academic probation phd

UC Davis Graduate Studies

• Academic Probation

Academic Probation Topics

Reaching good standing.

• Notice & Next Steps
• U Grade Probation
• Employment & Fellowships
• Taking a Leave

Withdrawal & Readmission

Disqualification, academic probation (ap).

Graduate students are considered to be in good academic standing when they have a term and cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better, have less than 9 units of U, F, or I grades, and are making satisfactory progress towards their degree.  When those conditions are not met, students are assigned academic probation status.  Probation status is assigned to students automatically in the electronic campus system.  Academic probation status begins after grades have posted for the previous quarter, and continues until the student meets the requirements for good standing.  

Reasons for Academic Probation

There are three reasons students are assigned probationary status for not being in good academic standing.  

• Term GPA (individual quarter) below 3.0.
• Cumulative GPA below 3.0.
• Nine (9) or more cumulative units of Unsatisfactory (U), Incomplete (I), or Failing (F) grades

Three Types of Status Notation

There are three status notations that can be assigned to students who are not in good standing: Academic Probation, Probation Continued, and Subject to Disqualification. 

• Academic Probation - see section above for criteria - Assigned for the initial quarter in which the student is not in good standing, and in non-consecutive subsequent quarters in which the student is not in good standing.  
• Probation Continued - After the initial quarter on academic probation, probation continued status is assigned to consecutive quarters in which the student is not in good standing.  
• Status is assigned automatically by the campus system. Graduate Studies does not consider students who received an I grade in their only term course to be subject to disqualification or on academic probation status if the student isn't otherwise eligible.   

Being assigned Subject to Disqualification status does not mean you are going to be disqualified, but it shows there are serious concerns in your academic work.  Meet with your Graduate Advisor right away to discuss program expectations and what you can do to meet them.

Transcript Notation

A student's current academic standing is notated at the end of the Official Transcript.  Official Transcripts for students on academic probation or subject to disqualification status read "STUDENT NOT IN GOOD ACADEMIC STANDING."  The notation will be updated to "STUDENT IN GOOD ACADEMIC STANDING" once the student returns to good standing or they have satisfied all the requirements for graduation. 

Students on academic probation will reach or return to good standing when they have both a term and cumulative GPA of 3.0+, and no more than 8 cumulative units of U, I, or F grades. 

Considerations for Reaching Good Standing

Enrolling in only s/u or p/np graded coursework.

Students on academic probation for GPA, who enroll in only S/U or P/NP graded courses, will remain on academic probation the following quarter.  Graduate students on academic probation for term or cumulative GPA must take letter graded coursework to change their academic standing. 

Repeat Coursework

Graduate students may repeat up to three courses in which they received a C (including C+), D, F or U,  unless the course is variable topic or variable unit.  No special approval is required.  

• Variable unit courses (e.g. 299, 298, 396) may not be repeated to replace a grade in the same course.
• Variable topic courses may sometimes be repeated for new credit, but not to replace a previous grade in the same course.  Repeat restrictions for each variable topic course are included in the  General Catalog .
• Letter graded courses may not be repeated as S/U.  Courses in which the student received a U grade, may be repeated for an S/U or a letter grade. 

Retroactive Actions

Retroactive actions, including grade changes, adds/drops, withdrawals, and grade mode changes, are changes to the student record following the last day of instruction for any quarter.  The Office of the University Registrar (OUR) Grade Change Deputies and the UC Davis Grade Change Committee, are responsible for reviewing request for retroactive action.   A request for retroactive action may be appropriate if the student was incorrectly registered, a clerical or procedural error was made in grading, or if the student experienced circumstances (e.g. health/mental health problems, personal or family emergency, etc.) that significantly disrupted their academic work.  More information about retroactive actions is available on the OUR Retroactive Actions & General Appeals webpage  and the Grade Change Committee Guidelines webpage . 

Academic Probation Notices & Next Steps

At the beginning of each quarter, Graduate Studies Senior Academic Advisors (SAA's)  send email notices to graduate students on academic probation and their Graduate Coordinator.  The purpose of the notices is to inform students about academic probation status and encourage advising.  Students may be assigned a registration hold for the following quarter.  SAA's include hold information in the notices, along with the steps to release the hold. 

Don't panic if you receive an academic probation email from Graduate Studies.  You are welcome to reply if you have any questions, but a response or explanation is not expected. 

Next steps if you are on academic probation:

1. check your transcript.

If you are surprised or not sure why you are on academic probation, check your unofficial transcript on MyUCDavis .  Review the three reasons for academic probation at the top of the page.  If you believe there is an error on your transcript, contact the course instructor or your Graduate Coordinator.

2. Consider why and what next

After you Did you have difficulties learning a new concept? Are you feeling overwhelmed?  Do you have personal or family priorities? Are you struggling with your health or mental health?  All of these and any others are valid reasons, and it's OK to not know.  Try to list or outline what you need to move forward and possible next steps.  The good news is that there's no need to figure it out on your own.  

3. Contact a Graduate Advisor

Even if you know why you struggled academically and have ideas about making positive adjustments, you may not be aware of all the resources and options available to you.  Navigating grad school is not possible to do alone, and every student has layers of support in their program and Graduate Studies.  Advisors can help talk through challenges, make a plan, locate resources, and discuss other options, like building a mentor relationship or taking a break to regroup.  If you were assigned a registration hold for the upcoming quarter, you will need to reach out to your Graduate Advisor for advising as part of the process to release the hold.   

Contact information for Graduate Coordinators is available on your  Program page , along with the contact information for your Graduate Chair and Graduate Coordinator. 

Other advising resources

Graduate Advisors in your program are the primary contact for advising students on academic probation, but you also have other support resources in your network .  

• Your program Graduate Coordinator - contact information is available on your Program Page .
• Your major professor, committee members, and other program faculty.
• The Graduate Studies Senior Academic Advisors (SAA's) are available to meet if you would like to talk to someone outside your program, or you would like more information about academic probation process and policy.  You can  make an appointment  or email  y our SAA   directly.

Registration Holds

Registration holds for the next quarter are assigned to students with a cumulative GPA below 3.0 or a term GPA of 2.0 or lower.  Graduate Advisors may request a registration hold be assigned to a student on academic probation for cumulative I, U, or F grades to require advising.  In order to release the hold, students must meet with a program Graduate Advisor to develop a plan for making progress and returning to good standing.  You and your Advisor will document your plan on the Recommendation for Release of Academic Hold . 

Steps for releasing an academic hold:

• Meet with your Graduate Advisor to develop and document a plan to return to good standing using the Recommendation for Release of Academic Hold .  Graduate Advisor contact information is available on each Program page .  
• You or your Advisor can give the Release of hold form to your Graduate Coordinator for submission to Graduate Studies SAA's.
• SAA's will review the plan, release or move the hold as directed by the Graduate Advisor, and notify you and your Coordinator.

Continuous Academic Probation for U Grades

Unsatisfactory (U) grades in variable unit courses (e.g. 299, 298) can only be adjusted through a retroactive drop/withdrawal or retroactive grade change .  Students who accumulate 9 or more units of U grades in variable unit courses will have academic probation status noted on their record continuously until they graduate.  Probation status is assigned automatically through a campus wide system, and continuous academic probation doesn't necessarily reflect a graduate student's actual academic performance or progress.  In acknowledgement, Graduate Studies differentiates between 'active' and 'inactive' continuous academic probation in regards to employment and fellowships.  

• Continuous Academic Probation for Single Term GPA - Students who receive a term GPA below 3.0, and do not enroll in additional letter graded courses (e.g. enrolling in only 299), will remain on academic probation unless they enroll in and receive a B grade or better in an additional letter graded course (upper-division undergrad or graduate level).  The 'active' and 'inactive' probation considerations apply to these students as well for purposes of employment and fellowship.  

'Active' continuous academic probation

Graduate students on continuous academic probation are only considered to be on 'active' probation during the initial quarter of probation status, as long as they do not receive additional U, F, or I grades.  Exceptions for employment and fellowships are required for students on 'active' probation.

' Inactive' continuous academic probation

After the initial quarter, continuous academic probation is considered ' inactive ', unless the student receives additional U, F, or I grades or their term/cumulative GPA falls below 3.0.  In that case, the student will return to 'active' probation for at least one additional quarter.  Students on 'inactive' probation do not require an exception to policy in order to be employed as an ASE/GSR or to receive fellowships.  

Employment & Fellowships on Academic Probation

Students on academic probation are eligible for employment or fellowships only by exception.  Requests for exception are submitted to Graduate Studies by the program, and reviewed by the Graduate Studies Associate Dean for Students.  The primary purpose is to ensure that students on academic probation are receiving support from their program and have a plan to reach good standing.  

Employment as an ASE or GSR/RA

Graduate Studies approval of a Petition for Exception to Policy (PEP) is required for a student on academic probation to be employed as an ASE (TA, AI, Reader, Tutor) or a GSR/RA.  In addition to the PEP form, programs must also submit a statement of support outlining the student's plan to return to good standing and how the program will academically support the student during the quarter.  PEPs must be submitted at least a month before the employment start date, and may be sent to Graduate Studies by the Graduate Coordinator or the student's hiring department.  The Graduate Studies Associate Dean for Students will review the request, and one of the SAA's will communicate their decision to the student, Coordinator, and hiring department staff (if not the Coordinator). 

Fellowships

Graduate Studies approval of an exception to policy is required for a student on academic probation to receive fellowship funds.  The student's program must submit a letter of support to the Graduate Studies Financial Team ( i [email protected] ).  The letter should outline the reasons the student is on academic probation, and the student's plan for returning to good standing.  Letters are reviewed by the Director of GS Student Financial Support and may receive additional review from the Associate Dean for Students. After review, the program will be notified of their decision.  

Continuous Academic Probation  (see section above)

Students on 'active' continuous academic probation must have an approved exception ( PEP or fellowship support statement) in order to be employed or receive fellowship funds.  Students on 'inactive' continuous academic probation may be employed or receive a fellowship without an exception.   

Taking a Temporary Leave - PELP

There are many reasons why students struggle academically, and these may or may not be related to difficulties with academic work.  Academic difficulty may be a sign that you need to take a break to regroup, focus on self-care or family care, or consider your goals.  Graduate students may take up to three quarters of leave through the Planned Educational Leave Program (PELP) .  PELP is a temporary break in academic work that guarantees your ability to continue in the program when you return.  It's normal to feel overwhelmed during graduate school, and there is nothing wrong with putting a pause on your program.  If you're on academic probation and considering taking a leave through PELP, schedule a meeting with your program Graduate Advisor to plan next steps when you return.  

If you feel unsure about continuing, would like to take a long-term break, or you want to focus on other areas, like employment or family, you may discontinue your studies by withdrawing.  Students who withdraw from the program no longer maintain a student status, but may apply for readmission to the program at a later date using the Readmission Application .   Readmission requires program approval and is not guaranteed.  If readmitted, you will return at the point you withdrew, and the minimum conditions to reach good standing still apply.  If you're considering withdrawing, meet with a Graduate Advisor to discuss whether withdrawal is the best option and to review the process if you have plans for readmission in the future.  See the Withdrawal & Readmission webpage for more information.  

Graduate students on academic probation are never disqualified automatically or without an opportunity to improve their academic performance.  Programs may recommend the disqualification of a student on academic probation who: 1) received less than a 2.0 term or cumulative GPA, 2) have been on academic probation for two or more consecutive quarters, 3) did not improve their following quarter GPA or academic performance as directed in an unsatisfactory Student Progress Assessment (SPA), or 4) after accumulating 9+ units of U, I, or F grades they do not makeup the number of units required in a SPA or receive additional U, I, or F grades.  Programs may also recommend disqualification of a student who is not making satisfactory progress towards the degree.  Students do not need to be in Subject to Disqualification status for a program to recommend disqualification.  

Students who are disqualified may no longer continue in their degree objective within the major, but they may apply for admission to a different graduate program at UC Davis.  With approval of the program, doctoral students who are disqualified may be permitted to pursue a terminal master's degree in their major.  More information about disqualification is available in the Policy on Disqualification and Appeal .

What Academic Probation Is and How to Avoid it

Academic probation is intended as a corrective measure when a college student's GPA falls below school requirements.

What Is Academic Probation?

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Students continue to take classes dung the probationary period, but failing to show progress can result in an academic suspension.

With bad grades come consequences, and in college that may mean academic probation.

Academic probation “on most campuses means that a student has not met a minimum threshold to be in good academic standing, and that typically is a minimum grade point average,” says Kristi Wold-McCormick, assistant vice provost and registrar at the University of Colorado—Boulder .

Intended as a red flag to let students know they need to get back on track, academic probation is the result of failing grades. Experts say that typically means below a 2.0 GPA, though that number can vary by college and even by the specific program of study. A challenging major may require a higher standard than the one set by the institution, experts note.

Those working in higher education encourage students not to think of academic probation as a punishment, but rather as an opportunity to discover campus resources that can help them be successful.

"The common, and incorrect, assumptions about students on probation are that they aren’t adequately prepared for college or are too focused on the social side of college," Beth Tidball, director of academic advising at Marian University in Indiana, wrote in an email. But she says it may have more to do with students being unfamiliar with how to use campus supports.

"They simply aren’t used to working with peer tutors, attending office hours or supplemental instruction, or taking papers to a writing center. They were highly successful students in high school without those resources and don’t understand how key they can be to college success," she says.

At Marian, Tidball says academic success coaches meet with students weekly to identify the issues that led to probation and create a tailored plan to get them back on track.

Factors That Lead to Academic Probation

The reason students end up on academic probation varies, experts say. It's often a mixture of academic and nonacademic reasons, Allison Hoffman, assistant vice president of admissions and student success at Northwest Missouri State University , wrote in an email.

Experts cite students not going to class as a primary reason, while other factors include time management issues, mental health struggles , family matters or financial issues that place an additional strain on students and cause them to prioritize work over school .

"We recognize that students are adjusting to college workloads and expectations," Tidball says. "They are often faced with new freedoms, requirements, and demands on their time that occasionally result in a lower than expected GPA in the first semester or year."

Experts recommend that students meet with advisers and faculty members and seek out support services such as tutoring. They also should consider if their major is the right fit.

Strategies offered by experts to avoid probation are simple: go to class, follow the course syllabus and talk to the instructor. They also stress the need for students to seek help as soon as they begin to struggle.

"Catching things early on is really important," Wold-McCormick says.

What Are the Consequences of Academic Probation?

Generally, higher education professionals say, students will meet with an adviser or other university support staff when placed on academic probation. In many cases, students will have met with support staff even earlier, because most colleges monitor warning signs – like class attendance and grades – in order to catch and correct academic issues.

Students continue to take classes dung the probationary period, but failing to show progress can result in an academic suspension, where students are not allowed to take classes for a certain period but are eligible to return once that time has passed. Suspension lengths vary by school, experts say, noting it may be one semester or several.

Upon return, suspended students may face academic dismissal if they are unable to turn around their grades.

Probation may come with some restrictions. Wold-McCormick says it may bar students from participating in organizations or activities or competing for scholarships that require a certain GPA. Students may also face the loss of scholarships already in hand, athletic eligibility or federal and state financial aid , Tidball says.

Academic probation may also trigger university oversight of the registration process, with students required to work with academic advisers or tutors to develop their schedule, sometimes including a cap on the number of credit hours a student can take in a single semester, notes Sherri Stepp, associate dean of undergraduate studies and director of University College at Marshall University in West Virginia.

"We also don't allow (students) on academic probation to register online," Stepp says. "Therefore, we have holds on their registration to prevent them from changing their schedule. Once we've established the schedule for the semester, they would have to go through their adviser to make any schedule adjustments prior to the beginning of the term or when the term begins."

Experts also note that it may be difficult to transfer while on academic probation. Wold-McCormick says a probation typically doesn't appear on a student's transcript, though a college may be able to deduce a student's status because of the low GPA.

How Can I Get Off Academic Probation?

To get off probation and continue being enrolled at that school, students must show academic progress, which typically means improving their GPA to at least a 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. That's easier to do when students have earned a small number of credit hours and a single class carries more weight on their cumulative GPA.

While schools allow students to remain enrolled as they try to improve their academic record, that period is often limited, sometimes to just one semester.

"Typically schools don't let students remain in that mode for perpetuity, because they're just digging a bigger academic hole that's going to be harder to get out of," Wold-McCormick says. "It's not responsible for institutions to do that."

Like at Marian, students on probation at Northwest Missouri State are put on an academic recovery track where they work weekly with a team comprised of their academic advisers, "success coach," a graduate assistant and a peer mentor.

"This has shown to be incredibly effective in helping students to move from academic probation back to academic good standing and ultimately persist toward graduation at our institution," Hoffman says.

Tidball says the first step for academically imperiled students is "to take a hard look at what led to the probationary status. Once the student has identified the problem, they can start charting a course toward good standing."

She also encourages students to use campus resources like counseling centers, disability services or campus ministry groups. Outside of the academic realm, she says getting involved in social groups can help, so long as it doesn't impede studies.

"It’s also important to build community," Tidball says. "Students will perform better if they are connected to the institution and other students, so getting involved in a student organization on campus might be a good step."

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• PhD Student Handbook

Academic Probation and Dismissal

Academic probation.

The Graduate Division will place students on academic probation if their GPA falls below 3.00, and are subject to dismissal if their GPA at the end of the following semester remains below the minimum 3.0 requirement. The department may also recommend probation or dismissal for students who fail to make normal progress towards their degrees, based on a written evaluation of the student’s progress, including program-specific requirements. Only the Dean of the Graduate Division has the authority to place a student on probation, to remove probationary status, and, if necessary, to dismiss a student from graduate standing.

The probationary period is normally for one semester, during which the student is expected to remove academic deficiencies. Probation may be extended based on departmental recommendation. If at the end of the probationary period the student has failed to correct identified deficiencies, the Graduate Division will contact the Head Graduate Advisor to request a recommendation on whether an extension of the academic probationary period is warranted. If the probationary period is not extended, the Head Graduate Adviser will formally request that the Dean of the Graduate Division dismiss the student. For details please consult the Guide to Graduate Policy E1.7 Academic Probation.

Dismissal from the Doctoral Program

Placement of a student on formal probation is required before the student can be dismissed from the program. If the Head Graduate Adviser believes that it is unlikely that a student on probation can improve his or her record or that the student is unable to meet requirements for the degree, the Head Graduate Adviser may recommend dismissal to the Dean of the Graduate Division.

Dismissal for academic reasons is the purview of the Dean of the Graduate Division, under the auspices of the Graduate Council. Students may also be dismissed for disciplinary reasons due to violations of the Code of Student Conduct, under the jurisdiction of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and the Office of Student Conduct. For more details on potential reasons for or consequences of dismissal, please consult the Guide to Graduate Policy E1.8 Dismissal.

The Graduate College at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Academic probation based on program recommendation.

Programs are responsible for monitoring the academic progress of their students, including through annual academic reviews. Factors that a program may use to assess academic progress include, but are not limited to, performance in course work, satisfactory and timely completion of all milestones as determined by the program, satisfactory progress in research, overall graduate and/or program GPA, and performance on qualifying, preliminary, and other examinations.

When students fail to meet these requirements, a program can recommend to the Graduate College that the student be placed on probation or dismissed (dropped) by the Graduate College. The Graduate College will review the recommendation. If it is determined that the student will be placed on probation, the Graduate College will communicate the length of the probationary period and requirements for returning to Good Standing.

See Chapter 3.2 of the Graduate College Handbook for the full policy . 

Graduate College probation is a significant indicator that a student is not making satisfactory academic progress. Students on academic probation have certain restrictions, including not being eligible for credit/no-credit classes and not being able to hold assistantship or fellowship appointments without approval.

Timelines for Academic Standing Review

Academic standing based on program recommendation will be reviewed and determined once per academic term according to the timelines listed below.

If a department intends to recommend that a student be placed on academic probation, it is recommended that the program discuss these plans with the student in advance of the Reading Day deadline.

To start this process, the program will submit a recommendation for academic probation to the Graduate College. This recommendation (using this form ) should include:

• A letter from the Executive Officer or Director of Graduate Study that describes the academic progress concerns and provides information about how these expectations have been communicated to the student
• Copy of the most recent annual academic review for the student
• Copies of departmental handbooks, letters/emails about expectations or other items that show how the department has communicated expectations to the student
• Implications on funding of probationary status,
• Recommended probation length, and
• Specific academic expectations that the student is expected to meet to return to good standing.

After this recommendation has been received by the Graduate College, the Graduate College will notify the student that their program has recommended academic probation and provide a copy of the entire recommendation package. The student will have five business days (excluding university holidays) to provide a written response to be considered as part of the Graduate College review.

The Graduate College will review the documentation provided by the program and the student before making a decision regarding the student’s academic standing for the upcoming term. The Graduate College may request additional information as part of the review. The Graduate College will communicate the decision to the student and the program including, if applicable, the length of the probationary period and requirements for returning to good standing.

Appeal Process

The student has five business days (excluding university holidays) to appeal the decision on the grounds that the process was not followed in a manner that resulted in significant disadvantage for the student or new information is available that was not available at the time of the initial review. The written appeal should identify the grounds for appeal and provide any additional information to be included in the review. An appeal committee in the Graduate College will review this material and the information included in the initial review before reaching a decision. The appeal committee may request additional information as part of the review. The decision of the appeal committee is final.

Assessing Progress for Students on Academic Probation

When a student is on academic probation based on program recommendation, the Graduate College will ask that the student and program develop an academic plan to provide guidance to the student in achieving the academic expectations. The Graduate College can provide support to the student and program in this process if requested.

During the final term of a student’s probationary period, the department will be asked to provide an update regarding the student’s academic progress by the deadline within that term and a recommendation that the student be returned to good standing, dismissed from the program, or continued on academic probation. This recommendation should include a letter from the Executive Officer or Director of Graduate Study that describes the student’s academic progress and discusses whether milestones have been met. The department may also include letters/emails about expectations or other items that show how the department has communicated expectations to the student. If the department wishes to recommend that the student remain on probation, the department must include specific academic expectations that the student is expected to meet to return to good standing. The Graduate College will send this recommendation to the student. The student will have five business days (excluding university holidays) to provide a written response to be considered as part of the Graduate College review.

The Graduate College will review the documentation provided by the program and student before making a decision regarding the student’s academic standing for the upcoming term. The Graduate College may request additional information as part of the review. The Graduate College will communicate the decision to the student and the program including, if applicable, the length of the probationary period and requirements for returning to good standing.

The student will have the ability to appeal the decision using the appeal process described above.

