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DEGREE REQUIREMENTS AND ACADEMIC GUIDELINES

ACADEMIC PROCEDURES
SUMMARY OF THE MAJOR STEPS REQUIRED BY GRADUATE
STUDIES IN FULFILLING REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MASTER’S DEGREE
AC - Advisory Committee GS – Office of Graduate Studies
CD - College Dean OIP - Office of international Programs
DC - Department Chair R - Registrar
GA - Graduate Advisor SI - Student Initiated

NOTE: Each student is responsible for contacting his/her graduate advisor for the specific dates each term in which the steps summarized above occur. A student is required to complete graduate work within a six-year period, measured from the date of initial enrollment for graduate credit in a particular degree program.

ACADEMIC PROCEDURES
SUMMARY OF THE MAJOR STEPS REQUIRED BY GRADUATE
STUDIES IN FULFILLING REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DOCTORAL DEGREE
AC - Advisory Committee GS – Office of Graduate Studies
CD - College Dean OIP - Office of international Programs
DC - Department Chair R - Registrar
GA - Graduate Advisor SI - Student Initiated

NOTE: Each student is responsible for contacting his/her graduate advisor for the specific dates each term in which the steps summarized above occur. A student is required to complete graduate work within a six-year period, measured from the date of initial enrollment for graduate credit in a particular degree program.

ENROLLMENT IN THESIS OR DISSERTATION COURSES

Academic Policy Statement 930129

A graduate student at Sam Houston State University writing a thesis or dissertation in partial fulfillment of the degree requirements must enroll in the thesis courses 698 and 699 or in dissertation courses 896, 897, 898, and 899 or EDL 833, and may enroll for these courses concurrently.

Student enrollment in 699 or in 899 or EDL 833 must be for the semester or summer session in which the student expects to receive the degree. If the degree in question is not awarded at the end of that semester or summer session, re-enrollment in 699 or in 899 or EDL 833 will be required during a subsequent semester or summer session in which the degree is again expected to be awarded.

A student who enrolls for 699 or for 899 and does not complete the thesis or dissertation during the semester or summer session of enrollment will be awarded the mark of IP. That student must continue to enroll in 699 or 899 or EDL 833 during regular semesters and summer sessions until completion of the thesis or dissertation, and must be enrolled in 699 or 899 or EDL 833 during the semester or summer session the degree is awarded.

A student who is unable to work on the thesis or dissertation for a period of time may present to the appropriate academic dean a written request for a leave of absence of up to one year. The dean’s approval of such a request must also be in writing. Additional requests for leaves of absence may be approved but they must be resubmitted after the previous leave has lapsed.

A student is required to complete graduate work within a six-year period, measured from the date of initial enrollment for graduate credit in a particular degree program. The period of time a student is on an approved leave of absence will be counted as time accumulated towards that six-year deadline for completion of the degree. After the deadline, the mark of IP will become a mark of Q.

Any extension of the six-year deadline must be approved in writing by the appropriate academic dean. A student on a leave of absence will be considered an active student for purposes of official records, but will lose access to University services.

MASTER’S THESIS

Thesis Committee. A thesis committee will be appointed immediately following admission to candidacy. The thesis committee is composed of at least three members: two graduate faculty members from the major field and one from the minor field, provided a minor is elected. The thesis director will be selected by the student and, with guidance from the thesis director, the student will select the other two committee members. The thesis committee must then be approved by the chair of the major department and the appropriate academic dean. Any change in the composition of the thesis committee will be approved in the same manner.
Prospectus. The candidate, in consultation with the chair of the thesis committee, will select a subject of investigation and determine the availability of the required sources, facilities, materials, and equipment for the research and the writing of the thesis. The student will prepare a thesis prospectus which will specify the thesis topic, detail the purpose of the proposed investigation, describe the proposed method(s) of investigation, indicate the relationship of study to relevant research and findings of scholars in the student’s area of concentration, and provide a commentary on source materials and/or facilities available for the successful completion of the research.

The prospectus shall be submitted to the thesis committee during the semester following admission to candidacy. After the committee has approved and signed the prospectus, it is submitted to the appropriate academic dean for final approval. Any subsequent changes in topic or the proposed method of investigation must be approved in writing by the thesis committee and submitted for approval to the appropriate academic dean.

