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General Information

Graduate Study Objectives

The graduate program has evolved from a focus on advanced professional training for elementary and secondary school teachers, to a current emphasis on professional preparation in areas such as counseling, supervision and administration, business, forensic science, criminal justice, nursing, and other fields of study.

The objectives of the graduate program at Southeast Missouri State University include the provision of:

The following degrees are awarded by Southeast Missouri State University:

Graduate Degrees

Master of Arts

Master of Business Administration

Master of Music Education

Master of Natural Science

Master of Science in Administration

Master of Science in Criminal Justice

Master of Science in Industrial Management

Master of Science in Nursing

Master Of Science in Nutrition And Exercise Science

Specialist in Education

Admission Requirements for Graduate Programs

A student will be admitted to graduate study when he/she has satisfied the following admission requirements:

  1. Holds a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
  2. Has an undergraduate grade point average of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale (except when superseded by specific program requirements which require a higher g.p.a.).
  3. Has met the specific requirements for the applicable program.
    • The applicant for the Master of Arts with a major in elementary or secondary school teaching or administration or guidance and counseling must hold a valid elementary or secondary teaching certificate appropriate to the major or area of concentration.
    • The applicant for the Master of Arts with a major in English or history must have 24 semester hours of undergraduate credit in the field.
    • The applicant for the Master of Arts with a major in communication disorders must meet the program admission requirements listed elsewhere in the Bulletin.
    • The applicant for the Master of Arts with a major in community counseling must have either 24 semester hours of undergraduate credit in psychology or a total of 30 semester hours in a combination of psychology and sociology, including courses in behavioral statistics and psychological testing.
    • The applicant for the Master of Music Education must have a Bachelor of Science in Education degree with a major in music or a Bachelor of Music Education degree or equivalent.
    • The applicant for the Master of Science in Administration degree must have a bachelor's degree appropriate to the option area.
    • The applicant for admission to the Master of Natural Science degree should have 30 semester hours of acceptable undergraduate credit in science and mathematics.  A preliminary examination may be administered to each applicant.  If deficiencies exist, the student will be expected to make them up while working toward the degree.
    • The applicant for the Master of Business Administration must hold a B.S.B.A. or meet the other requirements found in the program section of this bulletin.
    • The applicant for admission to the Master of Science in Nursing must hold a baccalaureate degree in nursing from a program accredited by the National League for Nursing (NLN) and/or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and have completed a course in statistics, and a course in health assessment.  See the program listing for other requirements.

Admission Classifications

Students will be admitted to graduate study in one of six admissions categories:

  1. Regular Admission-The student meets both the School of Graduate Studies and Research and departmental standards for admission.
  2. Provisional Admission-The student holds a baccalaureate degree but does not meet the course prerequisites for the program, or if an international student does not meet the TOEFL requirement, or is a senior in his/her last semester who is seeking admission for a subsequent semester. Provisional admission will normally be granted for ONE SEMESTER ONLY except in the case of an international student with a TOEFL score less than 550 whose provisional admission will continue until a score of 550 is attained. Upon recommendation of the student's advisor, the provisional period may be extended.
  3. Academic Probationary Admission-Persons with at least a 2.25 undergraduate g.p.a. and a 2.75 in the last 60 hours may be admitted on a probationary basis pending completion of 9 hours of 600 level work with a grade of 'B' or better.  Persons with less than a 2.75 in the last 60 hours or less than 2.25 overall must present a combined GRE score on the three parts of the general exam of no less than 1300.  (See program requirements which may supersede these minimum standards.)
  4. Special Student Admission-Students who do not wish to pursue a degree but who are eligible for graduate study may take courses for graduate credit as a special student. This includes students who participate in approved exchange programs at Southeast Missouri State University, and whose educational levels in their respective countries of origin are commensurate with graduate students at this institution. Students who are not participating in an approved exchange program will be required to sign a disclaimer form which verifies their eligibility for the course and their understanding that the course will not necessarily transfer to a degree program at this or other institutions.
    1. Senior Admission/Dual Enrollment-A senior in the last term, not counting the student teaching or internship semester, may enroll for graduate work as a dually-enrolled student if:
      • The total number of hours taken does not exceed 16 semester hours.
      • The student has at least a 2.75 g.p.a.
      • The student completes the bachelor's degree at the end of the term, or the following semester if it is the student teaching/internship semester.
      • The student has enrolled through Graduate Studies and Research.
    2. Admission to Certification Programs-Students wishing certification only in remedial reading, gifted education, adult basic education, or Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages must seek admission to the certification program.  Admission requirements include initial teaching certification and either a 2.75 undergraduate g.p.a. or master's degree.  Applicants should submit a letter of application, non-degree admission form and transcripts of all graduate and under-graduate work completed.  Certification students are expected to maintain a level of academic achievement consistent with the standards of the School of Graduate Studies and Research.

