DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
Degree requirements are listed showing the minimum for each degree. Credentials
of each applicant are reviewed and a program of study is devised for each
individual. Therefore, students may be required to take course work above the
minimum. For specific information about programs and requirements, direct
correspondence to the Graduate Student Advisor of the particular department.
SUMMARY OF PROCEDURES FOR GRADUATE DEGREE STUDENTS
SUCCESSIVE STEP
1. Application for admission to Graduate School.
2. Consultation with departmental advisor.
3. Completion of the program-of-study leading to the degree.
4. Application for admission to candidacy.
5. Approval of thesis/dissertation committee, presentation and approval
of prospectus (for students who are writing a thesis or dissertation).
6. Clearance and application for degree. Obtain necessary forms and
instructions from the Graduate Office. Students must be registered for at
least one semester hour in the semester in which they plan to graduate.
7. Completion and defense of thesis or dissertation.
8. Submission of unbound copy of thesis or dissertation to Graduate School.
9. (For all students required to take comprehensive examination and/or
do Product of Learning):
Comprehensive examination and/or Product of Learning, as required by
program
10. Conferring of degree
TIME
1. At least one month prior to student's first registration.
2. During registration and about two weeks later.
3. Prior to the close of the first semester.
4. After the student has completed one semester (8-12 hours) of graduate
study, but before the student completes 18 hours. Doctoral Students:
After satisfactory completion of the Qualifying Exam and Prospectus.
5. During the semester prior to the semester in which research/scholarship
activity begins and no later than the semester prior to the one in which the
thesis or dissertation is defended.
6. By the graduation application deadline stated in the Schedule of Classes
and stated on the Application for a Graduate Degree. (Also see the
Graduate School's web site at www.graduate.appstate.edu for more graduation
information.
7. At least 10 working days prior to last class day of the final semester.
8. At least 10 working days prior to last class day of the final semester.
9. At least 14 calendar days prior to date for graduation.
10. Commencement.
Advisors. Students admitted to a program of graduate study at Appalachian
State University are assigned an academic advisor or advisory committee from
the department or curriculum program in which the student plans to complete
the major portion of his/her work. Students are expected to meet with their
advisors during the first term on campus for the purpose of developing their
programs. Changes in the program may be made only with the approval of the
advisor and the Senior Associate Dean of Graduate Studies. Course work taken
without approval will not automatically be applicable towards the degree.
Student Responsibility. Graduate students are entrusted with the
responsibility for monitoring their own progress. They keep an up-to-date
record of the courses taken in their proposed programs and check periodically
with their advisors. Responsibility for errors in their programs or in meeting
requirements rests entirely with a student.
ADMISSION TO CANDIDACY - MASTER'S DEGREE STUDENTS
Admission to Graduate School does not carry with it Admission to Candidacy for
the graduate degree. Admission to Candidacy requires one semester of graduate
study in the University.
1. Admission to Candidacy is contingent upon the recommendation of the
applicant's advisory committee. If the candidate's advisor and committee
cannot recommend the student for Admission to Candidacy after the student
has completed 8 to 12 semester hours, the student may not register for
further course work leading to a graduate degree. If the
student is not permitted to continue, the advisor will inform the student in
writing of the reasons for not recommending the student for candidacy. If
the student does not qualify for candidacy before the completion of 18
hours, the student will not normally be permitted to continue as a degree
student.
2. Before being accepted as a candidate for the degree, an applicant will be
expected to have demonstrated ability to do satisfactory work at the
graduate level. A student must have at least a 3.00 grade-point average at
the time the application for candidacy is presented.
3. Students shall file with their advisor a proposed Program of Study before
the end of the first semester. Forms for this purpose may be obtained either
from the advisor, from the Graduate School, or from the Graduate School
Website. The Program of Study is presented to the Graduate School by the
advisor immediately upon approval by the advisory committee.
4. Applicants planning to pursue a North Carolina State Department of Public
Instruction licensure program are required to present a minimum of 18
semester hours of undergraduate credit in public school education and
related courses. The applicant's academic field shall be based upon a
prerequisite of an undergraduate major in that field.
