Admissions Regulations Policies

All students desiring to enroll for graduate study must apply through the Office of the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research.

Admission to the Graduate School permits the applicant to enroll in graduate courses for which the applicant is prepared, but does not imply that the applicant will be approved for admission to a degree program or to candidacy for a graduate degree.

Application Deadlines

Priority application deadlines for all programs, except Biological Sciences, Ph.D., Counseling Psychology, M.S., Criminal Justice, Nursing, Psychology, Ph.D., Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Speech Pathology:

Priority application deadlines for international applicants:

Submission of complete applications by the above priority deadlines will insure consideration by the admission committees.

For the following programs, all application documents must be submitted by the deadline indicated below to be considered by the admission committees.

Late applicants are not guaranteed placement in specific classes (see section on “Non-degree Students”).

General Requirements for Admission to Graduate Studies

1. An application for admission on the approved application form (online or paper) accompanied by a$35.00 non-refundable application fee.
2. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university which offers undergraduate programs which are prerequisites for the degree program at Tennessee State University.
3. Official transcripts from the registrar(s) of all colleges and universities attended (including Tennessee State University) sent to the School of Graduate Studies and Research. Official transcripts must be received before application for admission will be reviewed.

Note: Consult the Graduate School Web site (www.tnstate.edu/graduate) for any changes in admissions standards approved after the preparation of this Catalog.

Falsifying Academic Records

It is a Class A misdemeanor to misrepresent academic credentials. A person commits the offense of misrepresentation of academic credentials who, knowing that the statement is false and with the intent to secure employment at or admission to an institution of higher education in Tennessee, represents, orally or in writing that such person:

1. Has successfully completed the required course work for and has been awarded one (1) or more degrees or diplomas from an accredited institution of higher education;
2. Has successfully completed the required course work for and has been awarded one (1) or more degrees for diplomas from a particular institution of higher education; or
3. Has successfully completed the required course work for and has been awarded one (1) or more degrees or diplomas in a particular field or specialty from an accredited institution of higher education.

Proof of Immunization

The State of Tennessee requires students entering college to provide proof of two (2) doses of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine on or after the first birthday, or proof of immunity to measles if date of birth is 1957 or after. Students will not be allowed to register for classes until the appropriate form is filed in the health center. For additional information, contact: the Health Center at (615) 963-5291.

The State of Tennessee as of July 1, 2002 requires all new incoming students obtain an inoculation for meningococcus or sign a waiver stating that they do not want the vaccine. This is an act to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, relative to vaccinations for meningococcal disease. Students with asthma, diabetes or other chronic health problems should make arrangements with their primary care provider to receive flu shots.

Note: As of Fall 2003 TSU will begin a Hepatitis awareness campaign. Students are urged to get vaccinated for Hepatitis A and B. Students and parents should contact their Primary Care Provider for this immunization.

Requirements for Admission to Doctoral Programs

Applicants for Doctoral programs have only one category of admission: Unconditional. Specific admission requirements for the Ed. D. programs in the Educational Leadership, Curriculum and Instruction, and the Ph.D. programs in Computer Information and Systems Engineering, Biological Sciences, Psychology and Public Administration can be found in the appropriate sections of this Catalog. See also the table Program Requirements for Admission to Graduate Programs.

Requirements for Admission to Specialist in Education Program

Applicants for the Specialist in Education Program have one category of admission: Unconditional. See Departments of Educational Administration and Psychology.

Requirements for Unconditional Admission to Master’s Degree Programs

Admission to a Master’s Degree program requires:

1. Meeting the General Requirements for admission to graduate study, above.
2. An undergraduate grade point average of at least 2.50 on a 4.00 system of grading (exceptions: Business Administration M.B.A. program, Engineering M.E.program, Master of Public Health M.P.H. program,Computer and Information Systems Engineering M.S.program, and Nursing, MS.N.
3. An acceptable score on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), the Miller Analogies Test (MAT),(exceptions: Master of Science in Nursing)Fundamentals of Engineering (FE), the Graduate Admissions Management Test (GMAT), or other approved tests as required for admission to the specific degree program for which application is being made.(See the table Program Requirements for Admission,and the admission requirement for a specific degree program which may be found in this Catalog under the appropriate school or college.). Test scores must not be more than five years old.
4. Meeting all additional program or department admission requirements (e.g., letters of recommendation, applicant essay, completion of undergraduate prerequisite coursework, etc.) indicated in this Catalog under graduate program descriptions.
5. Good standing in the last school attended.
6. Acceptance by the graduate program/department and the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research,and receipt of letter of acceptance from the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research.

Conditional Admission to Master’s Degree Programs

Conditional Admission into a Master’s Degree program may be granted temporarily by the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research upon the recommendation of the graduate program/department. Continuation in the program as a degree-seeking student is contingent upon fulfilling specific requirements stipulated in the conditional admission letter.

The following are the circumstances in which Conditional Admission may be granted (see departmental sections for information on Conditional Admission to specific programs - some programs do not grant Conditional Admission):

1. Those that have a limited number of deficiencies in undergraduate course prerequisites. These deficiencies must be removed before enrollment in graduate courses of the same series.
2. Graduates of accredited colleges who have not taken the Graduate Record Examination, Miller Analogies Test,or other entrance test before admission. Applicants admitted to degree programs must take any standardized test required (as specified by degree program requirements) during the first semester of enrollment in courses for graduate credit.
3. Graduates of recognized four-year colleges not accredited when the bachelor’s degree was awarded.Such applicants must:
   1. present a record of superior scholarship on the undergraduate level
   2. present unqualified recommendations from their undergraduate advisors; and,
   3. submit an official report of performance on there, MAT or the GMAT or other required test.
4. Students who present a grade point average below 2.5must at the time of application submit standardized entrance exam scores which qualify them for admission(see departmental sections for specific score requirements). After admission, those students are required to take nine (9) semester hours of course work specified by the graduate coordinator of the programmatic major field. If a 3.00 grade or quality point average is attained, the student is permitted to petition for a change of classification.