Procedures for Admission

Regular Admission

The prospective student must make application on appropriate forms to the School of Graduate Studies and Research.  All transcripts must be sent directly to the School of Graduate Studies and Research not later than:  May 15 for the summer session; August 1 for the fall semester; November 21 for the spring semester.  The applicant must also satisfy the following requirements:

  1. Remit a nonrefundable transcript evaluation fee of $20 with the application.
  2. Request that an official transcript showing graduation from an accredited college and complete individual transcripts from all colleges attended be sent directly to the School of Graduate Studies and Research.  (Southeast graduates need not request transcripts.)
  3. Obtain the approval of the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research and the department chairperson in the area of concentration (the School of Graduate Studies and Research will request approval of the department chairperson for the applicant).
  4. Comply with any program specific requirements.

Admission of International Students

 All international students who wish to enter Southeast Missouri State University are required to:

  1. Demonstrate adequate English proficiency to successfully pursue graduate level coursework by:
    • Completing the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and achieving a score of 550 or better.  (Any exceptions to this policy will be considered only on an individual basis) or
    • Satisfactorily completing one year at a U.S. college or university and
    • Completing the English proficiency exam administered by Southeast Missouri State University.  If the exam score indicates a need for additional English language training, the applicant will be required to complete the appropriate course(s) during the first semester of enrollment.  The Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research may excuse graduates of Southeast Missouri State University from the testing requirement.
  2. Submit an Application for Admission to the School of Graduate Studies and Research.  No acceptance letter or I-20 will be issued to an international applicant after the following dates:  Fall semester - April 1; Spring semester - September 1; Summer semester - February 1.
  3. Submit an official transcript(s) (Marksheets) of your baccalaureate and graduate record from all colleges attended showing the courses taken, grades earned, rank in class, grade point average, and class or division earned if applicable.  If the original is in a foreign language, an English translation must be provided.  The applicant will be notified when the evaluation is complete.
  4. Submit a statement verifying ability to provide financial support: A financial statement made by the applicant, parent, sponsor, or bank indicating source and amount of funds available per year.
  5. Pay $20 transcript evaluation fee.
  6. Submit appropriate admission test, GRE, Miller Analogies Test, etc.
  7. Have a physical examination by a licensed physician in the home country.  A physical examination form will be sent after evaluating credentials and finding them satisfactory for admission here.
  8. International students are required to purchase health insurance at a cost of approximately $400 annually.
  9. International students without prior educational experience in the United States may not be awarded a teaching assistantship until one semester in residence has been completed.  In addition, the potential graduate teaching assistant must demonstrate oral language proficiency by achieving a satisfactory score on the SPEAK test.

Student Responsibility

Graduate students are responsible for knowing and complying with the policies and procedures contained in this bulletin which govern all graduate students.

