, Robert Morris College, and the University of Pittsburgh offer full-time graduate students the opportunity for cross-registration in graduate programs in the five institutions in the fall and spring terms. Credits earned by cross-registration in graduate courses, when approved in advance by the student's graduate adviser, are accepted as University of Pittsburgh credits for the purpose of the calculation of the quality point average and the completion of degree requirements. Each program/department at each institution retains the authority to establish the prerequisites for admission and the maximum enrollment in its own courses and to grant priority in registration to its own graduate students. No cross-registration is permitted during the summer term or during the term of graduation.
General Graduate Regulations
Course Work Acceptable as Graduate Credit
A substantial proportion of courses applicable to a graduate degree are designed explicitly for graduate students. Introductory graduate level (master's level) courses are numbered 2000-2999; those at the advanced graduate level (doctoral level) are numbered 3000-3999. To be eligible for a master's degree, a student must have completed at least one-half the total number of credits submitted for the degree at the graduate level. A doctoral student must complete additional graduate-level courses as determined by the department or School. No lower-level undergraduate course (numbered 0001-0999 or 7000-7999) may be applied toward a graduate degree.
Maximum Credit Load
All graduate students who register for nine to 15 credits per term will be considered full-time and, during the fall and spring terms, will be assessed full-time graduate tuition according to their residency status. All credits over 15 for graduate students will be billed over and above the full-time tuition rate at the prevailing per-credit tuition charge. No student is allowed to register for more than 15 graduate credits without permission of the Dean/Associate Dean. Such permission will be given selectively and only after a review of the student's record and planned course work suggests that such an overload is academically justifiable in the specific instance. No registration forms or subsequent add/drop forms totaling over 15 graduate credits will be accepted without written special permission.
Graduate Study in the Summer
The summer term provides many graduate students, particularly teachers and administrators in public schools, colleges, and universities, a full-time opportunity for learning and personal accomplishment. Both credit and non-credit courses are offered.
Residence Credit Requirement
Full-time study on campus is considered beneficial to the advanced graduate student. For the PhD student, the required residency consists of two consecutive terms of full-time, on-campus study, including involvement in research activity. There is no residency requirement for the EdD student.
Research Adviser
When the thesis or dissertation stage is reached, it is the student's responsibility, in consultation with the academic adviser, to seek a faculty member to serve as the research adviser. The research adviser is often the same faculty member as the academic adviser. The research adviser should be selected primarily on the basis of expertise in the area of the research project. The research adviser and the student must both consent to the relationship.
Application for Graduation
Applications for graduation must be filed in the Office of Student Personnel Services, 5N Forbes Quadrangle, at the time of registration for the term during which the student expects to complete degree requirements, but no later than ten calendar days after the beginning of that term. All graduate students must register for at least one credit during the 12-month period preceding graduation and must be registered for the term in which they are graduated. A student will not be graduated with an incomplete grade in a required course. It is the student's responsibility to ensure the removal of incomplete grades and to apply for graduation.
Master's Degree Requirements
Master's Programs
The School of Education awards Master of Arts, Master of Science, Master of Arts in Teaching, and Master of Education degrees.
Programs leading to the master's degree provide an introduction to scholarly activities and research and often serve as preparation for teaching careers. The master's degree is awarded for the completion of a coherent program designed to assure the mastery of specified knowledge and skills, rather than the accumulation of a certain number of courses. The overall form and content of the student's program of study is the responsibility of the faculty of the program. To carry out this responsibility, each student is assigned an academic adviser. In consultation with the adviser, the student designs a Plan of Studies in accordance with School and departmental guidelines.
All master's degrees awarded by the School of Education require the completion of an approved Plan of Studies consisting of a minimum of 36 credits (including nine credits in Basic Areas of Education) and passing a comprehensive examination.
Acceptance of Transfer Credits
A maximum of six transfer credits may be counted toward a master's degree. Conditions for accepting the transfer credits for a master's degree include the following: (a) the course grade must be at least B or its equivalent; (b) the course must be judged relevant to a student's master's Plan of Studies by the department; and (c) the course must be approved for equivalent graduate degrees at the accredited institution, extension, or off-campus center of other institutions at which the course was taken.
Transcripts certifying graduate courses completed at another institution prior to admission to the University of Pittsburgh should be submitted at the time of application and should be evaluated for acceptability as transfer credit early in the student's graduate career. Graduate students desiring to take courses at another institution following admission to the University of Pittsburgh should review the course descriptions and receive approval from their academic advisers and departments prior to registering for those courses if they wish to ensure that these credits will be acceptable for transfer.
Both applicants for admission and continuing University of Pittsburgh graduate students seeking acceptance of transfer credits toward a master's degree must submit their transcripts with a completed "Petition to Transfer Credits" form, available in the Office of Student Personnel Services. When approved, transfer credits should appear on the student's Plan of Studies. The Registrar, after notification of acceptance of transfer credits, will enter the transfer credits as block credits on the student's transcript. Grades (and quality points) are not recorded for credits accepted by transfer.
Quality Point Average
All students enrolled in master's degree programs are required to maintain a quality point average of at least 3.00. The cumulative QPA is based on all course work taken after enrollment in the appropriate graduate program. A student is automatically placed on academic probation when the cumulative QPA, exclusive of transfer credits, falls below 3.00. Ordinarily, students are required to terminate graduate study after two terms on probation. Although the credits allowed for acceptable work completed elsewhere by students enrolled in the School of Education count toward the total number of credits required for the graduate degree, the grades earned in such courses are not included in quality point computations.
Credit Requirements
All master's degrees require the satisfactory completion of a minimum of 36 or more credits of graduate study approved by the department and the School. Not more than six credits may be granted toward completion of the requirements for a master's degree for work completed at another accredited graduate institution. At least one-half of the courses taken for the master's degree must be at the graduate level (2000 or 3000 series) and no lower-level undergraduate course (numbered 0001-0999 or 7000-7999) may be applied toward a master's degree. Master's degrees are conferred only on those students who have completed all courses required for the degree with at least a 3.00 QPA.
Statute of Limitations
The purpose of the statute of limitations is to ensure that a master's degree from the University of Pittsburgh represents mastery of current knowledge in the field of study.
All requirements for a master's degree must be completed within a period of four consecutive calendar years from the student's initial registration for master's study at the University of Pittsburgh in an MA or MS degree program or five years in an MAT or MEd program.
