Candidacy (Program of Study)
Program of Study
Each degree seeking graduate student must complete and file a Program
of Study (form GS #101) by the end of the first semester of enrollment
in graduate coursework except where otherwise noted for specific
graduate degree programs. All information requested must be provided
before the Program of Study will be accepted and approved by the
Graduate School. The Program of Study form can be found at http://www.utc.edu/Administration/GraduateSchool/CurrentStudentForms.php.
All core courses in the degree program must be listed on the Program of Study (CRMJ 5000, 5010, 5020, and 5030). Elective courses may be listed on the Program of Study at that time, if known, but this is not required. Elective courses will be listed on the Application for Admission to Candidacy (see below) when the student applies for graduation or prior to applying for graduation. Students must list on the Program of Study form (where courses are listed) whether a comprehensive exam is required or not, i.e., comprehensive exam required or comprehensive exam not required.
The courses listed on the Program of Study must be thoughtfully considered, as they dictate the academic courses necessary for partial fulfillment of the degree requirements. Students in conjunction with their advisors must pay special attention to include those courses required by the degree program.
Admission to Candidacy
Admission to a graduate degree program allows the student to demonstrate ability but does not guarantee the right to continue toward a degree unless he or she is admitted to candidacy.
Each degree seeking graduate student must complete and file an Application for Candidacy, Certificate Award and Graduation, (form GS #103), at least one semester prior to the semester of his/her anticipated graduation. For example, if a student anticipates graduating in May of a given year, the student must file form GS#103 in fall preceding the anticipated May graduation. The Application for Candidacy, Certificate Award and Graduation form can be found at http://www.utc.edu/Administration/GraduateSchool/CurrentStudentForms.php.
In order to be eligible for admission to candidacy, the student must
have a cumulative 3.0 GPA or better on all courses taken for graduate
credit and have completed prerequisite and designated courses (CRMJ 5000, 5010, 5020, and 5030) as
required by the major department or school and no grade below a C.
In addition, some departments require that applicants for admission to
candidacy successfully complete a qualifying examination prior to
admission to candidacy for the degree. Please refer to the appropriate
department for specific information regarding qualifying examination
requirements or other departmental requirements for admission to
candidacy. Professional and ethical fitness may also be a factor in
granting candidacy.
On the application, any changes in the core courses listed in the student’s Program of Study and all electives completed and those which the student plans to complete to fulfill requirements for the degree must be listed. The application, signed by the student, reviewed and signed by the major adviser and approved by the coordinator of the graduate program, must be submitted to The Graduate School office and approved by the dean of The Graduate School at least one semester prior to the date on which the degree is anticipated. It is the approved Program of Study and Application for Candidacy forms, rather than any examples that may appear in the Graduate Catalog, which will constitute the student’s graduation requirements.
A student who fails to submit a candidacy form at least one semester before his/her anticipated graduation will not be guaranteed consideration for graduation.
Time Limit of Candidacy Program
All credit applied toward a graduate degree must be earned within a six (6)-year period beginning with the registration for the earliest course counted. Students can petition to the Graduate Coordinator for an extension of the candidacy period. The petition must layout in details the student’s plans to complete the program. A committee of active graduate faculty within the department will review the petition. If approved, the student’s candidacy will be extended for a period not to exceed one (1) year. The Graduate Council will be promptly notified, in writing, of the appeal and the results.
