The Graduate Programs

The University of Tennessee at Martin

The Graduate Programs

For information regarding the Graduate Programs contact:
Dr. Victoria S. Seng
Dean of Graduate Studies
309 Administration Building
The University of Tennessee at Martin
Martin, Tennessee 38238
(731) 881-7012
(731) 881-7499 fax

Graduate Programs in Agricultural Operations Management

Master of Science in Agricultural Operations Management

Dr Barbara Darroch, Interim Coordinator of Graduate Program in Agricultural Operations Management
254 Brehm Hall
(731) 881-7250
bdarroch@utm.edu

Graduate Programs in Family and Consumer Sciences

Master of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences

Dr. Lisa LeBleu, Coordinator of Graduate Program in Family and Consumer Sciences
340B Gooch Hall
(731) 881-7116
llebleu@utm.edu

Graduate Programs in Business Administration

Master of Accountancy
Master of Business Administration

Dr. Richard Griffin, Coordinator of Graduate Programs in Business Administration
133 Business Administration Building
(731) 881-7308
1-888-293-5822 toll-free
bagrad@utm.edu

Dr. Michael McCullough, Coordinator of Graduate Business Programs in Jackson
214 Jones Hall
Lambuth University
Jackson, TN 38305
(731) 424-3350

Graduate Programs in Education

Master of Science in Education

Bonnie Daniel, Interim Coordinator of Graduate Programs in Education
237 Gooch Hall
(731) 881-7129
bdaniel@utm.edu

Dr. Don DeMoulin, Coordinator of Graduate Education Program in Jackson
214 Jones Hall
Lambuth University
Jackson, TN 38305
(731) 425-3350

Admission Procedures and Requirements

General Requirements
Anyone with a bachelor's degree wishing to take courses for graduate credit, whether or not he/she wishes to become a candidate for a degree, must make formal application for admission to graduate study. Admission to graduate study does not make a student a candidate for a graduate degree. Only persons who have received a letter of admission from the Dean of Graduate Studies may enroll in graduate courses. An applicant may be admitted at the beginning of any semester. The Graduate Studies Office, however, cannot guarantee that an application will be processed if it does not arrive at least fourteen (14) days prior to the opening date of a semester or session. All documents used for admission purposes become the property of The University of Tennessee at Martin and will not be returned. Students have the right to review their individual files.

Admission requirements for the M.S. in Agricultural Operations Management, M.S. in Family and Consumer Sciences, M.Ac. and M.B.A. in Business, and M.S. in Education can be found on the following pages.

Re-Enrollment
Students who were previously enrolled as graduate students at UT Martin but have not been enrolled for one semester (excluding summer), must submit an updated application form in order to reactivate their files.

Procedures for Admission

1. Obtain an application for admission from the Graduate Studies Office, The University of Tennessee at Martin, Martin, Tennessee, 38238.
2. Return the completed application form with a check or money order for the $25 non-refundable application fee ($50 for foreign students).
3. Request the registrars of all colleges and universities attended to send one official transcript directly to the Graduate Studies Office.
4. Request that official scores on the appropriate qualifying examination be sent directly to the Graduate Studies Office by the testing agency. NTE scores may be certified by the superintendent's office of school systems in which one has worked if the score is no longer available from the testing agency.
5. Foreign students must also follow the special instructions detailed in "Foreign Students."

A decision on admission cannot be made until all of these procedures have been completed and official documents have been received. Students who have not been admitted may not register for classes.

Each applicant is responsible for arranging the appropriate qualifying examination and for requesting the transmission of scores directly to the Graduate Studies Office from the Educational Testing Service.

Computer-based testing is available for the GRE General, GMAT, and MAT. Contact the UT Martin Test Center (731-881-7702) for registration information.

Foreign Students
The University of Tennessee at Martin has an active foreign student program. The University wishes to encourage qualified degree-seeking graduate students from other countries, in fairness to such students, must emphasize that no fellowships or other financial aid are currently available for beginning foreign students.