An extension of a student's statute of limitations may be granted by the Dean/Associate Dean. A request for an extension must first be submitted by the student to his/her academic adviser, next be recommended by the academic adviser to the student's specialization/program, and then be recommended by the student's specialization/program to the Dean/Associate Dean for final action. The request must include an explanation of the reason for the requested extension, a specification of the requirements to be completed during the requested extension, and a timetable for completing those requirements. All students who request an extension of their statute of limitations must demonstrate proper preparation for the completion of all current degree requirements.
Ordinarily, a request for a statute of limitations extension that is recommended by both the student's adviser and the student's specialization/program will be granted provided that the student has passed the master's comprehensive examination within three years of the time that all master's degree requirements will be completed. If more than three years elapse between the time that the student completes the master's comprehensive examination and the time that the student completes all master's degree requirements, the student will be required to retake the comprehensive examination in order to demonstrate current knowledge in the field of study. This three-year period may not be extended through a leave of absence. If the student passes the second administration of the master's comprehensive examination, the student is eligible for a statute-of-limitations extension of up to three years. For a written examination, a copy of the comprehensive examination and the student's answers must be submitted with the recommendation from the specialization/program to the Dean/Associate Dean for a final decision. For an oral examination, an audio tape of the examination must accompany the recommendation.
Leave of Absence
Under special conditions, master's students may be granted one leave of absence for a maximum of one year. The length of and rationale for the leave of absence must be stated in advance, recommended by the specialization/program, and approved by the Dean/Associate Dean. If approved, the time of the leave shall not count against the statute of limitations. The time of the leave does, however, count against the three-year period associated with retaking the comprehensive examination when an extension of the statute of limitations is requested.
Readmission following an approved leave of absence is automatic.
Plan of Studies
Before completion of 15 credits, the student, in consultation with the academic adviser, must complete a Plan of Studies that conforms with departmental requirements. The Plan of Studies, approved by the academic adviser and the program coordinator, is filed in the Office of Student Personnel Services.
Any changes in the Plan of Studies must be approved by the academic adviser and the program coordinator, conform to departmental requirements, and be filed in the Office of Student Personnel Services. At the time of graduation, completed courses must comply with the approved Plan of Studies.
Basic Areas of Education Requirement
All master's degrees conferred by the School of Education require a minimum of nine credits of study from the Basic Areas of Education (BAE), three credits each from courses offered in the content areas of Education and Human Development, Education and Society, and Disciplined Inquiry. This requirement may be met by taking the three core BAE courses or by taking courses from an approved menu of BAE course listings available in the Office of Student Personnel Services and the departments. A maximum of six credit hours of BAE courses may be taken from those offered within a single department.
Education and Human Development includes consideration of human development from childhood through adult life, theories of learning and their instructional application, instructional design, cognition, problem solving, information processing, motivation, social relations, attitudes, individual differences, human abilities, educational achievement, and related testing and measurement. Psychology, biology, and cognitive sciences are the disciplinary bases for these considerations. Within this area, specific attention is given to the background needed for the adaptations of education to the individual needs of adult and child learners, including learners with physical, sensory, and cognitive impairments, gifted learners, geriatric learners, and learners from diverse cultural backgrounds.
In addition to the core course, Psychology of Learning and Development for Educators, the following fulfill three credits of the BAE requirement: Educational Psychology for Instruction, Psychology of Cross-Cultural Development and Learning, Survey of Developmental Psychology, Adult Learning, Individual Differences in Instruction, and Psychomotor Development.
Education and Society considers the roles of the discipline/profession and of schooling in relation to their social context and purposes. Both the social sciences (sociology, social psychology, anthropology, political science, economics, etc.) and the humanities (especially history, philosophy, and literature) contribute to this content area. Topics covered include racial, ethnic, social class, gender equity, and inequality in the society and the relationship to schooling; the educational role in social reproduction and change; patterns and politics of educational reform efforts; socialization and enculturation as social processes; and philosophical analysis of educational purposes and practices. Within this area, special attention is given to the multicultural and international dimensions of education and schooling, providing for a sense of the world-wide context of education and society today, as well as considering the nature of human cultural differences, the interplay of social, political, and economic systems, and comparative analyses of planned change and intervention strategies. A second theme of importance in this area is the impact of social and educational implications of new and changing technologies, especially those connected with the expanding technologies and those connected with the expanding developments in information and communication.
In addition to the core course, Education and Society, the following fulfill three credits of the BAE requirement: History of Education in the United States, Race and Racism in Education and Society, Educational and Social Movements, Sociology of Education, Education and Culture, Politics of United States Education, and Comprehensive Health Education for Tomorrow.
Disciplined Inquiry deals in methodologies characteristic of research in education and their underlying theories, assumptions, and limits. Before one can deal with the specific patterns and techniques of research, one must consider the nature of knowledge, science, and truth. In education, and more generally in the academic world today, there is increasing attention to various scientific paradigms, within which what is assumed and what is considered an appropriate problem, may vary widely. There is a conflict in the "way of knowing" among various paradigms including naturalistic, qualitative, constructive research models that seek interpretations of social reality; those based on behavioristic, experimental paradigms that seek to define laws of behavior; and critical theory. Experiences in this area address the disciplined ways of knowing that underlie this search of knowledge and draw from the disciplines mentioned in the first two areas above.
In addition to the core course, Disciplined Inquiry, the following fulfill three credits of the BAE requirement: Introduction to Research Methodology, Educational and Psychological Measurement, and Educational Anthropology.
Master's Comprehensive Examination
The School of Education requires a comprehensive examination for all master's degrees. The comprehensive examination is designed to assess the student's mastery of the general field of his or her graduate study. The comprehensive examination is constructed, administered, and scored by the department or program to which the student has been admitted. Procedures and schedules of administration are available from the department or program.
The comprehensive examination is administered at least one month prior to the last day of the term in which the degree is to be granted. A student must be registered with full graduate status in the term during which the comprehensive examination is taken. Examination results must be reported promptly to the Office of Student Personnel Services, but no later than the last day of the term in which the examination is administered.
After the comprehensive examination is passed, the student has the remaining time specified by the statute of limitations to complete all remaining master's degree requirements. If an extension of the statute of limitations is requested, the student is required to retake the comprehensive examination if more than three years elapse between the time that the comprehensive examination is originally passed and the completion of all master's degree requirements. This three-year period may not be extended through a leave of absence. (See the section entitled "Statute of Limitations" above for further information.)