Applications

Applications for admission may be obtained by contacting:

Dean of Graduate Studies and Research
Southeast Missouri State University
Cape Girardeau, MO  63701

(573) 651-2192, E-mail: pparette@semo.edu

Applications for admission and transcripts from all colleges attended must be on file in the School of Graduate Studies and Research not later than:
Summer Session  May 15
Fall Semester   August 1
Spring Semester  November 21

For information not covered in this Bulletin, write:
Dean of Graduate Studies and Research
Southeast Missouri State University
Cape Girardeau, MO  63701

(573) 651-2192, E-mail: pparette@semo.edu

History of Southeast Missouri State University

Southeast Missouri State University was established in 1873 as the Southeast Normal School.  The first session was held in the fall of 1873.  By legislative enactment in 1919, the name was changed to the Southeast Missouri State Teachers College and authorization was given for the granting of degrees.  The name was changed to Southeast Missouri State College on September 21, 1946.  The present name was adopted on August 24, 1972 under permission granted by the state legislature, in recognition of changes in the basic objectives and programs of the University.

The services and facilities of the University are available to every student enrolled regardless of race, color, religion, sex or national origin.  The Southeast Missouri State University is located in Cape Girardeau, a growing city of over 38,000 inhabitants and a place of genuine historic interest.  It is one of the oldest towns in the state, having been founded in 1793 by Don Louis Lorimier.  Under Spanish dominion it was an important military and trading post.  For a century it has been an education center.  Its civic and industrial development gives Cape Girardeau a desirable place among the progressive cities of the state.

Mission, Role and Scope

Southeast Missouri State University is a multi-purpose regional institution of higher education that derives its authority from the people of Missouri through the Missouri State Legislature.  While serving in the interest of the Nation and the State of Missouri, the University maintains a strong commitment to the diverse 25 counties of the rural, urban, and suburban areas of Southeast Missouri.  As a multi-purpose institution, the University achieves its educational goals through the offering of instructional programs and other learning experiences at the certificate, associate, baccalaureate, master's and specialist levels.

Recognizing its responsibility for the advancement and transmission of knowledge and the preparation of leaders in all segments of society, the University provides a wide range of programs that address the intellectual, professional, personal, social, and cultural needs of students.  The moderately selective admission process seeks to identify fully qualified high school graduates and qualified non-traditional students.  A few students from among nearby regional high school graduates who do not reside in a community college district are offered an opportunity to attend in the summer to allow them to demonstrate the capacity for university level learning and to seek full admission.  The University ensures equal access to its educational programs and services without regard to race, creed, age, sex, or national origin.

The University provides education-related services to individuals, agencies, businesses, industries, and schools throughout the region, and fosters research applicable to professional, institutional, and regional objectives.  The academic leadership responsibility of the University provides an avenue for outreach programs and services that address individual, societal, and employment needs to the region.  The research, scholarly activity, and creative endeavor of faculty members, professional staff, and students alike are fostered throughout these efforts as an integral component of the educational process.

Institutional Purposes

Southeast Missouri State University, recognizing its overall responsibility to provide high quality educational services in the region and the State, maintains seven purposes consistent with its mission as a basis for planning. To fulfill its mission and to pursue excellence, the University will:

To achieve these purposes, the University strives to create and nurture a sense of community which fosters mutual trust and respect among students, faculty, staff, and administration, and which provides for the open and amicable expression of differences, it seeks to provide an environment that facilitates involvement in intellectual and cultural activities, and fosters informal interaction among students, faculty, staff, and administration.

To achieve these purposes, the University encourages and seeks to attract and retain personnel committed to them, sensitive to the variety of ways in which they can be realized, and competent in achieving them. It seeks to maintain and encourages an administrative cadre which sees its primary leadership responsibility to create and foster a climate for the realization of these purposes. The University strives, also, to provide the necessary resources, both human and material, to enable the faculty, students, and staff to carry out their responsibilities. In all its activities, the University encourages the achievement of excellence by all members of its various constituencies.