5. At the time the student is recommended for Admission to Candidacy, the
committee will indicate the specific language proficiency, if one is
required for the particular major involved. (See the section following on
proficiency requirements or see the department descriptions.)
6. After the student has been admitted to candidacy, the Program of Study must
be followed unless a change is approved by the advisor and the Senior
Associate Dean of Graduate Studies.
ADMISSION TO CANDIDACY - DOCTORAL STUDENTS
Admission to doctoral program does not carry with it Admission to Candidacy for
the doctoral degree. Admission to Candidacy requires satisfactory completion
of the Qualifying Exam and Prospectus.
DOUBLE MAJOR
The student may, in certain circumstances, be permitted to construct a
Program of Study which will lead to the completion of more than one major
under the same graduate degree. The advisors and advisory committee, to be
appointed by the chairperson(s) of the department(s) offering the majors,
will be composed of graduate faculty members from each of the majors
involved to insure that the student's Program of Study meets fully all of
the requirements in each of the majors. The student should be aware that
more than the minimum number of hours may be required to complete such a
program, and that a comprehensive examination and/or Product of Learning
will be administered for each of the majors involved if applicable. (Note:
The MBA and M.S./Accounting degrees do not require a comprehensive examination
nor Product of Learning.)
DOUBLE MASTER'S DEGREE
A student may, in certain circumstances, complete two different master's
degrees concurrently. Unlike the double major (two disciplines within the
same degree, generally the M.A. or the M.S.), this option allows for a
combination of two completely separate degree programs, e.g. the MBA plus the
M.S., or the MPA plus the M.A. The following restrictions apply without
exception: 1) the student must apply to both programs at the same time and
must satisfy all admission requirements for both programs; 2) the student must
file two Programs of Study, designed in consultation with the directors of
both degree programs; 3) both degrees must be completed within the seven-year
time limit; 4) the student must graduate from both degrees in the same term.
Before applying for the double degree option, an applicant should consult
first with the directors of both programs, as well as with the Graduate
School.
REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION
The degrees of Master of Arts, Master of Business Administration, Master of
Library Science, Master of Music, Master of Public Administration, Master of
School Administration, Master of Science, Specialist in Education, Certificate
of Advanced Study or Doctor of Education may be conferred upon a student who
has successfully completed the program of work. Persons who wish to graduate
in a certain term must: 1) be registered for at least one semester hour for
that term; 2) apply for graduation by the deadline for that term; and 3) have
completed all graduation requirements or be able to complete all graduation
requirements by the end of that term.
MASTER OF ARTS (M.A.)
In many of the M.A. programs a student may, with the approval of the advisor
and the Graduate Dean, elect not to write a thesis. Hence, either of two
programs for a master's degree may be followed:
THESIS PROGRAM
1. A minimum of 30 acceptable semester hours of graduate course work, including
the thesis. 22 hours must be completed in residence at Appalachian within
the major.
NOTE: Although the requirements for many degree programs at Appalachian
can be met within the minimum of 30 semester hours, the student
should be aware that certain programs of study require more hours.
Students are advised to check with the department of their intended
major early in their studies.
2. A minimum residence of one academic year or its summer equivalent is
required.
3. A thesis in the major field of interest must be completed. Credit for the
thesis varies by department (1-6 hours).
4. All graduate credit offered for the degree must have been earned within a
limit of 7 calendar years. Course work that is beyond the 7-year limit cannot
be used for the degree.
5. Grades on course work may not average lower than 3.00. No graduate course
with a grade of "F" or "U" will be credited toward the degree.
6. An acceptable performance on a comprehensive exam and/or Product of
Learning is required of every candidate for the M.A. degree. The Product of
Learning is required for candidates in the teacher education programs, either
in addition to the comprehensive exam or as a substitute for the
comprehensive exam, depending on the student's major. (the MBA and
M.S./Accounting degrees do not require a comprehensive exam nor a Product
of Learning.) The comprehensive exam and/or Product of Learning must be
scheduled during the last one-third of the residence period and at least 14
calendar days prior to the date on which the candidate is awarded the
degree. The candidate must have been admitted to candidacy prior to taking
the comprehensive examination and/or prior to presenting the Product of
Learning. The comprehensive examination is evaluated by at least three
members of the graduate faculty, all of whom sign the Report of
Comprehensive Exam form that is forwarded to the Office of the Registrar.