Note: The Master of Science in Nursing does not admit students with a GPA lower than 2.5

Students who have been conditionally admitted to a master’s program must satisfy all stipulated conditions by the time a program of study is filed or prior to accumulating a maximum of 15 graduate hours. A test score condition must be met within the first semester of enrollment in courses for graduate credit. A maximum of 15 hours of graduate work will be counted toward the degree when admission requirements are met.

Non-Degree Admission

Applicants must meet general admissions requirements of the Graduate School, and must have met all prerequisites for the courses in which they seek enrollment. Non-degree admission to the Graduate School is granted to those who wish to enroll in courses but do not intend to qualify for a degree. The non-degree admission category includes those entering Graduate School for these purposes:

1. to complete certification requirements, students should consult with the certification officer in the College of Education;
2. to earn thirty plus (30+) hours beyond the Master’s degree;
3. to enrich their professional development;
4. to transfer credits earned to a degree program at another institution.
5. to take courses pending admission to a degree program(9 hour maximum)
6. to enroll in any of the seven graduate Certificate Programs currently offered by the University.

Credits earned in the non-degree category are not ordinarily requirements for degrees. If subsequently, a student classified as non-degree is accepted into a degree program, the student may by petition, if approved, carry forward not more than nine (9) semester hours of credit previously earned as a non-degree student in graduate-level courses, provided that the grade in each course is not less than 3.0.

Departments may restrict non-degree students to designated courses only. Non-degree students must have the approval of the department head (or designee) to enroll in a class.

Non-Degree Students

The Dean of Graduate Studies and Research is the Advisor for non-degree students not pursuing certification or licensure. These students are those who have checked “NON-DEGREE” on the Application for Admission. They may also be classified as students earning thirty hours or more beyond the master’s, students qualifying for certification, students earning credit to transfer to another university (transient students), or students pending acceptance into a degree program.

If any of these students desire to change their status to degree seeking, they must complete a “Change of Program or Personnel” form or an application for admission to the Graduate School, submit all required documents such as test scores, and subsequently be recommended for admission to the graduate degree program by the Graduate Faculty in that unit, in accordance with individual departmental program requirements.

Procedures for Admission

A prospective student should apply for admission at least six weeks before the beginning of the semester in which the student wishes to enroll. The applicant who does not enter the Graduate School during the term of admission indicated on the application form must re-apply. The procedures for admission are these:

1. Complete Online Graduate Admission Application Form or Copy of Graduate Admission Application Form available in the Graduate School Office. Select one major from the list provided on the application form, check the semester of enrollment, and indicate the degree sought;
2. Pay $35.00 application fee online or return the completed application form with the $35.00 non-refundable fee to the Graduate School;
3. Request the registrar(s) of all colleges and universities attended (including Tennessee State University) to send one official transcript to the Graduate School;
4. Submit official copies of all test scores appropriate tithe degree program to the Graduate School.

All documents, including transcripts submitted for admission, become the property of the University and will not be returned.

A person, who wishes to take courses for graduate credit, whether or not that person desires to become a candidate for a degree, must make formal application for admission to the Graduate School.

Procedures for Readmission

Readmission applies to those students who have not been in continuous enrollment in Graduate School. For example, students who did not enroll in courses during Fall or Spring semester of a given academic year must reapply for admission to the Graduate School. The procedures for readmission are:

1. Complete the application form provided by the Graduate School. Be sure to check READMISSION;
2. Return the completed application form to the Graduate School;
3. Request the registrar at universities attended, during the period that you were not enrolled, to send official transcripts to the Graduate School.

Admission of International Students

The Graduate School accepts students from other countries who apply and meet University and United States admission standards.

International Applicants Must Submit

1. A completed application for Admission (online or paper application form) to Graduate School;
2. Certificates of proficiency in English or minimum score of 525 (Paper Test) or 71 (Internet-based Test)on the Test of English as a Foreign Language(TOEFL); or 6.0 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
3. Official transcripts or authorized school records with a listing of courses and grades received; such transcripts must have been evaluated by a foreign educational credential agency, at the student’s expense;
4. Evidence of financial resources sufficient to provide tuition and fees for the academic year;
5. The $35.00 non-refundable application fee;
6. Applicable test scores, such as GMAT, GRE, FE,MAT, etc. as required by specific program;
7. All international students applying for admission who have a student visa shall submit a certificate from a licensed physician or the qualified medical authority verifying freedom from tuberculosis within thirty (30)days from the first day of classes. Failure to submit such certificate shall result in denial of further enrollment or admission. In the event that the student either has tuberculosis or has potential tuberculosis requiring medical treatment, continued enrollment will be contingent upon the determination by a licensed physician that further enrollment does not present a risk to others and upon the student’s compliance with any prescribed medical treatment program.
8. Note: It is mandatory that all F-1 students have health insurance upon enrollment for the duration of their studies. The policy must include a clause of Medical Evacuation and Repatriation of $10,000 each.
9. After admission, copies of Visa or Alien Registration card must be submitted before student may enroll.
10. Internationals transferring must submit to their current school the “Immigration Information” form for are lease date, before processing of an I-20.

Transient Graduate Students

Students who have been admitted to a degree-granting program at another institution and who wish to take courses for credit to be transferred to that institution must do the following prior to the date of registration:

1. Complete the “Permission for Enrollment as a transient Student” form or present a letter from the institution that states the student has been granted permission to take courses for credit to be transferred to that institution;
2. Complete the application for admission form provided by the Graduate School;
3. Pay the $35.00 non-refundable application fee.

Residency Classification

The Admissions Office is charged with the determination of a student’s residency status for fee-paying purposes and as the basis for some University admission requirements. Classification is determined by information submitted on the admission application and/or application for re-classification. Notification in writing is made soon after the student applies for re-classification.

