UNMC Graduate Studies Bulletin

Transcription

1 UNMC Graduate Studies Bulletin Academic Year

2 Table of Contents FROM THE DEAN... 5 GRADUATE STUDIES CALENDAR: ACADEMIC YEAR Fall Semester Spring Semester Summer UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA GOVERNANCE... 8 Board of Regents... 8 University of Nebraska Central Administration... 8 UNMC Administration... 8 UNMC Administrative Units... 8 UNMC Academic Resource Units... 9 Graduate College Governance... 9 Graduate College Administration... 9 University-wide... 9 UNMC... 9 ADMISSION TO THE GRADUATE COLLEGE Admission Requirements Graduate Record Examination (GRE) International Students Application for Admission Acceptance of Senior Credits Admission Status Full Graduate Standing Provisional Status Non degree-seeking Status (Unclassified Students) SCHOLARSHIP REQUIREMENTS Grading System Grades of Incomplete Grade Point Averages Transfer of Credit General Scholarship Requirements REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATE DEGREES General Requirements for the Master of Science (M.S.) Degree Residence and Time Requirements Advisor and Advisory Committee Program of Studies and Individual Development Plan (IDP) Options for the M.S. Degree Examinations Requirements for Completion of the M.S. Degree in a Given Semester General Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Degree Residence and Time Requirements

3 Course Requirements Research Requirements Qualifying Procedure Supervisor and Supervisory Committee Program of Studies and Individual Development Plan (IDP) Comprehensive Examination and Admission to Candidacy Dissertation and Final Oral Exam (Dissertation Defense) Requirements for Completion of the Ph.D. Degree in a Given Semester GENERAL INFORMATION Registration Tuition and Fees Tuition for Graduate Nursing Courses Tuition for All Other Graduate Courses Tuition Remission for Graduate Assistants Tuition Refund Policy Miscellaneous Fees and Charges Special Service Fees Deposits (refundable) Application for the Diploma Convocation and Commencement Audit Drops, Adds and Withdrawals During the first 7 calendar days of the semester After the first week of the semester, but before 70% of the course has been completed After 70% of a course has been completed Students withdrawing from the University Employment and Registration Maximum Registration (credit hours) Full-time Status Intercampus Registration Nebraska Resident Status Interstate Reciprocity Agreement for Graduate Education Students Holding a Graduate Teaching or Research Assistantship Services for Veterans Financial Assistance Loans Assistantships Fellowships and Traineeships Student Rights and Responsibilities Access to Student Records General Procedures for Student Discipline Actions Academic Integrity and Professional Conduct GUIDELINES FOR GRADUATE ASSISTANT WORK AND STUDY ACADEMIC AND GRADE APPEALS I. Introduction II. Intercampus Students III. Appeal of Matters other than Grades IV. Grade Appeals

4 GRADUATE STUDENT GRIEVANCE RESOLUTION PROCEDURE STUDENT SERVICES Health Services for Students Counseling & Student Development Center Student Ombudsperson Educational Resources Accommodation of Students with Disabilities STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS Graduate Student Association Medical Center Student Senate Establishing a New Student Organization PROGRAMS & COURSES Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Graduate Program Graduate Committee Requirements for the M.S. and Ph.D. Degrees Course Offerings in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BIOC) Biomedical Informatics Graduate Program Joint UNO/UNMC Curriculum Committee Graduate Committee (UNMC) Requirements for the M.S. and Ph.D. Degrees Course Offerings in Biomedical Informatics (BMI) Biomedical Research Training Program Courses Offered by the Biomedical Research Training Program (BRTP) Biostatistics Graduate Program Graduate Committee Requirements for the Ph.D. Degree Course Offerings in Biostatistics (BIOS) Cancer Research Graduate Program Graduate Committee Requirements for the M.S. and Ph.D. Degrees Course Offerings in Cancer Research (CRGP) Cellular & Integrative Physiology Graduate Program Graduate Committee Requirements for the M.S. and Ph.D. Degrees Course Offerings in Cellular and Integrative Physiology (CIP) Emergency Preparedness Graduate Program Graduate Committee Environmental Health, Occupational Health & Toxicology Graduate Program Graduate Committee Requirements for the Ph.D. Degree Course Offerings in Environmental Health, Occupational Health & Toxicology (ENV) Epidemiology Graduate Program Graduate Committee Requirements for the Ph.D. Degree Course Offerings in Epidemiology (EPI) Genetics, Cell Biology & Anatomy Graduate Program Graduate Committee Requirements for the M.S. and Ph.D. Degrees Course Offerings in Genetics, Cell Biology & Anatomy (GCBA)

5 Health Promotion & Disease Prevention Research Graduate Program Graduate Committee Requirements for the Ph.D. Degree Course Offerings in Health Promotion & Disease Prevention Research (HPRO) Health Services Research, Administration & Policy Graduate Program Graduate Committee Requirements for the Ph.D. Degree Course Offerings in Health Services Research, Administration & Policy (HSRA) Medical Sciences Interdepartmental Area Graduate Program Graduate Committee Requirements for the M.S. and Ph.D. Degrees Course offerings in the Medical Sciences Interdepartmental Area (MSIA) Course Offerings in Clinical & Translational Research (CTR) Course Offerings in Cytology (CYTO) Course Offerings in Genetics, Cell Biology & Anatomy (GCBA) Course Offerings in Emergency Medicine (EMED) Course Offerings in Family Medicine (FMED) Courses Offerings in Health Psychology (HPSY) Course Offerings in Internal Medicine (IMED) Course Offerings in Medical Nutrition (MNED) Courses Offered by the Monroe Meyer Institute (MMI) Course Offerings in Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGY) Course Offerings in Oral Biology (OBIO) Course offerings in Orthopedic Surgery (ORTH) Course Offerings in Pediatrics (PEDS) Course Offerings in Pharmacology & Experimental Neuroscience (PHAR) Course Offerings in Physical Therapy Education (PHYT) Course Offerings in Psychiatry (PSYC) Course Offerings in Radiology (RADI) Course Offerings in Surgery (SURG) Nursing Graduate Program Graduate Committee Requirements for the Ph.D. Degree Course Offerings in Nursing (NRSG) - Full course descriptions available on College of Nursing website Pathology and Microbiology Graduate Program Graduate Committee Requirements for the M.S. and Ph.D. Degrees Course Offerings in Pathology and Microbiology (PAMM) Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Program Graduate Committee Requirements for the Ph.D., M.D./Ph.D., and M.S. Degrees Courses in Pharmaceutical Sciences (PHSC) Pharmacology & Experimental Neuroscience Graduate Program Graduate Committee Requirements for the Ph.D. Degree Course Offerings in Pharmacology & Experimental Neuroscience (PHAR)