Accreditations and Affiliations

Southeast Missouri State University is fully accredited by:

North Central Association Of Colleges And Schools

30 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 2400,

Chicago, IL 60602-2504

(312) 263-0456; (800) 621-7440;

Fax (312) 263-7462

National Council For The Accreditation Of Teacher Education

The University holds specific program accreditations from:

Board of Regents

Terms Expire January 1, 2005

Donald L. Dickerson, Cape Girardeau

Sandra Moore, Saint Louis

Term Expires January 1, 2001

John C. Tlapek, Cape Girardeau

Terms Expire January 1, 2003

Kimberly V. Mothershead, Benton

Doyle L. Privett, Kennett

Term Expires January 1, 2007

Donald "Brad" Bedell

Library

Kent Library's holdings total over 380,000 bound volumes, an additional 800,000 items in microforms, and a subscription list of over 2,600 periodicals and newspapers. In addition, the Government Depository, established in 1916, contains over 270,000 bound and unbound items. On-line bibliographic searching is provided in support of research interests.

Kent Library also houses the Charles L. Harrison Library, the Center for Faulkner Studies, the AudioVisual and Education Media Center, the Instructional Materials Center, the Textbook Service, and the Center for Scholarship in Teaching and Learning.

Textbooks

Graduate students purchase their own textbooks. Textbooks are available for purchase through Southeast Bookstore in the University Center. Graduate students purchase all books necessary for courses numbered 500 and above. Texts for undergraduate (100-400) courses may be rented.

Fees

Incidental and general fees are established by the Board of Regents and are published in the Schedule of Classes. Non-Missouri residents are assessed a higher fee than resident students. A copy of A Policy for Classification of Students for Fee Policy Purposes is available from the Bursar. The University allows credits for Missouri income taxes paid toward non-resident fee charges. Details may be obtained from the Office of Financial Aid Services. Fee payment arrangements are published in the Schedule of Classes.

Late Enrollment Fee

Students enrolling after the stated enrollment date will be charged a late enrollment fee of $15.

Application Fee

Applicants for regular admission must submit a nonrefundable transcript evaluation fee of $20.

Examination Fee

If a degree candidate has completed all coursework and needs to schedule only the oral or comprehensive examination, a minimum enrollment fee equal to the one hour resident rate must be paid. Students must register for the appropriate examination.

Graduation Fee

Degree candidates are required to pay a $35 fee during the semester in which they plan to complete the degree requirements.

Binding Fee

Students writing theses are expected to pay for all copies to be bound. Copy and binding services are arranged through the School of Graduate Studies and Research.

Financial Aid

The basic purpose of the Financial Aid program is to provide assistance for students to attend the University. Any student who needs assistance should visit the Financial Aid Office for information regarding loans and scholarships. The University participates in both the National Direct Student Loan and Guaranteed Student Loan funds.

Graduate Assistantships

Teaching, research and administrative assistantships are available for qualified students in most areas in which degrees are offered. To be eligible for an assistantship, students must meet one of the following criteria:

The assistantship provides a stipend of $6,100 plus a fee waiver for approved degree plan courses. Students having an assistantship must be enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours per semester (Fall and Spring). In most instances, the time limit for a student to hold an assistantship is two years. Interested persons should apply to the chairperson of the department providing the major. Additional information related to the assistantship may be found in the Graduate Assistant Handbook found at:

http://www2.semo.edu/gradschool/ga_info.htm

Graduate Scholarships

A number of graduate scholarships are available to academically talented degree students. Students who will be enrolled for at least 9 hours of graduate level work are encouraged to apply. Students may apply by writing a letter to the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research and submitting at least two letters of recommendation from professors familiar with their work. The scholarship recipients are chosen solely upon academic merit. Scholarships are awarded on a semester basis and provide a maximum fee assistance of $350.