The deadline dates are:

All decisions are based on regulations established by the Tennessee State Board of Regents, with the intent that all Tennessee public institutions of higher education apply uniform classification rules. Should a student be denied in-state classification, the student has the right of appeal. The appeal steps are

1. Dean of Admissions and Records
2. Vice President for Academic Affairs
3. President of the University
4. Tennessee Board of Regents

Advanced Graduate Admission for Undergraduates

An undergraduate senior student at Tennessee State University with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 who is enrolled in the last term of course work that will complete the requirements for a bachelor’s degree, may request advanced graduate admission to enroll in 3 to 6 hours of graduate courses provided the total course load does not exceed 12 hours. Courses for seniors are limited to first-year graduate level courses. Graduate courses may not be used for credit toward an undergraduate degree. The Combination Senior is not considered a graduate student but may apply for admission to a graduate program upon completion of the bachelor’s degree.

However, advanced admission to take graduate courses does not guarantee subsequent admission to a graduate program. Courses taken for graduate credit may count toward a graduate degree when/if the student is admitted to a degree program at TSU and if approved by the program’s graduate coordinator and departmental chairperson. The form for Advanced Graduate Admission and an Application to the Graduate School must be completed six weeks prior to the beginning of the semester in which advanced admission is sought.

Auditing a Course

Students who plan to audit a course must indicate at the time of registering that they are auditing. The regular registration procedure is followed. Students are not held to attendance or evaluation requirements for the course, and credits earned by audit may not be used to meet degree requirements. The audit fee is the same as the credit fee.

Institutes, Workshops, and Special Programs

Applicants for admission to institutes, workshops, and other special programs which offer graduate credit must submit a graduate application, transcripts of all previous work, and a twenty-five dollar admission fee to Graduate School. Test scores are not required. An application for acceptance in the special program must be submitted to the program director. Successful applicants must receive written approval of both the director of the special program and the Dean of Graduate Studies. Credits earned in Institutes, Workshops, and Special Programs do not count toward degree requirements, but may be acceptable by the State Department of Education for certificate renewal and thirty plus (30+) hours above the Master’s degree.

Transfer Credit

At the master’s level, a student may be allowed a maximum of twelve (12) semester or eighteen (18) quarter hours of graduate credit from another accredited college or university. At the educational specialist and doctoral level, a maximum of six (6) semester hours may be transferred. The Transfer of Credit form may be obtained from the departmental office. The course work being considered for transfer must be evaluated by the graduate coordinator, dean of the academic unit and the dean of the Graduate School. Only courses in which the student earned grades of “B” or better, and which are taken within the degree program time limit, will be considered for transfer. Credits earned in partial fulfillment of a previous completed degree program at Tennessee State University or any other institution may not be transferred or used for credit in another degree program.

Class Loads

Regular Students

Full-time status is attained when the graduate student enrolls in at least nine (9) credit hours in one semester. When a student enrolls in any courses for credit, the maximum class load for either the fall or spring semester shall be twelve (12) hours. Students may take up to fifteen (15) hours with an overload approval. The maximum load for either Summer Session I or Session II shall be six semester hours credit. Students desiring to carry an over-load must have the endorsement of the Major Advisor or the Dean of the College/School, and the Dean of Graduate Studies.

Second Master’s Degree

Students may not be simultaneously enrolled in two Master’s degree programs. Credits earned to fulfill requirements for the first Master’s degree may not be used to satisfy any of the requirements for the second Master’s degree, or reduce the number of hours for the second Master’s degree.

Withdrawal from Classes and/or the University

The deadline for withdrawing from classes and/or the university is specified in the academic calendar for each semester.

The proper forms for withdrawing from a class will be provided by the Office of Admissions and Records. Withdrawal is official only after the form has been completed and submitted to the Office of Admissions.

If a student never attends a class officially registered for, or stops attending a class without officially withdrawing, that student will be assigned a final grade of “F”.

Academic Standards

Grading System for Graduate Degrees

Graduate instruction assumes that the student has both the interest and the ability to do independent study and research of outstanding quality. Thus, a graduate student must maintain a minimum average of “B” (3.0 quality/grade points on a 4.0 point system) in all graduate work. Course grades are: A, B, C, D, and F.In master’s degree programs, grades less than “C” are counted in compiling the general average, but they may not be included in the requirements for the degree. For information about “C’s” in doctoral programs, please see specific program descriptions in this Catalog.

The grade of “I”, incomplete, indicates that the student’s work in a course is incomplete but otherwise satisfactory. The “I” grade must be removed from the graduate student’s permanent record within one semester from the end of the term in which the “I” grade was awarded. If all requirements for removal of the “I” are not met within this period, the “I” grade will be changed to “F” by the Office of Admissions and Records. All enrollments in dissertation, thesis, or project writing courses shall carry the grade of “I” until the project is completed. The final letter grade is awarded to each previous enrollment where an “I” was awarded.

Grade Appeal

The University recognizes the right of a student to appeal a grade which she/he believes is incorrect and does not reflect the student’s class performance. Issues related to harassment (sexual, racial, or other) should be referred to the Affirmative Action Officer.

Students who believe an incorrect grade was awarded should seek a resolution with the instructor as soon as possible. If the student is not satisfied after attempting to reconcile the matter with the instructor, the student may appeal to the head of the department. This appeal must be in writing, accompanied by all relevant supporting documents, and must be initiated within 30 calendar days of the beginning of the semester immediately following the semester in which the grade was awarded (excluding summer school).

The department head should provide a copy of the student’s letter to the instructor and request a written response from the instructor. The instructor will provide the department head with a written response within 10 working days. (Exceptions will apply when the instructor is not teaching, as in summer session, or when the instructor is on leave.) In instances where an instructor indicates to a student that a grade adjustment is warranted, and fails to make the adjustment within ten working days, the student should inform the instructor’s department head.