Master's Degree with Thesis
Some programs within the School of Education offer Master of Arts and Master of Science degrees with options for completing either a thesis or a thesis equivalent. Most programs offering Master of Arts and Master of Science degrees require the completion of a thesis.
The master's degree with thesis is intended for graduate students who have pursued advanced graduate study in at least one field of education specialization and have demonstrated through the master's thesis the capability to plan and carry through a project of original research.
Thesis Overview. Candidates for master's degrees with theses are required to demonstrate the capability to plan and carry through a project of original research. Thus, the Plan of Studies should include at least six credits in thesis work.
The thesis overview is a written proposal for the thesis. The overview is presented to the master's committee, which consists of a minimum of three faculty members (at least one from another program or department) selected in consultation with the student by the research adviser and approved by the department. A student must be registered in the term during which the thesis overview meeting is scheduled. A unanimous vote of the master's committee is required for approval of the overview. The outcome of the overview meeting is submitted on the appropriate form along with a corrected copy of the overview to the Office of Student Personnel Services.
Approval of Research with Human Subjects. If the research proposed in the overview involves human subjects, the proposed research must be approved by the University Institutional Review Board (IRB) for the Protection of Human Subjects before it may be carried out. Information on materials that must be submitted and the procedures that must be followed for an IRB review are available in departmental offices and the Office of Student Personnel Services.
Advancement to Master's Candidacy. To be advanced to candidacy for the master's degree with thesis the student must: (1) be admitted to full graduate status; (2) have a minimum quality point average of 3.00; (3) have an approved Plan of Studies on file in the Office of Student Personnel Services; (4) have passed the comprehensive examination; and (5) have an approved overview on file in the Office of Student Personnel Services.
Thesis Preparation and Final Oral Examination. The thesis research is completed and the thesis is prepared under the direction of the research adviser according to the approved overview. In preparing the thesis, the student must follow the University's Style and Form Manual, available in the Office of Student Personnel Services.
The completed thesis is submitted to the master's committee for the final oral examination. The student must be registered in the term during which the final oral examination is scheduled. The final oral examination is devoted primarily to the thesis, and an affirmative vote by a majority of the committee members is required to pass the examination. One corrected copy of the thesis as approved by the master's committee must be filed, along with one copy of a research adviser-approved abstract and the form showing a passed final oral examination, no later than one week before the end of the term during which the student expects to graduate. Any exception to this requirement must be approved by the Dean/Associate Dean.
Master's Degree with Thesis Equivalent Option/Research Paper
Some programs within the School of Education offer Master of Arts and Master of Science degrees with options for completing either a thesis or a thesis equivalent. All Master of Arts in Teaching degrees and some Master of Education degrees require the completion of a research paper.
Master's degrees with the thesis equivalent option or research paper requirement are intended for graduate students who have pursued advanced study in at least one field of educational specialization and have demonstrated capability of presenting information relevant to an issue or problem in education.
Research Paper Requirements. Each candidate for the master's degree with the thesis equivalent option or research paper requirement must complete, in acceptable form, a research paper that demonstrates the ability to locate, organize, and summarize information bearing on an issue or problem in education. This project is usually initiated and completed in the research seminar of the candidate's major. For certain majors, this requirement may be met by other means such as successful exhibits or demonstrations. For this requirement, the student should complete three credits in a research seminar, supervised research, or directed study involving research in the area of concentration.
Master of Arts
The degree of Master of Arts is intended for graduate students who have pursued advanced graduate study in at least one field of educational specialization and have demonstrated through the master's thesis or thesis equivalent the capability to plan and carry through a project of research.
The Master of Arts student prepares a Plan of Studies of a minimum of 36 credits meeting the requirements for Basic Areas of Education courses, overview and thesis or its equivalent, and the special requirements of the program of the major. Following completion of most course work, the student takes the comprehensive examination.
Graduation Requirements. Graduation with the Master of Arts degree requires: (1) an application for graduation filed at the beginning of the term of graduation; (2) full graduate status; (3) completion of an approved Plan of Studies with a minimum quality point average of 3.00; (4) passing the master's comprehensive examination; and (5) a corrected copy of the thesis on file in the Office of Student Personnel Services (for students completing a thesis) or a completed research paper on file in the departmental office (for students completing the thesis equivalent option).
All master's students must register for at least one credit during the 12-month period preceding graduation and must be registered for the term in which they are graduated.
Master of Science
The degree of Master of Science is provided for graduate students in the Developmental Movement and Sports Studies and Exercise Physiology programs in Health, Physical, and Recreation Education or in Science Education who have pursued advanced graduate study. The program in Health, Physical, and Recreation Education requires a thesis or its equivalent; the program in Science Education requires the completion of a thesis.
The Master of Science student prepares a Plan of Studies of a minimum of 36 credits meeting the requirements for Basic Areas of Education courses, the thesis or its equivalent, and the special requirements of the program of the major. Following completion of most course work, the student takes the comprehensive examination.
Graduation Requirements. Graduation with the Master of Science degree requires: (1) an application for graduation filed at the beginning of the term of graduation; (2) full graduate status; (3) completion of an approved Plan of Studies with a minimum quality point average of 3.00; (4) passing the master's comprehensive examination; and (5) a corrected copy of the thesis on file in the Office of Student Personnel Services (for students completing a thesis) or a completed research paper on file in the departmental office (for students completing a thesis equivalent option).
All master's students must register for at least one credit during the 12-month period preceding graduation and must be registered for the term in which they are graduated.
Master of Arts in Teaching
The Master of Arts in Teaching is designed to provide for a post-baccalaureate professional experience for liberal arts graduates to obtain an Instructional I certificate and master's degree. The program is distributed over four terms beginning in the summer term, continuing for the fall and spring terms, and concluding with the following summer term. Those who successfully complete the program are granted the Master of Arts in Teaching degree, and, upon application following successful completion of The Praxis Series: Professional Assessments for Beginning Teachers examinations (PRAXIS) are eligible for a teaching certificate awarded by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Courses in the 42- to 48-credit programs are grouped into three major categories: Basic Areas of Education, professional education, and research knowledge. During the school year, students complete an internship in a clinical school as members of an instructional team.
Graduation Requirements. Graduation with the Master of Arts in Teaching degree requires: (1) an application for graduation filed at the beginning of the term of graduation; (2) full graduate status; (3) completion of an approved Plan of Studies with a minimum quality point average of 3.00; (4) passing the master's comprehensive examination; and (5) a completed research paper on file in the departmental office.