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Academic Probation

Purposes of academic probation. The process of academic probation serves two purposes. First, it is a way to alert students and their advisers to academic difficulties in time to help identify those areas where a student might be experiencing problems and determine how best to address them. Students have only a limited number of terms at the College, and the College wants to ensure that each term is a successful one. As a community, we try to intervene quickly so that students are aware and can take advantage of the resources and supports that might be useful. Second, academic probation provides a formal structure of advising for the next term. Allston Burr Resident Deans and Resident Deans of Freshmen work closely with students to schedule follow-up meetings for various points during the year, including before course registration, around the add/drop deadline, the withdrawal deadline, and right before Reading Period and Final Exams. Academic probation facilitates communication among students and their advisers so that they can work together in the upcoming term.

Duration and terms of academic probation. Students can find themselves on academic probation for many different reasons, whether personal, financial, health-related, family, or other concerns. On average, around 130 undergraduates each year are placed on academic probation. Academic probation normally lasts only for a specified term; once students have received all satisfactory grades (a satisfactory grade is defined as C- or better) in the next term, they are relieved from academic probation. Academic probation does not appear permanently on a student's transcript; it is only noted for the duration of the term in which the student is on probation.

During the period of probation, students may not be eligible to serve in leadership positions in particular student organizations or be eligible for certain fellowship opportunities or programs offered at the College, including study abroad, cross-registration, or independent study. This is so that they have the opportunity to focus their time and energy on their courses and get on firmer academic footing. If students are considering one of these opportunities, they can check with their Allston Burr Resident Dean or Resident Dean of Freshmen or the program to find out if their probationary status affects their eligibility. The Handbook for Students  reviews the rules and provisions of academic probation.

The vast majority of students are relieved from probation the subsequent term, having benefited from the advising and connections to resources that the status prompts. 

Academic Probation in College: What It Is and How to Get Back on Track

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Updated August 15, 2023

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Why it Happens & How to Get Back on Track

If you've been struggling academically and find yourself on academic probation, you're not alone —  around 20 percent  of college freshman at four-year colleges end up in a similar situation. Receiving a notice of academic probation can be a huge blow to your confidence, but it can also have serious academic and financial consequences. Fortunately, it doesn't have to signal the end of your college career. Many factors can lead to academic probation, and there are a variety of ways students can improve their academic performance and successfully earn their degrees.

What is Academic Probation?

Colleges have specific criteria for student enrollment, like minimum GPA and credit load requirements. If students don't meet those criteria, they may be put on academic probation. Academic probation is a period of time in which students must improve their academic standing by meeting or making evident progress toward their school's eligibility criteria.

Students on academic probation typically have to:

• Pass a specified number of credits
• Earn a good GPA (determined by the school)
• Meet with academic advisors during their probationary period

The school will check in periodically to evaluate the student's progress and, at the end of the period, determine whether the student can:

Academic probation isn't meant to be a punishment, but a warning or wake-up call. However, it can have serious consequences, especially for those who don't get back in good academic standing. Students on academic probation may:

• Lose the ability to pursue their major of choice if they don't meet the program's GPA minimum or have failed too many of the major's course requirements
• Receive reduced financial aid or lose it entirely (see more about this possibility below)
• Be dismissed from the college if their academic performance doesn't improve during the probationary period

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How it Can Impact Your Financial Aid

Many forms of financial aid require students to be in good academic standing. Since academic probation is a warning that students aren't in good standing, they risk losing some or all of their financial aid. For example, the  Pell Grant  is initially distributed based on a student's financial need, but students cannot renew the grant unless they are making  satisfactory academic progress.

Losing financial aid can make it difficult or impossible for some students to finish their degrees. However, students can become re-eligible for financial aid with some effort.

In order to remain eligible or  become re-eligible  for financial aid, students must show they are working toward good standing. What schools consider “satisfactory” in terms of academic progress can vary, but students usually must:

• Meet and maintain a minimum GPA, such as 2.0
• Show they are making steady progress toward graduation by completing a specified number of credits per term or year
• Avoid getting incompletes and withdrawals

Students who lose their financial aid may have to appeal to their school to become eligible and start receiving financial aid again. Students can talk to their academic advisors or financial aid office to get details about the appeals process and to find out how often their school will evaluate their progress.

Why Students End Up on Academic Probation

The ways students can end up on academic probation are varied and numerous. Recognizing common causes of academic probation can help students avoid future slip-ups and work toward improving their academic habits.

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Not being academically prepared

College workloads and expectations can be quite different from what students experience in high school, and those who aren't prepared can struggle. A 2007 study from Pine Technical College showed that students who entered college with pre-college scores in reading and writing were at higher risk of academic probation than students with college-level skills. Similarly, researchers at UC Berkeley found that freshman students who took multiple AP courses in high school were around three to five percent less likely to get put on academic probation.

Skipping too many classes

Signing up for too many classes, having an unbalanced schedule, opting for a pass/fail grade too many times, poor study habits.

According to a 2010 study conducted at UC Berkeley, around 83 percent of students acknowledged that poor study habits regularly hampered their success at school.

Stress, anxiety or depression

Unexpected personal events, too few credits, too much socializing or partying, disinterest in classes, how to get off academic probation.

Getting off academic probation can be daunting, but it's very possible for students willing to commit to their educations. The process for getting off academic probation varies between schools and can even vary from student to student, so it's important to carefully follow your school's policy. Here are some common requirements:

Maintain a Specific Grade Point Average

Minimum GPA requirements usually must be met to get off academic probation. Schools often have two GPA policies for students on academic probation:

OVERALL GPA POLICY

The most common overall GPA requirement is a 2.0. This means that a student's cumulative GPA from all terms, excluding grades received from other institutions, must be at least 2.0 at the end of each semester or quarter.

For many students on academic probation, raising their GPA to their school's specified minimum requirement is not possible in a single term (or the designated time frame), which can be intimidating. This is where noting the school's term, semester or quarter GPA policy can be helpful.

TERM GPA POLICY

Along with making progress toward meeting the overall GPA requirements, students often must also meet term GPA requirements. Term GPA is the cumulative grade received at the end of a given academic term.

If a student is on academic probation because of a low overall GPA, maintaining a good term GPA can extend their probationary period, even if it won't raise their overall GPA enough to reach the minimum requirement. While extending the probationary period might not sound like a good thing, it's really a way a school acknowledges that the student is making an effort to improve their academic standing, and it keeps the student from being dismissed from the school entirely.

It's important for students to note that GPA requirements can vary between academic programs within a single college. For instance, both the overall and term GPA minimums at Arizona State University's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is 2.0. The university's W.P. Carey School of Business, however, notes that students must have a 2.5 term GPA to get an additional semester of academic probation. If students don't reach the overall GPA minimum of 2.0 after the extension period, they may be disqualified from the business school.

Time Frames

Students can expect their schools' academic probation guidelines to include a specific time frame in which to improve their standing. These timelines vary. For instance,  Texas State University  gives students two semesters to get their coursework in order, while  Arizona State University  and  UC Berkeley's College of Letters and Sciences  give their students one semester.

Knowing how much time they have to improve their academic standing can help students plan a schedule that is both manageable and able to get them off probation. Students can find time frame details in their notice of academic probation, on their school's website or from an academic advisor.>

Other Requirements

Students may also be required to meet with their academic advisors, take an academic probation course, create a success plan or get teachers to sign off on their academic performance. It's crucial that students are aware of all the steps they need to take and if there are specific deadlines by which the steps need to be completed, or they risk their position at school.

Tips for Improving Your Academic Performance

Getting off academic probation requires students to change the way they handle their education. While adjustment isn't always easy, these tips can help smooth the process.

Academic advisors can help students make sure they stay on track for their overall academic experience, and teachers can provide guidance and assistance in individual classes. Students may be apprehensive to talk to professors and advisors, but they are there to help, and they want students to succeed.

This seems obvious, but many students are tempted to just read their textbooks and show up to class only when they need to turn in assignments or take tests. Many teachers factor attendance into their grades, and they often teach much more than is in the book. Going to class can earn students easy grade points and give them information they need for tests and assignments.

Going to class is a good start, but actually engaging with the class and participating in discussions is better. Participating in class is another easy way to earn points and gain a better understanding of the course materials.

Group studying doesn't work for everyone, especially when the study group is made up of good friends prone to off-subject conversation. It can be helpful, though, for students who need extra accountability or a designated time and place to study. Finding excuses to avoid homework is harder when other people are involved.

Colleges have many resources to help students succeed. Writing, math and general tutoring centers can help students grasp concepts and improve their grades.

Blocking out designated study time and sticking to it ensures that students don't let the day slip away without having done homework or test prep. Similarly, students can block out chunks of time dedicated to fun activities.

Students may have the ability to retake courses to improve their grades, which can help raise GPA and regain lost credits in the case of failed classes. Since schools limit the number of courses students can retake, and retaking classes can push out graduation, students should discuss this option with their academic advisor.

Sometimes students will receive an I, which stands for incomplete. In general, incomplete grades are only given to students who have done well in the class but certain circumstances prevented them from completing all coursework or exams.

Schools give students a predetermined length of time to complete the course and receive a final grade. If students don't do anything, they are usually given a failing grade. Putting in the time to work with professors and turn in any coursework for incompletes is a smart choice.

How to Stay Off Probation

Academic probation can be a good indicator that students need to step up their effort or change the way they approach their educations. It can also serve as a good opportunity for students to develop new habits that can help keep them from another probationary period. Students can try out these steps to help keep themselves in good academic standing.

Using a planner – either a physical one or on an app—can help students block out study time, stay on top of homework and important due dates, and keep track of projects and exams that may need extra attention.

Asking for assistance before things get out of hand is important. Students often feel uncomfortable asking for help, especially when so many see college as a time to prove themselves as fully-competent, independent adults. However, everyone struggles and needs help now and then, and getting comfortable with reaching out to tutors, classmates, parents, teachers and other resources can be a huge asset in staying in good academic standing.

Professors don't always update grades right away, so it can be easy for students to assume they're doing well in class. Visiting teachers during their office hours gives students an opportunity to see where their grades stand and get any extra guidance on assignments and course materials. Quick questions can often be resolve via email, too.

Meeting regularly with advisors, like at the beginning and middle of each term, can help students create manageable schedules and work through any issues before they get out of hand. Advising appointments can fill up quickly, especially at busy times in the term, so it's a good idea to schedule appointments well in advance.

Students will likely have to make some personal and academic changes to stay off probation. A good self-assessment can help students identify their strengths, study habits and common pitfalls. Once identified, students can make positive adjustments.

How to Talk About It

While academic probation isn't a punishment, it is a very serious issue, and getting that notification from school can be stressful and disheartening. Students and parents alike may be worried or disappointed but being open and honest can help reduce any feelings of shame and help students get back on track.

What is the Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA)?

FERPA  is a federal law that determines who has access to students' academic records. Until a student turns 18 or enters a postsecondary institution, FERPA grants their parents access to their educational records. After that point, the FERPA rights transfer to the student, restricting the information that is available to parents.

The records protected under FERPA include anything related to a student's academic performance, like grades, transcripts, course schedules, financial information and discipline files. Notice of academic probation falls under FERPA's protection, so unless students waive their FERPA rights, their parents will not be automatically notified.

How to Talk to Your Parents

Telling your parents you're on academic probation can be stressful, but being honest and asking for help can make getting back on track academically easier. Here are a few tips to make the process easier.

Student coach and counselor, Joel Ingersoll, says that while it's common for students to wait until the end of the semester to tell their parents about academic probation, it's better for them to get the information out right away. This way students and parents can tackle the problem together.

Although it can be daunting to break the news to parents, Ingersoll invites students to change their perspective on the situation to make the discussion a little easier. “This situation is not the end of the world. Remember that college is an investment in personal development, so developing skills and strengths during challenging experiences is a critical aspect to career readiness.” Parents can be valuable tools in developing these skills and providing support along the way.

Ingersoll points out that advisors can coach students and discuss ways to approach parents with the news. Putting together your talking points ahead of time can help keep the discussion productive and calm.

Sometimes talking to parents isn't an option, but students can still reach out to experienced adults who can help them make plans, deal with stress and talk it through. School counselors, academic advisors or trusted adults can be great assets to students who aren't comfortable or able to talk to their parents.

How to Talk to Your Child

Parents who learn their child is on academic probation may feel angry, disappointed or frustrated and not know how to talk to their child. Here are some tips to help get the conversation going with help from expert Joel Ingersoll.

Parents should try to keep in mind that their child is probably nervous about telling them and that they've already done a lot of thinking about the situation. Ingersoll notes the importance of speaking in a gentle, approachable manner and advises parents to stay away from "you should, would, could" statements. Take a breath, voice your concerns and ask how you can help.

Parents who worry their emotions may get the better of them should tell their student that they need a moment to process the information before discussing it further. Students typically gauge their parents' reactions to initial information before deciding what else to reveal and being shut down right away will likely kill a productive discussion.

Discuss times when you've failed and developed resilience from the experience. Remember, your student has just received a reality check, and they may be feeling like they've failed you and themselves.

Helping your child through academic probation can also give you the opportunity to help your child develop important life skills. “It's important for parents to coach their child to become problem solvers,” says Ingersoll. “‘Tell me about the solutions you're thinking of to move forward from this'" provides an opportunity for their child to develop this critical skill.”

Parents can also use this time to gauge their students' understanding of academic requirements, resources and options and help them develop a plan. Helping them be proactive about finding help can keep the conversation positive and productive.

Parents should keep in mind that learning to respond to this experience will help their child increase their self-confidence and self-efficacy, both critical to coping with adversity in the future. However, parents must remember that in the end, it's up to the student to get off academic probation. You can't do the work for your child.

Expert Joel Ingersoll answers some of the most commonly asked academic probation questions. Students should note, however, that every school has different policies for academic probation, so they should confirm any details with their academic advisor.

What GPA will get me into academic probation, and what GPA do I need to get out?

How will i be told i'm on academic probation, does a w affect academic probation, what happens if my gpa doesn't improve when i'm on academic probation, what is a second academic probation, does being on academic probation affect my ability to transfer schools, what happens if my academic probation disqualifies me from my major, can i take summer classes to improve my academic standing, popular resources.

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Good Academic Standing

To be in good academic standing a graduate student must meet university and graduate program standards, including;

• maintain a GPA of 3.0 or the equivalent in upper-division, graduate, and professional course work, and must not have accumulated more than a total of eight units of "F" and/or "U" grades overall, unless the student’s graduate program specifies more stringent grade requirements
• complete a satisfactory annual spring evaluation (doctoral and MFA students)
• maintain satisfactory progress toward completion of degree requirements, as defined by the graduate program, the student’s faculty advisor, and/or the student’s committee (if applicable)
• satisfy examination and other program requirements, as defined by the student’s graduate program
• identify an eligible faculty member who agrees to guide the student’s research and to serve as chair of the dissertation/thesis committee, according to the time period specified by the student’s graduate program
• advance to candidacy (if applicable) and complete the degree, within the established time limits specified by the student’s graduate program
• comply with conditions set at the time of admission to the student’s graduate degree program

Some requirements may only be applicable to Doctoral, MFA, and Master’s Thesis students. Students should check with their graduate program to confirm all applicable policies to be in good academic standing.

Good Academic Standing is a requirement for:

• Holding academic appointments (e.g., GSR, IA) .
• Receiving fellowship, scholarship, or traineeship appointments.
• Advancing to candidacy for a graduate degree.
• Participating in UC Intercampus Exchange or SDSU exchange programs or Education Abroad Program (EAP). 
• Going on a leave of absence.
• Obtaining a graduate degree from UC San Diego. 

Graduate students who are not in good standing for any reason are subject to probation and/or disqualification from further graduate study. Academic disqualification is determined by the Dean of the Division of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs in consultation with the student’s graduate program, and normally relates to: unsatisfactory academic performance, e.g., failure to maintain a grade point average of 3.0 or better; failure to meet criteria of performance; failure to advance to candidacy or complete the degree within established time limits; accumulation of more than eight units of F or U grades; or failure to comply with conditions set at the time of admission to a graduate degree program.

Graduate programs are responsible for monitoring their students’ overall progress toward degree. Programs should inform students about the expectations for satisfactory progress through published program descriptions and by written evaluations.  

Probation Process (Due to Unsatisfactory Performance in Coursework)

Graduate students who do not meet the requirements for good academic standing due to having a GPA below 3.0 and/or earning more than a total of eight units of “F” and/or “U” grades are notified of their poor academic standing by a letter from the Dean of the Division of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs (GEPA). Letters are available to students via GEPA's  Student Portal  and to staff via the  Student Database .  

If it is a student's first instance of academic difficulty and the GPA is above 2.0, the letter serves as a warning and advises the student of their academic probation status,  its consequences, and the next steps. Following the initial probation warning, in subsequent quarters if the student:

• Raises the GPA above a 3.0, no further action is taken.
• Raises the GPA but not to a 3.0, student may have probation extended either by the GEPA Dean's decision or by request of the program faculty with a plan for improvement.
• Shows no change, then student may have probation extended either by the GEPA Dean's decision or by request of the program faculty with a plan for improvement; however, this is dependent on the overall GPA.  A hold may be placed on the student’s registration.
• Lowers the GPA further, a hold is placed on the student's registration.

Depending on the student's academic progress during the quarter following an academic probation notice, the GEPA Dean will advise the student of any further academic action and consequences via a letter posted to GEPA’s  Student Portal . Staff access is through the  Student Database .  A hold is typically placed on the student’s registration in subsequent quarters following a warning notification if the student is not showing improvement towards resolving the academic probation status. Any student with more than 8 units of "U" and/or "F" grades or a GPA less than a 2.0 will have a hold placed on his/her registration for the next available quarter.

When a student’s academic probation results in a registration hold, continuation in the graduate program requires support from the graduate program faculty with submission of an academic plan to the Division of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs. Note : due to the processing of grades after the next quarter has begun, registration holds are usually placed on the 2nd quarter after the problem arises (i.e. Fall quarter problem, registration hold placed on Spring registration. During the Summer, however, registration holds may be placed on students for Fall quarter. Regardless of the severity of the problem, students are advised to maintain communication with the department. It is the department and student's responsibility to monitor the student's quarterly academic progress.

For details on the academic appeals and non-academic appeals process, please visit the Conflict Resolution and Student Appeals page detailing these processes, along with student resources. 

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Academic Catalog 2023-2024

Academic probation policy.

Academic probation is a period of time when a student must address and remediate academic deficiencies. 

A Bouvé graduate student may repeat a course only once to achieve a passing grade and may repeat only two courses during the entire program of study. A student may be on probation for only two semesters, or until the course is offered again, unless the advisor approves an action plan that specifies a longer (but definite) period. A student may only be placed on probation twice during enrollment in Bouvé and must correct all deficiencies, as specified, in each respective action plan during the applicable probationary period. Failure to remediate the deficiency within the agreed time may result in dismissal from the program. During the period of probation, the student must earn a GPA of 3.000 or better each semester, or the student is subject to dismissal from Bouvé. Note that individual graduate programs may have additional requirements that must be included in the probation action plan.

A student will be removed from academic probation after the student has attained a cumulative GPA of 3.000, earned a passing grade in a repeated course, and/or demonstrated satisfactory performance in a clinical course.

Academic Probation Procedure 

Academic standing is determined at the conclusion of every term and students on academic probation are notified via email. Students on probation are required to meet with their advisor before the end of week two of their probationary semester to complete an Academic Probation Contract . Once the contract is completed and signed, students are required to submit it to both their program and their Student Services designee, no later than the end of week three of the probationary term. Failure to submit an Academic Probation Contract in a timely manner may result in dismissal from the college. 

The program will review the student’s contract and provide any additional feedback or recommendations for the student and return a signed copy to the student. Advisors or a Student Services representative will meet with students on academic probation throughout the semester to benchmark progress and assess compliance with the contract during weeks four, 10, and 12.  

A review of the student’s progress will occur at the end of the term.  

• If a student returns to good standing, they will no longer be on academic probation.  
• If a student does not return to good academic standing, their compliance with their contract will be reviewed:  
• If a student was compliant with the contract, they will be required to submit a second Academic Probation Contract to the unit.  
• If a student did not comply with the contract, they may be dismissed from Bouvé with an option to appeal.

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Academic Probation

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Defining Academic Probation

Why am i on academic probation, returning to good academic standing, registration while on academic probation.

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Academic probation is an official warning from the College of Arts and Science notifying students that their performance falls below the College’s requirements for “good academic standing” and that they are at risk of not making satisfactory progress toward graduation. While academic probation is not meant to be punitive, this warning should be taken seriously by students as it is an official acknowledgment that the student is in jeopardy of being dismissed if the academic issues persist.

There are a number of consequences to being on academic probation. These include potentially losing financial aid, the inability to study away and potentially facing dismissal if academic probation continues for two or more semesters. Students on probation will also have a Dean’s Advising Hold placed on their account. This hold must be removed by an Academic Advising Dean to allow registration for future semesters. All students must meet with their CAS Advisor to have this hold removed. Please consult with your advisor if you have any questions about how being on academic probation will impact your time in the College of Arts and Science.

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You achieved a grade point average (GPA) below 2.0  in your last semester, have a cumulative GPA below 2.0 or were on probation in the previous semester and have not completed 16 consecutive credits with a C or better.

In order to graduate from the College of Arts & Science, you need a 2.0 or higher GPA. This includes earning both a cumulative 2.0 in your major classes (major GPA ),  and a cumulative 2.0 in all academic coursework. If you are not making satisfactory progress toward that goal for whatever reason—illness, poor study skills, family difficulties, etc.— you are placed on academic probation.

In order to return to good academic standing, students must:

Maintain a GPA of at least a 2.0 for the Semester on Probation

Raise cumulative GPA over 2.0

• Complete 16 credits without receiving a Grade below a C or an Incomplete or withdraw from a course

Students on Academic Probation will have a Dean’s Academic Hold placed on their accounts. Students are unable to register until this hold is removed. You must make an appointment with your full-time CAS academic advisor to have this hold removed. Advisors' calendars fill up quickly around registration time, so the sooner you can meet with them the better. When you go to meet with your advisor, make sure to have graded assignments (and a midterm, if possible) from your current classes to share with your advisor. They need to know you are making academic progress, and that you are completing the Back on Track requirements (if you are part of the program). By getting your Dean's Hold (and Advisor Hold) lifted before registration, you are ensuring that you can register on time for the right classes. Note: walk-in advisors cannot lift the Dean's Hold, so you need to meet with your full-time advisor!

Academic Self Assessment

Research and experience have shown that students face academic difficulty for all kinds of reasons. Common obstacles include family/relationship concerns, poor time management, poor study skills, emotional or psychological difficulties, illness, lack of major and career focus, course difficulty, and lack of motivation.  This self-assessment will help identify the factors that are (or were) contributing to your academic difficulties.  You should complete this self-assessment and email it to your CAS Academic Advisor at the beginning of the semester. It can help focus the conversation with your advisor and assist you in putting together an academic success plan for the semester, incorporating relevant resources to provide support.