If the student is not satisfied with the decision of the department head, a further written appeal may be made to the Dean of the College/School. This appeal must be made within ten calendar days of the decision of the department head. After reviewing the appeal record, the Dean must render a decision within ten days of the receipt of the appeal, after which the Vice President for Academic Affairs is the final level of appeal.

If the instructor happens to be the department head or the dean, the appeal will be submitted to the next higher academic officer (that is, to the dean if the department head is the instructor or the Vice President if the dean is the instructor). In such cases the decision of the Vice President is final.

Grades, transcript information, drop/adds, withdrawals, and other data perceived by the student to be in error must be appealed by the student within thirty days. Appeals made after this time will not be reviewed.

“I” Grade Exception

All enrollments in dissertation, thesis, or project writing courses, except the last, shall be entered on the permanent records as “I”. In Thesis Writing, only the last enrollment shall carry the letter grade and the number of credit hours earned. However, in dissertation writing, the final letter grade is awarded to each previous enrollment where an “I” was awarded, up to the maximum number of hours set by the program.

Repeating a Course

A given course may be repeated one time only, and the second grade will replace the first. A student may repeat a maximum of two (2) courses in a given program for the purpose of improving grades. Departments may establish more restrictive policies.

Retention

A cumulative average of “B” (3.0 quality points) in all graduate courses taken at Tennessee State University is required for graduation or graduate certificate completion. Departments may establish more restrictive retention requirements.

Probation and Suspension

If a student has completed nine (9) or more semester hours of graduate work earning an average less than 3.0, that student will be placed on scholastic probation. Probationary status must be removed by raising the cumulative grade average to a “B” or better during the next nine (9) hours of graduate work following the probationary period. Failure to raise the cumulative grade point average to “B” or better will result in suspension from the Graduate School. Students who have been suspended may apply for readmission after one full semester. Summer terms are not counted toward this requirement.

Readmission After Suspension

Readmission is subject to the approval of the Dean of the Graduate School in consultation with the Graduate Council Appeals Committee, and with the appropriate graduate coordinator and Dean. Readmitted students, who fail to maintain a minimum cumulative average of “B” during any semester after readmission, will be dropped permanently from the Graduate School.

Time In Residence

All candidates for the Master’s degree must spend two semesters of study in residence at the University after admission to Graduate School program.

Students in the Ed. D. program must establish academic residency by completing a minimum of eighteen (18) hours at Tennessee State University, excluding dissertation credit, over a period of four (4) academic year semesters or two (2) academic year semesters and two (2) summer registrations (two sessions per one summer equals one registration).

Students pursuing the Ph.D. program in Psychology must enroll full-time for two (2) consecutive semesters [nine (9) hours each semester].

A student in the Ph.D. degree program in Public Administration must establish academic residency at Tennessee State University before being advanced to candidacy. The student may meet residency requirements by completing four courses from the Ph.D. core requirements within a two year period.

Students in the Biology Ph.D. program must meet residency requirements by completing a minimum of eighteen graduate credit hours at Tennessee State University during an academic year consisting of three consecutive semesters, which may include a full summer term and one semester.

Students in the Computer Information and Systems Engineering Ph.D. program must meet the residency requirements by completing a minimum of twenty-seven (27) graduate credit hours at Tennessee State University. The student may meet the residency requirement by completing all the required core courses and at least two (2) seminar courses.

Time Limitations for Completing Degree Requirements

All requirements for the Master’s degree and Educational Specialist degree must be completed within six calendar years, beginning with the first semester of enrollment in courses for graduate credit. Graduate courses taken more than six (6) years prior to completion of all degree requirements must be repeated in order to be included in the credit hour requirement for the degree, except in certain substantiated cases of extreme hardship.

Credits earned more than ten (10) years prior to the student’s graduation cannot be applied toward meeting requirements for the Ed. D. or Ph.D. degrees.

Extension of Time Limitations

Extension of time for completing course requirements may occasionally be granted because of interruptions in graduate studies due to extenuating circumstances, such as family leave, illness, or military services.

In case of illness, the student is required to present to the Dean of Graduate Studies a notarized certificate from a fully qualified attending physician indicating (a) the general nature of the illness, (b)the duration of the illness, (c) the extent of the disability, and(d)if employed during illness, limitations on activities required by the attending physician. The University reserves the right to consult the University medical staff if making final decisions on such certificates.

In case of military services, the student must present evidence of service while enrolled in the Graduate School, or during regular intervals of enrollment.

All petitions to extend the program of study beyond the degree program time limits must be submitted by the student before the courses expire, using the Graduate School Appeal/Petition Form. Following positive recommendation by the Advisor, Department Head, and academic Dean, the petition will be sent to the Graduate School for review by the Graduate Council Appeals Committee, and finally the Graduate Council. The decision of the Graduate Council is final.

Extensions will be granted with the following stipulations.

1. There will be only one such extension granted, for a time period specified on the Appeal/Petition Form.
2. Courses taken outside the degree program time limits may not be counted toward the degree unless they are revalidated to demonstrate that mastery of knowledge/skills is current. Revalidated courses are added back to the Program of Study.
3. The plan for revalidation must be prepared in conjunction with the student’s major department, and submitted with the Appeal/Petition Form.
4. Mechanisms for revalidating out-of-date courses are limited to the following:
   1. re-taking expired courses; or
   2. re-taking related courses (equal in credit hours to the expired courses) approved by the department, and added to the Program of Study; or
   3. re-taking a competency test (qualifying or comprehensive examination) administered by the department.
5. Revalidation will only apply to courses on the approved Program of Study or approved as transfer credit for inclusion on the Program of Study.
6. Students who have been out of school for one or more semesters must apply for readmission to the Graduate School.
7. Departments may reserve the right to deny extensions.No extension will be reviewed by the Graduate School without recommendation from the Advisor, Department Head and academic Dean.
8. If approved for an extension, documentation of completion of the approved revalidation plan must be submitted to the Graduate School by the department,and the Program of Study must be submitted or revised to indicate revalidated courses.