All master's students must register for at least one credit during the 12-month period preceding graduation and must be registered for the term in which they are graduated.
Master of Education
The degree of Master of Education is a professional degree for graduate students who have pursued advanced study in at least one field of educational specialization and have demonstrated a superior level of expertise and capacity for leadership in that field.
The Master of Education student prepares a Plan of Studies of a minimum of 36 credits meeting the requirements for Basic Areas of Education courses, specialization in a field of education (a minimum of nine credits in the major department), and any additional requirements of the department or program. Following completion of most course work, the student takes the comprehensive examination.
Graduation Requirements. Graduation with the Master of Education degree requires: (1) an application for graduation filed at the beginning of the term of graduation; (2) full graduate status; (3) completion of an approved Plan of Studies with a minimum quality point average of 3.00; and (4) passing the master's comprehensive examination. Some programs also require a completed research paper on file in the departmental office.
All master's students must register for at least one credit during the 12-month period preceding graduation and must be registered for the term in which they are graduated.
Doctoral Degree Requirements
Doctoral Programs
Doctoral programs in the School of Education provide a coherent series of courses, seminars, and other experiences designed to develop a mature understanding of the content, methods, theories, and values of a field of knowledge and its relation to other fields. The overall form and content of each student's program is the responsibility of the Graduate Faculty in the department.
Doctor of Education (EdD) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree programs are offered by the School of Education to provide advanced graduate study and professional specialization in education. The candidate must show evidence of superior scholarship, mastery of his or her special field of knowledge, and ability to do significant and relevant research. In doctoral study in the School of Education, a distinction is made between the preparation of education professionals resulting in the EdD degree and the preparation of education professionals resulting in the PhD degree. While EdD and PhD degrees produce experts in critical inquiry, the School of Education distinguishes the degrees according to, among other factors, the focus of the area of inquiry, the type of knowledge advanced, and the career path chosen by the individual student. PhD research focuses on the study of basic problems arising primarily from behavioral and social science theory with the goal of advancing such theory and knowledge. Individuals pursuing this degree often seek academic positions in universities or research institutes. EdD research focuses on the study of applied, practical problems with the goal of contributing to solutions. Careers for these individuals often center on professional positions as administrators, curriculum developers, or specialists in schools and clinical settings.
Important features of doctoral programs of study required by the School of Education include two requirements that are common to the PhD and EdD degrees and four requirements that clearly distinguish the degree programs.
Common Requirement I: Research Methodology Course Work
EdD and PhD students are required to complete 12 credits of research methodology courses.
Common Requirement II: Supervised Research
EdD and PhD students are required to complete a supervised research experience that results in a written report of the experience. Enrollment for six credits of supervised research, internship, practicum, or directed study is required.
Distinguishing Requirement I: Residency
EdD: No residency requirement
PhD: Two consecutive terms of full-time, on-campus study, including involvement in research activities
Distinguishing Requirement II: Supporting Field(s)
EdD: A minimum of nine credits in fields other than the area of specialization or required research methodology courses. Specific requirements regarding appropriate supporting fields are determined by the department.
PhD: This requirement may be met in three ways:
(1) For a student who does not have a bachelor's degree or an equivalent number of credits to a bachelor's degree in an appropriate academic discipline, a minimum of 18 credits must be taken outside the School of Education in one field or in an interdisciplinary concentration (e.g., Latin American Studies or psycholinguistics) as approved by the department. No more than six of these credits may be used to satisfy research methodology requirements.
(2) For a student who has a bachelor's degree or an equivalent number of credits to a bachelor's degree in an academic discipline, a minimum of nine credits must be taken outside the School of Education in one field or in an interdisciplinary concentration as approved by the department. None of the nine credits may be used to satisfy research methodology requirements.
(3) For a student who has a master's degree or an equivalent number of credits toward a master's degree in a relevant academic discipline, no additional credits outside the School of Education need to be taken.
Distinguishing Requirement III: Dissertation
EdD: A dissertation that contributes to the improvement of practice in the student's area of specialization and reflects the application of relevant theory and knowledge
PhD: A dissertation that reports research that contributes to the development of theory or methodology in the student's area of specialization or one of the recognized disciplines
Distinguishing Requirement IV: Doctoral Committee
EdD: At least one member of the doctoral committee must be from another program within the student's major department, from another department in the School of Education, from another department in the University of Pittsburgh outside the School of Education, or from an appropriate graduate program at another academic institution. (See the section entitled "Doctoral Committee" below for additional requirements.)
PhD: At least one member of the doctoral committee must be from another department outside the School of Education at the University of Pittsburgh or from an appropriate graduate program outside education at another academic institution. (See the section entitled "Doctoral Committee" below for additional requirements.)
In formulating the doctoral Plan of Studies, both the student and the academic adviser must pay close attention to these School of Education requirements as well as requirements specific to the particular department in which the degree specialization is taken. It is the responsibility of the student to learn particular requirements from the academic adviser.
Acceptance of Transfer Credits
The completion of requirements for the doctorate must be satisfied through registration at the University of Pittsburgh. However, under certain circumstances, a student may earn in an accredited graduate institution other than the University of Pittsburgh a limited number of credits toward a doctoral degree:
(1) A maximum of 30 post-baccalaureate credits from institutions fully accredited for master's (or higher) degree study. Each course transferred must meet conditions (a), (b), and (c) below.
(2) An additional nine doctoral-level credits from institutions fully accredited for doctoral degree study. Each course transferred must meet conditions (a), (b), and (c) below.
Conditions for accepting the transfer credits outlined above include the following: (a) the course grade must be at least B or its equivalent; (b) the course must be judged relevant to a student's doctoral Plan of Studies by the department; and (c) the course must be approved for equivalent graduate degrees at the accredited institution, extension, or off-campus center of other institutions at which the course was taken.
Transcripts certifying graduate courses completed at another institution prior to admission to the University of Pittsburgh should be submitted at the time of application and should be evaluated for acceptability as transfer credit early in the student's graduate career.
Doctoral students desiring to take courses at another institution following admission to the University of Pittsburgh should review the course descriptions and receive approval from their academic advisers and department prior to registering for those courses if they wish to ensure that these credits will be acceptable for transfer.