6 From the Dean To students: Many recent evaluations of educational activities in the United States have been directed at primary and secondary programs, as well as the need for better teaching in baccalaureate programs. Relatively little is said about post baccalaureate activities. The thrust of these comments has been to remind us that it is really on the post baccalaureate programs that the future success of all the other programs depend. Regardless of the level of sophistication of the educational enterprise, if graduate programs fail to produce highly qualified and highly motivated individuals, many of the teaching, research, and administrative activities of the future will fail. Although all of the functions undertaken by the recipients of the Master s and Doctor of Philosophy degrees are extremely important, contribution of original ideas to the pool of knowledge may be most important. Indeed, the hallmark of graduate education should be the development of the intellectual resources to conduct original research and to communicate the results of this activity to one s colleagues. In a very real sense the conduct of original research is a service to our local communities as well as to the broader, world-wide community because these efforts increase our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Through these efforts of discovery, the scholar- teacher enhances our well-being. The graduate programs available to you at the University of Nebraska Medical Center are diverse. They will encompass very basic laboratory science as well as important research-oriented patient care opportunities. Despite this diversity, all of the programs will: 1. Allow the student to acquire the basic background knowledge on which to build, and 2. Afford the student the opportunity to develop original ideas in his/her chosen area of study. These activities will involve more than traditional classroom exercises. In general, the programs are flexible. The flexibility and diversity of graduate activities obviate the traditional lock-step style of curriculum experienced in most undergraduate and professional programs. Indeed the graduate student must be involved in the development of his or her own curriculum. The challenge of new discovery, communication of ideas, and service to society is before us. Best of luck in your pursuits! James B. Turpen, Ph.D. Executive Associate Dean for Graduate Studies 5

7 Graduate Studies Calendar: Academic Year (The detailed Academic Calendar showing information for all UNMC Colleges can be found at Subject to change without notice. Fall Semester 2015 Deadline to file for December graduation October 10, 2015 Orientation for new international students August 13, 14 & 17, 2015 Graduate Studies Matriculation Ceremony August 19, 2015 Orientation/Registration for ALL new students August 20, 2015 First day of classes August 24, 2015 Last day to ADD/DROP classes August 30, 2015 Labor Day holiday September 7, 2015 Fall Break October 19 20, 2015 Last day to WITHDRAW from classes November 13, 2015 (Withdrawal from a class between Aug. 30 and Nov. 13 th results in the class appearing on the transcript with a grade of W ) Thanksgiving holiday November 26-28, 2015 Graduate Studies Honors Convocation December 17, 2015 Last day of classes including exams December 18, 2015 UNMC Commencement (Omaha) December 18, 2015 Spring Semester 2016 Deadline to file for May graduation February 10, 2016 First day of classes January 11, 2016 Last day to ADD/DROP classes January 17, 2016 Martin Luther King Day holiday January 18, 2016 Inter-professional Education (IPE) Day February 10, 2016 Spring Break March 20-27, 2016 Last day to WITHDRAW from classes April 1, 2016 (Withdrawal from a class between Jan. 17 th and Apr. 1 st results in the class appearing on the transcript with a grade of W ) Last day of classes including exams May 6, 2016 UNMC Commencement (Kearney, Norfolk) May 5, 2016 UNMC Commencement (Lincoln) May 6, 2016 Graduate Studies Honors Convocation May 5, 2016 UNMC Commencement (Omaha, Scottsbluff) May 7, 2016 Summer 2016 Deadline to file for August Graduation June 10, 2016 Eight Week Session: First day of classes May 16, 2016 Last day to ADD/DROP classes May 22, 2016 Memorial Day holiday May 30, 2016 Last day to WITHDRAW from classes June 22, 2016 (Withdrawal from a class between May 22 nd and June 22 nd results in the class appearing on the transcript with a grade of W ) 6

8 Last day of classes July 8, 1016 First Five-Week Session: First day of classes June 6, 2016 Last day to ADD/DROP classes June 12, 2016 Last day to WITHDRAW from classes June 29, 2016 (Withdrawal from a class between June 12 th and June 29 th results in the class appearing on the transcript with a grade of W ) Independence Day holiday July 4, 2016 Last day of classes July 8, 2016 Second Five-Week Session: First day of classes July 11, 2016 Last day to ADD/DROP classes July 17, 2016 Last day to WITHDRAW from classes August 3, 2016 (Withdrawal from a class between July 17 th and August 3 rd results in the class appearing on the transcript with a grade of W ) Last day of classes August 12, 2016 UNMC Graduation (no ceremony) August 19,