Applicants for graduate school admission from foreign countries must furnish the following in addition to meeting all entrance requirements:

1. A completed, signed application including an accurate chronological outline of all previous education.
2. Official school or university transcript(s) with certified translations if the records are in a language other than English. Transcripts must include descriptive titles of courses studied and grades gained in final examinations.
3. Draft or money order for the $50 non-refundable application fee.
4. Official report of a score of at least 525 (paper/pencil) or 197 (computer based) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), unless the applicant's native language is English or the applicant has earned a baccalaureate or higher-level degree within the past three years from a regionally accredited college or university in the United States.
5. A completed, signed confidential financial statement. (The university reserves the right to require foreign students to submit a deposit before registering for classes.)
6. A completed health statement on the form provided by the university.
7. A brief handwritten statement about the course of study the student plans to follow and how it relates to his/her career objectives.

All materials should be in the International Programs Office well in advance of the semester in which the applicant plans to enroll. An accepted applicant will be issued a letter of admission and an I-20 form, which will be necessary to obtain a student visa. Students must appear on campus no later than the date specified on the I-20 form.

A foreign student whose use of the English language appears to be inadequate after he/she arrives at the university will be required to take an English proficiency examination. If the student cannot pass this examination, he/she will be required to enroll in a course in English for foreign students.

Types of Admission

Admission Requirements for the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources

Applicants may be admitted as degree seeking (Unconditional, Conditional, or Unclassified) or non-degree as listed below. Degree-seeking applicants must meet the university requirements listed above under "Types of Admission."

Minimum acceptable GRE (verbal plus quantitative) is 650; 850 required for unconditional admission.

Additional requirements for unconditional and conditional admission appear below.

1. Unconditional Admission
   1. Cum GPA of at least 2.70
   2. GRE scores (verbal and quantitative) of at least 850
   3. Applicant must have a substantial background in Agriculture or Natural Resource Management as determined by one of the following:
      1. Have earned a B.S. in agriculture or natural resource management from a regionally accredited institution OR
      2. Have satisfactorily completed the following prerequisite courses:
         Agricultural Economics 110 Introduction to Agricultural Business (3)
         Agricultural Engineering Technology 110 Introduction to Agricultural Engineering (3)
         Animal Science 110 Introduction to Animal Science (3)
         Plant Science 110 Introductory Plant and Soil Science (3)
         Soil Science 210 Soil Science (4) OR
      3. Have satisfactory score on UT Martin Agriculture/Natural Resource Management departmental senior exit exam as determined by Supervisory Committee.
   
   Applicants admitted based on satisfactory completion (cumulative graduate GPA of 3.00) of at least 12 hours of graduate credit at a regionally accredited institution must meet the minimum qualifying examination score listed above.
2. Conditional Admission
   1. Cum GPA of at least 2.50 or Sr Yr GPA of at least 3.00, and
   2. GRE scores (verbal and quantitative) of at least 650 (850 if exempted from the university's minimum GPA requirement), and
   3. Minimum formula points as shown below
      400 times applicant's Cum GPA plus GRE must equal or exceed 1,850 OR
      400 times applicant's Sr Yr GPA plus GRE must equal or exceed 1,850
3. Unclassified or Non-Degree Admission
   Applicants who do not meet requirements for either unconditional or conditional admission may be eligible for unclassified or non-degree admission. See previous section on university "Types of Admission."

Undergraduate Articulation Requirements
The following courses, or their equivalent as determined by the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, are articulation requirements for the M.S.A.O.M. for those students without a B.S. in Agriculture or Natural Resources from an accredited institution. These courses must be satisfactorily completed no later than the end of the first semester of graduate enrollment. Students may elect to take the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources senior exit exam. Based on the test results, the supervisory committee may reduce or waive portions of the articulation requirements.

Agricultural Economics 110 Introduction to Agricultural Business (3)
Agricultural Engineering Technology 110 Introduction to Agricultural Engineering (3)
Animal Science 110 Introduction to Animal Science (3)
Plant Science 110 Introductory Plant and Soil Science (3)
Soil Science 210 Soil Science (4)

Admission Requirements for the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences

Applicants may be admitted as degree seeking (Unconditional, Conditional, or Unclassified) or non-degree as listed below. Degree-seeking applicants must meet the university requirements listed above under "Types of Admission."