Doctoral students already enrolled may, when approved in advance by their department and Dean, spend a term or more at another graduate institution to obtain training or experience not available at the University of Pittsburgh and transfer those credits toward the requirement for a doctoral degree at the University of Pittsburgh. A doctoral student who has done additional academic work elsewhere will be reinstated upon application to the Office of Student Personnel Services provided (a) the student received in advance written approval to study elsewhere and (b) the completed academic work is acceptable to the School of Education.
Both applicants for admission and continuing University of Pittsburgh doctoral students seeking acceptance of transfer credits toward a doctoral degree must submit their transcripts with a completed "Petition to Transfer Credits" form, available in the Office of Student Personnel Services. When approved, transfer credits should appear on the student's Plan of Studies. The Registrar, after notification of acceptance of transfer credits, will enter the transfer credits as block credits on the student's transcript. Grades (and quality points) are not recorded for credits accepted by transfer.
Quality Point Average
All doctoral students are required to maintain a quality point average of at least 3.30. The cumulative QPA is based on all course work taken after enrollment in the appropriate doctoral program. A doctoral student is automatically placed on academic probation when the cumulative QPA, exclusive of transfer credits, falls below 3.30. Ordinarily, students are required to terminate graduate study after two terms on probation. Although the credits allowed for acceptable work completed elsewhere by students enrolled in the School of Education count toward the total number of credits required for a graduate degree, the grades earned in such courses are not included in quality point computations.
Credit Requirements
Doctoral degrees require a minimum of 90 course credits in a degree program, beyond the baccalaureate, distributed as follows: a minimum of 72 course credits (that may include transfer credits as stipulated in the section, "Acceptance of Transfer Credits," and credits granted for a master's degree) and a minimum of 18 dissertation credits. Doctoral-level courses are numbered in the 3000 series, but courses numbered in the 2000 series may also be appropriate for doctoral study. Generally, courses numbered below 2000 do not meet the minimum requirements for doctoral study. Exceptions require the approval of the department. No lower-level undergraduate course (numbered 0001-0999 or 7000-7999) may be applied toward a doctoral degree.
Statute of Limitations
The purpose of the statute of limitations is to ensure that a doctoral degree from the University of Pittsburgh represents mastery of current knowledge in the field of study.
From the student's initial registration for doctoral study at the University of Pittsburgh, all requirements for the PhD must be completed within a period of ten years (or eight years if the student has received credit for a master's degree appropriate to the field of study); all requirements for the EdD must be completed within a period of 12 years (or 10 years if the student has received credit for a master's degree appropriate to the field of study).
An extension of a student's statute of limitations may be granted by the Dean/Associate Dean. A request for an extension must first be submitted by the student to his/her academic adviser, next be recommended by the academic adviser to the student's specialization/program, and then be recommended by the student's specialization/program to the Dean/Associate Dean for final action. The request must include an explanation of the reason for the requested extension, a specification of the requirements to be completed during the requested extension, and a timetable for completing those requirements. All students who request an extension of their statute of limitations must demonstrate proper preparation for the completion of all current degree requirements.
Ordinarily, a request for a statute of limitations extension that is recommended by both the student's adviser and the student's specialization/program will be granted provided that the student has passed the doctoral comprehensive examination within five years of the time that all doctoral degree requirements will be completed. If more than five years elapse between the time that the student completes the doctoral comprehensive examination and the time that the student completes all doctoral degree requirements, the student will be required to retake the comprehensive examination in order to demonstrate current knowledge in the field of study. This five-year period may not be extended through a leave of absence. If the student passes the second administration of the doctoral comprehensive examination, the student is eligible for a statute of limitations extension of up to five years. For a written examination, a copy of the comprehensive examination and the student's answers must be submitted with the recommendation from the specialization/program to the Dean/Associate Dean for a final decision. For an oral examination, an audio tape of the examination must accompany the recommendation.
Leave of Absence
Under special conditions, doctoral students may be granted one leave of absence for a maximum of two years. The length of and rationale for the leave of absence must be stated in advance, recommended by the specialization/program, and approved by the Dean/Associate Dean. If approved, the time of the leave shall not count against the statute of limitations. The time of the leave does, however, count against the five-year period associated with retaking the comprehensive examination when an extension of the statute of limitations is requested.
Readmission following an approved leave of absence is automatic.
Plan of Studies
Prior to advancement to doctoral study, the student, in consultation with the academic adviser, must complete a Plan of Studies that conforms with departmental requirements. The Plan of Studies, approved by the academic adviser and the program coordinator, is filed with the Office of Student Personnel Services.
Any changes in the Plan of Studies must be approved by the academic adviser and the program coordinator, conform to departmental requirements, and be filed with the Office of Student Personnel Services. At the time of graduation, completed courses must comply with an approved Plan of Studies.
Major Area of Study. A doctoral program is designed to prepare a student for a lifetime of intellectual inquiry that manifests itself in original scholarship and/or research. An essential element of a student's doctoral program is the development of the ability to understand and critically evaluate the substance of a major area of study. A student's major area of study is a body of professional and academic study leading to the student's mature understanding of the content, methods, theories, and values of a specialized field of knowledge and its relation to other fields. The overall form and content of a student's major area of study is the responsibility of the Graduate Faculty of the department.
Research Methodology Requirement. Each doctoral student is expected to develop an understanding of the research methods appropriate to the student's major area of study. In addition, each doctoral student is expected to acquire an understanding of how to interpret and to apply the results of research methods relevant to the area of specialization, particularly those methods necessary for undertaking the independent investigation embodied in the student's dissertation.
To ensure the development of this competence, the School of Education requires a minimum of 12 credits of course work in research methodology for all doctoral students. The particulars of departmental research methodology requirements beyond this minimum School of Education requirement are described in the department's written degree descriptions. Selected research methodology courses must be included in the Plan of Studies.
Minor Area of Study. Some students may elect to complete a minor in addition to the major area of study. A minor area of study is a concentration of study in a second field that provides breadth in addition to the depth implied by the major area of study. Minor areas of study available within the School of Education are described in the section, "Academic Programs."
A student's selection of a minor area must be approved by the program in which the student is majoring. It is the responsibility of the student's academic adviser to contact the chairperson of the department in which the student desires to minor and to obtain approval. Minors may be selected from departments either inside or outside the School of Education. The department offering the minor establishes the criteria of course work and credit hour requirements for the minor. The courses comprising the minor must be identified and listed separately on the student's Plan of Studies.