9 University of Nebraska Governance The University of Nebraska is composed of four major administrative units: the University of Nebraska-Kearney (UNK), the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL), the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), and the University of Nebraska- Omaha (UNO). Each of the four major units is led by a Chancellor who reports to the University President. The University is ultimately governed by a twelve-member Board of Regents who insures that the Institution fulfills its role and mission of providing quality instruction, research, and public service for the citizens of the state. Board of Regents Timothy Clare, J.D., District 1 Howard Hawks, District 2 Jim Pillen, D.V.M., District 3 Bob Whitehouse, District 4 Robert M. Schafer, J.D., District 5 Kent Schroeder, J.D., District 6 Bob Phares, District 7 Hal Daub, J.D., District 8 Evan Calhoun, Student Regent, UNK Thien Chau, Student Regent, UNL Andrew Shaw, Student Regent, UNMC (President, UNMC Student Senate) Brock Lewis, Student Regent, UNO University of Nebraska Central Administration Hank M. Bounds, Ph.D., President Susan M. Fritz, Ph.D., Executive Vice President and Provost David E. Lechner, Senior Vice President for Business & Finance Sharon Stephan, Vice President for University Affairs Joel D. Pedersen, J.D., Vice President and General Counsel Ronnie Green, Ph.D., Vice President and Harlan Vice Chancellor for Agriculture & Natural Resources Douglas A. Kristensen, J.D., Chancellor, University of Nebraska-Kearney Harvey S. Perlman, J.D., Chancellor, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D., Chancellor, University of Nebraska Medical Center John Christensen, Ph.D., Chancellor, University of Nebraska-Omaha UNMC Administration Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D., Chancellor H. Dele Davies, M.D., M.Sc., M.H.C.M., Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Deborah L. Thomas, MPH, Interim Vice Chancellor for Business and Finance Robert D. Bartee, M.A., Vice Chancellor for External Affairs Jennifer L. Larsen, M.D., Vice Chancellor for Research UNMC Administrative Units H. Dele Davies, M.D., M.Sc., M.H.C.M., Dean for Graduate Studies Kenneth H. Cowan, M.D., Ph.D., Director, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer & Allied Diseases; Director, Eppley Cancer Center/Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center Michael Liebowitz, Ph.D., Director, Munroe-Meyer Institute Kyle P. Meyer, P.T., M.S., Ph.D., Senior Associate Dean, College of Allied Health Professions Janet Guthmiller, D.D.S., Ph.D., Dean, College of Dentistry Bradley E. Britigan, M.D., Dean, College of Medicine 8

10 Juliann G. Sebastian, R.N., Ph.D., Dean, College of Nursing Courtney V. Fletcher, Pharm. D., Dean, College of Pharmacy Ali S. Khan, M.D., M.P.H, Dean, College of Public Health UNMC Academic Resource Units James B. Turpen, Ph.D., Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Ernest D. Prentice, Ph.D., Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Regulatory Affairs Cheryl Thompson, Ph.D., Assistant Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Chief Student Affairs Officer & Student Judicial Officer Yvette A. Holly, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Information Technology Services David S. Carver, Ph.D., Director, Counseling & Student Development Center Channing Bunch, M.B.A., Director, Recruitment & Student Engagement Emily J. McElroy, M.D., Director, Leon S. McGoogan Library of Medicine Graduate College Governance The Graduate College of the University of Nebraska is a system-wide college with programs administered on each of the four major administrative units of the University of Nebraska. The Dean of the Graduate College, in conjunction with an Executive Graduate Council representing the Graduate Faculty, is responsible for the College's activities. Graduate educational programs are offered at UNK, UNL, UNMC and UNO through separate Graduate Studies divisions each led by a Dean for Graduate Studies. Each campus Dean reports to both the Chancellor of the campus and to the Dean of the Graduate College. Information on the graduate programs on the other campuses should be requested from the campus Graduate Studies Office. As part of the system-wide Graduate College, the Graduate Studies programs at UNMC offer advanced instruction leading to the Master's and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in health-related areas. The UNMC Dean for Graduate Studies, in conjunction with the UNMC Graduate Council elected from the UNMC Graduate Faculty, is responsible for Graduate College activities at the Medical Center. Graduate College Administration University-wide Susan M. Fritz, Executive Vice President and Provost Kenya S. Taylor, Ph.D., Dean for Graduate Studies and Research, University of Nebraska-Kearney Lance C. Pérez, Ph.D., Dean for Graduate Studies, University of Nebraska-Lincoln H. Dele Davies, M.D., M.Sc., M.H.C.M., Dean for Graduate Studies, University of Nebraska Medical Center Deborah Smith-Howell, Ph.D., Dean for Graduate Studies, University of Nebraska-Omaha UNMC H. Dele Davies, M.D., M.Sc., M.H.C.M., Dean for Graduate Studies James B. Turpen, Ph.D., Executive Associate Dean for Graduate Studies Jialin Zheng, M.D., Ph.D., Associate Dean for Graduate Studies; Director, Asia Pacific Rim Development Program Iqbal Ahmad, Ph.D. Associate Dean for Graduate Studies Postdoctoral Affairs Pamela K. Carmines, Ph.D., Assistant Dean for Graduate Studies Engagement & Assessment Terri Vadovski, Director of Graduate Studies 9

