Graduate Studies

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GRADUATE DEGREES GRANTED

Leadership (MA)

SCHOOL OF ARTS & LETTERS

English (MA)
Music (MA)

SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

Accountancy (MAc)

SCHOOL OF HEALTH SCIENCES & EDUCATION

Each of these programs at Truman State University is highly selective in its admission standards and provides a high-quality graduate educational experience. Truman master’s programs prepare graduates for leadership positions within a specific professional career, for further studies at the doctoral level, or for entry-level positions in a specific field (for example, focusing on research, performance or college teaching).

Truman’s Graduate Program Objectives are:

1. To graduate master’s degree students who possess the appropriate depth of knowledge in specific disciplines.
2. To graduate master’s degree students qualified to enter and succeed in doctoral programs at leading universities.
3. To graduate master’s degree students able to perform in appropriate professional and academic positions.
4. To graduate master’s degree students who exhibit the attributes of a liberally educated person.

Graduate admission and academic administration are centralized at Truman’s Graduate Office. The Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs (EVPAA) and Provost coordinate the graduate programs in cooperation with the School Deans. Each program has a faculty member who serves as a Graduate Program Director and a faculty representative who serves on the Graduate Council.

Although most information pertaining to graduate students is found in the following information, general information of use to graduate students may also be found in other sections of this catalog (e.g., Student Services, Student Involvement, etc.).

CLASSIFICATION OF APPLICANTS

1. Degree-seeking students are those who intend to pursue a degree, have submitted the required application form and all supporting materials, and have met the scholastic requirements for admission to a program.*
2. Non-degree seeking students are persons who are interested in taking undergraduate or graduate courses but are not interested in pursuing a degree. 
3. Undergraduate Seniors desiring to take courses for graduate credit may take two graduate courses for up to 8 credit hours before receiving their Bachelor’s degree unless an exception is stipulated by a specific graduate program.* The students must meet the graduate performance standards demanded in the course and will be charged graduate tuition rates for any graduate courses they enroll in. Eligibility criteria are:
   • Lack 30 credits or fewer for meeting baccalaureate degree requirements;
   • Have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.00 at the end of the term preceding the semester in which they wish to take a course for graduate credit.

*Note: See Graduate Substitution/Inclusion Form under Academic Procedures and Registration. Students should consult the program description and policies of the applicable graduate program to determine whether exceptions to the customary limits apply.

Concurrent Enrollment in Baccalaureate and Graduate Degree Programs

Select Truman graduate programs, and partnerships with graduate programs at other institutions, may establish conditions whereby graduate credits may be applied simultaneously to both an undergraduate and graduate degree. In these instances, undergraduate students who have completed both the core and major requirements of the baccalaureate degree (unless an exception is stipulated by a specific undergraduate program), but have not yet earned the total hours required for graduation, may enroll in graduate coursework and have the credits earned apply to both the undergraduate and graduate degree. Upon completion of all of the requirements for the undergraduate degree, the bachelor’s degree shall be awarded. The graduate degree shall be awarded upon completion of all graduate degree requirements.

The goal of such programs and partnerships is to accelerate the path to completion of both the bachelor’s and master’s degree – particularly, but not exclusively, in those fields where a master’s degree is the preferred credential for employment or licensure.

To be eligible to apply graduate credit toward the completion of an undergraduate degree, students must:

1. Be admitted to a Truman graduate program or partnership with a graduate institution which has been approved by the University for concurrent enrollment.
2. Have earned at least 90 credits toward their baccalaureate degree.
3. Receive the approval of their undergraduate advisor and the graduate director or department chair of their chosen graduate program, whichever is applicable.

Programs offering this option will describe a recommended plan of work for timely completion of both degrees in the applicable sections of the catalog and may prescribe additional conditions for being admitted to the graduate program while still completing the baccalaureate degree. Students approved for concurrent enrollment will pay graduate tuition rates for all graduate credits attempted. Unless specifically prohibited by the terms of the scholarship, Truman financial aid will apply only to the value of undergraduate tuition and the difference in cost will be incurred by the student.

Despite being enrolled in graduate coursework, concurrently enrolled students will not be considered to have earned the bachelor’s degree until they have completed all of the requirements of the bachelor’s degree, including assessment requirements and clearance materials, as described below. Likewise, concurrently enrolled students will not be considered graduate students until they have completed the requirements of the bachelor’s degree.