Supporting Field Courses. Most doctoral students must take course work outside the programs in which they are majoring. For the EdD or PhD student, this requirement is met as described in the section entitled "Distinguishing Requirement II: Supporting Field(s)" above. It should be noted that the credits to fulfill this requirement must be in addition to those credits specified on the Plan of Studies to satisfy the School's and department's minimum research methodology requirement. For the PhD student completing a minor in a department outside the School of Education, the courses included in the cognate minor will serve to satisfy this requirement. For the EdD student, courses included in a minor in another department either inside or outside the School of Education will satisfy the supporting field requirement.
Supervised Research. Each doctoral student is required to complete six credits of a supervised research activity by registering for supervised research, internship, practicum, or directed study and to submit a written report of the supervised research experience. Satisfactory completion of the supervised research requirement is part of the demonstration of doctoral competency.
Directed Study. When a student's Plan of Studies lists Directed Study credits, the following information for each Directed Study experience must be placed in the student's file: (a) the term that the student registered for the Directed Study and the number of credits; (b) the topics and content of the Directed Study; (c) the faculty member supervising the Directed Study; and (d) the nature of the student's accomplishment.
Doctoral Preliminary Examination
Each doctoral student is required to take a preliminary examination designed to assess the breadth of the student's knowledge of the discipline, the student's achievement during the initial phase of graduate study, and the student's potential to apply research methods independently. The preliminary examination is administered by the department to which the student has been admitted. Procedures of administration are available from the department.
The evaluation is used to identify those students who may be expected to complete a doctoral program successfully and also to reveal areas of weakness in the student's preparation. It should be conducted at approximately the end of the first year of full-time graduate study or the equivalent in part-time study. Evaluation results must be reported promptly to the Office of Student Personnel Services, but no later than the last day of the term in which the evaluation occurs. A student must be registered during the term in which the preliminary examination is taken.
Advancement to Doctoral Study
To advance to doctoral study, a student must:
(1) be admitted to full graduate status;
(2) have completed at least 15 post-master's graduate credits at the University of Pittsburgh;
(3) have earned a QPA of at least 3.30 (transfer credits not considered) in post-master's graduate study at the University of Pittsburgh;
(4) have a Plan of Studies approved by the academic adviser and the program coordinator on file in the Office of Student Personnel Services;
(5) have passed the doctoral preliminary examination; and
(6) be recommended for advancement to doctoral study.
It is recommended that these steps be completed by the time the student has earned 30 post-master's graduate credits at the University of Pittsburgh.
The form recommending that a student be advanced to doctoral study is initiated by the student's academic adviser, signed by the academic adviser, the program coordinator, and the department chairperson, and then sent to the Office of Student Personnel Services. After verification that all requirements have been met, the Dean/Associate Dean notifies the student of advancement to doctoral study. Copies of the letter are sent to both the academic adviser and the department.
Doctoral Comprehensive Examination
After advancement to doctoral study, each doctoral student is required to take a comprehensive examination designed to assess the student's mastery of the major field of doctoral study, the student's acquisition of both depth and breadth in the area of specialization within the general field, and the student's ability to use the research methods of the major area of study. The comprehensive examination is constructed, administered, and scored by the department or program to which the student has been admitted. Procedures and schedules of administration are available from the department or program.
The comprehensive examination is administered at approximately the time of the completion of formal course requirements. A student must be registered in the term during which the comprehensive examination is taken. In no case may the student be graduated in the same term in which the comprehensive examination is taken. After the comprehensive examination is passed, the student has the remaining time specified by the statute of limitations to complete all remaining doctoral degree requirements. If an extension of the statute of limitations is requested, the student is required to retake the comprehensive examination if more than five years elapse between the time that the comprehensive examination is originally passed and the completion of all doctoral degree requirements. This five-year period may not be extended through a leave of absence. (See "Statute of Limitations" section for further information.) Satisfactory completion of the doctoral comprehensive examination requirement is part of the demonstration of doctoral competency.
Ordinarily, students do not register for dissertation credits until they have passed the comprehensive examination.
Doctoral Competency
Each doctoral student is required to demonstrate doctoral competency by satisfactorily completing both the supervised research and doctoral comprehensive examination requirements. The form certifying that a student has demonstrated doctoral competency is initiated by the student's academic adviser, signed by the academic adviser, the program coordinator, and the department chairperson, and then sent to the Office of Student Personnel Services. The Dean/Associate Dean notifies the student that doctoral competency has been demonstrated. Copies of the letter are sent to both the academic adviser and the department.
Doctoral Committee
For the EdD student, the doctoral committee consists of the research adviser and at least three other members, including one member from a program other than the student's major program. This member may be from another program within the student's major department, from another department in the School of Education, from another department in the University of Pittsburgh, or from an appropriate graduate program at another academic institution. The research adviser and a majority of the committee members must be full or adjunct members of the Graduate Faculty of the University of Pittsburgh.
For the PhD student, the doctoral committee consists of the research adviser and at least three other members, including one member from another department outside the School of Education at the University of Pittsburgh or from an appropriate graduate program outside education at another academic institution. The research adviser and a majority of the total committee must be full or adjunct members of the Graduate Faculty of the University of Pittsburgh.
The doctoral committee conducts the overview examination and must approve the overview before the student may be admitted to doctoral candidacy. After the overview is approved, the doctoral committee has the responsibility to advise the student during the progress of the student's research and to ensure high-quality research and writing of the dissertation. Meetings of the doctoral candidate and his or her dissertation committee must occur at least annually from the time the student gains admission to doctoral candidacy. During these meetings, the committee should assess the student's progress toward the degree and discuss objectives for the following year and a timetable for completing degree requirements.
The committee conducts the final oral examination and determines whether the dissertation meets acceptable standards.
Membership on and subsequent changes in the doctoral committee must be approved by the program faculty, the department chairperson, and the Dean/Associate Dean.
Dissertation Overview
The dissertation overview is a written proposal and must be presented to the doctoral committee for approval after doctoral competency has been demonstrated.
(1) Identification of Topic and Selection of Adviser. When the student has identified a topic that may be developed into a dissertation overview, a faculty member is selected by the student, in consultation with the academic adviser, to serve as the research adviser. The research adviser must be a member of the Graduate Faculty and must be appropriate for the topic identified.
(2) Program Faculty Approval of Topic and Adviser. The student submits a brief summary of the topic identified and the name of the faculty member selected to be the research adviser to the program faculty. The program faculty may approve the faculty member selected by the student to be the research adviser or may suggest to the student that a different faculty member serve as the research adviser. If a different faculty member is suggested, the student must agree with the nomination before final approval is given by the program faculty.