11 Admission to the Graduate College In accordance with University Policy, UNMC prohibits the denial of admission or of Medical Center privileges to students or applicants on the basis of individual characteristics such as race, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, religious or political beliefs or sexual orientation. These privileges include but are not limited to admission, class assignments, scholarships, fellowships, assistantships, and financial aid, as well as housing and recreational facilities. Furthermore, student organizations must base their selection of students for membership on criteria which will not exclude students based upon individual characteristics such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or sexual orientation. Applicants must hold the minimum of a baccalaureate degree or equivalent from a recognized college or university. Specific requirements for admission to a graduate program with full graduate standing are listed in the departmental sections. In general, admission to graduate programs requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 based on a four-point scale. The qualification for admission to and graduation from the various programs of graduate study is dependent upon possession of the following technical standards: 1. The intellectual capacity to meet curricular requirements. 2. Physical ability to pursue administration, teaching and/or independent research. 3. The ability to communicate effectively with mentors, peers and other professionals in the academic community. 4. Sufficient emotional stability to permit management of the demands associated with the pursuit of professional activities. These technical standards are minimum requirements for participation in UNMC graduate programs that require significant laboratory or research-oriented activities. Individuals wishing to participate in programs with requirements for patient care or patient contact must have technical standards defined individually. (UNMC policies are in accord with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Sections 799A and 854 of the Public Health Services Act.) Admission Requirements The Graduate College is open to graduates of all the colleges of this University and to graduates of other universities and colleges of recognized standing whose requirements for graduation are substantially the same as those in the corresponding college of this University. Persons who have completed the requirements for, but have not yet received, the bachelor's degree may register in the Graduate College provisionally. Admissions by the Dean for Graduate Studies to pursue graduate work are limited to the number that can best be handled to the advantage of the college and the students. Preference is given to residents of Nebraska, to individuals who wish to pursue study that can be adequately supported by UNMC resources, and to those who have adequate preparation and time for their proposed program. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Applicants for admission are advised that their scores on the GRE constitute a desirable credential to submit in applying for admission and may be required for admission to certain programs. Scores on the General Test and any appropriate Advanced Test of the GRE must be received before the application can be considered. Arrangements to take the GRE may be made through the Educational Testing Service, CN6000, Princeton, NJ Official score reports are required. Photocopies will not be accepted. Under no circumstances will we accept GRE scores that are more than five years old. The ETS Institution Code for the UNMC Graduate College is International Students Applicants from foreign countries where English is not the primary language must present official TOEFL or IELTS scores and official scores on the GRE. For the TOEFL, a score of at least 550 on the paper-based exam or 80 on the internet-based exam is required. The minimum acceptable IELTS band score is Waivers of this requirement can be granted to international applicants who have been enrolled in a degree-granting program at a U.S. university inside the U.S. for at least one academic year, or attendance at a university in a country where the only official language is English, such as U.K., Australia or Canada (excluding Quebec). Evaluation for a waiver of the English language proficiency exam is not determined by the prevalence of spoken English in a country or the language of instruction at a university. Under no circumstances will we accept TOEFL or IELTS scores that are more than two years old. 10

12 Scores on the General Test and any appropriate Advanced Test of the GRE (see above) must be received before the application can be considered. Official score reports from the Educational Testing Service are required. Photocopies will not be accepted. The ETS Institution Code for the UNMC Graduate College is Application for Admission Applications for admission must be submitted online. The application, a $45 application fee, three letters of recommendation, a narrative describing the applicant s career goals, a felony disclosure statement and official transcripts of each intuition previously attended. Students applying late may encounter delays in admission and may not be able to register for the desired session. Transcripts and all other materials submitted in support of an application become the permanent property of the University and will not be returned. Acceptance of Senior Credits Seniors at an accredited institution who have obtained in advance the approval of the Dean for Graduate Studies may receive up to 12 hours of credit for graduate courses taken at any campus of the University of Nebraska, in addition to the courses necessary to complete their undergraduate work. Such credits must be earned within the twelve months prior to receipt of the baccalaureate. Seniors in this University needing not more than nine hours of undergraduate credit to complete the bachelor s degree and wishing to register for graduate credit may be granted provisional admission to the Graduate College subject to receiving their baccalaureate degrees within one calendar year. Applicants requesting acceptance of senior credits must follow the regular admission procedures. If admitted, such registration may count as residence in the Graduate College. Course work taken for graduate credit at this institution prior to receipt of the baccalaureate degree may not always be accepted for transfer to other institutions as graduate work. Students admitted to professional colleges at the University of Nebraska may enroll in up to a total of nine credit hours of graduate-level courses (800- and 900-series) as electives in the professional curriculum with the approval of the dean of the professional college, the instructors for the graduate courses, and the Dean for Graduate Studies. In exceptional circumstances, registrations above nine credit hours may be permitted subject to the same approval. Admission Status Graduate students will be admitted to the following categories: Full Graduate Standing Students who have met the minimum requirements for admission and who have been accepted by a department or interdepartmental degree program for work leading to a graduate degree. Provisional Status Students who show potential for successful graduate work but have deficiencies in prerequisite course work or other admission stipulations. Students with Provisional Status cannot become candidates for a degree unless they are recommended for Full Graduate Standing by the cognizant Graduate Committee. Non degree-seeking Status (Unclassified Students) Students who satisfy minimum Admission Requirements and desire to complete a minimum of course work without a degree objective. Typically, such students wish to take graduate courses for professional growth, improvement of skills, or transfer of course credits to a degree program at another institution, but do not anticipate working for an advanced degree at UNMC. Registration as an unclassified student is subject to the following conditions: 1. The student must comply with all requirements for admission to the Graduate College including submitting all official transcripts before the application can be fully processed. 2. Registration for each course taken as an unclassified student is subject to the approval of the course instructor and the Dean for Graduate Studies. In courses with limited enrollment, preference is given to degree-seeking students with full graduate standing. 3. Re-admittance as an unclassified student for the purpose of enrolling in an additional course is required for each subsequent semester. Re-admittance is contingent upon the student maintaining the same academic standards as regular graduate students. Should an unclassified student subsequently desire to pursue an advanced degree, he/she may change from unclassified to full graduate standing by submission of a complete application to the Graduate College as a degree-seeking student and admission into an appropriate program by the Dean for Graduate Studies. Appropriate credits earned in the unclassified 11

13 status may be used to fulfill graduate degree requirements only if approved by the program Graduate Committee, the student s Advisory/Supervisory Committee, and the Dean for Graduate Studies. No more than one-third of the course work applied toward a graduate degree may be taken as an unclassified student. 12