If you are participating in the Back on Track program , your self-assessment will be provided through the program. Please visit the Back on Track page of this site for more information.

Students are expected to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress each academic year. This means students must earn an average of 32 credit points per academic year (Fall, Spring, J-Term, and Summer semesters) and maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0. Students who are not making Satisfactory Academic Progress may be eligible to receive financial aid for a single additional semester, but only if normal progress can be restored within that semester. Progress requirements will not be waived more than once under most circumstances.

You should speak with a financial aid counselor if you are unsure of your eligibility for aid based on your probation status. To speak with a financial aid counselor, visit the StudentLink Center at 383 Lafayette Street Monday through Friday,  9:00am  to  5:00pm.   (For extended hours, please see the information on their website: https://www.nyu.edu/admissions/financial-aid-and-scholarships/speak-with-a-counselor.html .)

You can call the Financial Aid Office at 212-998-4444 or email at  [email protected] .

To understand how your grade point average (GPA) is calculated, please see these instructions:  https://www.nyu.edu/content/dam/nyu/registrar/documents/NYU_GPA_calculation.pdf

To calculate your semester GPA, you can use this GPA calculator:  https://www.nyu.edu/cas/prehealth/calculator/

You can add in current or future classes and  plug in  anticipated grades to see how your cumulative GPA will be affected.

What is Academic Probation?

Why am i on probation.

You achieved a grade point average (GPA) below 2.0  in your last semester or were on probation in the semester previous to that and have not completed 16 consecutive credits with a C or better.

How can I return to Good Academic Standing?

How does being on academic probation impact my ability to register.

Students on Academic Probation will have a Dean’s Academic Hold placed on their accounts. Students are unable to register until this hold is removed. You must make an appointment with your full-time CAS academic advisor to have this hold removed. Our calendars fill up really fast around registration time, so the sooner you can meet with us the better. When you go to meet with your advisor, make sure to have graded assignments (and a midterm, if possible) from your current classes to share with your advisor. They need to know you are making academic progress, and that you are completing the Back on Track requirements (if you are part of the program). By getting your Dean's Hold (and Advisor Hold) lifted before registration, you are ensuring that you can register on time for the right classes. Note: walk-in advisors cannot lift the Dean's Hold, so you need to meet with your full-time advisor!

How will probation affect my financial aid?

You should speak with a financial aid counselor if you are unsure of your eligibility for aid based on your probation status. To speak with a financial aid counselor, visit the StudentLink Center at 383 Lafayette Street Monday through Friday,  9:00am  to  5:00pm.   (For extended hours, please see the information on their website: https://www.nyu.edu/admissions/financial-aid-and-scholarships/speak-with-a-counselor.html.

To understand how your grade point average (GPA) is calculated, please see these instructions:  https://www.nyu.edu/registrar/pdf/NYU_GPA_calculation.pdf

To calculate your semester GPA, you can use this GPA calculator:  https://www.nyu.edu/cas/prehealth/calculator.html

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Academic Probation

Degree-seeking students.

Students enrolled in a graduate degree program must maintain a cumulative graduate 3.000 grade-point-average (GPA) and meet their department's academic progress criteria toward degree completion. The minimum 3.000 GPA is based on all coursework taken for graduate credit, regardless of whether or not the courses are recommended or required for a specific graduate degree. Additionally, each program has its own criteria by which a student is evaluated on satisfactory academic progress. Falling below a cumulative graduate GPA of 3.000 or failure to meet other academic progress requirements will result in the student being placed on academic probation by the Dean of the Graduate College. Students on probation are required to meet with their Faculty Advisor, discuss the steps to be taken to remediate the problems that led to the probationary status, and develop a mentoring plan with specific actions to get back into satisfactory status. If, upon completion of a semester, the student's cumulative graduate GPA is below 3.0, or if the student failed to make satisfactory progress during that semester, the student will be allowed to register for one additional semester. An academic probation hold will prevent students from enrolling beyond that additional semester. Students who fail to make satisfactory process, and those whose cumulative graduate GPA is below 3.0, for two consecutive semesters will be disqualified from their program. Departments may petition for a one semester extension to academic probation for students who are making good progress towards satisfactory academic standing.

If a grade changes or completion of an Incomplete causes a prior semester's cumulative GPA to drop below 3.0, the student will retroactively be placed on probation and that semester will count as the student's first semester below 3.0.

Disqualified students may

• Apply as non-degree seeking and continue to take graduate courses in non-degree status, OR
• Apply for Academic Renewal if they wish to apply to a different major and the other major has agreed to accept them.  The graduate GPA will NOT be changed until the student has been admitted to the new program. 

Students can apply for readmission to a degree program as early as the semester after their disqualification if they achieve a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 through additional graduate course work. A re-admission request must be supported by the head of the major department and approved by the Graduate College. There is no guarantee of re-admission.

Certificate Students

Students enrolled in a graduate certificate program must maintain a cumulative graduate 3.000 grade-point-average (GPA) and meet their department's academic progress criteria toward degree completion. The minimum 3.000 GPA is based on all coursework taken for graduate credit, regardless of whether or not the courses are recommended or required for a specific graduate certificate. Additionally, each program has its own criteria by which a student is evaluated on satisfactory academic progress. Falling below a cumulative graduate GPA of 3.000 or failure to meet other academic progress requirements will result in the student being placed on academic probation by the Dean of the Graduate College. Students on probation are required to meet with their Faculty Advisor, discuss the steps to be taken to remediate the problems that led to the probationary status, and develop a mentoring plan with specific actions to get back into satisfactory status. If, upon completion of a semester, the student's cumulative graduate GPA is below 3.0, or if the student failed to make satisfactory progress during that semester, the student will be allowed to register for one additional semester. An academic probation hold will prevent students from enrolling beyond that additional semester. Students who fail to make satisfactory process, and those whose cumulative graduate GPA is below 3.0, for two consecutive semesters will be disqualified from their program. Departments may petition for a one semester extension to academic probation for students who are making good progress towards satisfactory academic standing.

Student Manual

Good academic standing policy for phd programs.

October 2020

Expectations Regarding Progress Toward the Degree

Each PhD program should define expected progress toward the degree, including all requirements, expected and maximum timelines for completion of requirements, and ongoing performance expectations such as grade minimums. All programs must communicate academic progress requirements to students. Expectations at every stage of the program, appropriate timelines for meeting the expectations, and consequences for not meeting the expectations should be published online and discussed in a face-to-face meeting with all incoming students at the start of their programs.

Good Academic Standing

A student shall be deemed to be in good academic standing only if they are making appropriate progress towards the degree as described above and defined and communicated by the program. Good academic standing is determined at the sole discretion of the University through its faculty and deans.

PhD programs must regularly assess each student and, in a timely manner, communicate in writing (1) if a student is not in good academic standing, (2) what must be accomplished to achieve good academic standing, (3) in what timeframe it must be achieved, and (4) what the consequences are if the requirements to achieve good academic standing are not completed within the timeframe (e.g., academic probation, dismissal).

Students enrolled in joint or dual degree programs must maintain good academic standing in all programs.

Academic Probation and Dismissal

Based on stated expectations and degree milestones, a program may determine at any point in a student’s academic career that they are not in good academic standing. As determined by the program, the student may be placed on academic probation or dismissed from the program immediately depending on the unmet expectation and its defined consequences.

If placed on academic probation, students must be informed in writing what the expectations are for their return to good academic standing, including required accomplishments and the timeline for completion of those requirements. The student should be asked to confirm, in writing, receipt of the probationary document and that they have read and fully understand the terms of the probation. In cases where a student is unable to meet expectations as outlined in their probationary document, the student is subject to dismissal from the University. Students may not transfer to another University degree program or apply for a joint degree program while on academic probation.

Students are expected to adhere to this University policy; to all related divisional, school, department, and program specific policies and review procedures; and to related policies regarding federal aid recipients . Students may consult with their Dean of Students for more guidance.

• College of Engineering

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Graduate student support.

There are many resources available to help you succeed while you complete your graduate degree. Use the information on this page to stay informed of UNT and departmental policies and learn about opportunities that are available to help you succeed.

Graduate programs and advising

Graduate advising is available to help you prepare your degree plan, select correct courses, and ensure you are on track to graduate.

It is important to connect with your academic advisor within or before your first semester and each semester after. In your first meeting, you will collaborate on your degree plan, and in your subsequent meetings, you can discuss any changes to your plan and receive support to help you successfully complete your program.

Your department’s graduate handbooks provide details that you will need while you are enrolled in your program, including expectations, policies, and other information that is vital for you to know.

Academic support

Each student should be aware of the UNT, College of Engineering, and departmental academic policies. Below, you will find information about academic integrity, probation, suspension, grade appeals, course duplications, and graduation.

Academic integrity is vital to ensure that degrees awarded by UNT are legitimately earned. There are several categories for academic dishonesty, and it is important that you are familiar with all of them as well as the consequences of academic dishonesty.

UNT Academic Integrity Policy

The graduate catalog contains entries that explain good academic standing, probation, and suspension along with many other academic issues that affect graduate students. You can view the full academic standards entry in the Graduate Catalog .

Academic expectations

The term Academic Status is used as an indication of a student’s academic standing with the university. Graduate students must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.6 in their first semester of enrollment and a CGPA of 3.0 in all subsequent terms to remain in good academic standing.

The graduate student must maintain a B average on all courses that receive graduate credit, whether or not the courses are to be applied toward a graduate degree. Grades received in all courses numbered 5000 or higher are included in the computation of the graduate student’s grade point average.

The student whose graduate GPA earned at another institution is below B will be required to make up the deficiency either at the other institution or at UNT. This regulation applies not only to graduate work attempted elsewhere before the student was first admitted to the Toulouse Graduate School at UNT, but also to graduate work attempted elsewhere after the student’s admission at UNT.

Students must make satisfactory progress toward completion of degree requirements to remain in good standing within a specific degree program. Students whose progress is unsatisfactory may be removed from the program by the dean of the Toulouse Graduate School on recommendation of the major department or division. Courses in which the grade is D cannot be used toward completion of graduate degree requirements.

A grade of C or better must be earned in each undergraduate or graduate course assigned as a deficiency by the student’s major department. Departments that wish to do so may establish more stringent requirements.

Academic probation

A graduate student is placed on academic probation at the end of their first semester of enrollment if the CGPA drops below 2.6. A graduate student is placed on academic probation at the end of any subsequent term in which the CGPA falls below a 3.0.

A student who fails to achieve the required cumulative average of 3.0 GPA (B average) on all courses carrying graduate credit in a term/semester will be placed on academic probation for the subsequent term/semester. If the student achieves a 3.0 semester GPA in the subsequent term/semester, but the cumulative GPA is still below 3.0, the student will remain on academic probation. The student will be removed from probation when the 3.0 cumulative GPA is achieved. A student who is on probation cannot apply for graduation and cannot graduate.

Academic suspension

A student who is placed on academic probation who does not receive either a semester or a cumulative 3.0 GPA during the term/semester of probation will be subject to academic suspension for a period of up to one calendar year before becoming eligible to re-enroll for further graduate courses. Graduate work completed elsewhere during a period of graduate suspension at UNT may not be counted for graduate credit at UNT. After the one-year period of suspension, students must reapply for admission to graduate school (see “Readmission of Graduate Students” in the Admission section of this catalog); students may then enroll in graduate courses under probation with the same probation conditions as previously described. Students who are then suspended a second time without having returned to good academic standing by achieving a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better will be dismissed from the university.

The student whose UNT GPA in graduate work falls below 3.0 must make up the deficit, either by repeating courses in which the grades are low, or by completing other UNT courses with grades high enough to bring the UNT GPA up to 3.0. Low grades made in graduate courses at UNT may not be duplicated at other institutions.

Course duplications

Beginning Fall 2018, students may duplicate only two graduate courses in which they received a grade of C or lower, for grade replacement. A single course may only be repeated once for grade replacement. If a student earns a master’s degree and then pursues a doctoral degree, the two-course limit is per degree level. Courses duplicated prior to Fall 2018 are not considered in the two-course limit. Post baccalaureate and non-degree courses duplicated apply to the master’s limit.

The responsibility for initiating the official recording of a grade duplication lies entirely with the student. However, the Registrar’s Office may post duplications at the request of the student’s advisor or to update academic status. In the absence of such a request, all grades received for a course will be included in the student’s cumulative hours attempted and grade points earned. Once a duplication request is submitted, only the last grade received is included in the student’s cumulative hours attempted and grade points earned.

Grade changes & removal of I

No grade except I may be removed from a student’s record once properly recorded. Changes are not permitted after grades have been filed except to correct clerical errors.

Requests for error correction must be initiated immediately after the close of the term/semester for which the grade was recorded. View the Grade Appeal Process below to learn how to appeal a grade.

A faculty member who believes an error has been made in calculating or recording a grade may submit a request for a grade change to the department chair and the graduate dean. The Registrar accepts requests for grade changes only from the academic deans.

A student may remove a grade of I within one year by completing the stipulated work. After the student completes the stipulated work, the instructor then records the final grade on the UNT Grade Change Form and obtains the department chair’s signature. For graduate students, the office of Dean of the Toulouse Graduate School completes processing with the Registrar’s Office, where the grade point average is adjusted accordingly. If the student does not complete the stipulated work within the time specified (not to exceed one year after taking the course), the grade will default to F unless the instructor has designated a different automatic grade. The GPA is adjusted accordingly.

Grade appeal process

The College of Engineering grade appeals process is online. Some departments have additional information about grade appeal policies. Links to these policies are below.

• Computer Science and Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering

Applying to change your major

Students can apply to change their major by completing the application available on the Toulouse Graduate School website . Applying to change your major does not guarantee that you will be approved. Change of major students are reviewed as new applicants to the program to which they are applying, so students may be required to submit GRE test scores, a resume, letters of recommendation, or other documents. Visit the website of the program you want to apply to learn of admission requirements.

Pass-through masters

Students who are enrolled in a PhD program have the option to complete a master’s degree at the same time they complete the PhD, which is a pass-through master’s. This option allows students to earn a master’s degree while they complete their PhD and in many cases does not significantly increase the time or number of hours required to complete the PhD. Students have to complete both degrees at the same time for this option to count as a pass-through master’s degree.

To apply for a pass-through master’s, you will complete the online application form , which will be sent to your department for approval.

Time to completion

In general, students are expected to complete a master’s degree in X years and a PhD in X years. Students can apply to extend the time to complete the degree if extraneous circumstances prevent them from completing the degree in the allotted amount of time. Note that there is no guarantee that extra time will be granted.

To request an extension of time to complete your graduate degree, follow the instructions on the Request for Extension of Time page .

Leave of absence

Leave of absence applies to students admitted to the master’s or doctoral degree who wish to discontinue work toward the degree for a specified period of time due to exigent circumstances. If approved, the leave of absence may “stop the clock” on the time limit for the degree for a maximum of three terms (excluding summer).

A leave of absence form must be submitted to the Toulouse Graduate School and must have approval of the student’s department chair and the college or academic associate dean prior to submission to the Toulouse Graduate School. Once a student returns from an approved leave of absence of one year or longer, the student must apply through www.applytexas.org to reactivate the student record. After application, the student will automatically be readmitted to the prior programs and their time limit for completion of the degree will resume.

Leaves will only be granted under conditions that require suspension of all activities associated with pursuing the degree. For more details, see “Time Limitations” in the master’s and doctoral degree requirements sections of the graduate catalog .

Full-time enrollment for graduate students is 9 hours per long academic semester. Half-time enrollment is 6 to 8 hours per long academic semester. In cases where students need to reduce their course load due to exceptional circumstances, they can apply to do so on the Reduced Course Load Request webpage .

Final exams take place at the end of each academic term. The schedule is online on the Final Exam Schedule webpage .

In some cases, students may have final exams that overlap. In this situation, students need to talk with their instructors to come up with a solution that allows them to take all exams. Students cannot wait until finals week to make these arrangements. Look at the finals schedule early to determine if you have any scheduling conflicts.

It is the responsibility of the student to stay abreast of progress toward the degree and to file an application using the MyUNT student portal. Information about graduation requirements and application dates is online at gradschool.unt.edu/content/graduation . The applicant’s grade point average on all graduate work attempted must be at least 3.0 for the graduation application to be accepted. To apply for graduation, you need to have a degree plan on file with Toulouse Graduate School.

View Graduation Deadlines

To begin the thesis or dissertation process, you need to ensure that you have identified a major professor who will guide you through which courses to take and how to approach your research, writing, and thesis/dissertation process, including forming your committee.

Thesis students will begin their thesis process as soon as they identify a faculty member to work with on research; typically, this should happen by the second semester of the master’s program.

Dissertation students should identify their major professor within the first year of enrollment. Once a PhD student has passed the departmental qualifying exam process and has a degree plan on file, they will be eligible to enroll in dissertation hours.

Students must apply for graduation prior to the defense of the dissertation or thesis. Upon completion of the dissertation or thesis, a student meets with their advisory committee to defend the content of the dissertation or thesis. After a student has successfully defended the paper and made any revisions suggested by the advisory committee, the student is ready to submit the paper to the graduate school for final approval. Graduation information is available from the Toulouse Graduate School and at tgs.unt.edu. Deadlines for thesis/dissertation submission are in the above section.

For more detailed information about your department’s thesis/dissertation process, please visit the departmental website.

Registration

Students will register for classes during the registration period. You can view the schedule of classes through MyUNT.

UNT also has step-by-step instructions online about how to register for courses .

Each semester, the university establishes a registration calendar that includes important dates that students need to know, including the first and last dates to register, drop dates, withdrawal dates and more.

You can see all available registration calendars on the Academic Calendars webpage .

It is important to pay attention to the drop and withdrawal dates to ensure that you know when you need to take action to adjust your schedule.

Programs or departments may have limits on how many hours students can take during a semester. Pay attention to your department’s graduate handbook to understand how many hours you are eligible to take.

In general, students are more successful when they take a reasonable number of classes each term because they are able to focus more and also enjoy their graduate student experience more.

When courses are full, departments implement waitlists to allow a limited number of students to wait for an open seat in the course. Being on a waitlist is not a guarantee that you will be added to the class, and departments cannot move students up or down on a waitlist.

It is ideal to enroll in open classes and use waitlists as a last resort because it is uncommon for waitlisted students to be added to the course they are waitlisted for.

To help you plan your course schedule, each department has created a 3-year course rotation schedule. Click on your department’s link to see which courses are planned for upcoming semesters.

• Biomedical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Materials Science and Engineering

Costs, funding & employment

Use the links below to learn more about the cost of attending UNT, including tuition, fees, estimated living expenses, and how to pay your bill.

• Tuition and fee estimator
• International student financial requirements
• Tuition rates
• Explanation of fees
• Paying your bill & deadlines
• Payment plans

There are many types of funding available to students at UNT. For information about your department’s funding opportunities, visit the links below.

Scholarships

Scholarships provide funding to students without the expectation of work. Scholarship amounts vary between each scholarship opportunity. The UNT general scholarship deadline is March 1 of each year. Other scholarships may have different application deadlines.

Students who receive UNT competitive scholarships worth $1,000 or more may qualify for in-state tuition rates. Not all scholarships are considered competitive; the award letter for each scholarship will outline the expectations for the scholarship and will specify the funding level and other details of the scholarship.

Financial aid & grants

Financial aid is a specific type of funding that is offered by the US government that provides loans or grants to qualifying students. To qualify, students need to meet certain residency requirements, and indicated on the FAFSA website. Learn more about the financial aid process on the UNT Financial Aid and Scholarships webpage.

Teaching assistantships & teaching fellows

Teaching assistantships are offered by departments and provide a monthly stipend to students. Teaching assistants perform under the instructor’s direct supervision and provide general assistance for instruction, such as grading, tutoring, teaching labs, and other needs of the course.

Teaching fellows are paid a monthly stipend and are the instructor of record for a course and have primary responsibility for teaching a course.

Teaching assistants and fellows are hired by departments. Visit your departmental funding webpage to learn how to apply for one of these roles. Stipend information is online.

UNT offers teaching resources to help students succeed in their teaching assistant or teaching fellow roles.

UNT offers a tuition benefit program (TBP) that provides tuition and fee support to some teaching assistants or teaching fellows. Departments determine which students receive TBP funds and how much each student receives. Students who are hired for an assistantship will receive an offer letter that specifies the stipend amount, any tuition and fee support, and the terms of the position.

Research assistantships

Research assistants are paid a monthly stipend and are hired by individual faculty to support research activities for a principal investigator or faculty working on research. For a successful research assistantship, students should work with a faculty member whose research aligns with their interests.

To acquire a research assistantship, students should research faculty in their department and reach out to them directly. Visit your departmental research and faculty webpages to learn about research opportunities.

Stipend information is online. Note that research assistant pay may vary between research labs.

Hourly employment

Departmental grader positions.

Graders are paid hourly and are responsible for gathering, grading, and returning classwork for an assigned class within a timely and efficient manner. Grader positions include grading, inputting grades, and writing notations on student assignments. Graders may handle other coursework tasks as needed.

Check your department’s funding page to learn more about grader opportunities.

Other on-campus employment

UNT has many opportunities for on-campus employment. In fact, UNT employs over 5,000 students each year. Learn how to apply for on-campus jobs below.

• UNT uses Handshake to manage employment opportunities both on and off campus. Visit the Career Center website for steps on how to apply.
• Each position will have different criteria, but almost all will have you complete an application and submit your resume. You can visit the Career Center at Discovery Park to get help with creating an effective resume.

Information for international students

To apply for an I20, admitted students will be given access to the iNorthTX portal . Through this portal, students upload all required documents for the I20 process. You will need to fill out the form completely and upload required information, like financial documentation. You can view the financial requirements to attend UNT.

Steps of what to do once you are admitted to UNT are on the new international students page .

If you will arrive late to your first semester at UNT, you need to request approval from your department and UNT International. Typically, the late arrival date for international graduate students is one week after the first day of classes for a long semester.  You can contact your department directly to request a late arrival. If the department approves you to arrive late, you will need to complete the Late Arrival E-Form that is in the iNorthTX portal .

Full instructions to apply for late arrival can be found on the new student late arrival request page .

Graduate students who hold F-1 or J-1 visas must enroll in 9 credit hours in each long semester. If students need to drop a class or take fewer than 9 credit hours for a qualifying reason, they need to complete a Graduate Full Time Equivalency Form in the iNorthTX portal .

You should never drop below 9 credit hours without consulting your academic advisor and UNT International.

You can read the full enrollment requirements for international graduate students .

Curricular Practical Training is an academic program that allows qualifying international students to participate in an internship or training as part of their degree program. To qualify, students must have been enrolled full-time for two semesters and maintained F-1 status. To be approved for CPT, students need to have a valid employment opportunity that is relevant to their degree program and must be approved in advance by UNT International and their degree program.