GRADUATE PROGRAM ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS & PROCEDURES

Admission for applicants who have a bachelor’s degree and intend to pursue a master’s degree is based upon acceptance by the respective program’s admission committee. Preferential acceptance is given to those students who possess a 3.00 undergraduate GPA or above and acceptable test scores. Students who have received less than a 2.75 undergraduate GPA are generally not eligible for admission.

Full admission to a graduate program at Truman State University is selective and is based on the following criteria:

1. A bachelor’s degree or master’s degree from an accredited college or university.
2. An acceptable score on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Examination or the GRE Subject Examination and/or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) as required by the admitting program.  The GRE is required only for the MA in Communication Disorders and the MA in Leadership graduate programs.  The GMAT is required for Master of Accountancy applicants who did not receive their Accounting or Business Administration undergraduate degree from Truman State University.
3. Three letters of recommendation (only one required for MAc).
4. If required, interview by the admitting program.
5. Individual programs may have further requirements for admission. Any requirements specific to the program are listed in the individual program’s description in this catalog.
6. Degree-seeking students admitted to a graduate program must enroll and begin classes at Truman State University during one of the following three terms after receiving official notice of acceptance from the Graduate Office, or re-apply.

The procedures to apply to a graduate program are as follows:

1. The student must file a complete application including a personal statement, three letters of recommendation (one for MAc), and pay a $40.00 application fee. The application can be found online on the Graduate Studies website.
2. The student must submit official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate credit. Unofficial transcripts are accepted for the application process, but final, official transcripts must be received by the time an admitted student begins classes. The transcripts should be sent to the Graduate Office at Truman State University.
3. The student must submit official GRE/GMAT test scores to the Graduate Office as required by the admitting program.  The GRE is required only for the MA in Communication Disorders and the MA in Leadership.  The GMAT is required for Master of Accountancy applicants who did not receive their undergraduate degree from Truman State University.
4. The application materials will be forwarded to the appropriate department.
5. The admission committee and Program Director will evaluate the application materials and will notify the Dean of the School of the recommendation and of any additional requirements for admission.
6. The Dean of the School will consider the recommendations and make the final decision. The Graduate Office will notify the student via the application portal of the admission decision.

Deadlines for receipt of graduate application materials by the Graduate Office for all programs are as follows (all materials, including official exam scores and letters of recommendation, must be received by the Graduate Office by these dates):

1. For the spring semester: November 1.
2. For the summer term: April 1.
3. For the fall semester: June 1* (except for MAE applicants, for whom this deadline is April 1).

*Students who wish to apply for a GTRA position should submit all application materials by February 15. Most programs will begin reviewing GTRA applications on that date. Please see the information about Graduate Teaching/Research Assistantships in the Financial Aid part of this section of the catalog for more details.

APPLYING FOR A SECOND MASTER’S DEGREE

Anyone who has already been admitted to one graduate program and wants to pursue an additional graduate degree must complete a full application to the second graduate program and be admitted according to the second program’s criteria. Although some graduate credits and degree requirements may overlap, the student must meet requirements of both programs to receive both degrees.

ADMISSION OF STUDENTS WITH DIAGNOSED LEARNING DISABILITIES

Students with diagnosed learning disabilities apply and are considered for admission to the University in the same manner as any other applicant and must meet the same admission standards. Applicants may submit scores from a non-standard (e.g., extended time) administration of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) to be used in evaluating credentials for admission.

More information about programs and services available to admitted students can be found in the Disability Services section of the Student Services page of the Catalog.

INTERNATIONAL GRADUATE STUDENT ADMISSION

An international student is defined as any applicant who is not a citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States, or who has two years or less experience with the American educational system, regardless of immigration status. All international graduate student applicants must comply with the guidelines and policies listed below.

Under University policy, Truman State University may not enroll a student who is unlawfully present in the United States. All students must provide proof of lawful presence in the United States prior to enrollment.

Graduate Studies Incentive for Truman International Graduates

International students who have earned an undergraduate degree or completed an exchange program at Truman State University qualify for a waiver of the out-of-state portion of tuition for graduate studies at Truman. Applications for this waiver may be submitted to the Graduate Office after the undergraduate degree is awarded or the exchange program is completed for every semester enrolled. The waiver applies to “future” tuition and fees only and may not be approved retroactively. Contact gradinfo@truman.edu for a copy of this application.