1. Unconditional Admission
   • 400 times the applicant’s Cum GPA plus GRE scores (verbal and quantitative) must equal or exceed 1,850 points (minimum acceptable GRE score is 650)

   OR

   • 400 times the applicant’s Sr Yr GPA plus GRE (verbal and quantitative) scores must equal or exceed 1,950 points (minimum acceptable GRE score is 650)

   Applicants admitted based on satisfactory completion (cumulative graduate GPA of 3.00) of at least 12 hours of graduate credit at a regionally accredited institution are not subject to the formula points, but must meet the minimum qualifying examination score listed above.

2. Conditional Admission
   • 400 times applicant’s Cum GPA plus GRE scores (verbal and quantitative) must equal or exceed 1,650 points (minimum acceptable GRE score is 650)

   OR

   • 400 times the applicant’s Sr Yr GPA plus GRE scores (verbal and quantitative) must equal or exceed 1,750 points (minimum acceptable GRE score is 650)

   OR

   • Minimum GRE score of 750 (verbal and quantitative) if exempted from the university's minimum GPA requirement.
3. Unclassified or Non-Degree Admission
   • Applicants who do not meet requirements for either unconditional or conditional admission may be eligible for unclassified or non-degree admission. See previous section on university "Types of Admission."

The student must have satisfactorily completed prerequisites to advanced courses in the selected areas in family and consumer sciences. Graduates of curricula other than family and consumer sciences may have acquired sufficient backgrounds in related sciences and may be accepted. Each applicant's request for admission to the program and to specific courses will be evaluated for the need for undergraduate prerequisites.

Admission to the dietetic Internship Program (DI) is in addition to admission to the university. Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for admission to the clinical portion of the Dietetic Internship Program (DI) in dietetics under Dietetics Option of the master's program. The applications are screened for selection on a competitive basis by a committee. Exceptions to minimum requirements will be screened for possible acceptance into the program.

1. Minimum of 3.00 cumulative GPA on a 4.00 Scale or equivalent.
2. Verification statement showing completion of current Plan IV or DPD.
3. Recency of education in courses related to practice. If the degree is over five years old, six credit hours of college coursework must be taken; if degree is over 10 years old, 12 credit hours of coursework are required.
4. Preference given to applicants whose combined verbal and quantitative GRE scores equal or exceed 900.

Admission Requirements for the College of Business and Public Affairs

Applicants may be admitted as degree seeking (Unconditional, Conditional, or Unclassified) or non-degree as listed below. Degree-seeking applicants must meet the university requirements listed above under “Types of Admission.”

1. Unconditional Admission
   1. 1. hold a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university AND
      2. have earned a Cum GPA such that 200 times GPA plus the total score on the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) must equal at least 1,050 points or, if the Sr Yr GPA is used, the sum of GPA times 200 plus GMAT must equal at least 1,100 (Minimum acceptable GMAT score is 400) or
      3. have at least 12 hours graduate credit with at least a 3.00 Cum GPA for all graduate coursework attempted at a regionally accredited institution, plus a minimum GMAT score of 400.

      OR

   2. If the applicant’s exceptional professional achievement clearly demonstrates to the College of Business Administration and Public Affairs Admission Committee high promise of success at graduate work, then the applicant must:
      1. hold a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university AND
      2. have earned a Cum GPA such that 200 times GPA plus the total score on the GMAT must equal at least 950 points or, if the Sr Yr GPA is used, the sum of GPA times 200 plus GMAT must equal at least 1,000 (Minimum acceptable GMAT score is 400).
2. Conditional Admission
   • Anyone not qualifying for unconditional admission, under the provisions outlined above, may supply to the College of Business and Public Affairs Admission Committee compelling evidence (such as work history, recommendations, military record, etc.) of high promise of success at graduate work. In a limited number of cases, the committee may grant conditional admission, subject to the university requirements and the following:
     1. the applicant must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and have submitted all transcripts for review,
     2. the applicant must have taken the GMAT. Minimum acceptable GMAT score is 400 (500 is exempted from the university's minimum GPA requirement).
3. Unclassified or Non-Degree Admission
   • Applicants who do not meet requirements for either unconditional or conditional admission may be eligible for unclassified or non-degree admission. See previous section on university "Types of Admission."