Appeal/Petition Process for: Admission Decision, Readmission Following Suspension, Retention In Degree Program, Time Extension for Completing Degree Requirements

Appeals/Petitions for any of the above reasons are subject to the approval of the Dean of the Graduate School in consultation with the Graduate Council Appeals Committee, and with the appropriate Graduate Coordinator, Department Chair and Dean. Students should complete the Appeal/Petition form provided by the Graduate School, and submit to the Advisor/Coordinator. The signed form will be given to the Graduate Council Appeals Committee for review and recommendation. The Graduate Dean’s decision is final. (Note: Admission Decision Appeals are submitted directly to the Graduate School.)

Application for Graduation

The Application for Graduation must be completed early in the semester before the student intends to graduate (dates are posted on TSU Website). If the student does not graduate in the semester for which the application was made, another application must be submitted for the intended semester of graduation.

Human Subjects

All research involving Human Subjects must be approved prior to initiating data collection, in accordance with guidelines and procedures available on the TSU Office of Sponsored Research Web Site: www.tnstate.edu/research.

Academic Integrity Statement

Conferral of a graduate degree implies personal integrity and knowledge of, and adherence to, scholarly methods and ethical standards both within a discipline and the University as a whole. The graduate student is also expected to work in accordance with local, state, federal and international standards, regulations and laws, in all aspects of his or her program of study. There are three areas in which graduate students should be particularly cautious: (1) plagiarism, (2) the use of copyrighted material, and (3)adherence to research ethics.

Because the purpose of any university is the origination and honest dissemination of knowledge, any act that fails to forward those aims must be judged unethical. Violations of the University’s standards of Academic Integrity will be investigated when suspected and sanctioned if established. Sanctions include dismissal from the University or revocation of degree(s).

Plagiarism is the presentation of another’s works or ideas as one’s own. This includes the undocumented word for word use and/or paraphrasing of another person’s work, and/or the inappropriate undocumented use of another person’s ideas. To avoid plagiarism, every direct quotation must be identified by quotation marks or by appropriate indentation and must be properly cited in the text or in a footnote.

Documentation is required when material from another source stored in print, electronic or other medium is copied, quoted, paraphrased or summarized in whole or in part in one’s own words. Plagiarism may also arise from using one’s own work (e.g., previously submitted for credit in another course) without proper documentation or consent of the instructor. In order to avoid questions of plagiarism, students involved in collaborative research should be careful to document the work of all collaborators. If in doubt, the student should consult with the course instructor, program advisor and/or the graduate school about the course work or project. The graduate student is obligated to ethical and responsible use of copyrighted material. This includes following the standards of academic Fair Use of copyrighted materials, established by U.S. and international law. In order to avoid questions of copyright violation, the student should consult with the course instructor, program advisor and/or Director of Libraries regarding any use of copyrighted material in presentations, classroom demonstrations, theses, dissertations, etc.

The graduate student must adhere to the ethical standards for research established within the discipline of his/her program of study and the University-as well as to all local, state, federal and international standards, regulations and law. Unethical acts in research include falsification or deliberate misrepresentation of data, mistreatment of human or animal subjects, failure to follow standards regarding use of hazardous materials, etc. The graduate student must adhere to research protocols established by the program and University to maintain proper institutional control of all research activities conducted by University administration, staff, faculty and students. Many forms of research conducted by the student, either independently or with a faculty member, will require oversight by the University’s Institutional Review Board (IRB) process.

In particular, use of hazardous materials (with concerns for radioactivity or bio-safety) and human /animal subjects requires review and approval from authorities both within and outside the University before it proceeds. The student should consult and gain the necessary approvals with the program advisor and the appropriate research review committee in Division of Research and Sponsored Programs before engaging in any such research activity.

The University recognizes the right of a graduate student to appeal a sanction for failure to adhere to the University’s standard for Academic Integrity. If the student believes that a sanction has been incorrectly applied, he/she may make an appeal to the Vice President for Academic Affairs. This appeal must be in writing, accompanied by any relevant supporting documents, and must be initiated within 30 calendar days of the beginning of the semester immediately following the semester in which the sanction was applied (Summer School excluded). The decision of Vice President for Academic Affairs is final.

Program of Study Degrees and Certificates

Certificate Programs

A certificate program is a planned sequence of graduate-credit courses in a specialized area that does not lead to a degree itself. A graduate certificate is designed for post-baccalaureate, graduate, or post-graduate students. A certificate program may function independently of a degree program. Credits earned in a certificate program may be applied to a graduate degree in a related field. Certificates are currently offered through the Department of Public Administration, Department of Agricultural Sciences, and the Division of Nursing.

Application and Admission Requirements

Prospective students desiring to enroll for graduate certificate study must apply through the Office of the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research. Applicants must possess a least a baccalaureate degree in the same or related field and meet the minimum admission criteria set by the Graduate School. Departments/Programs may establish higher admission standards. Students must be admitted unconditionally to a certificate program. A student in an existing master’s or doctoral program may apply for admission to a certificate program.

Credit-Hour Requirements

Credit-hour requirements for graduate certificates vary by program. The minimum credit-hour requirement for certificate programs is 15 semester graduate credit hours. Some certificate programs require more than 15 semester credit hours.

Retention and Completion Requirements

To maintain good standing, a student must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or better in all graduate work attempted. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required for successful completion of a graduate certificate. Grades of D or F are not accepted for any certificate credit, but these grades will be computed in GPA. Students must submit and an approved program of study to the Graduate School during the first semester of enrollment in a certificate program.

Time Limits for Certificate Completion Requirements

All requirements for a certificate program must be completed within three calendar years, beginning with the first semester of enrollment in graduate credit.