14 Grading System Scholarship Requirements Graduate students are graded by letter grades as follows: A+, A, A, B+, B, B, C+, C, C, D+, D, D, P (Pass), F (Fail), W (Withdrew), and I (Incomplete; see below). Only a Pass/Fail grade is to be used for research projects, thesis or dissertation work. The following quality points are given for courses completed: Grade Quality Points Grade Quality Points Grade Quality Points Grade Quality Points A+ 4.0 B C D A 4.0 B 3.0 C 2.0 D 1.0 A 3.67 B 2.67 C 1.6 D F 0.0 Grades of Incomplete The grade of Incomplete is to be used by an instructor at the end of a term to designate incomplete work in a course. It is used when a student, due to extenuating circumstances such as illness, military service, hardship or death in the immediate family, is unable to complete the requirements of the course in the term in which the student is registered for credit. A grade of Incomplete is given only if a student has already substantially completed the major requirements of a course. Each instructor must judge each situation. The instructor must indicate by a departmental record, with a copy to the student, how and by when the Incomplete is to be removed, and if he/she is at the University at the time of the removal, supervise the makeup work and report the permanent grade. In the event that the instructor is not available at the time of the student s application for removal of an Incomplete, the department chairperson shall supervise the removal of the Incomplete and turn in the permanent grade for the student. Grades of Incomplete must be completed within one semester after they have been awarded or they will be automatically changed to a grade of F. Any extensions to the one-semester time frame must be arranged with the Dean for Graduate Studies prior to the Incomplete being changed to a grade of F. A student with two or more current grades of Incomplete will not be permitted to enroll in any new courses until the number of current Incomplete grades becomes less than two. All grades of Incomplete on courses that are part of the degree requirements must be removed at least one month before the final oral/written examination for the Master s or Ph.D. degree. Grade Point Averages The grade point average (GPA) is determined by multiplying the quality points earned in each graduate-level course by the number of credit hours for that course, adding the products for all courses, and then dividing the sum by the total number of credit hours in which quality points were earned. Grades of Pass are not used in determining grade point averages. The cumulative GPA is calculated based on grades earned in graduate-level courses specified in the student s Program of Study and completed on any University of Nebraska campus. A student may repeat a course in which he/she has previously received an unsatisfactory grade with the approval of the student s Advisor/Supervisor, course instructor, and the Dean for Graduate Studies. A student registering for such a course should notify the Office of Academic Records of re-registration in the course. Both grades will appear on the transcript but only the last grade will be used in determining the grade point average. Transfer of Credit All graduate credits to be counted toward the satisfaction of degree requirements including all transfer credits must be approved and recommended by the Graduate Committee of the student s major department or area. Not less than 50 percent of the course work required for any graduate degree must be completed at the University of Nebraska. No graduate credit will be accepted for transfer unless earned at an institution fully accredited to offer graduate work; nor should the student expect any graduate credits to be transferred unless the Graduate Committee evaluates the quality 13

15 and suitability as equal or superior to offerings available at the University of Nebraska. Students should order official transcripts of graduate work taken elsewhere at least one semester before the student intends to graduate. Transcripts should be sent to the Graduate Studies Office, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska General Scholarship Requirements A student failing to receive a minimum acceptable grade in a course for graduate credit may not continue his/her program of studies without permission of the Advisory/Supervisory Committee or the program Graduate Committee. The committee's decision, along with an appropriate explanation and justification, must be filed in the Graduate Studies Office. To receive credit in didactic and seminar-type graduate level courses, it is expected that students will perform at the level of B or above in any course that is offered for graduate credit. A minimum grade of C may be acceptable for graduate level courses, but receipt of two grades of C may be cause for dismissal. Any grade below C is not acceptable for graduate credit and may be cause for dismissal. A student who fails to maintain an overall grade point average of at least 3.0 in any given semester will automatically be on academic probation and may not continue his/her program of study without special permission of the Dean for Graduate Studies acting on the recommendation of the appropriate Graduate Committee or Advisory/Supervisory Committee. The recommendation must include a review of the student s status and a program of remediation. To continue in the Graduate Studies program, the student must remove the probationary status (i.e., return to an overall 3.0 grade point average) within the next twelve (12) months. Because research activities comprise a major part of the endeavors of graduate students, excellence in research is expected of all students. Therefore, a failing grade in any research or non-research activity or non-didactic course (non-thesis research, Master s Thesis, Doctoral Dissertation, or Practicum) may be grounds for dismissal. The above minimum scholarship requirements apply to ALL students enrolled in ANY course for graduate credit. Additional requirements may exist for certain graduate programs and departments as set forth in the Programs and Courses section of this Bulletin, at websites maintained by each program, or in documents provided to students at the time of admission. 14