Undergraduate Prerequisite Courses
The following courses, or their equivalent, are required as prerequisites to both of the master’s programs in business administration. These courses must be completed prior to enrollment in graduate courses.

• Accounting 201-202 Fundamentals of Accounting I and II or Accounting 300 Accounting for Non-Business Students
• Economics 201-202 Principles of Macroeconomics and Principles of Microeconomics
• Finance 301 Managerial Finance
• Management 301 Organization and Management
• Marketing 301 Principles of Marketing
• Math 210 Elementary Statistics and Probability

In addition to the above requirements, M.B.A. or M.Ac. graduates are required to have earned credit at either the graduate or undergraduate level in the following:

• Legal Environment of Business

Other specific course prerequisites may be required in the M.Ac. program.

Admission Requirements for the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences

Applicants may be admitted as degree seeking (Unconditional, Conditional, or Unclassified) or non-degree as listed below. Degree-seeking applicants must meet the university requirements listed above under "Types of Admission," have received licensure to teach (Major in Teaching Advanced Elementary, Advanced Secondary, and Major in Educational Administration and Supervision), and must meet one of the following minimal qualifying exam scores:

GRE verbal and quantitative combined score of 650, or

Minimum score(s) as set forth by the Tennessee State Department of Education for teacher licensure at the time licensure was received. (Current Requirement: Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching K-6 score of 155, 5-9 score of 154, 7-12 score of 159), or

MAT (Miller Analogies Test) score of 32.

In addition to the above, applicants for a Major in Counseling must submit the following for review and positive recommendation of the Counseling Admission Board:

1. three letters of recommendation from school superintendents, principals, teachers, professors and/or employers. Each letter must provide clear evidence that addresses the candidate’s counseling skills and/or potential which will enable the individual to become a counselor.
2. a two-page typed essay that fully describes the candidate’s skills and experiences relevant to becoming a successful counselor. The candidate must also discuss the perceived personal abilities and attributes that will enable the counseling candidate to become a successful counselor.
3. a resume. The resume needs to fully describe the candidate’s degrees, and importantly, the person’s occupational experiences—particularly any counseling experiences obtained.

For further details, contact the Coordinator of Graduate Programs in Education.

Applicants who do not receive a positive recommendation from the Counseling Admissions Board for admission to the UT Martin Counseling Program, and wish to appeal the decision, must do so within four weeks of the issuance of their denial notice/letter by the university' Dean of Graduate Studies.

Applicants for a Major in Educational Administration and Supervision must also submit the following requirements for review by the EDAS Admissions Board:

1. letter of application to include professional goals.
2. current vitae.
3. three letters of reference providing professional support.
4. documentation of eight months minimum of "successful teaching experience" as defined by the State Department of Eduation. Contact the Coordinator for Graduate Programs in Education for more information.
5. successful interview with the EDAS Admissions Board.

Additional requirements for unconditional and conditional admission appear below.

A. Unconditional Admission

Minimum qualifying examination score listed below, cumulative GPA of at least 2.70, and sufficient formula points as shown below.

Applicants admitted based on satisfactory completion (cumulative graduate GPA of 3.00) of at least 12 hours of graduate credit at a regionally accredited institution are not subject to the formula points, but must meet one of the minimum qualifying examination scores listed above.

B. Conditional Admission

Minimum qualifying examination score listed below, cumulative or SR YR GPA listed in conditional admission, and formula points as shown below.

C. Unclassified or Non-Degree Admission

Applicants who do not meet requirements for either unconditional or conditional admission may be eligible for unclassified or non-Degree admission. See previous section on university "Types of Admission."

Undergraduate Prerequisite Courses For Students Majoring in Teaching Seeking Initial Licensure

A transcript evaluation must be completed in order to determine undergraduate prerequisites needed to meet the specialty area content as required by the State Department of Education. Prerequisites may vary depending on the degree held by the individual seeking licensure.

Academic Regulations

Each graduate student assumes full responsibility for knowledge of the rules and regulations of the Graduate Program and departmental requirements concerning the individual degree program. A statement on student rights is included in the Student Handbook. Copies of the handbook are available in the Division of Student Affairs.