Minimum application requirements for international students include:

1. Official TOEFL score of 79 or above on the Internet-based TOEFL (550 or above on the paper-based TOEFL) or the equivalent as deemed appropriate by the University on the SAT, ACT, IELTS or other standard measure of English and academic ability.
2. The International Student Application for Admission.
3. Official results or transcripts, in English, for all secondary school coursework, pre-college preparation coursework and college or university-level coursework.
4. Official copies of diplomas and degrees.
5. Application for the specific graduate program if required.
6. Official GRE or GMAT scores as required by the specific program.
7. The Certificate of Financial Support with supporting bank documents.

To obtain and maintain course registration for the semester, the international student must complete the following requirements:

1. Complete the Truman English Placement Test(s) immediately upon arrival on campus.
2. Enroll in the English support course(s) indicated by the outcome of the Truman English Placement Test(s).
   1. Please note that English support courses must be taken “for credit”. The courses are not offered “Pass/Fail” and may not be changed to “Credit/No Credit”.
3. Pay tuition and fees IN FULL the first week of each semester.
4. Purchase the University approved health insurance plan.
5. Make any deposits or prepayments required by the University and the International Student Affairs Office.
6. Know that all students are responsible for maintaining their legal immigration status.
7. Undergo the required TB testing upon arrival on campus.

ADMISSION FOR NON-DEGREE SEEKING STUDENTS

Students who wish to take a graduate course, but who do not wish to apply to a graduate program, should apply as a Non-Degree Seeking Graduate Student. Any student who possesses a Bachelor’s degree should use this application - even if they intend to enroll in an individual course at the undergraduate level. Helpful instructions on the non-degree seeking application can be found here.

GRADUATE TEACHING/RESEARCH ASSISTANTSHIPS

The University offers a number of Graduate Teaching/Research Assistantships (GTRAs) in the master’s degree programs in Accountancy, Biology, Education, English, and Music. The recipient of an assistantship is awarded a cash stipend (amount varies) and a tuition waiver for up to nine graduate credits per academic semester. All books, supplies, student fees and special course fees are the responsibility of the student. The appointee is most often contracted to work on a quarter-time basis. Graduate Assistants are not eligible for other university employment during the GTRA contract period.

Requirements:

1. Minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0;
2. Satisfactory score(s) on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General and/or Subject tests or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) as determined by each program;
3. Degree-seeking graduate student status.

Application Process

GTRA applicants must complete an admission application before they will be considered for the assistantship. Intent to pursue the assistantship must be indicated on the application form, or submitted in writing if the student has already been admitted. Renewal of the GTRA may be recommended by program faculty.

As with any admission application, once all materials for an assistantship are complete, they will be forwarded to the relevant Program Director. Materials will be forwarded to the Graduate Office as either recommended or denied. The EVPAA and Provost will review recommended application materials and, if in agreement with the recommendation to award the assistantship, will forward to the President of the University. The President will review the materials and, if in agreement, will approve the appointment. The Graduate Office will then notify the student and issue the contract.

Special Rules for GTRAs

Graduate Teaching/Research Assistants with academic year appointments are required to carry a combined total of 15 credits of graduate courses per academic year (a minimum of 9 credits in the fall semester and 6 credits in the spring). GTRAs with one semester appointments are required to carry a minimum of nine graduate credits for the semester they are under contract. All GTRAs must maintain a 3.00 graduate grade point average.

All GTRAs with teaching duties are subject to the same faculty responsibilities, practices and policies as regular faculty members. Teaching assistants should refer to the University’s Faculty Handbook for current practices, policies and procedures, and to the Dean of their School for any questions about department-specific practices, policies and procedures. GTRAs are not eligible for other University employment during the contract period.

In compliance with section 170.012 of the Missouri statutes, graduate students who have not received both primary and secondary education in a nation or territory in which English is the primary language, shall not be given a teaching appointment during their first semester. In order to teach after that time, the student must pass an English Proficiency exam.

FELLOWSHIPS, SCHOLARSHIPS, LOANS, AND STUDENT EMPLOYMENT

Midwest Student Exchange Program

Truman State University participates in the Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP). Accepted graduate students who are residents of Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, or Wisconsin are eligible for the MSEP tuition reduction. Recipients receive a reduced out-of-state tuition rate, currently 150% of in-state tuition.