(3) Selection of Doctoral Committee. After approval of the research adviser by the program faculty for the topic identified, the student and the research adviser meet to select additional members of the doctoral committee.
(4) Program and Department Approval of Doctoral Committee. The names of the proposed doctoral committee members and a description of the research to be done in the dissertation are submitted by the research adviser to the program faculty. The program faculty may approve the doctoral committee selected by the student and the research adviser or, after consultation with the student and adviser, may arrange for additional members to be included on the committee. If additional members are included on the committee, the student and the research adviser must be informed in writing of the additional members. After the program has approved the doctoral committee, the research adviser initiates the "Proposed Doctoral Committee" form, obtains the signature of the program coordinator, and submits the form to the department chairperson for department approval of the committee. The overview committee must be approved at least one month before the overview examination is scheduled.
(5) Review by Dean/Associate Dean. After the "Proposed Doctoral Committee" form is signed by the department chairperson, the form is submitted to the Office of Student Personnel Services. The Dean/Associate Dean must give final approval of the doctoral committee before the overview examination may be scheduled. After the "Proposed Doctoral Committee" form is signed by the Dean/Associate Dean, the original copy of the signed form is returned to the department.
(6) Approval of Research with Human Subjects. If the research proposed in the overview involves human subjects, that proposed research must be approved by the University Institutional Review Board (IRB) for the Protection of Human Subjects before it can be carried out. Information on materials that must be submitted and the procedures that must be followed for an IRB review are available in departmental offices and in the Office of Student Personnel Services.
(7) Initial Draft of Overview. The initial draft of the dissertation overview is prepared and submitted to the research adviser. Although not required, other members of the doctoral committee may agree to be involved at this stage.
(8) Revised Draft of Overview. Based on suggestions by the research adviser, a revised draft is prepared. The research adviser is responsible for seeing that the revised draft includes all appropriate parts, is prepared according to the general requirements set forth in the University's Style and Form Manual (available in the Office of Student Personnel Services) and specific departmental or program requirements, and is ready to be submitted to the other members of the doctoral committee. The student is responsible for the content and style.
(9) Committee Review. The revised draft of the overview must be distributed to the members of the doctoral committee at least two weeks before the overview examination is scheduled to be held. Should a committee member feel that further revision is necessary prior to the overview examination, that member may contact the research adviser and request further revision of the document and rescheduling of the overview examination. Agreement of the committee members to schedule the overview examination does not indicate approval of the document itself. It indicates only that the document is judged to provide an adequate justification for the overview examination.
(10) Scheduling of Overview Examination. Overview examinations may be scheduled during the fall and spring terms at any time except during the final two weeks of those terms. Under exceptional circumstances, overview examinations may be scheduled during the final two weeks of the fall or spring terms or during the summer term with the approval of the doctoral committee.
For an examination to be scheduled between the 1st and 15th of a month, all materials must be submitted to the Office of Student Personnel Services no later than the 15th of the preceding month. For an examination to be scheduled after the 15th of a month, all materials must be submitted to the Office of Student Personnel Services no later than the 1st of that month. A student must be registered in the term during which the overview examination is scheduled. In order to schedule an overview examination, the following materials must be submitted:
a. the name of the student;
b. the title of the overview;
c. the date, time, and place of the overview examination; and
d. the names of the research adviser and other approved doctoral committee members.
The Office of Student Personnel Services publishes an announcement of scheduled overview examinations on the 1st and 15th of each month.
(11) Overview Examination. The overview examination is conducted by the doctoral committee, is chaired by the research adviser, and is open to any faculty member of the Graduate Faculty of the University wishing to attend. Although any faculty member may participate in the examination, only members of the doctoral committee may be present during the final deliberation and vote on approving the overview.
In the event that an examination is scheduled at a time when one committee member cannot attend, written comments must be submitted by that member in advance of the meeting. If those comments are not available before the meeting, the meeting must be rescheduled. If a meeting is scheduled at a time when all committee members can attend, but one member is absent because of an unanticipated emergency, the meeting may be held, even if that member is unable to submit written comments before the meeting. No overview examination may be held when two or more committee members are absent from the scheduled meeting.
(12) Approval of the Overview. Each member of the doctoral committee must sign the overview form and vote on approving the overview. If the decision of the committee is not unanimous, the case is referred to the Dean/Associate Dean for resolution.
(13) Final Overview Document. After the overview is approved by the doctoral committee and the proposed research is approved by the IRB (if human subjects are involved), one copy is prepared in final form and is submitted to the Office of Student Personnel Services along with the signed overview form. If the proposed research involves human subjects, the letter from the IRB approving the research must also be submitted.
Advancement to Doctoral Candidacy
To be advanced to doctoral candidacy, a student must:
(1) have been advanced to doctoral study;
(2) have completed all formal course work on the approved Plan of Studies with a minimum QPA of 3.30 (transfer credits not considered);
(3) have demonstrated doctoral competency;
(4) have successfully completed the dissertation overview; and
(5) be recommended for advancement to doctoral candidacy by the academic adviser, the program, and the department.
The form recommending that a student be advanced to doctoral candidacy is initiated by the student's academic adviser, signed by the academic adviser, the program coordinator, and the department chairperson, and then sent to the Office of Student Personnel Services. After verification that all requirements have been met, the Dean/Associate Dean notifies the student of advancement to doctoral candidacy. Copies of the letter are sent to both the academic adviser and the department.
Dissertation
(1) Performing the Research. The student is to accomplish the proposed research according to the procedures described in the approved overview. Major changes require approval of the student and the doctoral committee.
(2) Registration. A minimum of 18 dissertation credits is required. Doctoral students who have completed all credit requirements for their degrees, including the minimum dissertation credit requirements, and are working full-time on their dissertations, may register for "Full-Time Dissertation Study" and pay a fixed fee of $500. The determination that the student is working full-time is made by the student and his or her adviser. All doctoral students must register for at least one credit during the 12-month period preceding graduation and must be registered for the term in which they are graduated.
(3) Filing the Application for Graduation. When the research has progressed to the point that it appears that the dissertation will be completed during a given term, the student should file an application for graduation with the Office of Student Personnel Services no later than ten calendar days after the beginning of that term. In the event that the dissertation is not completed in that term, the process must be repeated.
(4) Initial Draft of Dissertation. The initial draft of the dissertation is prepared and submitted to the research adviser. Other members of the doctoral committee may agree to be involved at this stage, if they so choose.