16 Requirements for Graduate Degrees The general requirements for the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees conferred upon the recommendation of the Graduate College are discussed below. Students must also become familiar with any additional requirements established for their specific program. Such requirements are set forth under the Programs and Courses section of the Graduate Studies Bulletin and in program descriptions that may be provided to students at the time of their admission. Many of the requirements detailed below are accomplished/reported by the student via Seguidor, UNMC s online graduate student information system. Detailed degree requirement timelines, together with procedures and documentation instructions, can be found at the UNMC Graduate Studies website. General Requirements for the Master of Science (M.S.) Degree Residence and Time Requirements At least 50% of the required course work must be completed on the campuses of the University of Nebraska after the student has been formally admitted and registered in the Graduate College. Appropriate courses may be taken in departments located on other campuses of the University of Nebraska. The work required for the M.S. degree must be completed within 5 consecutive calendar years. Advisor and Advisory Committee The Graduate Program Director (chair of the program s Graduate Committee) shall serve as the student s temporary advisor until appointment of a permanent Advisor (mentor). The permanent Advisor, who chairs the student s Advisory Committee, must be a member of the Graduate Faculty. The Advisory Committee consists of 3 or more members, including the Advisor, selected by the program s Graduate Committee and formally approved by the Dean for Graduate Studies (via Seguidor). The Advisory Committee acts on behalf of, and reports to, the program Graduate Committee. The Advisory Committee must be appointed within 6 months after matriculation (8 months for part-time students), and is responsible for supervising the student s work toward earning the M.S. degree. In order to assure that the student receives routine guidance, the Advisory Committee must meet with the student at least once every 6 months. Program of Studies and Individual Development Plan (IDP) Within 4 months after matriculation (6 months for part-time students), the student and his/her Advisor (or temporary advisor) must prepare and submit to the Graduate Studies Office a draft Program of Studies that includes designation of all required courses, options for electives, and the general area of research for the thesis (if applicable; see below). Upon revision, if necessary, an Advisory Committee-approved Program of Studies must be submitted to the Graduate Studies Office within 7 months after matriculation (9 months for part-time students). The Program of Studies is considered to be a living document; however, any changes in the program or in the thesis topic (if applicable) must be approved by the Advisory Committee and the action reported to the Graduate Studies Office. As a supplement to the academic and career guidance provided by his/her Advisor and Advisory Committee, each M.S. student must complete an IDP within 1 year after matriculation. The student should consult with the Graduate Program Director to identify the specific IDP that must be utilized. Documentation that the student has completed an IDP must be submitted to the Graduate Program Director. Options for the M.S. Degree The Graduate College, except in programs where such a choice is not given, offers the M.S. degree under two options: Thesis or Non-Thesis. In choosing an option, students should be guided by the type of training that is appropriate for their academic, professional and career goals. Course requirements for the M.S. degree under either option may be met (1) with approved courses selected from those offered in any department that has been approved to offer an M.S. degree, or (2) by approved courses selected from those offered in some field of study within a specific department or group of departments that has been approved by the Graduate Council. Thesis Option The Thesis Option should be chosen by M.S. students who are preparing for careers in research and scholarly work. The Thesis Option requires completion of a Master s Thesis in the candidate s research area. Regular participation in the seminar program of the major area of study is also required. Course requirements: 15

17 If a graduate program has an established Thesis Option core curriculum, students admitted to that program must meet only the course requirements for that program. For programs without an established core curriculum, Thesis Option students must complete at least 6 graduate courses that are graded (not pass/fail). No more than 3 of these courses may be "introductory" courses (800-level, with 600-level or lower counterparts). The program s Graduate Committee or the student s Advisory Committee may also require the student to complete various techniques courses, language courses, research courses, special topics, etc.; however, none of these courses may be used to meet the requirements for the 6 graduate courses. All M.S. students pursuing the Thesis Option must pass both a Comprehensive Exam and a Final Oral Exam (thesis defense; see Examinations, below). The Comprehensive Exam must occur no more than 10 months before completing degree requirements and at least 3 weeks before the Final Oral Exam. The subject of the Master s Thesis must be approved by the program Graduate Committee. The thesis work should reveal a capacity to carry on independent study or research and should demonstrate the student s ability to use the techniques employed in the field of investigation. The Thesis must conform to the style accepted at UNMC, as detailed in the Thesis & Graduation Instructions for M.S. Students. Candidates are encouraged to submit data contained in the Thesis for publication before completion of the degree requirements. The Master s Thesis must be presented in final form to the student s Advisor at least 4 weeks before the thesis defense (Final Oral Exam) and at least 6 weeks before Commencement. Any necessary revisions to the thesis must be completed, and the final document approved by the student s Advisor, before distribution to the student s Advisory Committee (at least 2 weeks before the Final Oral Exam). The Final Oral Exam must take place at least 2 weeks prior to Commencement. When the Final Oral Exam has been completed successfully, the final version of the Master s Thesis must be submitted electronically to the DigitalCommons@UNMC no later than 1 week prior to Commencement. Non-Thesis Option The Non-Thesis Option is offered in certain departments upon the advice and with the approval of the student s Advisor and the program Graduate Committee. This option permits more intensive work in formal courses and does not require a thesis or a Final Oral Exam. Regular participation in the seminar program of the major area of study is required. Non-Thesis students must complete a Comprehensive Exam (see Examinations, below) no more than 10 months before completing degree requirements and at least 2 weeks before Commencement. Course requirements: If a graduate program has an established Non-Thesis Option core curriculum, students admitted to that program must meet only the course requirements for that program. For programs without an established core curriculum, Non-Thesis Option students must complete 11 graduate courses, 4 of which may be "introductory" courses (800-level, with 600-level or lower counterparts). Because the Non-Thesis Option is not a research degree, no more than 2 of the 11 courses may be Research Other Than Thesis. Graduation Instructions for Non-Thesis M.S. Students are available online, providing guidance for these students as they approach the end of their degree program. Students who have earned the Non-thesis M.S. degree and later elect to pursue the Ph.D. degree must give evidence of ability to conduct independent research, which may require them to spend more than the minimum time in completing the requirements for the doctoral degree. Examinations A written and/or oral Comprehensive Examination is required to cover each M.S. student s approved Program of Study. The nature and format of the exam is specified by the Graduate Committee overseeing the program in which the student is enrolled. The Comprehensive Exam must be taken no sooner than 10 months prior to the completion of degree requirements. At least 2 weeks prior to the exam, the student must request (via Seguidor) scheduling of the Comprehensive Exam and provide the names of the Examining Committee members. The exam can be administered only after the request is approved by the Graduate Program Director and Dean for Graduate Studies. The Examining Committee must report (via Seguidor) the results within 7 days after completion of the exam. Thesis Option students also must compete a Final Oral Exam (thesis defense), which cannot be scheduled until they have passed the Comprehensive Exam. The Examining Committee for the Final Oral Exam shall consist of at least 3 members (typically, the student's Advisory Committee). One member of the Examining Committee must be Graduate Faculty (typically, the student s Advisor). At least 2 weeks prior to the anticipated date of the exam, the student must (via Seguidor) create the Examining Committee and submit the official request to schedule the Final Oral Exam. The student may complete the Final 16