Transfer Credit-Hour Requirements

A certificate student may be allowed to transfer a maximum of 6 semester credit hours or 9 quarter hours from an accredited college or university. Courses taken for meeting the requirements for a degree program at Tennessee State University cannot be used for obtaining a certificate unless the student has applied for the certificate, been accepted, and submitted an approved program of study to the Graduate School.

Graduation Requirements

To be cleared for award of a Graduate Certificate, a student must meet the following requirements: (1) Applied and admitted to a certificate program; (2) Successfully completed all course requirements outlined on the approved program of study with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher; and (3) Applied for graduation for the certificate (filed the TSU Application for Graduation) during the last semester of enrollment.

Master’s Degrees

Candidacy and Program of Study

Admission to candidacy is an important step in the student’s progress toward a degree. The step indicates that the student has successfully completed an important portion of his/her graduate studies, has outlined the remainder of his/her program of study, is considered a capable graduate student and is viewed as a worthy candidate for an advanced degree in his/her field of specialization. Recommendation for candidacy, therefore, is based upon performance on admission tests, completion of prerequisite courses, class work, and professional behavior.

Master’s Degrees

Performance in core courses and major field courses is deemed significant. Students must apply for admission to candidacy after they earn at least nine (9) semester hours of graduate credit but before having earned fifteen (15) credit hours. The Program of Study and Advancement to Candidacy form should be completed in consultation with the advisor, signed by the appropriate persons and returned to the Graduate School. Changes in the approved Program of Study require the written approval of the adviser and the Dean of the Graduate School. The Change of Program or Personnel form may be obtained from the Graduate School.

Procedures for Admission to Candidacy

When the student has completed nine (9) semester hours of graduate credits with a cumulative grade point average of 3.00, and has removed all incomplete (I-grades) from the permanent record in the Office of Admissions and Records, and met any admissions conditions, the student is ready to be admitted to candidacy.

Students Not Admitted to Candidacy Who Have Successfully Completed Nine Hours of Graduate Credit

After successful completion of nine (9) semester hours but not more than fifteen (15) semester hours of graduate course work with a grade point average of 3.0 or above, the student must be advanced to candidacy. The student who is not advanced to candidacy will not be allowed to take additional course work. Students who have been conditionally admitted to a master’s program must satisfy all stipulated conditions by the time a Program of Study is filed or prior to accumulating a maximum of 15 graduate hours. A test score condition must be met within the first semester of enrollment of courses for graduate credit. A maximum of 15 hours of graduate work will be counted toward the degree when admission requirements are met.

Courses taken after the term in which the fifteen (15) hours were completed may not apply toward the completion of the requirements for the degree.

No student will be permitted to graduate the same semester in which Candidacy is achieved.

It is the primary responsibility of the student to be familiar with the policies and regulations governing advancement to candidacy.

Master of Arts in Education

The Master of Arts in Education program is open to students in teacher education. This degree is offered in Human Performance and Sports Sciences. The requirements for admission to this program include the following:

1. A 3.0, “B” average, in at least twenty semester credit hours in Education on the undergraduate level.
2. Removal of all undergraduate course deficiencies as determined by the student’s major and minor professors.

All candidates for the Master of Arts in Education degree must complete a minimum of 33 graduate credit hours of course work, a thesis or a terminal project, and a final oral comprehensive examination. Some graduate curricula in teacher education require a 10 credit hour content area outside the department or concentration.

Master of Business Administration

The Master of Business Administration degree program is designed for both full-time and part-time students who wish to improve their managerial abilities. Its structure blends functional business disciplines into a cohesive unit of courses which apply to decision making in business, government, and the community. Elective courses are offered in four concentrations-Accounting, Healthcare Economics & Management, Management of Information Systems and Supply Chain Management.

After satisfaction of prerequisites, requirements include a minimum of thirty-six (36) semester hours.

Master of Criminal Justice

The Master of Criminal Justice degree is a joint program offered by Tennessee State University and Middle Tennessee State University. Resident study at both institutions is required. The purpose of this program is to provide students and practitioners in the criminal justice system the opportunity to obtain advanced education in the area of Criminal Justice.

The requirements for the Master of Criminal Justice include a minimum of thirty-six (36) hours including enrollment in eighteen (18) hours at Middle Tennessee State University and six (6)hours of research and thesis writing. The thesis will be supervised by faculty designated at the time of admission to Candidacy.

Master of Education

The Master of Education degree is open to students in education programs. This degree is offered in Instructional Leadership, Elementary Education, Special Education, Music Education, and Curriculum and Instruction.

The special requirements for the Master of Education degree include successfully completing a course in research methodology and a two-part comprehensive examination: one covering the field of professional education, the other the student’s field of concentration. The comprehensive examination is taken in the last semester of enrollment. Students seeking administrative licensure must also pass the School Leaders Licensure Examination (SLLA).

Master of Engineering

The Master of Engineering degree is offered with concentrations in Biomedical, Civil, Environmental, Electrical, Mechanical, and Manufacturing Engineering. It requires a minimum of thirty-three (33)graduate credit hours of course work including three (3)semester hours of design project and a final oral examination on the project.

All students are required to take

1. at least six (6) credit hours of mathematics;
2. three (3) credit hours of laboratory based courses;
3. three (3) credit hours of special problems in Engineering application (design project);
4. fifteen (15) credit hours in the option, and
5. six (6) credit hours of electives with the consent of the advisor.

Master of Occupational Therapy

The Master of Occupational Therapy degree is open to students who obtain their undergraduate degree in Health Sciences from Tennessee State University as well as transfer students who have completed their undergraduate degree and the 9 prerequisite courses required. The MOT degree requires completion of 74 graduate credit hours including twelve (12) credit hours of level II fieldwork experiences. The MOT program is offered within the College of Health Sciences.

1. Completion of all course credit requirements (74)
2. Successful completion of the comprehensive examination (taken during the second spring semester)
3. Successful completion of both Level II Fieldwork experiences

Master of Professional Studies

This graduate professional studies degree consists of 33 hours of interdisciplinary coursework, including completion of a professional project as the culminating experience.