(5) Revised Draft of Dissertation. Based on suggestions by the research adviser, a revised draft is prepared. The research adviser is responsible for seeing that the revised draft includes all appropriate parts, is prepared according to the general requirements set forth in the University Style and Form Manual (available in the Office of Student Personnel Services) and specific departmental or program requirements, and is ready to be submitted to the other members of the doctoral committee. The student is responsible for the content and style.
(6) Committee Review. The revised draft of the dissertation must be distributed to the members of the doctoral committee at least two weeks before the dissertation defense is scheduled to be held. Should a committee member feel that further revision is necessary prior to the dissertation defense, that member may contact the research adviser and request further revision of the document and rescheduling of the dissertation defense. Agreement of the committee members to schedule the dissertation defense does not indicate approval of the document itself. It indicates only that the document is judged to provide an adequate justification for the dissertation defense.
(7) Scheduling of Dissertation Defense. Dissertation defenses may be scheduled during the fall and spring terms at any time except during the final two weeks of those terms. Under exceptional circumstances, dissertation defenses may be scheduled during the final two weeks of the fall or spring terms or during the summer term with the approval of the doctoral committee.
For a dissertation defense to be scheduled between the 1st and 15th of a month, all materials must be submitted to the Office of Student Personnel Services no later than the 15th of the preceding month. For a defense to be scheduled after the 15th of a month, all materials must be submitted to the Office of Student Personnel Services no later than the 1st of that month. In order to schedule a dissertation defense, the following materials must be submitted:
a. the name of the student;
b. the title of the dissertation;
c. the date, time, and place of the dissertation defense;
d. the names of the research adviser and other approved doctoral committee members; and
e. a copy of the revised draft of the dissertation as certified by the research adviser.
The Office of Student Personnel Services publishes an announcement of scheduled dissertation defenses on the 1st and 15th of each month.
(8) Inspection of Dissertation. The dissertation may be inspected at the Office of Student Personnel Services by any faculty member.
(9) Dissertation Defense. The dissertation defense is conducted by the doctoral committee, is chaired by the research adviser, and is open to any member of the Graduate Faculty of the University wishing to attend. Although any faculty member may participate in the examination, only members of the doctoral committee may be present during the final deliberation and vote to pass or fail the student.
In the event that a dissertation defense is scheduled at a time when one committee member cannot attend, written comments must be submitted by that member in advance of the meeting. If those comments are not available before the meeting, the meeting must be rescheduled. If a meeting is scheduled at a time when all committee members can attend but one member is absent because of an unanticipated emergency, the meeting may be held, even if that member is unable to submit written comments before the meeting. No dissertation defense may be held when two or more committee members are absent from the scheduled meeting. Dissertation defenses must be held at announced dates and times unless special permission is obtained from the Dean/Associate Dean.
(10) Passing the Dissertation Defense. Each member of the doctoral committee must sign the dissertation defense form and vote to pass or fail the student on the dissertation defense. If the decision of the committee is not unanimous, the case is referred to the Dean/Associate Dean for resolution.
(11) Final Dissertation Document. After the student passes the dissertation defense, the dissertation is prepared in final form. The dissertation must be prepared according to the general requirements set forth in the University's Style and Form Manual (available in the Office of Student Personnel Services) and specific departmental or program requirements. The research adviser must ensure that the dissertation is in final form before requesting signatures of the other members of the committee on the dissertation approval form.
(12) Submission Requirements and Fees. At least one week prior to the end of the term, one unbound copy of the dissertation is submitted in final form to the Office of Student Personnel Services along with the following materials:
a. signed dissertation defense form;
b. signed dissertation approval form;
c. four copies of the dissertation abstract, the first of which is signed by the research adviser;
d. completed University Microfilms International Agreement Form;
e. completed Survey of Earned Doctorate Form; and
f. receipt from Student Accounts for payment of the binding and microfilm fees.
Information concerning requirements for preparing the abstract, the forms to be completed, and the amount of the fees to be paid is available in the Office of Student Personnel Services. The dissertation and abstract will be examined by the Office of Student Personnel Services to see that they are prepared in an acceptable form and style. Any question about form or style will be referred to the Dean/Associate Dean for review and final decision.
(13) Publication of the Dissertation. Research submitted as the dissertation is free from any restrictions concerning publication by the student, other than the author's copyright, provided that due acknowledgment is made to the University. No form of publication, however, relieves the student of the responsibility for supplying the abstract and the complete copy of the dissertation for binding and deposit in the library.
Procedures for Faculty Challenge
An individual Graduate Faculty member has the right to challenge the eligibility of any student who is proceeding toward a doctoral degree. The procedure is as follows:
(1) A Graduate Faculty member may challenge a student's eligibility for and/or progress toward graduation (i.e., distribution of courses, QPA, overview advancement to doctoral candidacy, acceptance of doctoral dissertation) by submitting to the Office of Student Personnel Services a signed challenge setting forth the reasons.
(2) The Dean/Associate Dean forwards a copy of the signed challenge to both the academic and dissertation advisers and to the student to give them the opportunity to clarify or correct the conditions precipitating the challenge. Every effort is made to resolve the challenge at this point. If it cannot be resolved, steps 3 to 7 are to be pursued.
(3) Since such a challenge is faculty initiated, a school-wide Graduate Faculty committee is used as the hearing body. Such a committee is composed of five members of the Graduate Faculty appointed by the Dean/Associate Dean.
(4) The Dean/Associate Dean notifies the student of the hearing and submits the unresolved written challenge to the chairperson of the Hearing Committee, who convenes the committee. It is the responsibility of the academic and research advisers, along with the student, to be present at the hearing to respond to the challenge.
(5) The Dean/Associate Dean presents all pertinent information and the record of the case to the Hearing Committee.
(6) The Hearing Committee deliberates the case, seeking all additional information it deems necessary, and then makes a decision based on majority vote. A record shall be made of the procedures used to arrive at a decision.
(7) The report of the Hearing Committee is sent to the Dean/Associate Dean for action. Copies of the report will be sent to all parties involved.
Graduation Requirements
Graduation with a doctoral degree requires: (a) an application for graduation filed at the beginning of the term of graduation; (b) full graduate status; (c) advancement to doctoral candidacy; (d) a completed dissertation on file in the Office of Student Personnel Services.
All doctoral students must register for at least one credit during the 12-month period preceding graduation and must be registered in the term in which they are graduated.
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