18 Oral Exam only upon approval by the program Graduate Committee and Dean for Graduate Studies. The Examining Committee must report the results (via Seguidor) within 7 days after completion of the exam. (Note: Because the Examining Committee has 7 days to report the results of the Comprehensive Exam, and requests to schedule the Final Oral Exam must be submitted at least 2 weeks prior to that exam, Thesis Option M.S. students should not plan to take the Final Oral Exam until at least 3 weeks after completing the Comprehensive Exam.) If more than one member of the Examining Committee recommends failure in a Comprehensive Exam or Final Oral Exam, the student shall be considered to have failed the examination. In the event of failure, the Examining Committee shall recommend to the Dean for Graduate Studies whether the student should be given the option of retaking the examination and, if so, the committee shall identify general areas of weakness that require special attention and any specific remedial actions that the student should complete prior to re-examination. This information must be transmitted in writing to the student. No student shall be permitted to take either the Comprehensive Exam or Final Oral Exam more than twice, and the student must wait a minimum of 3 months before retaking the examination. The same committee shall administer the reexamination unless the Graduate Committee responsible for the student s program recommends and the Dean for Graduate Studies approves a substitution. Requirements for Completion of the M.S. Degree in a Given Semester Students who expect to complete degree requirements within a given semester must file an application for the diploma and pay the non-refundable $50 fee by the date specified in the current academic calendar (generally, October 1 for December graduation, February 1 for May graduation, and June 1 for August graduation). Thesis Option students: Students who have passed the Final Oral Exam must have successfully uploaded their Master s Thesis to the DigitalCommons@UNMC and must submit the following documents to the Graduate Studies Office no later than 1 week prior to Commencement: Report on Master s Degree form, and the Certificates of Completion for 2 online surveys (Convocation & Accomplishments Survey, and the Graduate Program Effectiveness & Student Satisfaction Survey). Non-Thesis Option students: The following graduation documentation must be submitted to the Graduate Studies Office no later than 1 week prior to Commencement: Report on Master s Degree form, and the Certificates of Completion for 2 online surveys (Convocation & Accomplishments Survey, and Graduate Program Effectiveness & Student Satisfaction Survey). The timeline and procedures necessary to ensure student progress toward the M.S. degree can be found at General Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Degree Residence and Time Requirements The Graduate College has established a residence requirement for the purpose of ensuring that the Ph.D. program should be reasonably compact, continuous, coherent, and that a substantial portion be done at the University of Nebraska or under supervision of the faculty of the University of Nebraska. For any student beginning a Ph.D. program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, the residency requirement is that at least 50% of the course requirements (other than dissertation) be completed within a consecutive 18-month period, with the further provision that the courses be taken after receipt of the M.S. degree or its equivalent. In exceptional circumstances, when it is clear that the purpose of residence will be fulfilled although the above formal conditions are not met, the student's Supervisory Committee may, with the approval of the Dean for Graduate Studies, recommend alternative procedures for satisfying the residence requirements. The plan for satisfying residence requirements shall be a part of the student's approved Program of Study. A minimum of 4 full years of graduate study is normally required to complete a program for the Ph.D. for a student who enters the program with a bachelor s degree. Neither the courses completed nor the time spent in study determines completion of requirements for the Ph.D. degree. It is earned primarily through the pursuit of excellence in some special field of scholarship that involves the demonstrated ability to conduct independent research. The Ph.D. degree must be completed within 7 years from the date of initial registration as a Ph.D.-objective student. Course Requirements To complete the Ph.D. degree, certain minimal course requirements must be met. Typically, this is accomplished by taking a core of courses defined by the graduate program and approved by the Graduate Council and the Dean for Graduate 17

19 Studies. Students admitted to a graduate program that does not offer a core curriculum must meet the following minimum course requirements: The student must complete at least 9 graduate level courses that are graded (not pass/fail), only 3 of which may be "introductory" courses (800-level, with 600-level or lower counterparts). Although the student s Supervisory Committee may require non-dissertation research work, special topics or techniques courses, foreign language courses, etc., none of these courses may be used to meet the requirement for 9 graduate level courses. It is the responsibility of the Supervisory Committee, in conjunction with the program s Graduate Committee, to ensure adequate didactic preparation of the student. Research Requirements All Ph.D. students are required to complete the UNMC Responsible Conduct in Research program, and must participate in the seminar program within their major area. A dissertation of publishable quality must be completed and successfully defended (see below). In addition, evidence must be presented that the dissertation material has been submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal, with the student listed as first author on the manuscript. Shared first-authorship with another individual (i.e. author X and author Y contributed equally to this work) is acceptable with the Supervisor s written verification of the student s major role in the study. Cochrane-style systematic reviews and meta-analyses are acceptable; however, narrative literature reviews do not satisfy this requirement. In extraordinary circumstances, the Supervisory Committee may request a waiver of the submitted publication requirement, or any aspect of the requirement. Such a waiver requires approval of the Dean of Graduate Studies. Qualifying Procedure Certain programs may require specific qualifying procedures and/or examinations that must be completed during the early phases of study. Qualifying requirements are indicated in the Programs and Courses section of this Bulletin, as appropriate for individual graduate programs. If a Qualifying Exam is required, the student must create the Examining Committee and request to schedule the Qualifying Exam (via Seguidor) no later than 2 weeks prior to the examination. The student may complete the Qualifying Exam only upon approval by the program Graduate Committee and Dean for Graduate Studies. The majority vote of the Examining Committee is required to pass the examination. The Examining Committee must report the results (via Seguidor) within 7 days after completion of the exam. Supervisor and Supervisory Committee The Graduate Program Director (chair of the program s Graduate Committee) shall serve as the student s temporary supervisor until appointment of a permanent Supervisor (mentor). Within 12 months after matriculation (18 months for parttime students), each student must designate (via Seguidor) a member of the Graduate Faculty to serve as his/her Supervisor and at least 3 other members of the Graduate Faculty to serve as his/her Supervisory Committee. The student s Supervisor serves as chair of the Supervisory Committee, and should advise the student with regard to the overall composition of the Supervisory Committee. It is urged that one or more members of the Supervisory Committee be from a field or fields of study different from the major area of interest, whenever such representation will contribute to the student's program and/or the overall effectiveness of the graduate program. Faculty from outside the University of Nebraska may serve as members of the Supervisory Committee, serving in an advisory capacity (without a vote on exam outcomes). Individual degree programs may have additional requirements regarding the composition of the Supervisory Committee. Designation of the Supervisor and members of the Supervisory Committee is subject to approval by the program Graduate Committee and the Dean for Graduate Studies. In order to assure that the student receives routine guidance, the Supervisory Committee must meet with the student at least once every 6 months. Program of Studies and Individual Development Plan (IDP) Within 9 months after matriculation (12 months for part-time students), the student and Supervisor (or temporary supervisor) must prepare and submit to the Graduate Studies Office a draft Program of Studies that includes designation of all required courses, options for electives (which may be TBD), and the general area of research for the dissertation. Upon appointment of the Supervisory Committee, the student should confer with that group and his/her Supervisor regarding the draft Program of Studies. After incorporating any necessary revisions to the document, the Committee-approved Program of Studies must be submitted to the Graduate Studies Office within 13 months after matriculation (19 months for part-time students). The Program of Studies is considered to be a living document; however, any changes in the program or in the dissertation topic must be approved by the Supervisory Committee and the action reported to the Graduate Studies Office. 18