To apply, students need to verify that work experience is integral to their degree and then find a relevant job opportunity. Students will then need to ensure that the F-1 Academic Advisor form and F-1 CPT Employer form are approved by the deadline.

Visit the Curricular Proctical Training webpage to learn more about CPT and the application process.

Optional practical training allows qualifying students to gain temporary work experience that is directly related to their major area of study. Upon graduation, students in STEM programs can complete 12 months of full-time employment and may be eligible for a 24-month extension.

To apply, students need to be approved by UNT and by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services and need to receive an updated I20. Learn more about OPT and the application process on the Optional Practical Training webpage .

Professionalism

Throughout your academic and professional career, you will need to communicate effectively to accomplish your goals and share information. Below are some tips to communicate professionally.

Whether you are communicating via email, phone, or in-person, it is important to remember to maintain professionalism.

Expectations

When you communicate with faculty or staff, you should expect that you will receive accurate information from those with whom you communicate.

UNT, College of Engineering, and departmental policies are in place for a reason and apply to all students equally. If you receive an answer from a UNT faculty or staff member, it is inefficient and inappropriate to continue to seek a different answer from others on campus.

Almost all policies will be included on the websites for the College of Engineering, department, or graduate catalog. If you request the link to the policy information, the person you are communicating with will gladly provide you with the information you seek.

When you communicate through email, it is important to remember a few things.

• Include your first name, last name, and ID number in each message. We cannot follow up with you if we do not know who you are.
• Ask your question or share the purpose of your email within the first sentence. It helps the reader know the context for your email.
• Allow at least 24 to 48 hours for a response. When students send multiple emails for the same issue, it ends up taking longer for staff or faculty to respond.
• Write in a clear, concise, and respectful manner. You are preparing for your future career, so start practicing your email writing skills now.

When you communicate by phone, follow the guidelines below.

• Leave a voicemail with detailed information. Include your name, student ID number, return phone number, program, and question on the voicemail. We cannot follow up with you if we do not know who you are.
• Do not call repeatedly. When you leave a detailed voicemail, the person you contacted will know who you are and what you need and will follow up when they are available.
• Consider sending an email. Often, it is easier for faculty or staff to follow up with you by email because we can send an email at any time. Also, it is sometimes easier to provide the specific information or links you need if you email us.
• Set appointments in advance when possible. When you stop by offices unexpectedly, there is not a guarantee that the person you need to see will be available.
• Have a goal in mind. If you are trying to solve a problem, be specific with your problem and tell us what you need.
• Communicate in appropriate locations. Avoid having conversations inside or outside of the bathroom, when someone is already in a conversation, or when someone is having lunch.

Conducting effective web searches

In most situations, the information you need can be found online through an effective web search. Before you call or email, try finding the information yourself by using a search engine and keywords.

Consider what information you need and identify keywords. For example, if you need to learn about the graduation application deadline, you might enter “UNT master’s graduation deadline” into the search bar. Be as specific as you can, and the information you need will usually pop up in the first few search results.

Tips for success in your internship or CPT opportunity

When you start your internship or CPT opportunity, you should be proud of yourself. Finding a job you love in your field is the ultimate goal of your graduate education. Below are some guidelines to help you succeed in your internship.

• Make sure you understand the process you need to complete to enroll in internship hours or be approved for your CPT opportunity. Your department will have information available to help you manage the process. International students should communicate with UNT International and check out workshops and online resources about CPT or OPT.
• Communicate with your employer early to learn about expectations. You need to know what to wear, where to go on your first day, what the work hours are, what the job role entails, and how they determine success in the position.
• Show up on time every day and be ready to work. This is a first step to get a great job after you graduate, so you need to make a good impression and be responsible and reliable.
• If you need to miss work or will be late for any reason, you need to communicate with your employer. Ask who you need to contact and let them know that you will not be able to attend work or will be late to avoid negative consequences.
• Ask questions and make sure you understand what you are doing and why.

Professional and personal development opportunities

Professional and personal development help you to succeed academically and prepare you for your job search and career.

• College of Engineering events
• Toulouse Graduate School workshops
• Career Center events
• Volunteer opportunities
• Research opportunities

Joining a student organization may be the most important thing you do outside of the classroom. You can connect with your peers while gaining leadership opportunities and meeting new people.

The College of Engineering has many student organizations that provide professional development, networking, and social opportunities for our students. Graduate students are welcome in each organization and are encouraged to join.

UNT has many non-major organizations that help you connect with other students. In addition to interest-based or social groups, you can also sharpen your leaderships skills by running for the Graduate Student Council or running for office in any organization you join.

You can find information about scholarships, travel grants, and assistantships on the College of Engineering scholarship page .

UNT has many resources available to support our students. Before you seek help outside of the university, be sure to explore the resources we have on campus because they are focused on helping students. You also pay for them with your tuition and fees, so it is smart to use the resources you have invested in.

You can also find additional student resource information .

Tips for Online Students , Tips for Students

Academic Probation: What Is It And What Should You Do?

Updated: July 12, 2022

Published: July 23, 2020

If you find yourself on academic probation, you’re not alone. In fact, about 20% of college students who attend a four-year institution will be on academic probation at some point. And if you’re attending online college , you’re not exempt from this possibility. Although it may feel scary to find yourself in this circumstance, you can improve your academic performance with a few steps.

Let’s get into how you may find yourself on academic probation and what you should do while you’re on it. Plus, we’ll divulge some tips for ways to remain on the right academic path to prevent any downfalls.

Photo by Tim Gouw on Unsplash

What is academic probation.

All colleges have a set of guidelines by which students must abide by in order to stay enrolled as a student. If a student fails to meet the set of criteria, they may be put on academic probation, which serves as a warning.

Some consequences of being put on academic probation include:

• Not being able to pursue your major of choice (if you’ve failed too many course requirements)
• A loss or reduction in financial aid
• You could possibly be dismissed from the institution (if improvements aren’t made)

10 Things That Lead To Academic Probation

There are many reasons why students may be put on academic probation. Some of the most common causes are:

1. Skipping Classes

While not all schools or professors will keep track of attendance, some do. It’s on the student to know the policy, and it could even be that if you miss too many classes, you will automatically fail the class.

2. Too Many Classes

It seems counterintuitive to be punished for taking too many classes, but it’s possible when a student is overly ambitious and takes on too many units at once. If the workload becomes too overwhelming, grades may slip.

3. Poor Study Habits

A poor GPA often leads back to poor study habits. With continued poor results, students may be placed on academic probation if they don’t maintain the minimum required GPA.

4. Too Many Pass / Fail

In some institutions, students may choose to receive a “pass/fail” grade instead of a letter grade for a class. However, the amount of classes you can take for “pass/fail” tends to have a limit.

5. Unbalanced Schedule

Regardless of how many units you choose to take each quarter or semester, you’ll want to balance the type of classes you have. For example, if you take too many writing classes at a time or too many science classes, it may be hard to get the work done and perform well. In this anxious state, your grades may start to decline.

6. Unexpected Personal Events

College is just a part of life, and life may throw you a curveball. You may not be able to keep your grades in good standing if you’re also trying to deal with a family or life circumstance that is out of your control.

7. Stress Or Anxiety

Stress, anxiety, and depression are serious mental health issues that can affect your academic performance. If you feel any of these, try to get help from someone you trust, an academic advisor or professional. You can also practice stress-relieving tips designed for college students.

8. Too Few Credits

Some schools require that students are enrolled in a minimum amount of classes per quarter or semester. If you drop a class in the middle of the quarter or semester, you may fall under the threshold and be placed on academic probation.

9. Disinterested

It’s really important to choose a major and college classes that you feel genuinely interested in. If you are totally disinterested in class, then you will likely be disengaged and it will be hard to stay motivated. However, there are times when classes are required and it’s beyond your control as to whether or not you must take them. In these instances, it’s helpful to stay focused on your ultimate goal and power through!

10. Too Much Partying

For many, a huge part of the college experience is socializing and going to parties. However, to remain in good academic standing, it’s vital to balance wearing both your academic and party hats.

6 Things To Do While On Academic Probation?

If you are put on academic probation, you have many ways to get out. It’s necessary to first realize how you got into this position and try to rectify it from the cause. Overall, you can also consider these steps to make your way back to safe ground.

1. Consider Course Load

Reassess the amounts of classes you’re taking, as well as the balance of their expectations. Try to diversify your course load between major-specific classes, writing-intensive classes, and electives to level out your schedule.

2. Consider Your Resources

Does your campus offer workshops or tutoring assistance? Take some time to evaluate what resources are available to you for extra help.

3. Check-Ins

Schedule regular check-ins with your professors, teacher assistants, and/or academic counselors to review your standing.

4. Get A Tutor

If you have the extra funds, reaching out to a tutor could help improve your performance. You can even find tutoring assistance online via tutorials, videos, or virtual tutors.

5. Consider Pass / Fail

If a pass/fail class isn’t what got you on academic probation in the first place, you may want to explore this option. But you can only take pass/fail courses for non-required or major-related classes.

6. Recognize Successes

Success happens when small steps on the right path are repeated. In this way, it’s good practice to recognize every time you do something well. This could be acing a quiz or spending extra time in office hours to better understand a lesson.

Tips To Staying Off Probation

Finding yourself on academic probation doesn’t mean you’re alone. But it does mean that there is room for improvement. Here are some tips and tricks to set yourself up to do well in college!

• Get A Planner: To better manage your time, you can buy a planner or use an online calendar like Google Calendar. This tool can help you to break up your time and schedule blocks of time to study, socialize, and relax.
• Schedule Advising Appointments: Hold yourself accountable by taking the big step to schedule advising appointments. Your academic advisor is there to help you do well in college!
• Ask For Help: Whether you need to rely on a peer for assistance, a tutor, a mentor , a counselor or professor, you should always be open to asking for help when you need it. There’s no shame in reaching out. In fact, it shows that you are taking responsibility and control over your destiny!

Photo by Jonathan Daniels on Unsplash

Your future isn’t over.

Academic probation isn’t the end of your academic career. Academic probation is not intended to be a punishment, but rather it is meant to serve as a wake-up call to help get you back on the right track.

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Jason Suitt, B.S., M.Div. Assistant Registrar for Transfer Evaluations

Martin Granda, B.S., M.A. Assistant Registrar for Transfer Operations

Travis Hoegh Associate Registrar for Academic Operations

Amanda Collins, B.S. Assistant Registrar for Academic Curriculum

Clark Strawser, B.S., M.A.P.P. Assistant Registrar for Academic Operations

Tracy Godsey, B.S. Assistant Registrar for Academic Policy

​Ben Bailey , B.S., M.A.T.S. Assistant Registrar for Academic Support

Tom Calvert, B.S., M.A. Associate Registrar for Academic Success

Ashley Coleman, B.S., M.Ed. Assistant Registrar for Academic Success

Dina Johnston, B.S., M.A. Associate Registrar for Degree Conferral

Carrie Hodges , B.S., M.A.  Assistant Registrar for Graduate Degree Conferral

​Jess Clark , B.S., M.A. Assistant Registrar for Undergraduate Degree Conferral

​Allison Davis , B.A., M.A.  Associate Registrar, College of Osteopathic Medicine

​Brett Brenner , B.S., M.A.  Assistant Registrar, College of Osteopathic Medicine

​Carol Cordle   Associate Registrar, School of Law

Luke Gentala, B.S, M.A.R. University Ombudsman

Semester Credit System

The University operates on the semester system. The unit for counting credit is the semester hour. A semester hour of credit consists of the equivalent of one 50-minute period of class work for 15 weeks, with an assumption of two hours of outside preparation or two 50-minute periods of laboratory work for each semester hour. Online courses are equivalent to the number of classroom contact hours (750 minutes per credit hour) expected in a synchronous residential course.

Enrollment Verification

A student is enrolled when they are registered for a course and have attended the course and/or completed academic work for the course after its start date. For enrollment verification purposes, the University policy can be viewed in the  Policy Directory .

Semester Load and Overload

To ensure students are successful in their academic endeavors, the University has placed a limit on the maximum number of semester hours students are able to take.

Graduate, post-graduate, and doctoral students

• Master’s-level graduate students are considered to be full-time when enrolled in nine or more hours per semester. Post-graduate and doctoral students are considered full-time with a semester load of six or more semester hours.
• Graduate, post-graduate, and doctoral students have a maximum semester limit of 15 hours.
• Graduate, post-graduate, and doctoral students must have a Liberty University cumulative GPA of 3.5 or above to be eligible for overload up to 18 hours and above a 3.5 to be eligible for overload up to 21 hours.

Undergraduate students

• Undergraduate students are considered to be full-time with a semester load of 12 or more semester hours. 
• Undergraduate students have a maximum semester limit of 18 hours. 
• Undergraduate students must have a Liberty University cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above to be eligible for overload up to 21 credit hours, and a GPA of 3.5 or above to be eligible for overload up to 24 credit hours.

All students

Students must seek permission to take more than the maximum hours in a semester and will be required to pay additional tuition for each credit hour they take over the maximum semester limit.  Students may review potential overload charges by accessing this  chart  in the Academic Catalog or by contacting Student Financial Services to confirm the exact charges.

Certain degree programs may require a higher Liberty University cumulative GPA for approval. 

Due to financial aid regulations, if students use their semester overload to take courses outside their degree completion plan requirements, they should be advised that this could cause issues with their financial aid.  Students can check to see whether the course is required for their degree by reviewing the Degree Completion Plan Audit or by contacting their Academic Evaluator to confirm.

Students who want to request overload must secure permission from the Registrar’s Office and may seek this approval by submitting a request at  www.liberty.edu/overload .

Grades, Quality Points, and GPA

All work is graded by letters which are assigned quality points as indicated below:

A student’s cumulative GPA comprises all Liberty University coursework completed at the current academic level (Undergraduate, Graduate or Doctoral) regardless of prior degree conferral, broken enrollment or a program/major change. To determine the grade point average (GPA), the quality points earned are divided by GPA hours completed. GPA hours are hours that are used in the calculation of the GPA. The following grades are included in GPA hours: A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, D-, F, and FN. Grades of AU, I, IP, NF, NP, P, PR, Q, R, and W are not included in GPA hours. A grade of B, for example, in a course bearing three semester hours of credit would be assigned nine quality points and a grade of C in that course, six quality points. Thus, if a student takes 16 semester hours of work and earns 40 quality points, his GPA is 2.50 (40 quality points divided by 16 semester hours). Only courses taken at Liberty are used in computing the GPA. Cumulative GPA is calculated to the hundredths place and is not rounded.

Grading Scales

Liberty University incorporates a standardized 1,000-point system across all undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. The undergraduate programs utilize a 100-point scale, and the graduate and doctoral programs utilize an 80-point scale to differentiate between letter grades. The grading scale will be posted within the syllabus for each course. Students are encouraged to review the syllabus for each course individually to verify the grade scale.

Student Classification

The classification of students at Liberty is based on their degree level and number of earned semester hours.

Advisors and Course Selection

Each resident student will be assigned a faculty advisor upon acceptance to the University. The advisors will guide students in course selection. All questions concerning academic issues should be directed to the advisors. Students are encouraged to contact their advisors for help with any school-related problems they may encounter during the academic year.

Liberty University Online will assist online students throughout their studies. Liberty University Online serves to guide students in their course selection as well as help answer questions regarding academic issues or school-related problems.

Course Planning

A course planning schedule is provided in order for students to plan their classes for upcoming semesters. The planning schedule presents every class offered and the terms where it is scheduled to be taught. This schedule is sorted alphabetically by class. The course planning schedule is available online at: https://www.liberty.edu/registrar/course-planning-schedule/ .

Transfer of Credits

Only courses and degrees from institutions accredited by agencies recognized by the Department of Education will be evaluated for transfer credit (e.g., SACSCOC, TRACS, ABHE, etc.). Applicants must request official transcripts to be sent directly from the Registrar(s) of the previous school(s) to the Offices of Graduate Admissions. These transcripts must be received before an admission decision will be made. Credits transferred from other institutions are awarded grades of P for Pass, and do not impact a student’s Liberty University GPA or academic standing.

In order to receive direct credit for a course, the description must overlap the Liberty University course content at least 80%. Courses that do not match a Liberty University course by at least 80% are eligible to transfer as elective credit where allowable. Elective credit is coded as 5XX to 9XX, depending on the level of the course.

Course work from a degree on the same academic level previously earned through Liberty University is considered transfer credit, and is subject to the same restrictions as course work completed through other institutions.

See additional information about the evaluation of graduate transfer in the Graduate Admissions Section.

Experiential Learning Credit

In order to demonstrate they have met the learning outcomes of a course, students who have already applied to Liberty University may submit an Experience Plus portfolio. Students are responsible for identifying the courses for which they intend to show equivalency, but they are encouraged to first make sure that their program does not involve any kind of licensure or other certifications that are received from state or other government entities or military branches as these circumstances prevent a student from going through this process. The portfolio review requires a nonrefundable $100 assessment fee. Students seeking credit for more than one course must submit a separate portfolio per course for which credit is requested. A maximum of 50% of experiential learning credits can be awarded and applied toward a graduate degree at Liberty University.

The Portfolio Guidelines are as follows:

• Students must be accepted into a program at Liberty University.
• Prepare a portfolio(s) using the guidelines established at  http://www.liberty.edu/online/credit-experience-by-portfolio .
• Portfolios will be evaluated by appropriately credentialed faculty to determine if credit can be awarded for life experiences. Students are not guaranteed credit for these experiences.
• Portfolios may not be submitted for internships, practica, dissertations, thesis courses, or other courses that are identified as non-transferrable.
• The hours awarded are counted as transfer hours and are not considered as hours earned at Liberty University. These credits will not be applied to a student’s GPA calculation.
• Credit earned through this process will not be counted toward the required minimum institutional credits that must be completed through Liberty University for a graduate degree.

Military Evaluations

Liberty University will evaluate students’ prior military experience and develop a degree plan for each student to follow. Evaluations will be based solely upon the recommendations of the American Council of Education (ACE) guidebook,  A Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services . Military applicants should send in military transcripts or documentation from their particular branch of service. If those documents are unavailable, applicants should submit a copy of their DD214, 2-1, 2A, or DD295 for evaluation.

Outgoing Transfer Credit  

Transferability of credit earned through Liberty University is at the discretion of the receiving institution.

Priority Registration for Residential Military Students

All residential students who have verified their status as a current military service member or veteran will be assigned a unique PIN number before registration opens each semester. The PIN will be emailed to students and allow access to course registration on the early registration date associated with Special Groups. More information about the specific dates in the registration schedule will be posted on the Registrar's Course Registration web page each semester.

Online Course Registration, Activation, and Completion Dates

Online students may register for courses online via the Course Registration Tool at the following link: https://www.liberty.edu/registrar/course-registration/ . A student’s enrollment period (course activation) begins the first day of the sub-term, provided the student is in good academic standing and has paid the tuition or secured financial aid approval. Students are encouraged to allow sufficient time to review their course materials before the beginning of the sub-term. See the University calendar for sub-term dates.

The full policy statement and procedures are published in the  Policy Directory .

Online Course Materials

Online students must purchase all course materials from MBS Direct. Materials for some practicums and intensives may be purchased from the University Bookstore. Students should purchase materials after registration but prior to the sub-term begin date (course activation). Liberty does not guarantee that required course materials will be available after the sub-term activation date. Tuition does not cover the cost of course materials.

Class Attendance

Regular attendance in courses is expected throughout the length of the term. The U.S. Department of Education requires that every university monitor the attendance of their students.

The full policy statement and procedures are published in the Policy Directory online at https://wiki.os.liberty.edu/display/IE/Class+Attendance+Graduate .

Class Cancellation Policy

From time to time, it may be necessary to cancel a class because of insufficient enrollment or other extenuating circumstances. The decision for such a cancellation is ultimately that of the Provost of the University. The full policy and procedures are published in the  Policy Directory .

Late Assignment Policy for Residential Courses

Course assignment should be completed on time. If the student is unable to complete an assignment on time, then he or she must contact the instructor prior to the assignment due date.

The full policy and procedures are published in the  Policy Directory .

Late Assignment Policy for Online Courses

Course assignments, including discussion boards, exams, and other graded assignments, should be submitted on time.

If the student is unable to complete an assignment on time, he/she must contact the instructor immediately by email.

Assignments that are submitted after the due date without prior approval from the instructor will receive the following deductions:

• Late assignments submitted within one week of the due date will receive up to a 10% deduction.
• Assignments submitted more than one week and less than two weeks late will receive up to a 20% deduction.
• Assignments submitted two weeks late or more or after the final date of the class will not be accepted outside of special circumstances (e.g., death in the family, significant personal health issues), which will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the instructor.
• Group projects, including group discussion board threads and/or replies, and assignments will not be accepted after the due date outside of special circumstances (e.g., death in the family, significant personal health issues) will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the instructor.

Course Audits

Students who wish to audit an online course may do so for a fee (see Expenses and Financial Policy section). Audit fees are not covered in block-rate tuition, and audited courses will not be used to determine full- or part-time status. Auditors will not be expected to take quizzes or examinations. A grade of AU will be recorded on the auditor’s permanent record.

Audited courses will not count toward graduation requirements.

Resident Students

Course audits may not be added via the Course Registration Tool, but must be requested in person at the Registrar’s Office. Requests to audit a residential course will only be accepted during add/drop week (or the week before the start of a summer term for summer courses). Audit requests for residential courses will be processed and added on the last day of the add/drop period, pending seat availability. A student wishing to change from credit to audit status for a course may only do so until the last day of the add/drop period. Requests to change to or from audit status after the add/drop period will be denied. Lecture-only courses may be audited. Courses considered lecture/lab, labs, private instruction, etc. may not be audited.

Online Students

Course audits may not be added via the Course Registration Tool, but must be requested by emailing the Registrar’s Office at [email protected] . Requests to audit an online course will only be accepted during the registration timeframes before a term starts.  Audit requests for online courses will be processed and added, pending availability. A student wishing to change from credit to audit status for a course may only do so until the last day of the registration deadline. Requests to change to or from audit status after the registration deadline will be denied.  Courses considered lecture/lab, labs, private instruction, etc. may not be audited.

Academic Standing

Students must maintain satisfactory academic standing to remain at Liberty.

Academic standing is calculated at the end of each Fall and Spring term, or upon completion of all courses within a term, and is based on the student's cumulative GPA. At the discretion of the Registrar’s Office, a student may have his/her standing updated to good standing after completion of all courses in the Summer term. Please refer to the end of this sub-section for a chart listing the cumulative GPA’s required for good academic standing for all current degree programs.

A student’s cumulative GPA comprises all coursework completed at the current academic level (Undergraduate, Graduate or Doctoral) regardless of prior degree conferral, broken enrollment or a program/major change.