Housing

Residence Life at Southeast provides excellent living and learning accommodations for students in a variety of residence halls. Each residence hall is staffed by a Hall Director who works with the student staff members to assist residents in addressing problems, present programs, and assist in a student's success at Southeast. The Office of Residence Life Central Office provides full services for students who have questions about their meal plans, rooms, or other living arrangement concerns.

After a student has been admitted to the University s/he may contact the Office of Residence Life to request a Contract for University Housing. The contract should be completed, signed, and returned to the Office of Residence Life with $150 deposit. Students are strongly encouraged to return their contracts quickly. Hall, room, and roommate assignments are generally distributed during the middle of July.

For more information about on-campus housing contact the Office of Residence Life at:

Office of Residence Life

Dearmont Hall MS 2025

Cape Girardeau, MO 63701

E-mail: reslife@semo.edu

Phone: 651-2274

Website: www4.semo.edu/reslife

Career/Placement Service

The placement service of the University is available to any student who has completed as much as fifteen semester hours of undergraduate work or six graduate hours at Southeast Missouri State University.

A graduate student who has done his/her undergraduate work at another school, and who has registered for placement there, may request that his/her undergraduate placement file be sent to this Placement Service so that the recommendations contained therein can become part of his/her graduate file.

There is no fee for the initial registration with the Career Planning and Placement office. This is a service which the University is glad to offer its students. It is not necessary to pay high commercial agency fees in order to change positions later. A modest enrollment fee is charged.

Veterans Service

The office of Veterans Affairs provides an on-campus assistance to veterans and/or dependents regarding benefits and other information. Services include educational assistance, tutorial assistance, educational loans, review of discharge, dental and medical benefits, home loans and job service. Information regarding off-campus part-time employment is available to University students upon request.

Testing Service

The Testing Service offers numerous examinations on campus. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is administered through the testing service.

Vehicle Registration

All persons who wish to park on the campus must purchase a parking permit.

Graduate Research Assistance Fund

Through the Graduate Research Assistance Fund, money is made available to assist any graduate student who incurs extraordinary expenses while engaging in a research project. Such expenses as travel, special materials, survey reproduction, etc. may qualify for the funding. The usual costs of typing, duplication, and binding papers are not covered. Application guidelines are available in the School of Graduate Studies and Research.

Cooperative Ph.D. Between Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois at Carbondale Universities

Under the terms of this agreement students in selected fields who complete the master's degree at Southeast Missouri State University may be allowed to include up to 16 hours of post-master's work taken at Southeast Missouri State University as a part of the Ph.D. program at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.

For specific information, contact the School of Graduate Studies and Research, Southeast Missouri State University.

Cooperative Ed.D. Between Southeast Missouri and the University of Missouri

The Department of Educational Administration and Counseling offers the opportunity for advanced graduate study in leadership in education through a cooperative doctoral program (Ed.D.) with the University of Missouri. The program was designed through the collaborative efforts of professors, school administrators, teachers, and other educational and business leaders from across the state. The program is a cohort model with cohort groups starting every two years beginning the summer of 1997. For additional information regarding application procedures, requirements, and scheduling, contact Dr. I. Sue Shepard, (573) 651-2421.

Advisement

Each student admitted to a degree program is assigned an advisor by the department in which the student plans to major. An Initial Study Plan, approved by the student's advisor, must be completed during the first semester in which coursework is taken. In many departments, enrollment is not allowed until the initial study plan is completed. Students should not assume that courses taken without advisor approval will apply to the degree. With advisor approval, a maximum of six semester hours of graduate level course work completed prior to admission may be applied to a degree program unless prohibited by program regulations. Study plans may be modified by filing a Change in Degree Plan form.

Enrollment

Enrollment information is found in the Schedule of Classes. Students may enroll through the telephone enrollment system (SAVRS), in person at the School of Graduate Studies and Research or through the mail. Controlled classes are not available through SAVRS. Students should contact the department or the School of Graduate Studies and Research.