Withdrawal from Graduate Studies
If a student no longer wishes to be a graduate student, he/she must complete a "Withdrawal from Graduate Studies" form available in the Graduate Studies Office. If the student later wishes to be readmitted to Graduate Studies, he/she must complete an application for admission, pay the non-refundable application fee, and meet admission requirements in effect at that time.

Changes in Registration and Withdrawing from the University
First Week: Course changes may be made during the first week of the semester if approved by the advisor.

Dropping Courses Within First Nine Weeks: At the discretion of a student's advisor, a course may be dropped during the first nine weeks of a semester. Withdrawals executed during the first week will leave no record that the student ever signed for the course. A student who drops a course during the second through ninth week will receive an automatic W (withdrawal). If an advisor refuses permission, the student cannot drop the course. The instructor's permission, however, is not required.

Dropping Courses After First Nine Weeks:If a course is dropped after the first nine weeks of a semester, the grade of F shall automatically be assigned unless it can be clearly demonstrated that one of the following exists:

1. illness or injury of the student as verified by the student health service or private physician;
2. serious personal or family problems as verified by the student's parents, minister, physician, etc.;
3. necessary change in work schedule as verified by the student's employer.

In the event of such certification, the student shall receive the grade of W.

Withdrawing From University (Dropping All Coursework): If a student wishes to withdraw from the university (drop all coursework), he/she must do so officially through the Division of Student Affairs. Failure to withdraw properly may result in the assignment of a failing grade for each course at the end of the term. For an explanation of the assignment of grades for students withdrawing from the university, see the sections above.

Course Loads
A full load is nine semester hours. Four hours will be considered a half-time load and six hours will be considered a three-quarter load. Undergraduate hours taken to meet degree requirements will be included with all graduate hours to determine course load.

The maximum load for a graduate student is 15 semester hours during fall and spring semesters and six semester hours per session during summer. To register for more than the maximum during any semester requires approval of the appropriate Graduate Coordinator.

Students who are employed full-time must secure permission from the appropriate Graduate Coordinator to enroll for more than six hours of graduate coursework. Graduate assistants and others who have part-time duties with the university may only enroll for an appropriate fraction of the maximum load such as follows:

Assistants employed 20 hours per week--maximum of 9 semester hours.
Assistants employed 15 hours per week--maximum of 12 semester hours.
Assistants employed 12 hours per week--maximum of 15 semester hours.

Course Numbers
Courses numbered 500 and above are for graduate credit. Courses in the 700 group are for graduate students only. Courses in the 500 and 600 groups are the same as specified 300-and 400-level courses for undergraduates but have additional requirements beyond those expected of undergraduate students. They may be taken for graduate credit when offered in the course schedule under the 500/600 number if the student has not already completed the undergraduate equivalent. The last two digits for these 500/600-level graduate courses are the same as their undergraduate equivalents.

The course descriptions for 500-level courses appear in numeric sequence under the equivalent 300- level course. The 500 number appears in parentheses after the 300 number. No more than three semester hours of 500-level coursework may be applied toward a degree. The course descriptions for 600-level courses appear in numeric sequence under the equivalent 400-level course. The 600 number appears in parentheses after the 400 number.

Prerequisites
Graduate study in any department must be preceded by sufficient undergraduate work in the major field and/or related areas to satisfy the department that the student has adequate background for graduate work in that field. The catalog lists some, but not necessarily all prerequisites, since these may vary with the individual student's background, goals, and competencies.

Graduate students taking undergraduate prerequisite courses must make a "C" or better in each course. Students who do not achieve the required grade in undergraduate prerequisite courses will not be allowed to take additional graduate coursework until a satisfactory grade is achieved in the undergraduate course(s) in question.

Course Substitutions and Student Petitions
A course substitution request may be filed when there is just cause for the substitution (e.g., course was previously taken for undergraduate credit). To avoid possible delay in graduation, students should obtain permission from the advisor, the graduate coordinator, and the College Committee prior to scheduling a course which they believe can be substituted for a required course. This procedure should be followed especially when an advisor recommends a course in apparent contradiction to the requirements set forth in the catalog.