Academic Warning

Students failing to attain and maintain the cumulative GPA required for good academic standing in their degree program will be placed on Academic Warning . Students on Academic Warning will be required to take GRST 501 Graduate Success Strategies (0 c.h.) in their next semester of enrollment, unless they have already taken and passed the course.

Academic Probation

At the end of the term on Academic Warning, students who fail to raise their cumulative GPA to the required level will be placed on Academic Probation . Students on Academic Probation will be required to take GRST 501 Graduate Success Strategies (0 c.h.) in their next semester of enrollment, unless they have already taken and passed the course.

Additionally, students who are enrolled full-time and fail all courses will be placed on Academic Probation, unless they were previously on Academic Probation or Academic Suspension. Students who are enrolled full-time and fail all courses while on Academic Probation or Suspension will progress to the next academic standing level.

Academic Suspension

At the end of the term on Academic Probation, students who fail to raise their cumulative GPA to the required academic level will be placed on Academic Suspension .

All graduate and doctoral students, both residential and online, who desire to return to Liberty in the future must appeal to the Registrar’s Office in writing through the designated portal. Appeals will be considered by the academic department. If the student’s appeal is approved, an Academic Contract will be formulated. The student must agree in writing to abide by the terms of the Contract before being permitted to register for courses.

Academic Dismissal

Students who fail to raise their cumulative GPA to the required academic level (see above) by the end of the subsequent term and/or who fail to meet the terms of their Academic Contract will be Academically Dismissed and will not be allowed to appeal to return to Liberty unless a period of at least two academic years has passed.

When academic standing is updated, students on Academic Warning , Probation , Suspension , and Dismissal will be sent a notification by the Registrar’s Office.

Students on Academic Suspension or Academic Dismissal are not eligible for admission as Special (non-degree-seeking) Students.

Academic Standing GPA Chart

• Advanced Graduate Certificates - ALL (excluding Executive & Post-Graduate Certificates)
• Graduate Certificates - ALL (excluding the Graduate Certificate in Epidemiology)
• Master of Arts in Applied Ministry (MA)
• Master of Arts in Biblical Exposition (MA)
• Master of Arts in Biblical Languages - 36- & 45-hour (MA)
• Master of Arts in Chaplaincy (MA)
• Master of Arts in Christian Ministry (MACM)
• Master of Arts in Church Planting (MA)
• Master of Arts in Educational Ministries (MA)
• Master of Arts in Humanitarian Action & Human Rights (MA)
• Master of Arts in Religion (MAR)
• Master of Arts in Sports Chaplaincy (MA)
• Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MATS)
• Master of Arts in Worship Studies (MA)
• Master of Divinity (MDiv)
• Master of Divinity-Chaplaincy – 72-hour (MDiv) 1
• Master of Divinity-Chaplaincy – 75-hour (MDiv) 1
• Master of Divinity-Chaplaincy – 93-hour (MDiv) 1
• Master of Divinity in Professional Chaplaincy (MDiv)
• Master of Religious Education (MRE)
• Master of Arts in Executive Leadership (MA)
• Master of Arts in Human Services (MA) 1
• Master of Arts in Human Services Counseling (MA)
• Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Research (MA)
• Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (MA)
• Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling (MA)
• Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction (MEd)
• Master of Education in Teaching & Learning (MEd) 1
• Master of Education in Higher Education (MEd)
• Advanced Standing Master of Social Work (MSW)
• Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
• Doctor of Business Administration - project (DBA) - students admitted for Fall 2020 forward 1
• Doctor of Criminal Justice (DCJ)
• Doctor of Education in Administration & Supervision (EdD)
• Doctor of Education in Christian Leadership (EdD) - 54-hour
• Doctor of Education in Christian Leadership (EdD) - 60-hour 1
• Doctor of Education in Community Care & Counseling (EdD)
• Doctor of Education in Curriculum & Instruction - 54-hour (EdD)
• Doctor of Education in Curriculum & Instruction - 60-hour (EdD) 1
• Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership - 54-hour (EdD)
• Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership - 60-hour (EdD) 1
• Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration (EdD)
• Doctor of Education in Instructional Design & Technology (EdD)
• Doctor of Education in School Administration & Supervision (EdD) 1
• Doctor of Education in Special Education (EdD)
• Doctor of Health Sciences (DHSc)
• Doctor of Law and Policy (DLP)
• Doctor of Ministry (DMin)
• Doctor of Music Education (DME)
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Advanced Educational Studies (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Apologetics (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Anatomy & Cell Biology (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Aviation (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Bible Exposition (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical Studies (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Christian Leadership (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Christian Worship (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Communication (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling (PhD) 1
• Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education & Supervision (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Education (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Research (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education Administration (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in History (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Organization & Management (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Practical Theology (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Public Policy (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Strategic Media (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Theological Studies (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Theology & Apologetics (PhD)
• Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD)
• Doctor of Public Administration (DPA)
• Doctor of Strategic Leadership (DSL)
• Doctor of Worship Studies (DWS)
• Education Specialist in Administration & Supervision (EdS)
• Education Specialist in Community Care & Counseling (EdS)
• Education Specialist in Curriculum & Instruction (EdS)
• Education Specialist in Educational Leadership (EdS)
• Education Specialist in Educational Research (EdS)
• Education Specialist in Higher Education Administration (EdS)
• Education Specialist in Instructional Design & Technology (EdS)
• Education Specialist in School Administration & Supervision (EdS) 1
• Education Specialist in Special Education (EdS)
• Executive Certificates - ALL
• Graduate Certificate in Epidemiology
• Juris Master (JM)
• Juris Master in American Legal Studies (JM)
• Juris Master in International Legal Studies (JM)
• Master of Arts in Addiction Counseling (MA)
• Master of Arts in Applied Industrial/Organizational Psychology (MA) 1    
• Master of Arts in Applied Psychology (MA)
• Master of Arts in Biblical Studies (MABS)
• Master of Arts in Christian Apologetics (MA)
• Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MA)
• Master of Arts in Communication (MA)
• Master of Arts in Composition (MA)
• Master of Arts in Digital Content (MA)
• Master of Arts in Educational Studies (MA)
• Master of Arts in English (MA)
• Master of Arts in Ethnomusicology (MA)
• Master of Arts in Geography (MA)
• Master of Arts in Global Studies (MAGS)
• Master of Arts in History (MA)
• Master of Arts in History - Comprehensive (MA) 1
• Master of Arts in Human-Centered Design (MA)
• Master of Arts in Linguistics (MA)
• Master of Arts in Literature (MA)
• Master of Arts in Marriage & Family Counseling (MA)
• Master of Arts in Marriage & Family Therapy (MA)
• Master of Arts in Medical Sciences (MA)
• Master of Arts in Military Operations (MA)
• Master of Arts in Music & Worship (MA)
• Master of Arts in Music Education (MA)
• Master of Arts in Professional Communication (MA)
• Master of Arts in Professional Counseling - 60-hour (MA) 1
• Master of Arts in Professional Writing (MA)
• Master of Arts in Promotion & Video Content (MA) 1
• Master of Arts in Public History (MA)
• Master of Arts in Public Policy (MAPP)
• Master of Arts in Strategic Communication (MA)
• Master of Arts in Teaching - 36- & 45-hour options (MAT)
• Master of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education Curriculum (MAT) / Education Specialist in School Curriculum & Instructional Planning (EdS)  dual degree
• Master of Arts in Teaching in Middle Education Curriculum (MAT) / Education Specialist in School Curriculum & Instructional Planning (EdS)  dual degree
• Master of Arts in Teaching in Secondary Education Curriculum (MAT) / Education Specialist in School Curriculum & Instructional Planning (EdS)  dual degree
• Master of Arts in Teaching English as a Second Language (MA)
• Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education - 36- & 45-hour options (MAT)
• Master of Arts in Visual Communication Design (MA)
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Master of Education (MEd)
• Master of Education in School Counseling (MEd)
• Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing (MFA)
• Master of Fine Arts in Digital Media Production (MFA)
• Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design (MFA)
• Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art (MFA)
• Master of Laws in International Legal Studies (LLM)
• Master of Music in Performance (MM)
• Master of Nonprofit Management (MNM)
• Master of Public Administration (MPA)
• Master of Public Health (MPH)
• Master of Science in Accounting (MS)
• Master of Science in Aeronautics (MS)
• Master of Science in Athletic Training (MS)
• Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences (MS)
• Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MS)
• Master of Science in Cyber Security (MS)
• Master of Science in Engineering (MS)
• Master of Science in Engineering Management (MS)
• Master of Science in Exercise Science & Wellness (MS)
• Master of Science in Finance (MS)
• Master of Science in Geographic Information Systems (MS)
• Master of Science in Healthcare Administration - 42- & 48-hour options (MS)
• Master of Science in Health Informatics (MSHI)
• Master of Science in Homeland Security & Disaster Management (MS)
• Master of Science in Human Biology (MS)
• Master of Science in Human Performance (MS)
• Master of Science in Human Resource Management (MS)
• Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS)
• Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT)
• Master of Science in International Relations (MS)
• Master of Science in Marketing (MS)
• Master of Science in National Security (MS)
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)/Master of Business Administration (MBA) – dual degree
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)/Master of Science in Healthcare Administration (MS) – dual degree
• Master of Science in Nutrition (MS)
• Master of Science in Political Science (MS)
• Master of Science in Project Management (MS)
• Master of Science in Psychology (MS)
• Master of Science in Public Safety (MS)
• Master of Science in Social Media Management (MS)
• Master of Science in Sport Management (MS)
• Master of Social Work - Advanced Generalist (MSW)
• Master of Theology (ThM)
• Post-Graduate Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
• Doctor of Business Administration - dissertation (DBA) 1
• Doctor of Business Administration - project (DBA) - students admitted prior to Fall 2020 1

Degree program is no longer offered for new and re-applying students

Academic Amnesty

Students Academically Suspended or Academically Dismissed from Liberty University may appeal for readmission under Academic Amnesty per the following protocols:

• The student must not have been enrolled at the University for a period of two (2) years. (Example:  If the student’s last enrollment was in the Fall 2023 term, he/she would not eligible to appeal for Academic Amnesty until after the Fall 2025 term.)
• the circumstances which contributed to the academic performance which resulted in the student’s Academic Suspension or Dismissal and
• why the student’s present circumstances are more conducive to improved academic performance if permitted to resume his/her studies.
• Corroboration may be requested of the student (e.g., transcripts from other institutions, certificates, awards).
• Students who were Academically Dismissed because of academic dishonesty are not eligible for Academic Amnesty.

The Registrar’s Office, upon reviewing the written appeal, must receive approval from Community Life and the academic department indicating the student is eligible for readmission.

If the student is approved by Community Life and the academic department, the Registrar’s Office will submit the appeal for Academic Amnesty for review by the Office of the Provost.

If the student’s appeal is approved, the grades will be revised as follows, and as determined by the Office of the Provost:

• Programs with a graduation GPA of 2.50, 3.00, or 3.25: Grades of C, D and F (including +/- grades) will be revised to Q and will no longer be included in the calculation of the student’s cumulative GPA. Grades of A and B (including +/- grades) will not be revised and will continue to be included in the calculation of the student’s cumulative GPA.
• Programs with a 2.00 graduation GPA: Grades of D and F (including +/- grades) will be revised to Q and will no longer be included in the calculation of the student’s cumulative GPA. Grades of A, B, and C (including +/- grades) will not be revised and will continue to be included in the calculation of the student’s cumulative GPA.
• Students who have been granted Academic Amnesty are not eligible for graduation honors.

If any prior certificate or degree has been awarded through Liberty University, grades earned during that time cannot be excluded when Academic Amnesty is applied. All grades earned toward a previously awarded certificate or conferred degree will remain on the student’s transcript.

Once the approved student’s grades have been revised, he/she is eligible to apply for readmission. If the student meets all other applicable admission requirements, he/she will be readmitted on Academic Caution.

If the student desires to pursue a degree program that is different than the one for which he/she was approved for Academic Amnesty, he/she must submit a new appeal to the Associate Registrar for Academic Success, who in turn will submit the appeal to the Associate Dean over the student’s desired program.

All previously assigned academic standings will not change and will remain part of the student’s academic records for the respective terms for which they were earned.

If, after the first term of enrollment following readmission, the student’s cumulative GPA falls below the minimum cumulative GPA required for good academic standing in the student’s degree program, the student will be Academically Dismissed, and will not be permitted to submit any further appeals for permission to continue his/her studies through Liberty University.

If the Office of the Provost denies the student’s appeal, that decision will be final. The student will not be permitted to resume the pursuit of any Graduate or Doctoral degree through Liberty University.

Course Substitutions

A Course Substitution request may be made when a student wishes to substitute one course for another required course when a clear relationship exists between the two. This request may also be used when an academic department approves a complete replacement for a Liberty course requirement. Students requesting these exceptions must submit a “Course Substitution Request” through the Transfer Suite portal for review. Approval of the course substitution is under the oversight of the Registrar’s Office and the academic department presiding over the required course. Please note that an approved substitution will apply toward the degree requirement(s), but will not change the course number on the student’s transcript. Changing programs or breaking enrollment may invalidate the request.

Multiple Degrees

Credit from a degree completed through Liberty University may be applied toward a second degree of the same academic level (e.g., master’s) earned through Liberty. The number of credits allowed to be applied toward the second degree may not exceed the maximum number of transfer credit for that degree as listed on the Transfer Credit Matrix .

In cases where the two degrees shared required courses in excess of the maximum amount of transfer credits allowed for the second degree, the student must take additional courses and use them as substitutions for the shared courses.

Any established exceptions to this policy will be noted either in the Transfer Credit Matrix and/or in the pertinent college/school section(s) elsewhere in this Catalog.

Dual Cognates or Concentrations

Students may not earn a degree with two or more cognates or concentrations (e.g., a Master of Arts in Human Services Counseling with cognates in Business and Executive Leadership). Any exception to this policy for an individual degree program will be noted in the Catalog information pertaining to that program.

Students who have graduated with a degree may not apply for admission to pursue the same degree with a different cognate/concentration (example: a student who has earned a Master of Divinity [MDiv] degree with a cognate in Biblical Studies may not apply for admission to pursue a second MDiv with a cognate in Church History).

Change of Program

All requests to change degree programs, majors, cognates, and concentrations must be submitted through the online form by accessing  https://www.liberty.edu/registrar/change-of-major-or-minor/ for resident students and Liberty University Online Academic Advising for online students. The student will be placed on the Degree Completion Plan (DCP) or Certificate Completion Plan (CCP) in effect for the term for which the request is processed. All requests for a change of major will be processed by the Registrar’s Office upon receipt and will be effective the following full term of enrollment.

Any Master of Business Administration (MBA) student seeking multiple cognates is required to complete all requirements for all cognates before his/her degree will be conferred. Changes to the degree will not be permitted once the student is in final courses for the current semester and the Degree Completion Application is on file. The Registrar’s Office will process the conferral of a degree once all degree requirements have been met, including the minimum GPA requirement and Degree Completion Application.

A student must be admitted to a degree program before he/she may matriculate in that program.

Dropping/Adding Courses

Changes are discouraged after a student and advisor have arranged the student’s schedule for the semester.

Residential students desiring to take a Liberty University Online course must enroll in the course during the registration period. The course must be completed by the last day of the sub-term unless an extension is granted.

Remember: Any change in status (e.g., from full-time to part-time, etc.) may cause the reduction or cancellation of your financial aid award. In other words, your out-of-pocket expenses may increase.

Online students may drop a course for a full refund, any time prior to the sub-term start date.

The full policy statement for online students who are seeking to add or drop online courses are published in the  Policy Directory .

Course Repeat Policy

Students who want to repeat a course taken at Liberty and have the lower grade removed from the cumulative GPA must satisfy each of the following guidelines:

• All Master's-level programs will allow the repeat policy to be applied for a maximum of nine hours or three courses of repeated course work, with the exception of Master of Divinity programs, which will allow the repeat policy to be applied for a maximum of fifteen hours or five courses of repeated course work.
• All post-Master's and Doctoral programs will allow the repeat policy to be applied for a maximum of three hours or one course of repeated course work.
• All Graduate (including Advanced Graduate, Executive, and Post Graduate) Certificates will allow the repeat policy to be applied for a maximum of three hours or one course of repeated course work.
• For Special (aka non-degree-seeking) students, the repeat policy may be applied for a maximum of three hours or one course of repeated course work.
• Both the original course and the repeat of the course must be taken at Liberty University in order to activate the policy.
• The repeat policy may be applied for the following grades: A, B, C, D, F, FN, P, NP, or PR  (including+/- grades).
• The repeat policy may not be applied for the following grades: AU, I, NF, Q, or W.
• The higher grade, whether it is the original grade or the repeat grade, will apply toward the cumulative GPA.
• When a course is repeated, the lower grade will be followed on the student's transcript by the letter "A," which will indicate that the lower grade has been excluded from the earned hours, but is still included in the GPA hours, quality points, and the computation of the cumulative GPA. The lower grade will also remain on the student's transcript as attempted hours.
• The higher grade will be followed by the letter "I," which will indicate that the higher grade will be included in the earned hours, GPA hours, quality points, and the computation of the cumulative GPA.
• Once the repeat policy has been applied, the letter "A" following the lower grade is replaced by the letter "E," which indicates that the lower grade is excluded from the earned hours, GPA hours, quality points, and the computation of the cumulative GPA. However, the lower grade will remain on the student's transcript as attempted hours.
• This policy is retroactive to include any course taken at Liberty University.
• Use of the repeat policy for a prior semester will not affect the academic standing for that semester.
• Once a student has a conferred degree, the Graduate repeat policy may not be used on a course taken prior to degree conferral to improve the cumulative GPA which was recorded at the time of degree conferral.  The repeat of a course after degree conferral could, however, be used to improve the student's overall Graduate or Doctoral GPA at Liberty, provided the student has not already used the repeat policy for the maximum allowed number of hours/courses.
• If a student has earned a degree, and goes on to pursue a second degree, any use of the repeat policy in the pursuit of the first degree will not count toward the total number of uses of the repeat policy allowed under the second degree.
• If a student is pursuing a degree, and changes to another degree without completing the first degree, any use of the repeat policy in pursuit of the first degree will count toward the total number of uses of the repeat policy allowed under the second degree, even if the first degree, or course work completed in the pursuit of the first degree, are in a different discipline than the second degree.
• Any approved exception to this policy pertaining to a specific degree program will be stated in this Catalog in the Graduation Requirements information for that degree program.

Independent Study / Directed Research

A request for an independent study or directed research course will need to be initiated in the  Independent Study and Directed Research Form  prior to the semester or sub-term the student will be taking the course. Once the form is submitted it will be sent to the department chair, followed by the dean, and lastly the Office of the Provost for approval. If all three parties approve, the request will be sent to the Registrar’s office to create the approved course and proceed with registration, provided there are no holds or errors that prevent it. Once the course is registered, all standard registration policies will apply.

Students are responsible to verify their registrations are degree-required. If all degree requirements have been met, the student's degree will be conferred.

Students should contact the academic department that oversees their degree program to determine whether completing a course via an independent study or directed research would be the best option for them.

More information can be found at the following link:  https://www.liberty.edu/registrar/independent-study-directed-research-courses/ .

Incompletes

Students who are unable to complete coursework by the last day of class due to unavoidable circumstances such as personal illness/injury or family emergencies may appeal to their instructor for a temporary course grade of “I” (Incomplete). The authority for the decision to grant an incomplete completely lies with the instructor. Denial of the request for an incomplete may include, but is not limited to, the student’s inability to earn a passing grade with completion of the remaining requirements, as well as an insufficient reason for the request. Students must initiate the request for an incomplete directly to the instructor by the last day of class (before the final exam period for residential classes).

The instructor will establish a new deadline for the completion of the remaining coursework, based on the circumstances. The instructor may grant up to two weeks beyond the last day of the term (or sub-term for Liberty University Online courses) for non-medical circumstances and up to four weeks beyond the last day of the term (or sub-term for Liberty University Online courses) for personal medical circumstances.

For extreme personal medical circumstances, a maximum of eight weeks for Liberty University Online courses and 16 weeks for residential courses may be given as long as sufficient medical documentation (from a medical professional) is presented along with the request. However, while the decision to grant an extended incomplete remains with the instructor, the request and medical documentation needs to be submitted to the Registrar’s Office. The instructor will be responsible to communicate the remaining requirements, as well as the extended deadline, to the student.

The instructor will post a final grade within two weeks from the deadline established for the incomplete. If a final grade is not posted within two weeks of the deadline, a grade of “F” will be posted by the Registrar’s Office. A grade of “I” can be changed to a withdrawal as long as the withdrawal is requested by the student within official course dates.

The GPA is unaffected by the incomplete until a final grade is posted after the deadline. However, grades of “I” will count as hours attempted and not completed and will negatively affect a student’s Satisfactory Academic Progress.

Note:  For undergraduate students in the School of Aeronautics, Incompletes for Online flight courses are subject to the Incomplete Policy outlined in the most current revision of the Flight Training Affiliate Student Handbook.

Military Incompletes

Military service members are eligible for a military incomplete, for coursework that they are unable to complete on time, due to deployments, extended cruises, unit operational tempo, or other duty-related extenuating circumstances. To obtain an incomplete, a military student must send either a current copy of official military orders (as proof of professional conflict during enrollment in the course) or a signed letter on official letterhead from the student’s commander or supervisor. Incomplete requests and supporting documents should be emailed to the professor. Please Note: Incompletes must be secured no later than 2 weeks prior to the course end date. 

Extensions may be requested from the professor and students may be granted up to 4 weeks in extreme circumstances but should typically remain in a 2-3 week time-frame to stay within compliance for grade reporting policies with the Department of Defense. Students can request a military withdrawal only up to the original end date of the course. Once the original end date of the course has passed, students will not be able to request a withdrawal for any reason. Professors should use discernment when reviewing military documentation to avoid awarding an incomplete to a student who will not feasibly be able to complete the course.  Military students should notify their military education office of a course incomplete if they are using Tuition Assistance. 

The Office of Military Affairs is available to help professors review military orders, as needed, phone: (434) 592-5990, fax: (434) 455-1287, email: [email protected] .

Grade Appeals

Liberty encourages students to have open and respectful communication with their instructors to resolve any concerns regarding individual course assignment grades and/or the final grade for the course.

Criteria for Appeal:

Students may appeal a final grade within 30 days of the end of the class. Only final posted grades may be appealed. Individual assignment grades may not be appealed under this Policy. Questions regarding individual assignment grades should be directed to the instructor.