The Product of Learning Report form must be signed by the chairperson of
the student's Product of Learning committee, the director of
the student's graduate program and the department chairperson, and should
be forwarded to the Office of the Registrar.
The thesis should represent the culmination of an independent research project
conducted by the student, and will show command of the literature and research
methodology of his/her specialty. The thesis is expected to be written in
English and conform to accepted standards used in research writing. In special
cases, languages other than English may be used; the substitution is not
permitted as a matter of the student's convenience, but may be allowed when
the student has sufficient skill at composition and has a thesis topic that is,
in the judgment of the advisor, especially suited to treatment in the second
language. The Dean's approval of the use of a language other than English must
be obtained in advance.
The student must have presented a prospectus to the thesis committee and
received approval of the proposed topic before being permitted to register for
the thesis. The candidate's thesis advisor and two graduate faculty members of
the department will constitute the thesis committee. Graduate Faculty outside
of the student's department may be appointed with the approval of the Graduate
Dean. No more than one member of the thesis committee may be from another
department or institutuion. The department chairperson may appoint any member
of the department graduate faculty to act as chairperson of the thesis
committee and to supervise the writing of the thesis.
NON-THESIS PROGRAM
1. A minimum of 36 acceptable semester hours of graduate course work, 28 of
which must be completed in residence at Appalachian. At least 24 semester
hours must be completed within the major.
NOTE: Although the requirements for many degree programs at Appalachian
can be met within the minimum of 36 semester hours, the student should
be aware that certain programs of study require more. Students are
advised to check with the department of their intended major early in
their studies.
A candidate may, with the permission of the advisor and the approval of the
Graduate School, offer up to eight semester hours of graduate credit from
another graduate school.
For students pursuing the M.S. in Accounting, 30 acceptable semester hours
of graduate course work are required, 24 of which must be completed in
residence at Appalachian.
2. All graduate credit offered for the degree must have been earned within a
limit of 7 calendar years. Course work that is beyond the 7-year limit cannot
be used for the degree.
3. Grades on course work may not average lower than 3.00. No graduate course
with a grade of "F" or "U" will be credited toward the master's degree.
4. An acceptable performance on a comprehensive exam, capstone project and/or
Product of Learning is required of every candidate for the M.A. degree.
The Product of Learning is required for candidates in the teacher education
programs, either in addition to the comprehensive exam or as a substitute
for the comprehensive exam, depending on the student's major. (the MBA and
M.S./Accounting degrees do not require a comprehensive exam or a Product
of Learning.) The comprehensive exam and/or Product of Learning must be
scheduled during the last one-third of the residence period and at least 14
calendar days prior to the date on which the candidate is awarded the
degree. The candidate must have been admitted to candidacy prior to taking
the comprehensive examination and/or prior to presenting the Product of
Learning. The comprehensive examination is evaluated by at least three
members of the graduate faculty, all of whom sign the Report of
Comprehensive Exam form that is forwarded to the Office of the Registrar.
The Product of Learning Report form must be signed by the
chairperson of the student's Product of Learning committee, the director of
the student's graduate program and the department chairperson, and should
be forwarded to the Office of the Registrar.
PROFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS
Candidates for many of the Master of Arts degrees will be expected to
demonstrate proficiency in either a foreign language or statistics and/or
computer science.
Foreign Language. A reading knowledge of a foreign language, normally
Spanish, French or German may be required. A language other than one normally
required may be substituted with the approval of the student's advisor and the
Dean of Graduate Studies and Research. Two years of successful college study
in a language will meet the requirements. One who has not completed two years of
college credit must take a language examination.
The student should apply for the language examination directly to the chair-
person of the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures not later than
three weeks before the date the examination is scheduled. The chairperson,
after reviewing the student's examination paper, will submit to the Dean of
Graduate Studies and Research a report of the student's performance. The Dean
of Graduate Studies and Research will inform the student and the student's
advisor by mail whether the student has passed the examination. The student
must have passed the examination in a foreign language before being permitted
to file an application for a master's degree.
