Examinations and Evaluations

Final Examinations

In addition to the regularly scheduled course examinations, a candidate for the master's degree must pass, satisfactorily, a formal examination arranged by the chairperson of his/her committee. This examination may be oral or written or both and will cover the field of the student's major and minor work, as well as, the specialized area of the student's thesis if his/her program includes one. The student's special committee will report the results of his/her performance on the examination to the Graduate Office within twenty-four hours.

A student who fails his/her final examination for the master's degree may, at the discretion of the Examining Committee, be allowed another examination not earlier than one semester after his/her failure. The Examining Committee, however, may recommend that the student take a course or courses before he/she is allowed a reexamination.

Proficiency Examinations

Graduate students are not eligible to earn academic credit through proficiency examinations.

Thesis and Dissertation Committee Guidelines

All graduate students completing a thesis or dissertation are required to form an approved advisory committee to guide their research and evaluate their final work. The committee plays a central role in mentoring, assessment, and academic oversight. The following standards govern the formation and operation of thesis and dissertation committees at the University:

  • Committee Composition
  • Chairperson: Each committee must be chaired by a full-time faculty member from the student’s academic department or program. The chair must hold graduate faculty status and serve as the principal advisor.
  • Committee Members:
  • Master’s thesis committees and Doctoral dissertations committees must consist of at least three (3) members, including the chair, with one member from outside the student’s department.
  • All committee members must hold terminal degrees (i.e., Ph.D. Ed.D.) in the relevant field and be approved by the student’s program/department.
  • A majority of the committee must hold graduate faculty status at the university.
  • External Member 
  • Doctoral committees must include at least one member external to the student’s department or academic unit. This individual ensures disciplinary diversity and academic objectivity.
  • External members from outside the university may serve with prior approval from the student’s department.
  • Eligibility and Approval
  • All committee appointments must be submitted for approval to the student’s program.
  • Faculty who are not regular members of the graduate faculty (i.e., adjuncts, clinical faculty, or external professionals) may serve with appropriate approvals from the program Chair and Dean.
  • If a committee member resigns or is replaced, the student must notify the program coordinator and chair to approve the change.
  • Responsibilities of the Committee 
  • Assist the student in developing the thesis or dissertation topic and research plan.
  • Provide expertise and critical feedback throughout the research and writing process.
  • Ensure the project meets the academic standards of the program and the University.
  • Conduct the final defense and determine the outcome of the student’s thesis or dissertation.

Thesis and Project Standards

Standards for the thesis and project have been adopted by the Graduate Council. The bulletin which includes these regulations may be obtained from the Graduate Office. The thesis must be satisfactory to the student's Examining Committee in both scholarship and literary quality.

The subject of the thesis approved by the major advisor of the student must be filed with the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies at least six months before the candidate expects to complete all requirements for the degree for which he/she is a candidate.

The thesis advisor for every graduate student is his/her major professor unless the major professor approves the student to develop a thesis under another professor.

The maximum credit assigned under Research and Thesis is three semester hours for all candidates who have credit in a formal research course such as EDUC 513, Educational Research; and ENGL 517, Problems and Methods of Research. Students in departments which do not require a formal course in research techniques may receive a maximum of six semester hours for research and thesis. Each program offering a major for the master's degree has an assigned number for Research and Thesis.

Those programs which offer the option of a project have a similarly assigned number.

Students must register for the Research and Thesis course every semester or term until the thesis is completed. Those who progress satisfactorily will receive a grade of "S" at the end of each semester or term. After the thesis has been completed and approved, the student will receive a final grade for his/her work. A student who registers in Research and Thesis and whose performance is deemed unsatisfactory by the major professor will receive a grade of "U" at the end of the semester or term.

A written form of the thesis, accompanied by an abstract of not over 1,500 words, approved by the major professor, must be deposited in the Graduate Office for submission to the library.

Project standards will vary according to program requirements and the nature of the project. Students will be guided very closely by their advisors in the preparation of the projects and are expected to adhere to program requirements. The student must also register for the master's project course every semester or term until the project is completed. The grade of "S" will be given at the end of each semester or term if satisfactory progress is made. The student will receive a formal grade for his/her work once the project has been completed and approved.