Appeals are accepted for review only on one or more of the following three ground(s):

• When the final grade assigned does not comport with the published grading rubrics for the course assignments
• When the final grade assigned conflicts with written communication (e.g., email, announcements, etc.)
• When there is a calculation error on an assignment, leading to an incorrect final grade

Appeals, other than those asserted on one or more of the ground(s) above, will not be reviewed. The student must provide written documentation that supports his/her specified ground(s) for appeal. Documentation may be in the form of email correspondence, graded assignments, proof of timely submission, etc. After submitting the appeal, if additional information is needed to process the appeal, the student will be notified via the complaint/appeal portal.  If the student does not respond to the request for additional information, the appeal will be denied. 

Appeal Process:

A student dissatisfied with his/her final grade should first seek to resolve the situation with the instructor. However, if the student wishes to appeal the final grade under this Policy, the student must follow the process outlined below:

• Within 30 calendar days of the end of the class, the student may submit a written appeal that will be reviewed by the Program Director/Chair (or designated reviewer). The student should submit his/her appeal through the grade appeal form found on the Beacon complaint/appeal portal ( www.liberty.edu/beacon ). The student must include the information required above, including the ground(s) for the appeal and documentation supporting the claimed ground(s). The instructor will also be notified of the appeal and will be able to provide pertinent documentation, prior to the Program Director/Chair (or designated reviewer) rendering his/her decision. The Program Director/Chair (or designated reviewer) will have 7 days to review the appeal from the time of submission. When the review is complete, the student will be notified of the decision via his/her Liberty Webmail and the appeal portal.
• If the student is dissatisfied with the Program Director/Chair’s (or designated reviewer’s) decision and the student has additional support for his/her appeal, the student may re-appeal (second-level appeal) to the Associate Dean (or designated reviewer) through the appeal portal after receiving the decision of the Program Director/Chair (or designated reviewer). The student’s written re-appeal and additional supporting documentation must be submitted within 7 days of the Program Director/Chair’s (or designated reviewer’s) decision. The Associate Dean (or designated reviewer) will review the student's re-appeal, as well as any information provided by the instructor. The Associate Dean (or designated reviewer) will have 7 days to review the re-appeal from the time of submission. When the review is complete, the student will be notified of the re-appeal decision via his/her Liberty Webmail and the appeal portal.
• If the student is dissatisfied with second-level appeal decision and has additional support for his/her appeal, the student may re-appeal (third level appeal) to the Dean (or designated reviewer), through the appeal portal after receiving the decision of the Associate Dean (or designated reviewer). This written re-appeal and additional supporting documentation must be submitted within 7 days of the Associate Dean’s (or designated reviewer’s) decision. The Dean (or designated reviewer) will review the student's re-appeal, as well as any information provided by the instructor. The Dean (or designated reviewer) will have 7 days from the time of submission to review the re-appeal. When the review is complete, the student will be notified of the decision via his/her Liberty Webmail and the appeal portal. The Dean’s (or designated reviewer’s) decision on a third level appeal is final.

Grade appeals that are submitted using the student complaint form will be converted to the grade appeal form and reviewed according to this Policy.

Appealing an approved decision within the published timeframe may require use of the student complaint form.

The following are not able to be appealed through the grade appeal Policy/Process:

• Appeals of grades of FN, NF, W, I, IP, R, Q, P, or A. 
• Academic misconduct appeals.  For information about how to submit an academic misconduct appeal, see https://www.liberty.edu/students/community-life/academic-misconduct/
• Potential Scrivener’s Errors (e.g., typographical) identified outside of the 30-day appeal period. For information about reporting a potential Scrivener’s Error, see www.liberty.edu/ferpa/

Withdrawal from Liberty University

Remember : Any change in status (e.g., from full-time to part-time, etc.) may cause the reduction or cancellation of your financial aid award. In other words, your out-of-pocket expenses may increase.

Students withdrawing from the University during the semester must meet with a Professional Advisor in CASAS for exit counseling. In order to formally request the withdrawal, the student must request the withdrawal through their Liberty University e-mail address to the Advising office, or the student can go through the withdrawal process while meeting with an Advisor.  The student’s official withdrawal date is the date they begin the withdrawal process by notifying a representative from the Student Advocate Office of his/her intent to withdraw.

Students seeking removal from courses before the semester begins must contact a Professional Advisor in CASAS in order to initiate the enrollment termination process.

If a student withdraws from all classes in a term, the student has officially withdrawn from the University. Financial Aid Recipients are subject to the Title IV withdrawal calculation.

Students receiving all grades of FN will be considered to have unofficially withdrawn from Liberty. The withdrawal date will be determined by the Registrar’s Office and will be based upon the student’s last date of attendance in class. Students with Federal grants and/or Federal loans will be subject to the Title IV withdrawal calculation. The Title IV withdrawal calculation will result in the reduction and/or cancellation of all Financial Aid. Consideration will be given to students withdrawing due to circumstances beyond their control.

An expulsion resulting from violation of the disciplinary system will result in an administrative withdrawal. A grade of W will be recorded in all active courses for which the individual is officially registered.

A $50 fee will be charged for the processing of an official, unofficial, or administrative withdrawal. This fee will be deducted from any refund due on the student’s account or he/she will be responsible for payment of this fee.

Illinois Residents

Withdrawals for students with Illinois residency status suffering documented significant financial or physical hardship will be processed in accordance with the standard withdrawal refund schedule outlined in the academic catalog under the respective “Expenses & Financial Policy” sections. LU Student Accounts will waive the $50 withdrawal fee for all physical/financial withdrawal students with an Illinois address to the extent required by applicable law. Students dissatisfied with the result of the University’s decision regarding withdrawals may submit an appeal, accompanied by supporting physical or financial hardship documentation or information to the University Ombudsman (residential students) or the Liberty University Online Student Advocate Office (online students) via the student complaint form (Beacon).

Liberty University Online Withdrawal

Online students withdrawing from the University must contact the Liberty University Online Academic Advising Department via the student’s Liberty University email account or via the phone to start the process. 

Online Program Unofficial Withdrawals

In accordance with Title IV regulations which require that universities have a mechanism in place for determining whether or not a student who began a course and received or could have received a disbursement of Title IV funds unofficially withdrew, the University has established a procedure for students enrolled in online courses. This procedure is used to determine if students are progressing toward the completion of their courses.

Unofficial Withdrawal for Non-Attendance Appeal Process: Students who receive a grade of "FN" may appeal to their professor to have the grade removed to resume work in the course. All professors have the right to approve or deny FN appeals at their own discretion.

Institutional Challenge Examinations (ICE)

Institutional Challenge Examinations (ICE) are available to students in the Rawlings School of Divinity who possess a satisfactory justification of previous knowledge in a subject area based upon a non-college training program, job, or self-learning. Through ICE, students have the opportunity to earn credit toward their chosen degree program. For more information about ICE, including courses that may be challenged, and to complete the ICE Request Form, visit https://www.liberty.edu/registrar/credit-by-exam-or-test/ice/ .

The Liberty Way | Student Honor Code

Liberty University's student honor code, known as The Liberty Way, is a set of guidelines governing academic and personal conduct, reflecting the institution's commitment to Christian values. It encompasses expectations for academic performance and community standards aligned with biblical principles. The code outlines disciplinary actions for violations, ranging from warnings to expulsion. The university provides appeal processes, allowing students to seek reconsideration of disciplinary actions. For the latest and most detailed information, please refer to the official Liberty University website .

Theses and Dissertations

Some graduate degrees require a thesis, thesis project, or dissertation for graduation. Graduate thesis and dissertation requirements will not be considered complete until receipt of an acceptable copy of the approved thesis or dissertation is confirmed by the Jerry Falwell Library in accordance with current library deposit policies.

Certificate Completion Plan (CCP) Audit

The Certificate Completion Plan (CCP) Audit (found under Degree Completion Plan Audit via ASIST) provides real-time advice and counsel, making it possible for students to track progress towards certificate completion at their convenience. It also enables students to immediately view how their credits will apply towards a different program. PDF versions of all  CCPs are available online .

Degree Completion Plan (DCP) Audit

The Degree Completion Plan (DCP) Audit (found under Degree Completion Plan Audit via ASIST) provides real-time advice and counsel, making it possible for students to track progress towards degree completion at their convenience. It also enables students to immediately view how their credits will apply towards a different program.  Degree completion plans outlining the program of study and other requirements for each degree program are available online at http://www.liberty.edu/dcps . 

Dual Enrollment

Undergraduate students may enroll in master’s-level courses during the semester in which they have nine or fewer semester hours remaining to complete their bachelor’s degrees. Students must meet the cumulative GPA requirement for admission in good standing into a graduate program to be eligible to register under dual enrollment for that program.

Students may be dually enrolled for a maximum of two semesters and may enroll for a maximum of nine semester hours of graduate course work. 

Non-Liberty University undergraduate students must send in their Graduate admission application, official transcripts, and a letter from their current Registrar’s Office indicating their current Grade Point Average, the specific degree they are pursuing, the estimated date of graduation, and the number of remaining credit hours for degree completion. Once these documents have been received by the Office of Graduate Admissions, the student must contact the Liberty University Registrar's Office to request approval for dual enrollment.

Currently enrolled Liberty University undergraduate students do not need to send in an application; they must submit a request via the Dual Enrollment Request Form .

For information concerning how dual enrollment impacts tuition rates and financial aid eligibility, visit the following links: 

• Student Financial Services > Eligibility & Enrollment for Aid

Policy Directory > Enrollment Levels and Types

Dual enrollment is not available to the following students:

• Students already enrolled at the Graduate level and pursuing either a Graduate degree or a Graduate Certificate.
• Students who are pursuing an Associate degree.
• Students pursuing an undergraduate Certificate.
• Students who plan to pursue a Graduate Certificate rather than a Graduate degree.

Time Limits for Certificate Completion

Students pursuing a certificate must complete the certificate requirements within three (3) years of the date of matriculation.

Any student who does not complete coursework within the permissible time limit for any reason, including discontinued enrollment, must reapply for readmission and will be subject to the requirements of the Catalog and Certificate Completion Plan (CCP) in effect at the time of his/her readmission.

A break in enrollment occurs when the student fails to enroll in at least one course during an academic year. The academic year begins with the start of the fall semester and ends with the conclusion of the summer term. Students who break enrollment must apply for readmission and will be subject to the requirements of the Catalog and certificate requirements in effect at the time of their readmission.

Time Limits for Degree Completion

All 30-47 semester hour masters’ programs have a maximum time limit of five years from the date of matriculation. All 48-60 semester hour master’s programs, doctoral programs, or degrees offered outside the regular semester have a maximum time limit of seven years from the date of matriculation. All over-60 semester hour master’s programs and doctoral programs have a maximum time limit of ten years from the date of matriculation.

Any approved exceptions to the policies noted above, pertaining to a specific degree program, will be stated in this Catalog in the Graduation Requirements information for that degree program.

Any student who does not complete coursework within the permissible time limit for any reason – including discontinued enrollment – must reapply for admission. The respective program director will determine if any previous courses are sufficiently time sensitive and must be repeated. Beginning with the date of readmission, the time limit for degree completion is determined by the number of hours remaining: less than 48 hours – five years; 48-60 hours –seven years; more than 60 hours – ten years.

For resident students , a break in enrollment occurs when the student fails to enroll in either the Fall or Spring semesters. For online students , a break in enrollment occurs when the student fails to enroll in at least one course during an academic year. The academic year begins with the start of the fall semester and ends with the conclusion of the summer term. Students who break enrollment must apply for readmission and will be subject to the requirements of the Catalog and degree requirements in effect at the time of their readmission.

Grading Policies and Procedures

Liberty University Faculty members, both residential and online, must submit final grades for all students to the Registrar at the end of each term. Faculty teaching online courses should have grades submitted to the Registrar on or before the second Wednesday after the course ends. Faculty teaching residential courses should have grades submitted to the Registrar one week after the end of each semester. Liberty University Faculty members, both residential and online, are urged to promptly complete and submit final course grades. Confidentiality of student grades falls under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974. Please see the FERPA section and policies for more information.

Recording of Grades

All grades will be recorded in the Registrar’s Office as reported by the instructors in charge of the various courses. Requests for grade changes may be submitted in writing only by the instructors.

Any extra-credit assignments that are a part of the instructor’s syllabus must be completed prior to the final exam for the course. A student may not submit an assignment for extra credit after the semester has ended and a final exam has been given.

Academic Transcripts

Official transcripts are made only at the request of the student. Official transcripts may be withheld until the student has met all his/her financial obligations to Liberty University. (Students who reside in the following states are excluded from this policy: California, Colorado, Illinois, Maine, New York, and Washington.)

Official transcripts are not released directly to the student. Requests for transcripts are to be made directly to the Registrar’s Office. There is a $10.00 fee for one transcript. Additional transcript requests made at the same time are $1.00 each.  Transcript requests may be made at the following link:  Transcript Information | Registrar | Liberty University .

FERPA – Privacy of Student Records: Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

Students attending, or who have attended, Liberty University are given certain rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 as amended (20 U.S.C. 1232g) and Rules of the Department of Education (34 C.F.R. Part 99) implementing this Act.

Additional information and University policies regarding the protection of student records are published online at http://www.liberty.edu/ferpa .

Graduation Requirements

The following general guidelines for graduation apply to each candidate for a graduate degree. Any additional requirements are specified in the section which describes a particular program.

• Post-baccalaureate, graduate, or professional programs must be at least 30 semester credit hours.
• The complete program of study for the degree, as outlined in the catalog in effect when the student is accepted as a degree candidate, must be successfully completed before graduation.
• The student must have a cumulative GPA of 3.00 unless otherwise stated.
• The cumulative GPA will be used (a) to determine eligibility for (1) conferral and (2) graduation honors and (b) as the “Degree Awarded GPA” that will be posted on the student’s transcript. The cumulative GPA comprises all Liberty University coursework completed at the academic level of the degree being awarded (Graduate or Doctoral) regardless of prior degree conferral or certificate completion, broken enrollment, or a program/major change.
• At least one-third of the course work for any program of study must be earned through Liberty University. The minimum number of hours which must be completed through Liberty for each degree program is noted in this Catalog in the Graduation Requirements section for that program.
• Students in post-graduate programs are permitted to use up to 15 hours of 500/600-level courses if permitted by their Degree Completion Plan.
• The student must submit a Degree Completion Application to the Registrar’s Office at the beginning of his/her final semester.
• Changes to the degree will not be permitted once the student is in final courses for the current semester and the Degree Completion Application is on file.
• Any student seeking multiple cognates is required to complete all requirements for all cognates before their degree will be conferred.
• The Registrar’s Office will process the conferral of a degree once all degree requirements have been met, including the minimum GPA requirement and Degree Completion Application. If a student wishes to take further non-applicable coursework, he/she must do so under a new application.*                                                                                                              *If previously completed courses (regardless of academic level) may complete requirements for a student’s current degree, they will be applied to the graduation requirements where applicable.

Certificate Completion Requirements

• The complete program of study for the certificate, as outlined in the catalog in effect when the student is accepted to the certificate, must be successfully completed.
• The student must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.00.  Students pursuing Executive certificates, Post-Graduate certificates, or the Graduate certificate in Epidemiology must have a minimum cumulative GPA of at least 3.00.
• The cumulative GPA will be used (a) to determine eligibility for conferral and (b) as the “Certificate GPA” that will be posted on the student’s transcript. The cumulative GPA comprises all Liberty University coursework completed at the Graduate academic level, regardless of prior degree conferral or certificate completion, broken enrollment, or a program/major change.
• No grade of D may be applied to the certificate (includes grades of D+/D-).  For students pursuing Executive certificates or Post-Graduate certificates, no grade below B- may be applied to the certificate.
• A maximum of 50% of the program hours may be transferred if approved and allowable, including credit from an earned degree from Liberty University on the same academic level.
• The student must submit a Certificate Completion Application to the Registrar’s Office at the beginning of his/her final semester.
• Changes to the certificate will not be permitted once the student is in final courses for the current semester and the Certificate Completion Application is on file. 
• The Registrar's Office will process the conferral of a certificate once all certificate requirements have been met including the minimum GPA requirement and certificate completion application. If a student wishes to take further non-applicable coursework, he/she must do so under a new application.*                                                                                                              *If previously completed courses (regardless of academic level) may complete requirements for a student’s current certificate, they will be applied to the certificate completion requirements where applicable.

Graduation Approval

All candidates for graduation must be approved by the faculty and the Board of Trustees. Conditions such as transfer credit and incomplete grades should be removed by the beginning of the candidate’s last semester.

Graduation Honors

Graduation honors are available for all graduate, post-graduate, and doctoral programs. Certificate students do not receive graduation honors.

Honors for graduation will be determined by the cumulative GPA earned at Liberty. Note: The cumulative GPA comprises all Liberty University coursework completed at the academic level of the degree being awarded (Graduate or Doctoral) regardless of prior degree conferral, broken enrollment or a program/major change. Cumulative GPA is calculated to the hundredths place and is not rounded. Students must meet the following GPA standards to earn the corresponding academic distinction:

The specific honor calculated on April 1 of the student’s graduation year will be printed in the commencement program and the student will wear that particular honor regalia; however, the final cumulative grade point average will be recorded and that final cumulative GPA will determine the specific honor that will be printed on the diploma and transcript. Students in certificate programs are not eligible for graduation honors.

Graduation Ceremony

Degrees are granted throughout the academic school year. All candidates for degrees may participate in the annual graduation exercises which take place in May.

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Liberty University 2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog

A PDF of the entire 2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog.

Liberty University 2023-2024 Graduate Catalog

A PDF of the entire 2023-2024 Graduate Catalog.

ENGINEERING

Responsibility

University policies.

• USC Catalogue

VITERBI aCADEMIC EXPECTATIONS

• Academic Integrity
• GPA Requirement

Viterbi Code of Integrity highlights the expectation for students to maintain a community of honor and knowledge through academic integrity.

https://viterbischool.usc.edu/academic-integrity/

Academic probation is when a student's grade point average (GPA) falls below the USC Grade Point Average Requirement. All Master’s students are required to have a GPA of 3.0 in all units attempted at USC. If a student's GPA falls below 3.0, they will be on academic probation. 

Review the USC Catalogue section Graduate and Professional Education for detailed USC GPA Policies.

Viterbi Academic Probation Policy

Academic probation policy for viterbi school of engineering master’s st udents effective fall 2007.

If after attempting 15 or more units (and any subsequent semester) a student will be dismissed if any of the following occur:

• GPA falls below 2.5.
• GPA has not improved with courses counting towards their degree enough to be on track to graduate with a 3.0 or more at the end of their program.

Support Services

Office of student accessibility services (osas), academic advancement workshop for viterbi masters students on academic probation.

The Viterbi VASE office offered an Academic Advancement workshop in Spring 2023 to support our Masters students who are currently on Academic Probation. This workshop was designed to both inform students on Viterbi's Academic Probation and Dismissal process, as well as provide support and guidance for maintaining personal and academic wellness both during and after a semester on Academic Probation.

Link to Academic Advancement Workshop Recording

Link to Academic Advancement Workshop Slides

Kortschak Center

Lifestyle redesign for college students.

Is a resource provided by our occupational therapist from USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy to help college students build healthy sustainable habits and routines while managing stress, social anxiety, and mental and emotional fatigue. This service is available to all USC students with health insurance but will still need to pay a copayment.

https://chan.usc.edu/patient-care/faculty-practice/college-students

USC Student Judicial Affairs and Community Standards (SJACS)

Published on October 25th, 2021

Last updated on March 2nd, 2023

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Academic Standing Appeal Process

Liberty university’s online program academic standing policies.

Your academic standing is evaluated based on your program and the required minimum cumulative GPA for your academic level. Below you will find information regarding the academic standing policy for students enrolled in Liberty University’s online programs, including GPA requirements, the academic standing appeal process, and an explanation of each level of academic standing (e.g., Warning, Probation, Automatic Probation, Suspension, and Dismissal).

Please note: If you have been placed on Academic Warning or Academic Probation, you are not required to appeal to register for your next semester. However, if you have been placed on Academic Suspension or Academic Dismissal, you will need to submit an appeal before your next semester of enrollment.

If you are currently on Academic Suspension or Academic Dismissal, please contact an Academic Standing Consultant at [email protected] for assistance regarding current Academic Standing status or submit the Academic Standing Appeal Form .

Undergraduate Minimum GPA for Each Level and  Academic Standing Policies

Academic warning.

Students who fail to meet the required minimum cumulative GPA for his/her academic level at the end of any given semester will be placed on Academic Warning for the next semester of enrollment.

Under this status, it is recommended that you repeat any previously failed courses in an attempt to increase your cumulative GPA. While on Academic Warning, you will be able to register for classes online.

Academic Probation

Students who are on Academic Warning and fail to have the cumulative GPA that meets the required minimum cumulative GPA for his/her program of study at the end of that semester in which he/she enrolls and completes courses will be placed on Academic Probation.

Under this status, it is recommended that you repeat any previously failed courses in an attempt to increase your cumulative GPA. While on Academic Probation, you will be able to register for classes online.

It is strongly recommended that you take no more than 2 classes per sub-term.

If you register full-time in an undergraduate program (12+ credit hours) and receive all grades of F/FN for all courses, you will be automatically placed on Academic Probation.

Academic Suspension

Students who fail to raise their GPA to the minimum required GPA for his/her academic level after completing one semester of classes while on Academic Probation will be placed on Academic Suspension.

Students will have an Academic Suspension hold placed on his/her account and will not be able to register for classes online. An  Academic Standing Appeal Form   must be submitted as an appeal to continue taking classes.

Academic Dismissal Policy

Students who are placed on Academic Suspension and receive an approved academic contract, but fail to meet the terms of their contract, will progress to Academic Dismissal. Students who also continue in courses without an approved contract and fail to earn the minimum cumulative GPA will also progress to Academic Dismissal.

University policy states that undergraduate students placed on Academic Dismissal should wait 2 years and then appeal. Students have the option to appeal to return on an academic contract or under Academic Amnesty. When Academic Amnesty is approved, all grades of “D” and “F” are replaced with a “Q” on their Liberty University transcript. Grades of Q are not figured into the GPA. This immediately raises the GPA to at least 2.0, but you will have to retake those classes in which you earned grades of “D” or “F” that are required for the completion of your degree.

In some instances, an undergraduate student on Academic Dismissal might be permitted to return sooner than 2 years on an Academic Contract. This option can only be considered if it is reasonable to expect the student will be able to earn the grades needed to raise the GPA to 2.0 without amnesty. 

Graduate students placed on Graduate Academic Dismissal should wait 2 years and then appeal for Academic Amnesty. When Academic Amnesty is approved, all grades of “D” and “F” are replaced with a “Q” on the Liberty University transcripts. Grades of “Q” are not figured into the GPA, which immediately raises the GPA to the program minimum.

