Graduate Programs

See University Academic Policies and Procedures.

Students in graduate programs are subject to the academic policies of the university. 

Each master's degree program may have additional policies that apply specifically to that degree program.  Information may also be found in the student handbooks for the programs.

GRADUATE STUDENT ACADEMIC POLICY NOTES

Transfer of Credits: 

1. Refer to the specific graduate program for details on transfer credit policy. With approval of the respective graduate director and the Academic Dean/Registrar, a student may transfer no more than six semester hours of prior work toward the master’s degree. 

2. Only courses with a grade of B or better may be transferred.  These credits must have been completed at a regionally-accredited graduate school.  Transfer courses must be equivalent to Asbury University courses. 

3. Undergraduate coursework and/or coursework used for another Asbury degree or credential may not be applied to a graduate program unless specifically indicated and approved by the Academic Dean. The Dean of the School of Education approves coursework for the education licensure credential.

4. Students who are granted permission by the Academic Dean to meet a requirement through prior undergraduate coursework may need to complete alternate elective coursework in order to have the minimum graduate hours to earn the degree.

Advising

Each graduate student will be assigned an advisor.  All steps in the program will be accomplished in consultation with the academic advisor.  It is the responsibility of the graduate student to become thoroughly informed about the general regulations and policies governing the master’s program.  In Graduate Education, students enroll in a required orientation with the first field component or first course in the leadership programs.  The graduate student is also responsible for completing all program requirements within the permitted time limit.

Time Limitation

The master’s degree must be completed within five years from the time of matriculation.

Attendance

Regular attendance and participation in class are essential.  This includes punctuality, participation, collegiality, effort, etc.

Auditing

Graduate courses may be audited. See policies listed under University Academic Policies, Course Registration.

Dropping a Course or Withdrawal:  Students needing to drop a course or withdraw from the university must do so through the Registrar’s Office and must complete the appropriate forms.  Students who do not file these forms and simply stop attending classes will receive a grade of “F” in such courses and there is no refund of tuition.  See Academic Policies and Procedures: Withdrawal Policy.

Undergraduate Enrollment In Graduate Courses 

Exceptional students who have been admitted to the master’s program and who are in their last semester of undergraduate work may be permitted to enroll for graduate and undergraduate courses provided the total academic load does not exceed 12 semester hours.  Only undergraduate students with a minimum 3.50 cumulative grade point average who demonstrate outstanding scholastic ability and who satisfy the requirements for regular graduate admission will be considered.  Professional requirements, including student teaching, must have been completed.  In such a case the student is required to pay all graduate course fees.   In no case may course credit count toward both a graduate and an undergraduate degree.

Repeating a Graduate Course

Grades of C or below may be repeated.  No more than two courses may be repeated.

Satisfactory Progress for Graduate Students

Please refer to FINANCIAL AID.

Scholarship Standards

Credit hours earned with a grade less than C will not count as credit toward the degree. The master’s degree requires a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 on all course work. At the end of each academic term (including summer session), the academic standing of all master’s students will be reviewed by the Academic Dean.  A student who falls below the 3.00 cumulative grade point average requirement will be placed on probation for the next term of attendance.  Two consecutive terms of failure to maintain a 3.00 standing will result in the student's suspension from graduate study for a period of one calendar year.  Any student readmitted after such a suspension must maintain at least a 3.30 term average until his/her cumulative grade point average reaches the required 3.00.  A student will not be re-admitted after a second suspension.

Commencement Participation and Procedure for Master's Level Students

Master’s level students desiring to participate in the annual May Commencement must file a "Graduation Application" form in the Registrar’s Office by February 1. www.asbury.edu/offices/provost/commencement/application/form

Final decisions regarding participation in the annual May Commencement are made each year on February 15.  To participate, a master’s student must meet criterion 1 and one of criteria 2, 3, or 4:

1. Has a cumulative grade point average in the master’s program of at least 3.00.

2. Has completed all requirements for a degree.

3. In the current spring semester, is enrolled for all outstanding requirements.

4. Will have no more than seven (7) semester hours outstanding as of the May Commencement AND plans to complete these outstanding hours by August.  [For the MA students EDG 680 Research and Development may not be a part of these seven (7) outstanding hours.]

Graduation honors are not awarded to master’s level students.  Diplomas and final official transcripts are not released until all academic and financial obligations to the university are satisfied.

 2012-2013 BULLETIN 09/14/2012