Withdrawal

A student who finds it necessary to withdraw from school must make such withdrawal through the School of Graduate Studies and Research. If this procedure is not followed, failing grades will be recorded. Students may not withdraw during the last three weeks of a term except for reasons deemed sufficient by the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research. Deadlines for withdrawal are published in the semester schedule of classes.

Course Numbering

Advancement to Candidacy for the Degree

Admission to graduate study represents only the initial step in the degree process. Advancement to candidacy for the degree indicates that the student's work has been satisfactory and that the department and graduate school have accepted the student as a degree candidate. The student is responsible for initiating the process on forms which may be obtained in the School of Graduate Studies and Research.

  1. The Application for Candidacy must be filed at least by the halfway point of the degree and in all cases must be filed at least one semester prior to degree completion.
  2. Candidacy requires the completion of a minimum of 9 semester hours in residence with a 3.0 or better overall g.p.a.
  3. All appropriate admissions requirements, testing, letters of recommendation, completion of prerequisites, etc. must be completed prior to candidacy.
  4. Advancement to candidacy must precede approval of the non-thesis or thesis topic.
  5. A minimum of 16 semester hours must be completed after candidacy is achieved.

Academic Standards

  1. An overall grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required for a degree, unless otherwise required by a degree program.
  2. If a student received a grade of 'F,' he/she must repeat the course and earn at least a grade of 'C' prior to graduating except with the specific permission of, and under any conditions or provisions established by, the Graduate Council.
  3. Special students are expected to meet the same standards as degree students.
  4. Graduate courses are graded 'A,' 'B,' 'C,' and 'F.' There is no 'D' grade at the graduate level.
  5. A student who receives a grade below 'B' is encouraged to repeat the course. The student must complete a Repeat Card and obtain permission of the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research to repeat a course. Courses taken at Southeast Missouri State University may only be repeated here.

General Provisions

  1. For the regular semester, at least nine hours constitutes a full load. There is no maximum course load for the summer session though availability to enroll in courses will be constrained by times when courses are offered.
  2. One half of the hours required for the degree must be in courses numbered 600 or above and taken from Southeast Missouri State University. Workshop credit may not be used to fulfill this requirement.
  3. Dual-enrollment courses cannot be repeated for graduate credit if they appear on the student's undergraduate transcript. No coursework, including 500-level courses, applied to the undergraduate degree can count toward a graduate degree.
  4. Students taking credit/no-credit courses must demonstrate "B" level work to receive "credit" for a graduate course.
  5. All requirements for the master's degree must be completed within a 6-year period.
  6. For each master's degree program the student must produce a significant capstone work (e.g., thesis, non-thesis paper, internship paper, or creative work).
  7. Seniors in their last semester may apply for a special status that allows them to take a 600-level course.

Research Requirement

A course in research methods or its equivalent is required on all degree programs. The student should plan to take the appropriate course within the first twelve hours.

Thesis

The student who elects the thesis plan must complete the following steps:

  1. Achieve candidacy status for the program.
  2. The student should prepare a brief outline (some departments require a more extensive proposal) which serves as a preliminary document for approval.
  3. The student must obtain the Topic Approval Sheet from the School of Graduate Studies and Research.
  4. The student will ask two faculty members in the major area to serve on the thesis committee. Signing of the Topic Approval forms by these two members will signal preliminary approval of the concept. (The M.N.S. has slightly different procedures; students should check with their advisors.)
  5. The Topic Approval forms and brief outline are sent to the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research who will appoint a third committee member to represent the Graduate Faculty.
  6. Upon appointment of the third member, the student should arrange a meeting of the committee to discuss and approve the proposal. It is after this meeting that the Topic Approval forms are signed by the department chairperson, third member of the committee and Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research.
  7. The student may at this point enroll for three hours of thesis credit. If deemed appropriate by the student's committee, the student may enroll for additional hours in a subsequent semester. A minimum of 3 hours credit is required in thesis with a maximum of six hours credit earned in no less than two semesters.
  8. During the semester the student anticipates completing the thesis, he/she must be enrolled in GR699 Master's Oral Examination.
  9. The thesis examining committee usually consists of the thesis committee and, if appropriate, the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research. The oral examination is normally scheduled for not more than two hours.
  10. The oral examination should be scheduled by the thesis advisor in accordance with the deadlines announced in the class schedule for the appropriate term.
  11. At the successful conclusion of the oral examination, all members of the committee and the department chairperson sign the Thesis Acceptance form. Facsimile copies of the form and thesis guidelines are available in the School of Graduate Studies and Research.
  12. At least two weeks prior to graduation (one week in the summer), the student must present the original copy of the thesis and approval forms to the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research.
  13. The original and one copy of the thesis will be bound and placed in Kent Library. Students may have additional copies made for themselves, their advisors and in some instances the departmental library.
  14. The student must assume the binding and copy costs. The thesis must follow the style sheet appropriate to the discipline in which it is written as well as the requirements of the School of Graduate Studies and Research.

Creative Project in Lieu of Thesis

Some students may choose a significant creative project as a demonstration of personal artistic accomplishment. The creative project is particularly useful as a vehicle for students in the humanities. Such projects may include production of original literary or musical compositions, paintings, film, sculpture or other art forms. The project is created and executed under the supervision of a three-person committee similar to that used in the thesis model. The creative project is a credit-bearing project which follows the steps outlined for the thesis.

Non-Thesis Paper

Instead of a thesis, a student may elect to write a comprehensive scholarly paper in the area of concentration. NO CREDIT IS ALLOWED FOR THE PAPER. Students electing this option will be required to take a comprehensive examination.

  1. The student obtains approval from his/her advisor and the instructor for whom the paper will be written prior to beginning work on the paper.
  2. Non-theses may only be written under the direction of a regular member of the graduate faculty.
  3. The supervising instructor and advisor will be responsible for certifying the completion of each paper by filing one copy of the acceptance sheet with the School of Graduate Studies and Research no later than the deadline specified in the semester class schedule.
  4. In all cases, the paper must be approved and the acceptance sheet filed with the School of Graduate Studies and Research prior to taking the comprehensive examination.
  5. The paper must follow the style guide appropriate to the discipline in which it is written.

M.S.A. Paper

The M.S.A. internship is the capstone of the program and requires a comprehensive paper which is guided by a faculty committee. Students completing the M.S.A. should initiate the process at least a full semester prior to an anticipated degree completion. Steps in completing the process are as follows:

  1. Design learning objectives for the internship.
  2. Discuss the objectives and probably intern sites with the major advisor.
  3. With the major advisor, identify the second committee member from among the faculty who teach in the M.S.A.
  4. Send one copy of the approved objectives to the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research for appointment of the third committee member.
  5. Meet with each committee member to discuss the project.
  6. At this point the student may enroll for the appropriate internship.
  7. During the semester the student anticipates completing the paper, he/she must be enrolled in GR699-Oral Examination.
  8. The oral examination should be scheduled by the advisor in accordance with the deadlines announced in the Schedule of Classes.
  9. At the successful completion of the oral defense, the members of the committee will sign an M.S.A. Approval form which is filed with the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research.

Residence Requirement/Transfer Credit

In all cases, over one-half of the coursework required in a degree program must be completed in residence (on the campus) at Southeast Missouri State University. Students who wish to take a combination of on and off-campus courses offered by Southeast must work carefully with their advisor to insure that the residence requirement is met. Transfer courses do not count toward meeting the residence or 600-level requirements. Courses offered via interactive video are considered to be on-campus.

No more than 9 hours of transfer credit may be applied to a graduate program. Transfer credit must be accepted by the major advisor and is applied to a program at candidacy. Before enrolling for credit at another institution, prior approval must be obtained from the major advisor. Only credit in which a 'B' or better was earned will be accepted for transfer. Credit for transfer is only acceptable if earned from a regionally accredited institution. For programs in education, off-campus credit earned from a non-NCATE accredited institution will not be accepted.