Liberty University Academic Standing Appeal Process

Students on Academic Suspension or Dismissal who desire to return to Liberty University must submit an appeal via the online Academic Standing Appeal Form  and must include the following:

• A brief explanation regarding the circumstances that led to earning grades of “D” and “F” and an explanation of how your circumstances have improved or what steps you have taken to earn grades of “C” or higher in all future classes.
• What specific times during the week will you set aside for working on course assignments?  Please include specific hours per day and days per week that you plan to set aside for your studies.

Once an Academic Standing Appeal Form is submitted, the appeal will be reviewed by an Academic Standing Consultant. If the appeal is approved, a personalized Academic Contract will be written and sent to the student. This process may take up to 2 weeks; therefore, the student should allow ample time before registration deadlines when sending in an appeal. Please keep in mind that if an appeal is submitted within two weeks of a registration deadline, the student may be required to resume courses at the start of the next semester.

Please note: Academic and financial aid GPA requirements are different.

Graduate and Postgraduate Minimum GPA for Each Level and Academic Standing Policies

The required gpa for good standing will vary per program. please reference your degree completion plan for more information..

Students who fail to meet the required minimum cumulative GPA for his/her academic level at the end of any given semester will be placed on Academic Warning for the next semester of enrollment. 

It is recommended that you repeat any previously failed courses. You will also be required to take GRST 501 (if it has not been passed before). Under this status, you will be able to register online.

Students who fail to raise their GPA to the minimum required GPA for his/her academic level after completing one semester of classes while on Academic Warning will be placed on Academic Probation for the next semester of enrollment. When this happens, you will be placed on Academic Probation for the next semester of enrollment. It is recommended that you repeat any previously failed courses. You will also be required to take GRST 501 (if it has not been passed before). Students placed on Academic Probation will be able to register for classes online.

Please note: Students who are enrolled full-time and fail all courses will be placed on Academic Probation, unless they were previously on Academic Probation or Academic Suspension. Students who are enrolled full-time and fail all courses while on Academic Probation or Suspension will progress to the next academic standing level.

Students will have an Academic Suspension hold placed on his/her account and will not be able to register for classes online. An Academic Standing Appeal Form must be submitted to appeal to continue taking classes.

Academic Dismissal

Students placed on Academic Dismissal should wait 2 years and then appeal for Academic Amnesty . 

Appeal Process for Academic Amnesty

Students may appeal for Academic Amnesty and will need to include the following information (you may be eligible for Academic Amnesty if you were placed on Academic Dismissal at least 2 years ago):

• Please specify in your appeal that your intention is to appeal for Academic Amnesty.
• Since last attending Liberty University, please list any accomplishments you have achieved since your last enrollment. This is not limited to educational goals, but can include personal goals, professional achievements, etc. If you have any supporting documentation to submit along with your accomplishments (transcripts, a letter from a supervisor, etc.), please include that as well.

Please keep in mind that all received appeals will be viewed by the Undergraduate Associate Registrar and if approved, will be sent to the Vice Provost for review. All submitted appeals will need to be well-written as a formal appeal and must include the detailed information mentioned above.

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You have to have a lot of self-motivation and self-discipline when you are going to school online, but the amazing thing is at Liberty you do not need to do it by yourself. You really do have resources like someone who is going to school on campus.

– Janae Fleming ’15, B.S. in Education

Academic Probation

Probationary status is a warning where improved academic performance or progress is required.

If the probation GPA level assigned is not met in the following semester, the student is subject to drop rules. The minimum academic goal of any student should be to keep his or her GPA for any semester above 2.00.

A detailed description of the campus probation regulations appears in part 1, article 3-110 of the Student Code .

The rules are outlined here for convenience:

In addition, students may be placed on probation if they do not meet Technical GPA Requirements.

Return to: 4120 Department of Counseling and Psychological Services    

The American Psychological Association accredits the Ph.D. major in Counseling Psychology at Georgia State University. It subscribes to a scientist practitioner model for the training of counseling psychologists. Students are prepared to profit from and contribute to the body of knowledge underlying counseling psychology. Graduates are also equipped with a rich array of clinical skills and are eligible for licensure as applied psychologists. The program of study prepares students for employment in academic and private settings.

The services of counseling psychology are primarily directed to the problems of everyday living rather than to psychopathology. Although psychopathology is also studied to allow for a more accurate reading of normal behavior, it is not the central focus of the program. It is rather cultural discontinuities, developmental difficulties and challenges, educational and occupational choice making and adjustment, marriage and family problems, high risk behaviors, unhealthy lifestyles, and the like that receive primary attention. In assisting persons to adjust creatively and to fulfill their human potential, the counseling psychologist is expected to perform three complementary roles: a preventative role in helping persons anticipate, circumvent, and forestall future adjustment difficulties; a developmental role in helping persons make use of life experiences in the realization of their potentials; and a remedial role in helping persons overcome personal problems. Students are trained to use individual and group counseling, psychoeducational techniques, and consultation skills to address the above mentioned problem areas.

The program emphasis is on counseling psychology and not psychological counseling. Therefore, students are expected to affiliate with psychology because it is the generic discipline from which the counseling psychology specialty arises. The program seeks to train psychologists who will prepare themselves for licensure, the diplomate, and other forms of professional sanctioning. While the faculty reserves the right to change program requirements as the need arises, the following is representative of current program requirements for the degree. Students in this program are expected to follow the latest version of the American Psychological Association (APA) Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct.

Program Admission

Students admitted to the doctoral program should have completed a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree in an appropriate major (e.g., counseling or clinical psychology). Students with a bachelor’s degree or lacking a counseling/clinical master’s degree will be required to complete compensatory curricular experiences as stipulated by their doctoral advisory committees.

Program Academic Regulations

The internship ( CPS 9680   ) is an essential component of doctoral training programs in professional psychology. It provides trainees with the opportunity to take substantial responsibility for carrying out major professional functions in the context of appropriate supervisory support, professional role modeling, and awareness of administrative structures. The internship is distinguished from the applied practice experience by the increased responsibility and independence afforded the students and by the more intense nature of client contact. Internships in Counseling Psychology require either a full-time experience for one academic or calendar year or a halftime experience for two consecutive years.

Students must earn a grade of “B-” or higher in each course taken in pursuit of the doctoral degree in the counseling psychology program. If the student earns a grade below “B-” in a course, s/he/they must repeat that course. Students will be allowed to repeat a course in this manner one time. Academic probation, a remediation plan, and/or dismissal from the program are all potential outcomes for students who fail to earn a grade of “B-” or higher after taking the course a second time. The decision about the outcome will be determined by the student’s advisory committee in consultation with the program coordinator.

Degree Requirements

Core area (18 hours), research core (15 hours), choose one course (3 hours).

• EPRS 8500 - Qualitative/Interpretive Research in Education I 3 Credit Hours
• EPRS 8530 - Quantitative Methods and Analysis in Education I 3 Credit Hours

Required (12 Hours)

• A two-course sequence (6 hours) in research methodology (see below for specific tracks/courses)
• Two courses (6 hours) in advanced research methods as identified by the Doctoral Advisory Committee

Quantitative Methodology

• EPRS 8540 - Quantitative Methods and Analysis in Education II 3 Credit Hours
• EPRS 8550 - Quantitative Methods and Analysis in Education III 3 Credit Hours
• EPRS 8600 - Statistical Programming and Data Management 3 Credit Hours
• EPRS 8820 - Program Evaluation and Institutional Research 3 Credit Hours
• EPRS 8830 - Survey Research, Sampling Principles and Questionnaire Design 3 Credit Hours
• EPRS 8840 - Meta-Analysis 3 Credit Hours
• EPRS 8660 - Bayesian Statistics 3 Credit Hours
• EPRS 9550 - Multivariate Analysis 3 Credit Hours
• EPRS 9560 - Structural Equation Modeling 3 Credit Hours
• EPRS 9570 - Hierarchical Linear Modeling I 3 Credit Hours
• EPRS 9571 - Hierarchical Linear Modeling II 3 Credit Hours
• EPRS 9900 - Research Design 3 Credit Hours

Qualitative Methodology

• ANTH 8010 - Qualitative Methods in Anthropology 3 Credit Hours
• EPRS 8510 - Qualitative Research in Education II 3 Credit Hours
• EPRS 8520 - Qualitative Research in Education III 3 Credit Hours
• EPRS 8640 - Case Study Methods 3 Credit Hours
• EPRS 8700 - Visual Research Methods 3 Credit Hours
• EPRS 9120 - Poststructural Inquiry 3 Credit Hours
• EPRS 9400 - Writing Qualitative Research Manuscripts 3 Credit Hours
• EPRS 9820 - Advanced Qualitative Data Analysis 3 Credit Hours

Single-Case Methodology

• EPY 8850 - Introduction to Single-Case Methodology 3 Credit Hours
• EPY 8860 - Applications of Single-Case Methodology 3 Credit Hours

Historical/Philosophical Methodology

• EPSF 9850 - Historical Research in American Education 3 Credit Hours
• EPSF 9930 - Philosophical Analysis and Method 3 Credit Hours

Measurement Methodology

• EPRS 7920 - Classroom Testing, Grading, and Assessment 3 Credit Hours
• EPRS 8920 - Educational Measurement 3 Credit Hours
• EPRS 9350 - Introduction to Item Response Theory 3 Credit Hours
• EPRS 9360 - Advanced Item Response Theory 3 Credit Hours

Mixed Methodology

• EPRS 8850 - Introduction to Mixed Methods Research 3 Credit Hours
• EPRS 8860 - Advanced Mixed Methods Research 3 Credit Hours

Social Foundations of Education and Psychology of Learning Course (3 Hours)

Choose One Course (3):

• EPY 8200 - Advanced Developmental Psychology: Cognition and Intellect 3 Credit Hours
• EPY 8220 - Advanced Developmental Psychology: Personality and Socialization 3 Credit Hours

Major Area (56 Hours)

Required (50 hours).

• CPS 8350 - Biopsychology and Medication 3 Credit Hours
• CPS 8370 - Advanced Career Counseling 3 Credit Hours
• CPS 8450 - Advanced Group Counseling 3 Credit Hours
• CPS 8530 - Professional Issues and Decisions 3 Credit Hours
• CPS 8650 - Advanced Counseling Theory 3 Credit Hours
• CPS 8655 - Orientation to Counseling Psychology Practicum 3 Credit Hours (repeatable; students are required to complete 6 hours of CPS 8655) Credits / Units: 6
• CPS 8660 - Applied Practice II: Professional and Rehabilitation Counseling 3 Credit Hours (repeatable; students are required to complete 6 hours of CPS 8660) Credits / Units: 6
• CPS 9410 - Assessment of Intelligence 3 Credit Hours
• CPS 9420 - Adult Personality Assessment 3 Credit Hours
• CPS 9480 - Supervision of Counseling Services 3 Credit Hours
• CPS 9680 - Doctoral Internship 1 Credit Hours (Required Credit Hours = 3) Credits / Units: 3
• CPS 9920 - Research and Publication 1 Credit Hours (Required Credit Hours = 2) Credits / Units: 2
• CPS 9962 - Counseling Psychology Seminar 1 Credit Hours (Required Credit Hours = 6) Credits / Units: 6
• PSYC 8500 - History of Psychology 3 Credit Hours

Select One Course (3 Hours)

If EPY 8220 is completed to satisfy the Core area requirements, PSYC 8510 must be completed to satisfy this requirement. EPY 8220 can only be applied to one area of study. It cannot satisfy both the Core Area and the Major Area.

• PSYC 8510 - Social Psychology 3 Credit Hours
• CPS 8100 - Psychobehavioral Diagnosis 3 Credit Hours
• CPS 8540 - Child/Adolescent Psychopathology 3 Credit Hours

Cognate Area (18 Hours)

Select a Cognate (9 Hours): 

The cognate area provides the students an opportunity to enrich their preparation as counseling psychologists with further study in a related area of expertise. The students must select one of the following cognate areas (9): child and family, clinical assessment, health psychology, human sexuality, psychotherapy, multicultural, geriatric psychology, organizational development, rehabilitation psychology, or research methodology. Students should contact their Doctoral Advisory Committees for a program outline for Counseling Psychology. The program outline describes the course sequencing and describes additional cognate course requirements.

Required (9 Hours):

• CPS 8340 - Advanced Multicultural Counseling Strategies and Interventions 3 Credit Hours
• CPS 9660 - Applied Practice III 1 Credit Hours (Required Credit Hours = 6) Credits / Units: 6

Dissertation (15 Hours)

• CPS 9990 - Dissertation 1 Credit Hours

Total Semester Hours for Degree: Minimum of 107

University of South Florida

School of Interdisciplinary Global Studies

College of Arts and Sciences

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Graduate programs, phd in politics and international affairs.

The doctoral degree in politics and international affairs is an interdisciplinary program designed to prepare students to teach at the university and college levels and to conduct high-level research in the academic and nonacademic sectors. It combines a broad focus on international relations, comparative politics, American politics, and political theory with a critical understanding of institutions, rights, citizenship/identity, governance, global policy, and justice. Students work closely with faculty to frame their dissertation research and to advance their knowledge of their chosen fields of specialization. The program’s interdisciplinary approach to a variety of global issues provides a rich and open-ended opportunity to research current and past problems, movements, and transformations in politics.

We welcome your interest in our doctoral program. The department's deadline for fall admission is January 5. The School of Interdisciplinary Global Studies only admits for the fall semester. Students must apply online through the Office of Graduate Admissions. For a listing of the admission requirements, students should consult the Graduate Catalog . 

*Effective starting with the 2023-2024 admissions cycle, GRE test scores are no longer required for applications to our doctoral program in Politics and International Affairs*

*International students should review the Office of Admissions International Students website for additional information and requirements.

*International students are also encouraged to contact the Office of International Services for information on visas, international travel, etc. 

PLEASE NOTE: International students whose native language is not English and who want to be considered for a teaching assistantship must show proficiency in spoken English even if their TOEFL has been waived for admission to a graduate program. More information on the TOEFL requirement can be found under Admission Requirements in the graduate catalog.

Program Requirements

For the Doctoral Degree in Politics and International Affairs degree requirements, students should consult the Graduate Catalog. Students should adhere to the requirements within the Graduate Catalog under which they were admitted.

• Degree Requirements Beginning 2023-2024 Catalog

*Students can elect another catalog following the one they were admitted under. More information on this policy, and other policies, can be found in the Graduate Catalog.

*Students must request approval from the graduate director for any course not pre-approved and listed under the degree in the Graduate Catalog.

Additional information on program requirements:

Student can also select POS 6933/6747 Advanced Topics in Quantitative Political Analysis or another graduate course approved by the graduate director for the methods requirement. The Capstone Seminar will be conducted with doctorial students in Sociology and History and focus on dissertation proposal. 

Research Fields

The Doctorate in Politics and International Affairs specializes in the following four fields of research:

International Relations In the School of Interdisciplinary Global Studies, the International Relations (IR) faculty focuses on four areas of study: international relations theory, global political economy, international security, and human rights. We stress the importance of cutting-edge scholarship in our teaching of the graduate seminars as well as bridging the many emergent gaps in theory and practice in the various subfields that comprise International Relations, including American foreign policy, international ethics, global governance, and international law and organizations. One of our central aims is to advance innovative applications of the central theoretical perspectives (and their variant strands) in International Relations, namely, realism, liberalism, critical theory, constructivism, Marxism, international political theory, and gender. These applications involve in-depth theoretical and empirical analysis of key global issues, such as Asian security, moral accountability, the enforcement of human rights, immigration, and political and economic inequality. The International Relations faculty have published numerous books and peer-reviewed articles on these issue areas. These include monographs on the political tensions on the Korean Peninsula or North Korea’s nuclear arms buildup, the political cosmopolitan character and shifting dynamics of the International Criminal Court (ICC), hegemony and inequality in the global political economy, and China’s rapidly increasing support of intervention in African states. Together our published research emphasizes the production of critical theoretic knowledge, or the advanced methodological analysis of the contradictions and tensions informing the substantive debates in International Relations. This not only requires the particular mastery of concepts, methods, and claims but also an open-ended and historical understanding of the changing social forces shaping the behavior of states and the relations among global and local actors. It is this scholarly approach that we adopt to train our graduate students specializing in international relations, particularly as they advance their dissertation research and empirical knowledge of the global and regional contexts of problems and issues. One of the outcomes we strive for, then, is to encourage our doctoral students to develop rigorous theoretical and contextual analysis from which they can devise solutions and prescriptions to global issues.

Comparative Politics Comparative Politics in the School of Interdisciplinary Global Studies is committed to theory-driven, empirical research from an interdisciplinary perspective that is situated in a political, historical, cultural, and economic context.  The Comparative Politics faculty employ a variety of methodological approaches from both the social sciences and humanities, which utilize qualitative and quantitative research methods to study the patterns of similarities and differences. In particular, we conduct comparative and case study research to inquire into these patterns and to develop our theoretical propositions. One of our aims is to produce knowledge about the changing social, political, and legal conditions affecting the lives, development, cultural practices, and customs of underrepresented peoples. In meeting this aim, our research focuses on several themes of comparative politics, including social movements, democracy/democratization, citizenship, decolonization, genocide, hegemony, race and identity, development, legal systems and customary law, social justice, and indigenismo or the political ideology focusing on the changing relations of state and local peoples. Much of our published research draws creatively on social, critical, and political theory to advance knowledge of the laws, changing social relations, and attitudes in several countries, which includes Brazil, Ecuador, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Uganda, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Iran. Our research strengths lie in the areas of race and citizenship, social movements theory, human security and law (or legal custom) in Eastern Africa, indigenous rights in various Latin American countries, and security relations in the Middle East. With these thematic foci, we encourage graduate students to create and develop their own research by selecting a region of the world as their emphasis and adopting theoretically informed research and comparative methods that allow them to analyze the changing social and political conditions in the countries of this region.

American Politics The study of American Politics in the doctorate program in politics and international affairs provides a comprehensive overview as well as an in-depth analysis of American politics. Our faculty focus on various aspects of American politics, including theoretical foundations, federalism, institutions (Congress, the executive branch, the bureaucracy, the judiciary), political behavior (political parties, the media, interest groups, social movements, and elections), and public policy (foreign and domestic), and employ a range of methodological approaches such as historical development, legal doctrine, institutional rules, and quantitative analyses of the behavior of political actors and the mass public, to advance the student's research skills.  Our core class, Seminar in American Politics, for instance, surveys the key foundations, institutions, and behavior in American politics, introducing students to both qualitative and quantitative methodological approaches for analyzing and testing the changing trends and outcomes in American politics. Special topics courses provide opportunities to gain in-depth knowledge on new research on a range of themes, including political development, the social bases of politics, and the global impact of American politics. The faculty in American politics have made important contributions in the areas of race and ethnicity, the judiciary, the presidency, Florida government, civil liberties, health care, environmental justice, economic inequality, and animal rights. Our strengths lie in economic inequality, animal rights, the Presidency, Judicial Behavior, Race and Ethnicity, and State and Local Government. In these specific areas, we have published several cutting-edge books and articles in leading peer-reviewed journals, which examine the emergence and implementation of nonhuman animals' regime of rights, the changing directions of the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank and its impact on world politics, and alternative strategies for natural disasters in the United States. Our scholarship is thus distinctive for the ways in which it addresses American government and politics in a global context. This is how we seek to train our doctoral students on the rapidly changing, nuanced linkages between local, state, federal and global institutional politics.  

Political Theory Political Theory introduces students to the core normative issues in the study of political science. These normative issues provide the bedrock assumptions on which much of the study of political science depends. For example, while nearly everyone agrees that democracy is the best form of government, why do we place such faith in it? In addition, the long tradition of political thought offers multiple versions of democracy, each with its own strengths and limitations. How are we to identify the best version for our needs? Similarly, while we might extol non-violence in politics, is it always the best path for political movements? How are we to justify its alternatives? Clarifying our moral commitments, sharpening our conceptual tools, and outlining pathways for transforming theoretical knowledge into action requires philosophical, historical, and conceptual capabilities. The political theory faculty at the School of Interdisciplinary Global Studies trains students to develop these capabilities. To that end, political theory classes not only familiarize students with many of the canonical texts that were read by generations of prominent political thinkers (from Aristotle to Martin Luther King Jr), they also teach students to read these texts critically and with an eye towards contemporary political developments. As such, training in political theory is a critical supplement to graduate work at School of Interdisciplinary Global Studies. The faculty’s expertise in feminist theory, postcolonial theory, the role of emotions in politics, environmental political thought, and Indian political thought complements the terminal degrees offered in American Politics, Comparative Politics, and International Relations.

Financial Assistance 

Most of our successful applicants qualify for funding offered by the department or the Office of Graduate Studies. Funded doctoral students will receive a graduate assistantship that includes:

• a stipend for the academic year (9 months)
• a tuition waiver (not including school fees)
• the option of health insurance mostly paid by the department (the student only pays a small amount towards insurance).

All applicants for the doctoral degree are considered for a graduate assistantship - they do not need to complete a separate form.

The graduate assistantship is guaranteed for four years but is based on maintaining satisfactory annual academic progress. It requires each student to work 20 hours per week, in which case the student would be first assisting professors of the department with their teaching and class preparations and later, after having passed the doctoral comprehensive exams and completed teacher training seminars, teach a class at the University of South Florida. 

Please visit the graduate assistantships page for further information. The department also provides funding for conference travel or the presentation of research at conferences upon approval.

Information on eligibility for graduate assistantships can be found on the Graduate Assistantships Resource Center website. 

We also strive to fund our students in the fifth year, though this funding is not guaranteed. Depending on additional funds that become available, students may have the opportunity to extend their graduate assistantship to one, possibly two academic semesters. Students in the fifth year are also encouraged to seek external funding. For more information on this, please consult our Graduate Resources Page .

Outstanding candidates may also be nominated by the school’s director and/or graduate committee for prestigious and highly competitive university fellowships, including the Presidential Doctoral Fellowship , the Dorothy Auzenne Fellowship , and the University Graduate Fellowship. There is also the opportunity for minority students to be awarded a McKnight Fellowship, which provides annual tuition up to $5,000 for each of three academic years, plus an annual stipend of $12,000. The program also offers travel grants and other forms of financial support. For additional information on this fellowship opportunity, please visit the McKnight Fellowship's informational page.

• Politics and International Affairs Doctoral Handbook 2022 - 2023
• School of Interdisciplinary Global Studies Graduate Resources
• Independent Study / Directed Research Contract
• Office of Graduate Studies Forms
• Dissertation Proposal Approval Form
• Admission to Doctoral Candidacy Form
• Graduate Student Supervisory Committee Appointment Form
• Dissertation Checklist
• Electronic Thesis & Dissertation Certificate of Approval Form
• Comprehensive Exam Reading Lists
• Research Conference Travel Award Request
• Dissertation Defense Announcment

Spring 2024 Course Offerings

Recent Placements

For further information or questions about the PhD in Politics and International Affairs, please fill out this form . 