Graduate students wishing to petition for changes in their program or for other matters should consult with their advisor.

The appropriate forms for submission of course substitution and overload requests or student petitions may be obtained from the graduate program coordinator. Graduate Council approval is also necessary, in addition to the approvals stated previously, for any requests involving university policy. If the petition warrants action by the Graduate Council, the student will be notified both of the meeting date and of the final decision by the dean of graduate studies.

Transfer Credit
A maximum of 12 semester hours completed at a regionally accredited institution may be transferred into a student's master's program if all of the following conditions are met: (For M.Ac. or M.B.A. students, only six of the 12 hours may be applied toward required courses. For M.S.A.O.M. students, a maximum of six hours may be transferred from any one university unless approved by the supervisory committee.)

1. if taken for graduate residence credit, i.e. no correspondence or extension credit allowed (see below);
2. if passed with a grade of B or better;
3. if part of an otherwise satisfactory graduate program (B average);
4. if the transferred coursework was not earned more than six years prior to the semester in which the student completes all degree requirements; and
5. if approved by the student's advisor, the appropriate graduate coordinator, and the dean of graduate studies. NOTE: If already matriculated at UT Martin, approval should be obtained before enrolling in the proposed course(s).

Transferred work will not be counted in computing the grade point average on courses completed in the graduate program.

The total number of transferred residence courses may exceed 12 semester hours when within the University of Tennessee system. Credits transferred into the master's program will not reduce the residence requirements. No correspondence work may be used to meet master's degree requirements. No credit designated as extension credit at other institutions may be transferred into a student's master's program.

Grades and Grade Appeals
Graduate students are required to make an overall minimum grade point average of 3.00 (B) in courses taken for graduate credit. Graduate credit is allowed only for courses completed with grades A, B, C, and P (Pass or Progress). Grades of D or F are counted in computing the scholastic average but carry no credit toward graduation.

Only the subsequent grade received in any course which is approved for repeat (see below) will be used in calculation of the grade point average. Transferred work will not be counted in computing the grade point average of courses completed in the graduate program. The grade of P (Progress) or N (Insufficient Progress) will be assigned to students registered for thesis or final project courses.

The work of a student who is passing a course satisfactorily but cannot complete all the requirements due to illness, accident, or unavoidable circumstances may be reported as Incomplete (I). Any faculty member may give an "Incomplete" (I) in any course to a student whom the faculty member regards as deficient in English in that course, but who is otherwise passing. The "Incomplete" (I) will be removed when the Department of English certifies to the instructor that the student has made the necessary improvement. It is expected that the student will remove the Incomplete during the next semester after it is received. The student granted a bona fide I by his/her instructor may have the first five weeks of the next regular semester to erase the Incomplete before it is computed as an F. Thereafter, it shall be computed as an F until changed by student action within one calendar year of receiving the I or by automatic action after one calendar year when the I shall become a permanent F. The student need not be enrolled to remove the Incomplete.

When a graduate student wishes to appeal a grade, the appeal process must be initiated within the first three weeks of the next semester. The aggrieved student shall first discuss the matter with the faculty member involved to see if there is some error or misunderstanding which can be resolved between them. Failing this, the student should follow the appeal process that is described in the Student Handbook if he/she wishes to pursue the matter.

Repeating a Course
No graduate student will be allowed to repeat a course for the purpose of raising a grade. Students wishing to repeat required courses in which they have received a grade of D or F must have the prior approval of their advisor, the graduate program coordinator, and the dean of graduate studies. Violation of these regulations will result in the deletion of the grade and credit for the invalid repeat from the official university records. A student's enrollment in UT Martin's equivalent of any non-transferrable course does not constitute a repeat.

