Grading Standard for Graduate Programs
Graduate students are expected to perform at a consistently high level, to demonstrate substantial mastery of required tasks, and to exhibit the capacity for flexibility and adaptiveness in applying concepts and skills to the definition and solution of new, non-routine, and highly complex programs. Demonstration of these attributes in graduate course work is acknowledged through the award of a grade of B or higher. Grade point averages are used in determining suitability for continued study or for degree conferred. Graduate students are required to maintain a grade point average of 3.00 for program continuation and degree conferral.
Graduate programs utilize the following grades: A, B, C, F, P (Pass), S (satisfactory), and US (unsatisfactory). Grade values are as follows: A, 4.0; B, 3.0; C, 2.0; F, 0.0). Grade values are not assigned for pass, satisfactory and unsatisfactory grades.
Any student (except for Ph.D. students) who earns a grade of C in any course will receive notice of academic warning. No more than three credit hours of C may be applied toward degree credit hour requirements with the exception of Ph.D. programs. Credit hours of C may not be applied toward degree credit hour requirements for Ph.D. programs.
A second grade of C, a grade of F or a grade of US requires the student (except for Ph.D. students) to repeat the course as a condition of continuance, and the student is placed on academic probation until the second C, grade of F, or grade of US is replaced with a B or higher. If the student does not receive a B or higher or the student receives a subsequent C or lower grade, the student will be suspended for one calendar year and must complete an application of readmission.
A cumulative 3.0 GPA is required for degree conferral.
A Ph.D. student earning a grade of C or lower in any graduate course results in academic probation until the course is repeated and replaced with a B or higher. If the Ph.D. student does not receive a B or higher or the Ph.D. student receives a subsequent C or lower grade, the Ph.D. student will be dismissed. A Ph.D. student will be placed on academic probation after a single unsatisfactory grade and dismissed after a second unsatisfactory grade.