• International

April 29, 2024 - Columbia begins suspending student protesters

By Elizabeth Wolfe, Samantha Delouya, Eva Rothenberg, Aditi Sangal and Amir Vera, CNN

Columbia University says it's begun suspending students who refused to vacate encampment

From CNN's Eva Rothenberg

Columbia University has begun suspending student protesters who refused to vacate the on-campus encampment by the 2 p.m. ET deadline set by the administration.

These students will not be eligible to complete the semester or graduate and won't be allowed in university housing and academic buildings, the New York-based university said.

"Once disciplinary action is initiated, adjudication is handled by several different units within the university based on the nature of the offense," Vice President of Public Affairs Ben Chang said during a briefing Monday evening.  

The two bodies overseeing this disciplinary process are the Office of University Life and the university's senate, a policy-making group that represents students and faculty.

"Decisions made by the Office of University Life can be appealed to the dean of the student's school," said Chang. "Decisions made by the senate can be appealed to a panel of deans and, ultimately, the university's president."

Chang added that the university asked student protesters to remove the encampment, in part, to make sure that the university's commencement ceremony for its 15,000 graduates can continue as planned.

The students at Columbia,  the epicenter of the weeklong pro-Palestinian protests , had earlier voted to defy the order and stay.

The post was updated with more details from Monday's news briefing.

Northwestern says agreement reached with students on limiting the scope of protests

From CNN's Virginia Langmaid

Northwestern University on Monday announced an agreement with student demonstrators to limit the scope of the campus protest and end the encampment at Deering Meadow, the school  said in a news release .

Through negotiations with “a group of students and faculty who represent the majority of the protesters on Deering Meadow,” both parties agreed to limit the scope of the protest, while granting some of the organizers' requests for transparency and free speech protections.

According to the agreement, protesters will be allowed at the site through the end of spring classes — on June 1 — as long as the scope is reduced to one aid tent, sound amplifiers are within university policy and participants are limited to those affiliated with the university. 

The University will also be reconvening its Advisory Committee on Investment and Responsibility in the fall, and in the agreement committed to additional transparency regarding specific investment holdings. Additionally, the University announced it will commit to supporting Palestinian faculty and students, including fully funding the cost of attendance for five Palestinian students and constructing a community space for Middle Eastern and North African/Muslim students.

In a series of Instagram posts, the Northwestern Divestment Coalition, which was involved in establishing the encampment, called the agreement a “first step” toward divestment, saying it was approved by elected representatives in a 17-1 vote. The coalition represents student groups including NU Students for Justice in Palestine and NU Jewish Voice for Peace.

Monday marked the fifth day of the encampment at Northwestern. Counter-protesters and police were present at the encampment sporadically, and the atmosphere remained peaceful and nonviolent over the weekend.

Most of the UT-Austin protesters arrested are not believed to be affiliated with the university, school says

From CNN’s Ashley Killough

Several protesters have been arrested at UT-Austin Monday, most of whom are not believed to be affiliated with the university, school officials said in a statement. 

“After protesters ignored repeated directives from both the administration and law enforcement officers to comply with Institutional Rules and remove tents assembled on the University’s South Lawn, then physically engaged with and verbally assaulted Dean of Students staff who attempted to confiscate them, UT and partner law enforcement agencies dismantled an encampment and arrested several protesters,” university officials said in a statement. “Baseball size rocks were found strategically placed within the encampment.” 

Over the weekend, the university received “extensive online threats” from a group that organized Monday’s demonstrations, officials said in the statement. 

The statement added that the threats were reported to local, state and federal law enforcement officials without elaborating. 

“The University will continue to support the free speech and assembly rights of our community while also enforcing its Institutional Rules,” the statement read. 

Here’s the latest on the protests at major US universities

From CNN staff

Pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses have entered their second week – just as many universities prepare for graduation ceremonies in the coming weeks.

Hundreds of students have been arrested by law enforcement on various campuses.

A  central demand  of protesters is for universities to divest from Israel-linked companies that they say are profiting from the war in Gaza..

Here's what you should know:

More arrests and warnings:

• Students at Columbia University voted to remain at their encampment after university leadership gave protesters a 2 p.m. ET deadline to vacate or face suspension.
• Texas State Police in riot gear arrested at least six people at the University of Texas at Austin Monday afternoon.
• Officers arrested over 90 people, including 54 students, at a protest encampment on the lawn at Virginia Tech 's Graduate Life Center, according to the school. The demonstration began on Friday and progressed over the weekend.
• Several arrests were made on the University of Georgia campus in Athens after protesters began putting up tents and a barricade on the quad, according to the university.  

Divestment negotiations:

• The University of Pennsylvania put "Notice of Trespass" signs surrounding the on-campus encampment Monday morning after negotiations between protest organizers and university leaders over divestment broke down over the weekend.
• Brown University said it will hear a group of students and faculty members’ “arguments for divestment” in May if the campus’ encampment "is peacefully brought to an end within the next few days and is not replaced with any other encampments or unauthorized protest activity.”

Schools weigh graduation ceremonies:

• A pair of speakers set to address master's and doctorate graduates of the University of Southern California 's Rossier School of Education have withdrawn citing the school’s dealings with war protesters and cancellation of valedictorian  Asna Tabassum’s  commencement speech.
• Columbia University said it wants “to reassure our community who are trying to make plans that we will indeed hold a commencement.

White House won't say if campus protesters should face disciplinary action

From CNN's DJ Judd and Haley Talbot

The White House declined to say if President Joe Biden believes that demonstrators who’ve camped out on college campuses across the country to protest against the war in Gaza should face disciplinary actions, repeating the president’s support for the right to peacefully protest while criticizing antisemitic rhetoric and calls for violence. 

“These are institutions – some of them are private, some of them are public – and it is up to their leadership, university leadership and colleges, to make that decision,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Monday. 

The press secretary acknowledged what she called “a painful moment” as the civilian toll in Gaza continues to rise, adding, “We get that it is a painful moment that Americans are dealing with, and free expression has to be done within the law.” 

However, House Speaker Mike Johnson indicated he would consider pulling federal funding to college campuses roiled by protests.

“We're looking at very seriously reducing or eliminating any federal funds at all to campuses who cannot maintain basic safety and security of Jewish students,” the Republican lawmaker said in an interview Friday with  Salem news program “This Week on the Hill.”

Johnson visited Columbia University last week to meet with Jewish students and delivered remarks with other Republican lawmakers. When Johnson and the GOP lawmakers walked up to begin speaking, there were loud boos from protesters.

“It is unruly; they are allowing mob rule on some of these campuses, and Columbia University was a case in point,” he said. 

Columbia student protesters: "We will not be moved by these intimidation tactics"

From CNN's Ramishah Maruf and John Towfighi 

Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD), a student protest group, denounced what it called the university administration's "attempts to stifle the student movement." The group said protesters will not be moved except by force, as negotiations with leadership remain "off the table."

In a news conference Monday, student Sueda Polat said that university delegates issued disciplinary notices to protesters, alerting students they have two choices.

Students could sign a form and be put, "on academic probation on the condition that they abide by all university rules until June 30, 2025. Or until their graduation, whichever comes first," Polat said. "Or, the students would be interim suspended."

Polat added that suspension would mean that these student protesters lose their housing and healthcare access, as well as losing their right to graduation if they are in their final year.

Palot also said members of the university's leadership confirmed that a state of emergency from the university was threatened. 

In a statement to CNN, Columbia Public Affairs said: "The rumor of a 'state of emergency' at Columbia University is a fabrication and totally false. There is no state of emergency." 

"The administration has turned the site of protest into a crime scene," Columbia professor says

From CNN's Samantha Delouya and John Towfighi

Ahead of the 2:00 p.m. deadline to clear the encampment, about two dozen Columbia faculty linked arms outside the school's lawn entrance, making a human barricade.

Earlier in the day, Columbia leadership asked protesters to voluntarily leave their encampment by the deadline or risk suspension. Protesting students overwhelmingly voted to defy the order and stay.

"Nobody thinks they should be suspended. Look at the thousands that have turned up here," Mahmood Mamdani, a professor of anthropology at the university, told CNN's Omar Jimenez after the deadline passed. Mamdani was one of the professors who had formed the human barricade and he expressed worry that the administration might call in police to forcibly break up the encampment.

"We teach our students not to accept things at face value. We teach them to ask questions, no matter the consequences," Mamdani said. "The idea of penalizing students for protests? The administration has turned the site of a protest into a crime scene."

"If I were the administration, I would have promoted discussion, not muzzled discussion," he added.

Police have arrested at least 6 protesters at UT Austin

From CNN's Ed Lavandera and Ashley Killough

Texas State Police have started arresting some protesters at the University of Texas at Austin. CNN’s team in Austin witnessed at least six protesters being arrested Monday afternoon.

A group of law enforcement officers in riot gear have been surrounding a group of protesters, as protests on campus enter their second week.

91 people arrested at Virginia Tech protest overnight

From CNN’s Chris Boyette and Paradise Afshar

Virginia Tech Police arrested over 90 people, including students, at a protest encampment on the lawn at the university’s Graduate Life Center, according to the school.

“91 individuals, 54 of whom are current Virginia Tech students, were arrested and all were charged with trespassing,” the  university said in a statement .

The university said demonstrators began occupying the lawn at the university’s Graduate Life Center on Friday. By Sunday, the situation on campus had “progressed” and had the potential to “become unsafe," according to the university.

At about 10:15 p.m. on Sunday, Virginia Tech police advised the group to leave within five minutes or be subject to arrest.

Around the same time, the university posted on  social media : "Heavy police activity around Graduate Life Center. Urgent. Please avoid the area. Call 911 for help."

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A Dive into Business Doctorates: Understanding the DBA and PhD Journey

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01 May 2024

The Taylor's Team (Editor)

Embarking on pursuing doctoral studies within business is not just a commitment to academic excellence but a voyage towards unparalleled professional growth and leadership.

This path, filled with challenges and opportunities, prompts aspiring scholars and seasoned executives alike with a fundamental question: to seek the breadth and depth of a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) or to delve into the theoretical rigours of a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business ? This decision, far from trivial, is a determinant of one's future career trajectory and scholarly impact.

What drives an individual to scale the academic summit in business? Is it the allure of breaking new ground through innovative research, or the ambition to ascend to the zenith of corporate leadership? How does one navigate the crossroads between applied knowledge and theoretical exploration? These thought-provoking questions underscore the essence of the choice between a DBA and a PhD in Business, each path offering a distinct journey with its unique rewards and challenges.

Curriculum and Research Approach

Doctor of Business Administration: Bridging Theory and Practise

The DBA programme stands out for its practical orientation, designed to embed advanced management theories into the realities of contemporary business . The curriculum is a blend of coursework and research, that are structured to address real-world business challenges. Students are encouraged to develop strategic thinking and leadership skills that transcend traditional academic boundaries, fostering an environment where knowledge is not just acquired but applied.

Research within a DBA programme is distinctly applied, focusing on pragmatic solutions to business problems. This involves collaborating with industries, understanding their challenges, and devising research that not only advances academic knowledge but also offers tangible benefits to the business community. The DBA curriculum often includes modules on research methodologies tailored to applied research, analysing data in business contexts, digital transformation, and the management of innovation and change , ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to lead in a complex business landscape.

PhD in Business: The Quest for Scholarly Excellence

In contrast, a PhD in Business is characterised by its emphasis on the creation of new academic knowledge. The curriculum is heavily research-focused, diving deep into theoretical models, methodologies, and the nuances of business theory. PhD students are scholars in the truest sense, dedicating themselves to extensive research that aims to push the frontiers of business academia.

The research conducted within a PhD programme is theoretical and aims to contribute to the scholarly discourse on business, addressing gaps in the existing literature and proposing new frameworks for understanding business phenomena. This academic pursuit often results in the publication of articles in top-tier journals, contributing to the global repository of business knowledge. The PhD curriculum is designed to build a strong foundation in research methodology, statistical analysis, and theoretical concept development, preparing students for careers in academia and research institutions.

Doctor of Business Administration programmes now blend leadership with innovation and global insights, while PhDs in Business address practical challenges, preparing scholars to apply theory in dynamic environments.

Dr. Lin Woon Leong

Programme Director, Doctor of Business Administration

Career Outcomes

Doctor of Business Administration: Leaders in Business and Beyond

DBA graduates are highly sought after in the business world, prized for their ability to combine academic insight with practical application. They commonly ascend to leadership roles within their organisations, leveraging their doctoral training to drive strategic initiatives and innovation. The DBA also opens doors to careers in consultancy, where graduates apply their research skills and business acumen to advise firms on complex issues.

The versatility of the DBA allows for career mobility across industries, with graduates taking on roles such as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Operations Officer (COO), and other executive positions where their expertise can directly influence organisational success. Moreover, DBA holders are well-positioned to contribute to executive education, offering a bridge between academic theory and business practise through teaching and development programmes.

PhD in Business: Academia and Research

PhD graduates are the torchbearers of academic research in business, often embarking on careers as university professors, researchers, and thought leaders. The PhD is the hallmark of academic achievement, enabling individuals to contribute to the educational landscape through teaching, mentorship, and scholarly publication.

Beyond academia, PhD holders find opportunities in think tanks, governmental and non-governmental organisations, and research institutions, where they undertake complex research projects that inform policy and strategic decision-making. The PhD in Business cultivates a deep understanding of business theories and methodologies, preparing graduates to tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing the business community and society at large.

Decision Factor: Navigating Your Path

Choosing between a DBA and a PhD in Business is a decision that hinges on personal career aspirations, research interests, and the impact one wishes to make in the business world or academia. You should consider the following factors:

Career Objectives

If your goal is to ascend to the highest echelons of business leadership, applying research to solve practical problems, a DBA may be your path. Conversely, if your ambition lies in academia—teaching, publishing, and contributing to theoretical knowledge—a PhD will serve you well.

Research Interests

Reflect on whether you're drawn to solving real-world business problems or you're more intrigued by theoretical questions that contribute to academic discourse. The DBA is designed for those looking to apply advanced management principles to solve practical issues, whereas the PhD focuses on theoretical research that seeks to expand the body of knowledge in business studies.

Flexibility and Time Commitment

The structure of DBA programmes often caters to working professionals, offering more flexibility in terms of coursework and research timelines. This makes it possible for candidates to continue their professional pursuits while advancing their academic credentials. PhD programmes, by contrast, are typically more rigorous and time-consuming, requiring a full-time commitment that might necessitate putting professional engagements on hold.

Professional Network and Academic Community

Consider the type of professional network and academic community you wish to be part of. DBA students often find themselves interacting with a cohort of experienced business leaders, creating opportunities for networking and collaboration in various industries. PhD students, meanwhile, are more deeply integrated into the academic community, attending conferences, contributing to scholarly publications, and engaging with researchers and theorists.

Long-term Impact

Finally, think about the long-term impact you wish to have in your chosen field. A DBA prepares you to drive change and innovation within industries, applying research to enhance business practises and strategies. A PhD, on the other hand, allows you to contribute to the foundational knowledge of business, shaping the future of academic research and education.

It's vital to match your passion and career goals with market trends. A PhD fits those drawn to research and academia, while a DBA suits those aiming to tackle business challenges in leadership or consultancy. Engage with industry and academic professionals through informational interviews to understand the real-world relevance of each degree. Consider how each aligns with your long-term goals and adaptability to market changes. Ultimately, choose the degree that best positions you to achieve your professional objectives in a dynamic global business landscape.

Charting Your Course

The journey towards a doctoral degree in business, whether through a DBA or a PhD, is one of profound personal and professional growth. It demands a clear vision of your career objectives, a deep passion for research, and a commitment to contributing to the field of business in a meaningful way.

By carefully considering the curriculum, career outcomes, and personal aspirations associated with each programme, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your goals and ambitions. Whether you choose the path of applied research and practical application offered by a DBA or the scholarly pursuit of theoretical knowledge through a PhD, your doctoral journey will equip you with the skills, knowledge, and insights to make a significant impact in your field.

At Taylor's University, we offer both Doctor of Business Administration and Doctor of Philosophy in Business programmes that cater to the diverse needs of our students, ensuring that every learner finds a pathway that not only meets their educational goals but also fits seamlessly into their career aspiration. We encourage you to make an appointment with us, where our dedicated education counsellor can work with you to chart a personalised education pathway that truly supports your journey towards achieving your career objectives.

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A Rebel Makes It Happen: From Academic Probation to a Dual-Degree in Engineering

Justin Negron's UNLV turnaround story starts with a visit to his advisor and ends with Senior Design Competition wins and a job offer.

UNLV Engineering alum Justin Negron (second from left) and his teammates Milkias Ghilom, James Geiger, and Anthony Peytchev showcase their innovation during the Fall 2023 Senior Design competition. (Radioactive Productions)

• April 30, 2024
• By Anthony Paculan

Editor's Note:

It was his second semester after transferring to UNLV. The semester prior, Justin Negron went one-for-two with his courses, barely coasting by with a C in Engineering Economics and flat-out failing Physics I for STEM.

This semester seemed no different; Negron retook physics and was on track to fail the class once more. Negron met with the advisor, intending to discuss new career paths and options, but his advisor had a different plan in mind.

By the end of his second semester Negron had a 1.14 GPA and was placed on academic probation. Early intervention and support from the College of Engineering Advising Center  led to an impressive turnaround. Negron would go on to attain a dual degree along with first-place success in the capstone Senior Design Competition — not once, but twice.

Negron’s story offers inspiration for fellow and future engineering students, proving that they, too, can make it happen, no matter what.

How One Rebel Made 'It' Happen

“I had just transferred [from Nevada State College] to UNLV for mechanical engineering,” Negron said. “I struggled with both of my classes, but physics? I struggled a lot.”

Reality quickly hit Negron when he saw his transcript from his first semester at UNLV. Negron found out he didn’t meet Satisfactory Academic Progress, a warning that if he didn't pull his GPA up, he could lose his financial aid. But when he took another crack at physics the following semester, he found himself running into the same hurdle.

“I went back to PHYS 180 with a different professor, but I still wasn’t quite cutting it. That’s when I had the wonderful meeting with Shae.”

Shae Deschutter , associate director of academic advising for the college, works with engineering students when their GPAs drop below a 2.0.

“When we met, he was taking PHYS 180 for a second time and still wasn’t doing well,” said Deschutter. “He was questioning if engineering was a good fit for him. I suggested that he drop the class that semester with a plan to take it a third time. I said something like ‘If it doesn't go well next time, I would be happy to discuss other possible majors with you, but let's see how this class goes.’”

After discussing different learning styles, study methods, and tutoring resources with Deschutter, Negron felt ready to take on the dreaded PHYS 180 a third time.

“I made physics my No. 1 priority because I knew that third attempt was my last. I remember as a kid, others had dreams like ‘I want to be a firefighter,’ or ‘I want to be a police officer.’ I always wanted to be an engineer. They’re innovative, they’re creative, they invent new things out of nothing, out of their mind. Failing physics would have made that dream disappear.”

He faced PHYS 180 his last time, attending every office hour and working through every practice problem until he had the material down.

“I went into hyper-focus mode. I remember staying on campus until sunset, and I’d still be doing the exercises.”

His tenacity paid off. On his third attempt, Negron earned a passing grade and gained a new outlook on his career path. He was confident in his engineering future, but perhaps he needed to consider another concentration within the field.

“Honestly, I had originally chosen mechanical engineering because I love dirt bikes; I’d been riding and racing since I was a kid. But one topic in PHYS 180 I just could not understand was heat transfer, and my professor said if I became a mechanical engineer, that would be the rest of my life. I didn’t think it was for me.”

New Concentration, Same Destination

In need of a new concentration, Negron hearkened back to his other childhood love: his first computer. “I saved $10 a day — which my dad matched — for my first computer,” Negron recalled. “I built it, and it turned on immediately.”

Negron remembers hand-picking compatible components and assembling the computer by himself, accomplishing the feat on his first try. He calls this one of his proudest achievements, sparking a love for engineering that would stay with him throughout his life.

At UNLV, there are two computer-related engineering concentrations: computer engineering and computer science. Which should he choose?

Negron knew that computer science would provide career paths into software development and programming, while computer engineering’s core focus is on the hardware and circuitry powering computer systems.

“I met with an advisor to discuss my options. I wanted computer science for the opportunity, but I wanted computer engineering for the passion. He asked me ‘Are you sure you want both?’”

Negron was.

Double majoring added two years to his college career, but that additional experience led to internships and then his first full-time job at Bank of America, which he started in January.

“It's a great story,” Deschutter said. “To go from being on academic probation and questioning his capabilities, to earning two degrees. I think it's an inspiring story about perseverance and what our students can achieve if they keep persisting.”

Not only was Deschutter impressed with Negron’s success in his coursework, but also his ability to translate what he learned in the classroom to real-world applications for the college's Senior Design Competition.

From Theory to Practice

The Senior Design Competition challenges every graduating senior to translate the knowledge they learned in the classroom into commercially viable prototypes that are then judged by an industry panel. Because of his double major, Negron had two projects to create — one for computer science and one for computer engineering.

For his computer science project, Negron and his team created the University Discord Bot. “The problem was Discord is basically an anonymous platform,” he said. “Students love it because it’s modern, it’s a great way to collaborate with your classmates. But teachers didn't like it, because they couldn't find out who was causing misconduct. We wanted to create a middle ground, where teachers can at least have control over their official Discord server.”

While the University Discord Bot was ingenious in its own right, Negron says his computer engineering project had a little more of a wow-factor.

“Even before we had a definite idea, we knew we wanted some sort of robotics design. At first, we thought about a drone that would target insects with high-powered lasers. But we ran into issues, like properly balancing a laser on a drone and getting around government regulations for the laser.”

Everyday hurdles for engineers; back to the drawing board until an idea stuck. They landed on reimagining NASA rovers.

“A problem that we have in space exploration is we have large machines that are controlled by a room full of people, and then they get stuck. So how can we automate the exploration process and reduce production costs?”

Their answer was a swarm of small robots.

Negron’s team created the Autonomous Robot Swarm, a system of at least four small robots that communicate with each other. They can locate one another through triangulation, and if one finds a point-of-interest, it can guide the others toward it.

And this whole process, Negron explained, can take place with little-to-no human guidance. “It was awesome! Who wouldn’t be excited to work with four robots that look like little tanks? We had a lot of people coming up to us and asking questions while we were debugging in the grass.”

By the time he crossed the stage at Thomas & Mack during the December 2023 commencement, Negron’s accolades included a 3.32 overall GPA, two first-place Senior Design awards, a full-time job offer in a new state, and a success story to motivate students that would follow.

“I thought about quitting at times. But standing here today, knowing what I went through to get here, I’m glad I never did.”

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