Computer Science, Statistics. The student electing to demonstrate
proficiency in statistics or computer science should confer with the
chairperson of the Department of Mathematical Sciences, or the Department of
Computer Science. Usually three courses in statistics, if satisfactorily
completed, will meet the requirement. Generally these courses and a machine-
use course will meet the computer requirements. These courses should be from
the departments of Mathematics, Statistics, and/or Computer Science. At
Appalachian State University it is the Department of Mathematical Sciences or
the Department of Computer Science.
Proficiencies required by departments for the Master of Arts degree are as
follows: (See the department descriptions for the particular majors which
require a proficiency.)
(1) APPALACHIAN STUDIES: a reading knowledge of a foreign language or
demonstrated competence in statistics and/or computer science, subject to
the approval by the student's advisor.
(2) ENGLISH: a reading knowledge of a foreign language.
(3) FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES: demonstrated proficiency in statistics by
satisfactory completion of STT 2810 and STT 3820 or FDN 4600 or an
equivalent course.
(4) HISTORY: a reading knowledge of a foreign language, or demonstrated
proficiency in statistics and computer science as a research tool, subject
to departmental approval.
(5) MATHEMATICS: demonstrated proficiency in use of technology, subject to
the approval of the academic graduate committee in mathematics.
(6) POLITICAL SCIENCE: demonstrated proficiency in reading a foreign
language or quantitative analysis as a research tool. The department may
determine the proficiency required.
(7) PSYCHOLOGY: demonstrated competence in statistics and/or computer
science. In Psychology, the Graduate School proficiency requirement will be
met by completion of PSY 5030.
(8) ROMANCE LANGUAGES: A reading knowledge in French is required for all
French concentrations/programs and a reading knowledge in Spanish
is required for all Spanish concentrations/programs.
GRADUATE MINORS
A graduate (M.A.) minor consists of 8-12 semester hours in certain approved
subjects. Those areas which offer approved minors are:
(1) Appalachian Studies
(2) Community, Junior and Technical College Teaching
(3) English
(4) Family and Consumer Sciences
(5) Geography
(6) Higher Education, Administration
(7) Higher Education, Adult Education
(8) Higher Education, Developmental Studies
(9) Higher Education, Teaching
(10) History
(11) Philosophy and Religion
(12) Physics
(13) Psychology
(14) Romance Languages/French
(15) Romance Languages/Spanish
MASTER OF SCIENCE (M.S.)
The Master of Science degree is offered with majors in accounting, applied
physics, biology, computer science, and exercise science. Requirements for
this degree, essentially the same as for the academic Master of Arts degree,
include:
1. A thesis (optional for accounting majors).
2. An orientation examination during the first two weeks of the program (not
required for accounting or applied physics majors).
3. A comprehensive examination, except in accounting.
4. An oral defense of the thesis.
The student is responsible for meeting regulations and other minimum degree
requirements as established by the Graduate School for graduate study.
MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (M.B.A.)
The Master of Business Administration program provides a curriculum offering
professional training for executive positions in business, industry, and
government. The degree also prepares students for doctoral study leading to
careers in teaching and research. The program is both for those who hold
baccalaureate degrees in business and for those who have earned degrees in
other disciplines. The student is responsible for meeting general regulations
and minimum degree requirements as set up by the Graduate School for graduate
study. The M.B.A. program consists of a minimum of 64 semester hours of
advanced course work. For students without adequate undergraduate
preparation, prerequisite courses must be completed.
MASTER OF LIBRARY SCIENCE (M.L.S.)
The Master of Library Science degree provides professional training for
librarians. The goals and degree requirements, essentially the same as for the
Master of Arts degree, are described in detail under the Department of
Leadership and Educational Studies listing.
MASTER OF MUSIC (M.M.)
The Master of Music degree is available to those students who desire a course
of study in music teaching and performance. The requirements for the degree
are described in the School of Music listing.
MASTER OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION (M.P.A.)
The Master of Public Administration degree is designed to educate individuals
who wish to pursue management or administrative careers in the public sector.