Second Master's Degree

With approval of the advisor and Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research, nine hours from the first master's degree may be applied to a second degree. Prior credit is subject to the six year time limit.

Independent Study

Independent study offers the student an opportunity for study in an area not addressed by the curriculum of a department. The student wishing to pursue an independent study is responsible for identifying and obtaining the approval of the faculty member under whom the study is to be done and, for degree-seeking students, the approval of the major advisor. To gain approval, the student should prepare an outline of the proposed study. When the outline is approved by the faculty member, an Independent Study Approval form must be presented at the time of enrollment. (In some departments, the approval of the department chairperson is also required.)

Except in unusual circumstances, the content of an independent study may not duplicate that of an existing course. Independent study may never be used to grant graduate credit for completion of an undergraduate course.

Incomplete Grades

An incomplete grade may be given when the student has been unable to complete a course because of circumstances beyond the student's control. An 'I' is never awarded because of poor work. The 'I' must be removed by a date agreed to by the faculty member and student. At the time the 'I' is awarded, the faculty member will complete a form indicating the reason for awarding the incomplete, the work that must be completed and the deadline for completing the work. Copies of the form will be retained by the student, faculty member, department, and the School of Graduate Studies and Research. In all cases, the 'I' must be removed within one year unless an extension has been granted by the faculty member with the concurrence of the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research. Incompletes not removed within one year will be converted to a grade of 'F.' All incompletes must be satisfied four weeks prior to the student's intended graduation date. This policy does not apply to research and experiential work such as thesis, internship, practica, which may be in progress more than one semester.

Correspondence Courses

No correspondence work will be accepted for graduate credit.

Workshops, Institutes, Problem Courses and Independent Study

A maximum of 12 semester hours earned through workshops, institutes, problem courses, and independent study may be applied on a degree program providing the work is approved by the advisor. Only six hours of "credit-no credit" work may be applied to a degree. (Exceptions are made for students in Community Counseling.) Workshop credit may not be used to satisfy the 600-level requirement.

Final Master's Examination

A three-hour written final comprehensive examination normally covering the degree program must be passed by each candidate for a degree who elects the non-thesis option. Each candidate who elects the thesis option or M.S.A. Internship will be required to pass the oral examination in defense of the thesis and will not normally be required to take a written examination. All students must enroll for either the oral or comprehensive examinations during the final semester.

The following courses (GR) are common to all departments:

GR698: Master's Final Comprehensive Examination

The written comprehensive is a three-hour examination over the degree program. Students must enroll in 698 during the final semester. If not enrolled in regular coursework a minimum enrollment fee must be paid.

GR699: Master's Oral Examination

The oral examination will be conducted for students writing a thesis or M.S.A. internship paper in lieu of the comprehensive examination. Students must enroll in 699 during the final semester. If not enrolled in regular coursework or thesis, a minimum enrollment fee must be paid.

Intent to Graduate

Candidates must complete the Graduation Intent form during the first week of the term in which they plan to graduate. Failure to do so will result in a one semester delay of the student's graduation date.

Academic Distinction

The University recognizes students who have achieved a grade point average of 3.9 or better with the designation "Graduation with Academic Distinction." The necessary g.p.a. is computed on all coursework taken from the semester of admission to a graduate program and completed by the first day of the term in which the student intends to graduate.

Appeal Process

Students who, for cause, seek relief from institutional policies may appeal to the Graduate Council. A letter of petition clearly stating the reason for the appeal should be addressed to the Graduate Council, c/o the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research. For issues which relate to the graduate program, the first level of appeal is the faculty member followed by the department chairperson.

Academic Honesty

The University policy on academic honesty applies to graduate students. At all times, graduate students are expected to maintain high ethical standards in their course-work and independent research.
 

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