Master of Public Administration

The Master of Public Administration degree is offered by the Institute of Government. Specific requirements are

1. Completion of forty-two (42) semester hours with a minimum grade-point average of 3.0 including a supervised internship of at least 300 hours which was approved in advance by the graduate programs coordinator of department chair; or completion of thirty-six (36) semester hours with an internship exemption (evidence of relevant professional experience must be provided);
2. Completion of nine core courses (27 semester hours);and,
3. Successful completion of a written comprehensive examination, normally to be taken no earlier than the term in which the student’s course work is completed.

Master of Public Health

The Master of Public Health Program seeks to train professionals who will work to preserve and promote the health of local, state, national, and international populations through a focus on cultural competency.

A minimum of 30 semester hours of coursework must be completed in residency. Students may be allowed to take up to (9) credit hours without being fully admitted into the program. (Successful completion of the nine hours does not guarantee acceptance into the MPH program.)

Master of Science

The Master of Science degree program is available to all graduate students except those majoring in Teacher Education, Business Administration, Engineering, Public Administration, Criminal Justice and Nursing. Requirements for this degree include a minimum of 30 graduate credit hours taken in residence, a thesis, and a final oral examination. In lieu of the thesis, students in Professional School Counseling may take a written comprehensive examination plus a minimum of thirty hours of course work.

This degree is offered in Agricultural Sciences; Biology; Chemistry; Computer and Information Systems Engineering; Computer Science; Professional School Counseling; Psychology; Recreation; and Speech and Hearing Science.

Master of Science In Computer, Information, and Systems Engineering (CISE)

The M.S. degree in CISE is a unique degree program that integrates the areas of computer hardware, computer software and systems engineering to prepare graduates with backgrounds in development of computer integrated systems. The program requires a total of 30 semester credit hours which includes six hours of thesis and six hours of technical electives. A Non-thesis option under the MS in CISE requires a total of 33 semester credit hour which includes 12 hours of electives. No comprehensive exams is required for the non-thesis option but a written report and oral presentation is required (in a required course). Students seeking admissions must have a background in engineering or computer science or closely related areas. Students admitted conditionally must complete the prerequisite courses with a minimum cumulative average of 3.25 or better and do so before taking any graduate courses.

Master of Science in Computer Science

The Master of Science in Computer Science provides recent college graduates, or college graduates who have had several years of professional life, an opportunity to enhance their careers and work on cutting-edge areas of computer science. The program offers two high-demand concentrations: (1) high-performance computing and bioinformatics, and (2) cyber-security and networking. Students can choose a non-thesis option (requires completion of 33 credit hours of coursework) or a thesis option (requires completion of 27 credit hours of course work and 6 credit hours of thesis).

Master of Science In Nursing

The Master of Science in Nursing Degree is offered with three concentrations, Holistic Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Nursing Education. The Master of Science in Nursing Degree program is designed for both part-time and full-time students. The MSN Program provides flexible scheduling with evening and online learning options for part-time students. A nurse working full-time and attending graduate school part-time may complete the program in 6 semesters. The Master of Science in Nursing Degree with a Holistic Concentration is offered as an online degree program.

The purpose of the master’s degree program is to prepare nurses for advanced clinical practice and for nursing leadership positions in all types of primary health care settings. The goals of advance practice nursing are to manage existing health problems, promote optimum health, provide resources and support to patients and their families, and to collaborate with other health professionals to coordinate care.

Master of Social Work

The Master of Social Work (MSW) is offered collaboratively by Austin Peay State University, Middle Tennessee State University, and Tennessee State University. Its mission is dedicated to the enhancement of human well-being, diversity, and social justice through developing and improving systems of public social services, especially for children and families, by offering graduate training in Social Work with a hybrid model of delivery.

The purpose of the Mid-Tennessee Collaborative Master of Social Work Program is to prepare students for Advanced Generalist Social Work Practice with systems of all types and sizes in both rural and urban areas, to prepare knowledgeable and competent professionals, and to provide leadership in the development of social delivery services, especially public social services.

The MSW requires completion of 60 credit hours.

Professional Science Master’s

The Professional Science Master’s (PSM) Degree Program with a concentration in Applied Geospatial Sciences (AGIS) is offered within the College of Agriculture, Human, and Natural Sciences (CAHNS) in collaboration with College of Business and College of Public Services and Urban Affairs. Courses are delivered online with an on-ground required internship. The PSM Degree Program is a non-thesis offering and requires completion of 36 semester credit hours. Students are trained in real-world situations through internships and theoretical principles through online courses. Students are acquired on-the-job experience with at least 300 internship hours under immediate supervision of an AGIS practitioner.

Comprehensive Examinations for the M.Ed., M.P.A., M.P.H. and M.S. Non-Thesis Degrees

Candidates for the Master of Education degree are required to pass comprehensive examinations covering the professional field of Education and the general field of major study, including minor courses and supportive areas.

Candidates for the M.P.A. degree are required to pass the comprehensive exam covering primary areas of the field as represented by the core courses.

Candidates for the M.A.Ed. and M.Ed., M.P.H., and M.S. non-thesis degrees are required to take a comprehensive examination in the general field of major study and supportive fields. The examinations are designed to test the student’s ability to apply principles, as well as the student’s skill in demonstrating sound scholastic and composition capabilities. It is therefore, recommended that students remain current with the literature both in education and/or the field of major interest.