20 As a supplement to the academic and career guidance provided by his/her Supervisor and Supervisory Committee, each student must complete an IDP within 1 year after matriculation. The student should consult with the Graduate Program Director to identify the specific IDP that must be utilized. Documentation that the student has completed an IDP must be submitted to the Graduate Program Director. Comprehensive Examination and Admission to Candidacy When a student has substantially completed his/her didactic studies (i.e., no more than 1 graded course remaining to be completed), he/she must pass a Comprehensive Exam that may consist of several parts. At the discretion of the Supervisory Committee or as a program requirement, the Comprehensive Exam format may be oral, written, or both. The Comprehensive Exam is not a repetition of course examinations but is an investigation of the student s breadth of understanding of the field of knowledge of which his/her special subject is a part. The Supervisory Committee or program Graduate Committee arranges for the Comprehensive Exam. At least 2 weeks prior to the exam, the student must create the Examining Committee (which may be the Supervisory Committee) and request to schedule the Comprehensive Exam. This is accomplished in Seguidor. The exam can be administered only upon approval by the program Graduate Committee and Dean for Graduate Studies. The report of the outcome of the exam must be filed (via Seguidor) within 7 days following the examination. If more than one graduate faculty member of the Examining Committee recommends failure, the student shall be considered to have failed the examination. In the event of failure, the Supervisory Committee shall recommend to the Dean for Graduate Studies whether the student should be given the option of retaking the examination and, if so, the Committee shall identify general areas of weakness that require special attention and any remedial actions which the student should complete prior to re-examination. This information must also be transmitted in written form to the student. No student shall be permitted to take either the written or oral portion of the comprehensive examination more than twice, and the student must wait a minimum of 3 months before retaking the examination. When the student has passed the Comprehensive Exam and satisfied the coursework and other requirements of his/her approved program, including those established by the Supervisory Committee, he/she will be admitted to Candidacy for the Ph.D. degree. The effective date of Candidacy shall be the date on which the student passed the Comprehensive Exam. The duration of Candidacy shall be 3 years, during which the Final Oral Exam must be completed. With permission from the Dean of Graduate Studies, the term of Candidacy may be extended beyond 3 years; without such permission, the Candidate must pass another Comprehensive Exam in order to extend the term of Candidacy. Following admission to Candidacy, all students must be continuously registered in the Graduate College (a minimum of 1 cr. each fall and spring semester) until receipt of the Ph.D. degree. Candidates who hold graduate assistantships or graduate research assistantships must also be registered during the summer terms (a minimum of 1 cr. in both the 8-week session and the 2 nd 5-week session) until receipt of the degree. Failure to maintain continuous registration will result in the termination of Candidacy. Dissertation and Final Oral Exam (Dissertation Defense) The dissertation is not of fixed length; rather, the dissertation should treat in depth a subject from the candidate s field as approved by the Supervisory Committee. It should show the student s technical mastery of the field and should advance or modify former knowledge; i.e., it should treat new material, or find new results, or draw new conclusions, or it should interpret old material with new insights. Requirements regarding the content and format of the dissertation are provided in the document Dissertation & Graduation Instructions for Ph.D. Candidates. The dissertation and abstract are to be presented to the members of the Supervisory Committee at least 4 weeks before the Final Oral Exam (dissertation defense). It is the student's responsibility to ensure that, at that time, the dissertation has been properly formatted and has been thoroughly checked for errors in terminology, grammar and spelling. During the ensuing period of at least 2 weeks, the members of the Supervisory Committee will have the opportunity to review the dissertation to determine whether it is in a fit condition, based on formatting, writing quality and preliminary scientific criteria, for the dissertation defense. Upon receiving such approval (or if no serious objections are raised), the student must login to Seguidor to request official scheduling of the Final Oral Exam to occur at least 2 weeks after submission of the request. The student s Supervisory Committee should serve as the Examining Committee, although additional examiners may be included. The exam can be administered only upon approval by the student s Supervisor, Graduate Program Director and Dean for Graduate Studies. The Final Oral Exam cannot be held until at least 7 months, and no more than 3 years, after admission to Candidacy. 19