Dismissal and Reinstatement Policies

1. Graduate students admitted on a conditional or unclassified basis must maintain a 3.00 cumulative GPA or be dismissed.
2. Graduate students who fail to maintain a cumulative 3.00 average will automatically be placed on academic probation. Such students will be continued on probation until a 3.00 cumulative average is achieved as long as they maintain a 3.00 semester average on graduate work during the probationary period. If they fail to achieve a 3.00 semester average any semester during the probation period, they will be dropped from the Graduate School.
3. Students dropped from the program for reasons outlined in #1 above may, upon recommendation of the appropriate graduate committee, be reinstated. Reinstatement, however, is not automatic and requires approval of the dean of graduate studies. Students dropped from the program for reasons outlined in #2 above may, upon recommendation of the appropriate coordinator, be reinstated. Reinstatement, however, is not automatic. The student must consult with the appropriate graduate coordinator who then will submit a recommendation to the dean of graduate studies before action can be taken on the matter. A student may be reinstated through this process only once.
4. A student may appeal a negative decision for reinstatement by sending a written statement to the Graduate Council. The student will be notified when the petition will be brought before the Council and will have an opportunity to appear in person to present his/her case. The dean of graduate studies will notify the student of the council's decision.

Appointment of an Advisor
The graduate coordinator in the student's major area is the general advisor for all graduate students in that program. A permanent advisor in his/her major should be appointed during the first semester of enrollment.

Intent to Graduate
An Intent to Graduate Card must be filed no later than the beginning of the semester prior to the anticipated final semester. This card may be obtained from the advisor or graduate coordinator.

Financial Information

Requirements for Degrees

General Requirements

Residence and Time Limits
The minimum-residence requirement for the master's degree is the equivalent of two semesters of full-time graduate study (18 semester hours). Most programs require a minimum of 30 hours for the thesis option and 36 hours for the non-thesis option. Refer to the individual program requirements for exceptions.

The time limit for the use of graduate credit toward a master's degree is six years from the beginning date of the earliest course applied toward the degree. Normally, this time limit may not be extended. In exceptional cases, courses taken beyond this period may be recognized by special written examination if given prior approval by the Graduate Council.

Thesis Option
Students in Family and Consumer Sciences may choose to write a thesis. This option is not available for students in Agriculture, Business or Education.

The student's major professor serves as chair of the thesis committee. The committee also includes two other graduate faculty members. If a student does not have a minor, all members may be from the major department. If a student does have a minor, one member from the minor department shall be included on the committee. A student should consult the appropriate graduate coordinator regarding the formation of the thesis committee at the time the thesis option is elected. The thesis courses (Family and Consumer Sciences 701-702) must be taken consecutively. Only one course may be selected each semester.

Family and Consumer Sciences students schedule a regular conference with their thesis committee chair and periodic evaluation conferences with members of their thesis committee to assess strengths and weaknesses. A statement of progress is prepared to assist in planning the balance of the graduate program.

Theses are to follow the style of the current Thesis and Dissertation Manual of the Tennessee Conference of Graduate Schools which is available at the Student Supply Store. It is the responsibility of the student to secure and comply with these guidelines.

Two unbound final copies of the committee-approved thesis must be presented to the dean of graduate studies no later than two weeks before the end of the semester (including final exams) in which the student expects to graduate. The student must make any necessary corrections in the unbound copies of the thesis in the Graduate Studies Office no later than one week before the end of the semester. The student must be enrolled for thesis credit the term the thesis is accepted. Exception: A student submitting an approved and corrected thesis to the Graduate Studies Office on the last workday preceding registration day for the semester in which the student will graduate will not be required to re-enroll in thesis credit.

Use of Human Subjects in Research
Federal laws require that research projects (whether undertaken by students or faculty members) involving human subjects be designed to protect the physical, psychological, and emotional well-being of these subjects. Current regulations state that formal protection approval must be obtained if human subjects are used other than in a normal educational setting or if those subjects are at risk because of physical intrusion or privacy violation. Approval forms may be obtained from the Office of Research, Grants, and Contracts.

Non-Thesis Option
A student who elects this option must meet the requirements as stated for his/her degree. Courses must be approved in advance by his/her advisor. A written comprehensive examination is required and will be scheduled during the final semester of coursework.

Master Research Project
Students in the Master of Science in Education with a major in Teaching (if professionally licensed to teach) must complete a Master Research Project for their culminating experience during their last two semesters. International students in the MSIL degree program and not seeking a state teaching license must complete a Master Research Project in lieu of the student teaching requirement.

Examinations

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