Regulations Governing the Administration of Comprehensive Evaluations: M.Ed., M.P.A., M.P.H., M.A.Ed., M.S. Non-Thesis, and MSW

1. Students must file an application with their advisors and their department heads on a form (provided by the Graduate School) and no later than the date published by the Graduate School. (Applications must be accompanied by documentation of a Program of Study approved by the Graduate School.)
2. The Dean of the Graduate School will establish the date for the examination. Candidates will be notified of the time and place two weeks before the examination is administered.
3. Examinations are administered three times during the school term: October, March, and June. It is the responsibility of the student to familiarize himself or herself with the Graduate School Calendar, which is published in the Graduate Catalog.
4. The examination shall be administered during the semester of graduation. (Exceptions must be approved by Department Head). It shall cover work prescribed by the student’s program and will include at least (a. M.Ed.only; b. all degrees):
   1. An Examination in Professional Education:Historical, Philosophical, or Social Foundations of Education, Educational Research, Curriculum, Educational Psychology; Evaluation; and Statistics. This portion of the test will be prepared by a committee from the College of Education and chaired by the Dean.
   2. An Examination in the Student’s Major Concentration: In addition to the major concentration, the examination may include an assessment of knowledge in supportive fields.A committee appointed by the Department Head would prepare this portion of the Comprehensive Examinations. It shall be scheduled for a period not to exceed three hours.
5. The Comprehensive Examinations will be written, but where very unusual circumstances require it, the examination may be oral, or written and oral, if recommended by the Advisory committee and approved by the Department Head, and the Dean of the School/College/Institute. (The Office of Disabled Student Services must approve requests for special accommodations.)
6. Grades for the examinations will be filed in the School Office and in the Graduate School Office. The Graduate School will immediately inform the students of the results upon receipt of the grades from the School/College/Institute Dean.
7. In the event that a student fails to pass the first examination, it may be recommended that the candidate be permitted to prepare for re-examination. In this event,the student and the advisor will plan a program of study,including independent study, further course work, or both. Thus, the credit hours may be extended to accommodate the recommendation of the Advisor/Department Chair.
8. A second failure by a candidate will require further prescribed study before re-examination is permitted.
9. A third failure by any candidate shall result in the student’s dismissal from Graduate School.
10. Candidates must present, upon arrival at the testing site,a Photo ID and a Letter of Approval (from the Graduate School) to take the Comprehensive Examination.

Theses/Dissertations Submission Policy

The Graduate School began mandatory electronic theses and dissertations (ETD) submission policy with students graduating in fall 2007. All theses and dissertations must now be submitted electronically. Students are required to publish their ETDs through Proquest/UMI ETD Administrator. Additional requirements and procedures governing the submission of ETDs are available at the Graduate School Website (www.tnstate.edu/graduate).

Thesis

Enrollment in thesis writing is permitted only after the student has been admitted to candidacy for the Master’s degree. Students who write theses must consult their academic advisor in the selection of an advisory (guidance) committee and an appropriate topic for investigation. The advisory committee consists of three (3) graduate faculty members, two of whom must be graduate faculty members of the department in which the degree is sought. The third member may be a member of the graduate faculty from a closely related department. This committee shall give general supervision to the candidate’s research and thesis writing. A proposal for the thesis is a formal process which involves a hearing before the advisory committee and which results in filing the appropriate proposal form with the graduate school. The proposal form must be signed by all members of the advisory committee. Master’s students who write theses must adhere to the deadlines found in the Graduate School Calendar for (1) filing (or registering) the thesis with the Graduate School, (2) defending the thesis in an oral examination before the student’s committee, and (3)submitting the final thesis (four copies) to the Graduate School.

The Oral Examination is two (2) hours in length and is conducted by the advisory committee and a guest examiner, a member of the Graduate Faculty from outside the student’s academic department. The emphasis of the examination shall be on the thesis and general information in the candidate’s field of concentration. The site of the oral examination is arranged by the Chairperson of the advisory committee.

The thesis is to be prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations set forth by the Graduate School in the current edition of Guidelines for Preparing Dissertation, Theses, Projects, and Course Papers.

A student must register for thesis hours continuously until the thesis is complete. A reduction in fees for thesis registration occurs the second time a student registers, at which time the student registers for the “Thesis Continuation” section. A break in registration will result in “I” grades for Thesis hours becoming grades of “F”.

Educational Specialist Degree

The Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree program is a planned sequence of courses, in the field of Education, offered for students who wish to pursue course work beyond the Master’s degree. The Educational Specialist Degree is currently offered in area of Instructional Leadership. Please see the Catalog section for the Department of Educational Leadership for specific details of admission and degree requirements. The degree requires a minimum of thirty (33) hours credit beyond the Master’s degree.

Doctoral Degrees

Doctor of Education Degree

The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree is offered in the areas of Educational Leadership, and Curriculum and Instruction.

Doctor of Philosophy Degree (Ph.D.)

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree is offered in Biological Sciences, Computer and Information Systems Engineering, Psychology, and Public Administration. Please refer to the departmental sections of this Catalog for admission and degree requirements.

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

The Doctor of Physical Therapy degree is offered by the College of Health Sciences. Specific requirements for completing this program are:

1. Completion of 113 hours including:
   1. Ninety Two semester hours (90) of academic instruction
   2. Twenty Three semester hours (23) of clinical education
2. Students are required to take a comprehensive examination during their final year in the program. The comprehensive exam covers materials from previous and current semesters. The comprehensive exam is given during the fall semester of the student’s final year in the program, and is included in the calculation of the course grade for PHTH 7410 - Clinical Integration Seminar (2) . The comprehensive exam is worth 40% of the course grade.

Dissertations

All doctoral dissertations are to be prepared in accordance with the guidelines and regulations set forth by the Graduate School in the current edition of Guidelines for Preparing Dissertations, Theses, Projects, and Course Papers.

After the first enrollment in dissertation credit, students shall continue to enroll in dissertation credit every semester until the dissertation is complete and accepted by the Graduate School. The number of dissertation hours required for the degree is stipulated in the departmental sections of this Catalog. When the student has accumulated the maximum number of dissertation credit hours allowed for a given program, the student shall register for “Dissertation Continuation” at a reduced fee. Students who fail to register each semester will be considered to have terminated their program and must reapply for admission. Registration and verification of registration are the responsibilities of the student.