The program seeks to sensitize students to the problems of administration in a
democratic society and provide the technical skills necessary for entering
public service. The academic component of the program strives to strike a
balance between developing a broad, theoretical perspective upon public
administration and equipping students with skills specific to their chosen
fields or areas of concentration. A demonstrated proficiency in reading a
foreign language or quantitative analysis as a research tool is required. See
the Department of Political Science listing for details.
MASTER OF SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION (M.S.A.)
The Master of School Administration degree is designed to prepare education
professionals for careers in public school administration. The program
requires 42 hours: 30 hours of basic requirements including a 9-hour
internship, and 12 hours of structured electives. Successful completion of
the program and passage of a state licensure examination qualify a student to
become an assistant principal or principal in North Carolina.
SECOND MASTER'S DEGREE
A student holding a master's degree may earn a second master's degree in
another discipline, following the same admission procedures as stated for the
master's degree. During the first semester of study for a second master's,
students plan with their advisors a Program of Study to include a minimum of 30
additional semester hours which may or may not include a thesis. If a thesis is
included, at least 26 semester hours of the work must be completed at
Appalachian. If a thesis is not written, the student may include up to nine
semester hours of graduate work not more than 7 years old from another approved
graduate school or nine semester hours of field-based work completed through
Appalachian. The Program of Study and Admission to Candidacy recommendation
forms must be submitted by the end of the first semester. The comprehensive
examination and/or the Product of Learning must be done at least 14 calendar
days prior to the date on which the candidate is awarded the degree.
(Note: In the Department of Human Development and Psychological Counseling,
a second master's degree requires meeting all program course requirements
with a minimum of 36 semester hours.) Graduate course work from an earned
degree cannot be included in the second master's degree.
EDUCATIONAL SPECIALIST'S DEGREE (Ed.S.)
The Educational Specialist's degree is intermediate between the master's degree
and a doctoral degree. Admission to this degree program is based upon the
applicant's holding a master's degree from an accredited institution.
Regulations and procedures governing the master's degree also apply to the
Educational Specialist's degree. Up to nine semester hours taken beyond the
master's degree at an approved institution may be transferred. Course require-
ments range from 30 to 36 semester hours of graduate work beyond the master's
degree.
CERTIFICATE OF ADVANCED STUDY (C.A.S.)
Upon completion of the requirements in the program in School Psychology, a
student earns both a Master of Arts degree and a Certificate of Advanced Study.
This 72-semester hour program is administered by the department of psychology.
Regulations and procedures governing the Master's degree also apply to the
Certificate of Advanced Study.
DOCTOR OF EDUCATION DEGREE (Ed.D.)
The Doctor of Education Degree is designed for school leaders who wish to further
develop and refine their leadership capabilities, and to increase their
knowledge and skill in leading complex organizations.
The program consists of a minimum of 60 semester hours of course work beyond
the master's degree. There is a general knowledge core in educational
administration, a research core including an on-going research seminar, a
correlated-minor selected from approved minors and a site-based internship
under the joint supervision of a faculty member and a qualified practitioner.
A dissertation is also required that treats a significant problem in or
related to educational leadership. This program requires one full-year, full-
time residency on campus.
FIELD-BASED OPTION
Designed primarily for other than full-time students, the field-based master's
or specialist's degree programs provide the opportunity for students to extend
or update their academic credentials with only short, conveniently scheduled,
on-campus experiences. The student is responsible for meeting regulations and
degree requirements as set up by the Graduate School.
APPLICATION FOR THE DEGREE
The graduate student must file with the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research
an application for the master's or specialist's or doctoral degree by the
deadline specified in the current schedule of classes. The application form
may be secured from the Graduate School. If qualified to apply for a
licensure to teach in North Carolina, the candidate may also file an
application for a teaching license. (This form may be secured from the
Graduate School).
Graduate students cannot graduate at the end of the academic term in which they
are admitted nor at the end of the term in which they have been on leave of
absence. All graduate students must be enrolled in at least one hour of
graduate credit during the academic term in which they graduate. (See the
Leave of Absence Policy in the Admissions section of this bulletin.)
COMMENCEMENT
Candidates for graduate degrees are encouraged to be present at commencement.