The Midwest Student Exchange Program discount may be combined with most other Truman State University scholarships, the total of which cannot exceed the combination of the MSEP tuition rate plus on-campus room and board. Status in the Midwest Student Exchange Program is renewed automatically for students who maintain good standing and full-time enrollment. Participation for each individual is limited to four semesters for graduate students.

To be eligible for MSEP, a student must meet the following criteria:

1. Be a legal resident of Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, or Wisconsin.
2. Be an admitted graduate student.

Graduate students can obtain further information about MSEP eligibility through the Graduate Office.

Fellowships/Scholarships

A limited number of fellowships/scholarships are available in certain disciplines. Information and applications are available on request from Graduate Program Directors, or the appropriate Department Office.

Foundation Scholarships

Gifts made to Truman State University Foundation provide for over 350 annual and endowed scholarships. These scholarships are available to full-time students, including graduate students, in varying amounts and are based on a wide variety of criteria. Scholarships are awarded during the spring semester to be used the following academic year. Current students can apply online via TruView (truview.truman.edu) by clicking on the Student tab, Student Finances, Scholarships, Financial Aid & Loans. , Foundation Scholarships. The application deadline is usually in March. For more information, contact the Advancement Office at 1-800-452-6678.

Loss of Scholarships for Disciplinary Reasons

Recipients of scholarships are expected to display good citizenship and to observe the rules established by the University to guide student conduct. Serious misconduct in violation of such rules shall be grounds for the suspension, revocation, or non-renewal of any or all scholarships held by a student. The Financial Aid Director is authorized to suspend or revoke a scholarship, or to refuse the renewal of such a scholarship, upon notice to the student of his or her alleged misconduct and after affording the student an opportunity to be heard. The action of the Financial Aid Director may be taken in conjunction with, or independent of, an investigation and adjudication by the Vice President of Student Affairs for the purpose of disciplinary action against the student.

Loans

The basic purpose of the federal and state government aid programs at Truman State University is to provide encouragement through financial assistance to those students who might not otherwise be able to attend college. Every effort is made to consider the individual needs of each applicant. Sufficient assistance is not always available through one source, but often a combination or “package” may be possible.

Government aid applications take time to process, and funds are in limited supply. It is important to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as early as possible: www.fafsa.ed.gov. Early application and accuracy in completing the forms will ensure consideration for all campus aid programs.

Graduate students receiving financial aid for full-time attendance must be enrolled in at least 9 credits per semester. To receive aid as a part-time student, the Financial Aid Office must be notified. To continue receiving aid, normal academic progress must be shown so that the degree goals can be reached in the usual allotted time. Information about the academic progress policy will be given to aid recipients at the time of their aid-award notice. Other students interested in applying for student financial aid in the future may obtain a copy of the policy at the Financial Aid Office or online at http://www.truman.edu/admission-cost/cost-aid/office-of-financial-aid. All must meet these criteria to receive consideration.

The Financial Aid Office website is http://financialaid.truman.edu and can be referred to for specific financial aid information. Information on federal student financial aid programs can be found at http://FederalStudentAid.ed.gov. State of Missouri financial aid information can be found at http://www.dhe.mo.gov.

International students who have earned an undergraduate degree or completed an exchange program at Truman State University qualify for a waiver of the out-of-state portion of tuition for graduate studies at Truman. Applications for this waiver may be submitted to the Graduate Office after the undergraduate degree is awarded or the exchange program is completed for every semester enrolled. The waiver applies to “future” tuition and fees only and may not be approved retroactively. Contact gradinfo@truman.edu for a copy of this application.

More complete information on fees is outlined in the Fees and Financial Aid section of this catalog.

PAYMENT METHOD

Fees are subject to revision by the Board of Governors. Payment may be made by MasterCard, Discover, American Express, cash, or check. Checks should be made payable to Truman State University.

GRADUATION FEES

The fees below do not include the cost of the cap, gown, and tassel which are sold at the Truman Bookstore located in the Student Union Building. Fees are to be paid during the last semester in residence before the degree is conferred.

Graduation fee

$40.00

More complete information on academic policies and procedures is outlined in some of the other opening pages of this catalog.

ACADEMIC CALENDAR

The University academic year is divided into fall and spring semesters, a summer term, and December, May, and August Interims. The summer term classes are generally of five or eight weeks in length. Interim session offerings are three weeks in length. Admission to Truman may be effected at the beginning of any semester or term.

ACADEMIC ADVISING

Upon acceptance, the student will be assigned to the Program Director, who will act as advisor, or designate other graduate faculty from their department to serve in that role.

GRADUATE COURSE NUMBERS

The 500-699G classification indicates that a graduate performance level is demanded in the course. Five hundred-level courses may be taken for undergraduate (5XX courses) or graduate credit (5XXG courses). Six hundred-level courses (6XXG) are for graduate credit only.

GRADUATE COURSE LOAD CREDITS AND THE SEMESTER HOUR

The unit of academic credit at Truman State University is the semester hour. A semester hour is based on 15 hours of lecture and/or recitation. A graduate student commonly completes 18 to 24 credits in an academic year. A typical class carries 3 or 4 credits. The terms semester hour and credit are synonymous.

LOAD POLICY FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS

For graduate students a normal graduate course load (for fall and spring semesters) is 9-12 credits. Nine credits must be taken to be considered a full-time student for financial aid and other purposes, including veteran benefits. Six credits must be taken to be considered half-time.

The maximum standard graduate class load (for fall and spring semesters) is 15 credits. Graduate students must obtain permission from the Registrar’s Office to enroll in 16 graduate credits or more.  An overload fee is charged for more than 15 credits.

For any combination of five-week or eight-week summer sessions, the minimum number of credits required for full-time status is six credits. The maximum course load for a single five-week session is six credits, and the maximum course load for an eight-week session is fourteen credits.

For graduate students enrolled under Public Law 89-358 (Veteran’s Educational Assistance), 9 graduate credits (for fall and spring semesters and eight-week summer sessions) or 3 graduate credits (for five-week sessions) are required for maximum benefits.

Graduate Teaching/Research Assistants with academic year appointments are required to carry a combined total of 15 credits of graduate courses per academic year (a minimum of 9 credits in the fall semester and 6 credits in the spring). GTRAs with one semester appointments are required to carry a minimum of nine graduate credits for the semester they are under contract. Any deviation from this rule, regardless of the circumstances, must be approved by the EVPAA and Provost.

GRADUATE SUBSTITUTION/INCLUSION FORM

The Graduate Substitution/Inclusion Form is required for the following:

1. graduate credits completed before admission to be included for the degree (a maximum of 6 credits or two courses totaling no more than 8 credits), and/or
2. substitutions (from Truman or from another university) for courses explicitly required for the degree.

If any of these items apply, the graduate student must submit the Graduate Substitution/Inclusion Form to their Program Director before applying for graduation. If approval for the above items is not on file, the graduation application will be denied.

TRANSFER CREDIT

Graduate students may include up to 6 credits (or up to 8 credits for 2 courses) of transfer credit in the master’s degree.

All graduate transfer credit must be completed, with a final official transcript submitted to the Graduate Office, at least one semester before the degree is to be conferred. Approval for transfer courses to be included in the master’s degree must be obtained via the Graduate Substitution/Inclusion form.

CHANGE OF MAJOR

A graduate student who wishes to change his or her graduate major after admission to a graduate program as a degree-seeking student should make a formal application to the Graduate Office. The application will be forwarded to the admissions committee of the new graduate program for action in accordance with the procedures for admission of new students.

REPEAT COURSES AND MINIMUM GRADE POLICY

A graduate student may repeat one course (of 4 credits or less) in which a “D” or an “F” was received. When a course is repeated, both grades remain on the record and both grades are used by Truman State University in determining the grade point average. The initial “D” or “F” continues to be counted by Truman State University toward the “Grades Below Average” policy.

IN PROGRESS

The grade of “IP” (in Progress) is assigned only in cases such as graduate readings or thesis courses when it is expected that more than one semester will be required for completion. All “in Progress” must be resolved prior to graduation.

GRADUATE TRANSCRIPT CORRECTIONS

Student requests for transcript corrections, e.g. grade, grade type, course number, level (undergraduate to graduate), etc., will not be considered more than two years after the issue of the grade(s), unless the grade appeal process has been activated but not yet resolved for the course(s) in question.

GRADUATE ACADEMIC WAIVER REQUEST

The graduate academic policies and procedures set forth by the faculty governing bodies and the EVPAA and Provost are intended to communicate the high standards and expectations for the degree and to provide direction as the student progresses in the degree program. In certain cases, the student may wish to request a waiver of a specific academic policy or procedure. An academic waiver request will not be recognized by the Graduate Office without the approval signatures of 1) the graduate advisor, 2) the appropriate Academic Dean, and 3) the EVPAA and Provost. Any graduate student considering a waiver request should consult with his or her advisor before submitting any written request.

DATE OF CATALOG FOR CHECKING CREDITS

Students should use the corresponding Catalog and forms from the year they began their program as a degree-seeking student.

The date of the General/Graduate Catalog by which credits are checked may not be more than five years earlier than the date of the issuance of the degree. A student may not be checked by a catalog dated earlier than the time of his or her entrance. If a student’s work is interrupted by required service in the armed forces, an extension of time will be allowed equal to the period of interruption.

CAPSTONE EXPERIENCE

Thesis

The thesis may be of a research, expository, or critical nature. It must show evidence of a thorough knowledge of original sources. The selection of the topic is to be made with the agreement of the student and the advisor and/or program committee or determined by the discipline and must be approved by the Dean of the School.

The respective disciplines will inform students about acceptable style manuals and other procedures for the thesis. The student must work closely with the thesis advisor and must adhere to the procedures outlined in the “Master’s Thesis Guidelines” (available online).

1. Thesis Committee Approval Form
   A Thesis Committee Approval Form must be submitted to the Graduate Office at least one semester prior to the expected completion date.
2. Thesis Defense/Written Comprehensive Exam
   For those students who submit a thesis, the comprehensive examination shall include an oral defense of the thesis. Programs may also require a written comprehensive examination. The examining committee should include the student’s advisor and not fewer than two other graduate faculty members.
3. Thesis Committee
   The thesis examination committee is chaired by the student’s thesis advisor and includes at least one other graduate faculty member from the discipline in which the thesis was written and one graduate faculty member from another discipline approved by the Dean of the School. The student is responsible for submitting the names of the departmental and external thesis committee members to the Dean of the School for approval, and the committee chair may assist in notifying the committee members of the time and place of the examination. The thesis committee chair is responsible for reporting the committee’s approval of the finished thesis to the Dean of the School and the Graduate Office via the “Report of the Examining Committee” form.
4. Scheduling the Examination
   The examination shall not be earlier than seven days after the members of the committee receive copies of the thesis and not later than three weeks prior to the commencement at which the student expects to receive the degree. Results of the examination are forwarded by the thesis advisor to the Graduate Office at least one week prior to commencement.
5. Submission of the Thesis
   All corrections or changes required by the committee and the Dean of the School must be made before the thesis can be accepted by the Graduate Office. Thesis are submitted electronically. Detailed instructions are available on the Graduate Office site within TruView. After submitting the final thesis via ProQuest, the student must present a signed, original Thesis Approval sheet.

After the degree has been granted, and thesis fully approved, it will be published by ProQuest based on options selected by the student.

Other Culminating Experience

Depending on the program, the graduate capstone requirement may be met through activities other than submission of a thesis. Examples include: comprehensive exams, submission of a portfolio, research project, case study, or equivalent. 

GRADUATION APPLICATION AND PROCEDURES

An Online Application for Graduation must be completed at least one semester prior to the expected date of graduation. A Graduate Substitution/Inclusion Form indicating approval for all exceptions be on file in the Graduate Office before the Application for Graduation will be approved by the Graduate Office. Approval of the Application for Graduation is based upon:

1. Admission to a graduate program.
2. Successful completion of all graduate coursework and all other requirements for the specific graduate program.
3. Approval of all:
   1. graduate credits earned before admission to be included in the major, and/or
   2. substitutions (from Truman or from another university) for courses explicitly required in the degree program. Approval for these items may be requested using a Graduate Substitution/Inclusion Form.
4. The following additional requirements:
   1. Residence Credit Requirement
      The period for graduate study must include a period of residence work. Residence for graduate students is defined as: 1) completion of a minimum load of 9 graduate credits during one semester; 2) being available during that period for conferences with instructors, work in the library or laboratory and similar out-of-class experiences. Any waiver of this requirement must be approved by the advisor, Dean of the School, and the EVPAA and Provost.
   2. Transfer
      A maximum of 6 credits or two courses totaling no more than 8 credits of transfer credit may be applied toward the master’s degree with the approval of the student’s graduate advisor and the Dean of the School. Formal approval is obtained with the Graduate Substitution/Inclusion Form. The transfer credit must be from an accredited institution offering graduate degrees. An official transcript for the transfer credit must be submitted to the Graduate Office by the Application for Graduation deadline. When the transcript and Graduate Substitution/Inclusion Form are received in the Graduate Office, the request will be considered by the EVPAA and Provost. The Application for Graduation will not be approved until all transfer credit has been approved. 
   3. Workshop/In-Service
      No in-service or workshop courses may be applied toward a master’s degree.
   4. Correspondence Credit
      No correspondence credit is allowed as part of a master’s degree.
   5. Course Number Requirements
      At least 50 percent of the credits must be taken in academic work at the level of 600 or above.
   6. Credits and Time Limitation
      Credit for courses which were completed more than six years prior to the granting of the degree are not allowed as credit toward the degree. An additional year may be taken for completion of the thesis. The minimum number of credits for graduate programs ranges from 30 to 42 hours.
   7. Incomplete/In Progress Grades
      For graduate students, “Incomplete” or “In Progress” grades are allowed to remain on the transcript after graduation only if they are not required for the degree to be conferred (for example, they may remain for an additional graduate degree which is not yet complete.) However, if the course(s) is/are not completed within 7 years, the grade(s) will be changed to “F”.
   8. Grade Point Average
      A graduate GPA of 3.0 is required for graduation at the time the degree is granted.
   9. Repeat Courses
      A graduate student may repeat one course (of 4 credits or less) in which a “D” or an “F” was received. When a course is repeated, both grades remain on the record and both grades are used by Truman State University in determining the grade point average. The initial “D” or “F” continues to be counted by Truman State University toward the “Grades Below Average” policy. 
   10. Pass/Fail
       No courses in which the grade was pass/fail can be applied toward a degree except the Internships and the MAE Research requirement.
   11. Credit/No Credit
       The Credit/No Credit grading option applies only to undergraduate credit. Pre-MAE students should be advised that courses used to meet state certification requirements cannot be taken Credit/No Credit.
   12. Culminating Experience and Examinations
       All approved candidates shall successfully complete a comprehensive examination, thesis examination, research project, case study or equivalent. The comprehensive examination may be written and/or oral. The type of examination is determined by department policy. The comprehensive examination is usually taken during the last semester of study. Permission to sit for the exam is granted by the department. Students must have attained a 3.0 graduate GPA before taking the exam. The results of each examination will be reported in writing to the EVPAA and Provost, and to the examinee, on or before the designated deadline (one week before the degree is to be conferred).

GRADUATION PROCEDURES SUMMARY

1. An Online Application for Graduation must be completed at least one semester before the degree is to be conferred. Students in the Master of Arts in Leadership program must also submit their approved Specialization Plan. In the event a student’s application for the degree is not approved, the student must correct any deficiencies to re-activate the application. An application may be re-activated during the first four weeks of the graduation semester. After that time, the student will be considered for the following semester’s commencement.
2. Thesis writers must submit a completed Thesis Committee Approval Form to accompany the Application for Graduation. If the thesis is to be completed before the graduation semester, the Thesis Committee Approval Form must be submitted at least one semester prior to thesis completion. The Master’s Thesis Guidelines booklet must be used for correct formatting of the thesis (available online).
3. Graduation clearance instructions are sent to each candidate approved for graduation approximately 3-4 weeks prior to the expected date of graduation by the Graduate Office.
4. All required materials for thesis processing must be submitted to the Graduate Office by the specified deadline.
5. The comprehensive/thesis exam will be given on the date set by the advisor and student. (For guidelines regarding the scheduling of thesis exams, see the Thesis section above.)
6. Master’s degrees are conferred in May, August, and December.

COMMENCEMENT CEREMONIES

Commencement exercises are held at the end of the fall and spring semesters. To participate in the commencement ceremony, students must have an approved graduation application on file in the Graduate Office, and must have been cleared to graduate pending the satisfactory completion of final degree requirements.

May and December degree candidates should be present for commencement except under unusual circumstances, and should usually participate in commencement at the end of the semester during which they complete their degree. May and December degree candidates may petition to participate in a later commencement ceremony by filing a petition through the Registrar’s Office. May and December degree candidates may not participate in the commencement ceremony in a semester earlier than their semester of graduation.

August degree candidates can participate in the May commencement ceremony immediately prior to their August graduation if a graduation application is received by the Graduate Office prior to April 15, or in the December commencement ceremony following their August graduation. August degree candidates must notify the Graduate Office and the Registrar’s Office of the commencement ceremony in which they wish to participate.