Thesis Preparation. To facilitate the preparation of the thesis, the candidate should procure a copy of the Directions on Form, Preparation, and Submission of The Final Copies of Master’s Theses and Doctoral Dissertations. These guidelines are available from the appropriate academic dean’s office or the University’s Office of Graduate Studies.

Thesis Procedure. The candidate must submit the completed thesis to his/her committee for final approval at least three weeks prior to the date on which he/she expects to graduate. The following steps are the order of procedure:

1. The chair of the thesis committee will establish a time and location for administering an oral examination on, or verbal defense of, the thesis. Members of the thesis committee and all members of the graduate faculty in the candidate’s major field will be invited to attend the oral examination and may question the candidate.
2. The academic dean shall be informed of the time and location for the examination. Each Graduate Advisor will submit a final written report to the appointing dean providing an assessment of the thesis, dissertation, or oral examination committee’s procedures and actions.
3. After the examination is passed and the thesis is approved and signed by the committee, the typed original shall be submitted to the academic dean at least two weeks prior to the date on which the candidate expects to graduate.
4. Upon receipt of approval of the academic dean, the original and the required number of acceptable copies of the thesis are taken to the Newton Gresham Library by the candidate. (Reproduction of the thesis is the responsibility of the candidate.) The candidate will pay the Newton Gresham Library for the binding costs. The original copy of the thesis will remain in the library collection.
5. The student takes the signed Thesis Route Sheet to the Registrar.

DOCTORAL DISSERTATION

Dissertation Committee. A committee will be appointed immediately following admission to candidacy. The committee is composed of at least three members: two graduate faculty members from the major field and one from the minor field, provided a minor is elected. The Dissertation Chair will be selected by the student and, with guidance from the Dissertation Chair, the student will select the other two committee members. The committee must then be approved by the chair of the major department and the appropriate academic dean. Any change in the composition of the committee will be approved in the same manner.

Prospectus. The candidate, in consultation with the Dissertation Chair of the committee, will select a subject of investigation and determine the availability of the required sources, facilities, materials, and equipment for the research and the writing of the dissertation. The student will prepare a prospectus which will specify the topic, detail the purpose of the proposed investigation, describe the proposed method(s) of investigation, indicate the relationship of study to relevant research and findings of scholars in the student’s area of concentration, and provide a commentary on source materials and/or facilities available for the successful completion of the research.

The prospectus shall be submitted to the committee during the semester following admission to candidacy. After the committee has approved and signed the prospectus, it is submitted to the appropriate academic dean for final approval. Any subsequent changes in topic or the proposed method investigation must be approved in writing by the committee and submitted for approval to the appropriate academic dean.
Preparation. To facilitate the preparation of the dissertation, the candidate should procure a copy of the Directions on Form, Preparation, and Submission of The final Copies of Master’s Theses and Doctoral Dissertations. These guidelines are available from the appropriate academic dean’s office or the University’s Office of Graduate Studies.

Procedure. The candidate must submit the completed dissertation to his/her committee for final approval at least three weeks prior to the date on which he/she expects to graduate. The following steps are the order of procedure:

1. The chair of the committee will establish a time and location for administering an oral examination on, or verbal defense of, the dissertation. Members of the committee and all members of the graduate faculty in the candidate’s major field will be invited to attend the oral examination and may question the candidate.
2. The academic dean shall be informed of the time and location for the examination. Each Graduate Advisor will submit a final written report to the appointing dean providing an assessment of the thesis, dissertation, or oral examination committee’s procedures and actions.
3. After the examination is passed and the dissertation is approved and signed by the committee, the typed original shall be submitted to the academic dean at least two weeks prior to the date on which the candidate expects to graduate.
4. Upon receipt of approval of the academic dean, the original and the required number of acceptable copies of the dissertation are taken to the Newton Gresham Library by the candidate (reproduction of the dissertation is the responsibility of the candidate.) The candidate will pay the Newton Gresham Library for the binding costs. The original copy will remain in the library collection.
5. The student takes the signed Route Sheet to the Registrar.

COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION

All candidates for the graduate degree must pass a comprehensive examination based on all their graduate course work. Students must be enrolled in the University the semester or summer session in which the comprehensive exam is administered. The major department will establish whether the comprehensive examination is written, oral, or a combination of the two. In the College of Business Administration, a minimum grade of B in the capstone course, Management 567, is required to satisfy the comprehensive examination requirement for the MBA, while a minimum grade of B in the capstone course, Finance 536, is required to satisfy the comprehensive examination for the Master of Science in Finance. In the College of Criminal Justice, all students in the M.A. program are required to complete a thesis and all students in the M.S. program are required to complete a capstone course, Criminal Justice 637, with a grade of B or better. In the College of Education and Applied Science all students in the M.Ed. Reading Specialist program are required to submit a portfolio for review to satisfy the written comprehensive rerquirements.

The department chair of the major field will organize a committee of at least one graduate faculty representative from each area of concentration for the administration of the examination. The grade “high pass,” “pass,” or “fail,” must be filed by the department chair in the office of the appropriate dean. A re-examination shall be permitted on any part(s) of the examination which the candidate fails. A third examination may be permitted upon approval of the appropriate academic dean and the committee.

Written Examination. The written examination usually will cover three areas of concentration: two areas in the major department and one area in the minor department. If all course work for the degree is within one department, the comprehensive examination will be determined by that department only.

Oral Examination. The oral examination is scheduled by the major department with committee members representing the major department and the minor department, if applicable.

RESIDENCE REQUIREMENTS

The awarding of residence credit is predicated upon the utilization of facilities on the campus of Sam Houston State University or The University Center. Accrediting agencies expect the University to indicate that students and faculty loads are so constructed that facilities and laboratories can be effectively utilized.

Residence credit may be awarded for work off campus at the discretion of Sam Houston State University under especially approved conditions and in accordance with the terms of Section 4.3 of criteria for Accreditation, Commission on Colleges, Southern Association of College and Schools. At least one-third of the semester hours required for the degree program for any student enrolling in any of the proposed courses will be completed in course work on the campus. Additionally, a student is subject to the residency requirements as stated for each degree program. All Distance Learning classes taught in electronic mode carry residence credit.
Sam Houston State University has approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to offer various degree programs at The University Center located in The Woodlands, Texas.

Transferred Credit. The number of semester hours of transfer credit allowed varies among the several academic departments of the University. Each student should inquire of the appropriate dean concerning transfer credit allowed for a specific degree. Credit toward a graduate degree may not be obtained by correspondence course study.

OFF-CAMPUS COURSES

Courses taught at locations away from the main campus carry residence credit. Students may register for off-campus courses on the Sam Houston State University campus during the regular schedule of registration periods. See the current Schedule of Classes for a complete listing of courses and their locations. Additional fees may apply for courses not taught on the main campus.

Sam Houston State University has approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to offer various degree programs at The University Center in The Woodlands, Texas. Courses completed as part of these programs carry residence credit.

CORRESPONDENCE COURSES

Correspondence courses are not offered at the graduate level, nor can any correspondence course taken at any level or at any institution count toward a graduate degree at Sam Houston State University.

DISTANCE LEARNING

Sam Houston State University offers distance learning courses via instructional television (ITV) and online utilizing internet technologies. Online courses provide resident credit to students. Application and registration procedures for distance learning courses are the same as for courses offered on the University campus. Information concerning specific distance learning is available prior to and during each registration period in the Schedule of Classes and online at distance.shsu.edu.

STUDY PLAN

A Study Plan is developed for each graduate student. All courses on the approved Study Plan must be completed with a satisfactory grade to meet the requirements for the degree. Changes in an approved Study Plan may be made by petition to the graduate advisor and approved by the appropriate academic dean.

GRADE SYSTEM

Four grades are given in graduate courses at the University: A denotes academic excellence; B denotes acceptable performance; C denotes insufficiency in achievement, although it is a passing grade; and the grade F denotes failure.

The mark IP denotes “in progress” and is given in theses and other courses which cannot be completed within one semester. The mark CR denotes “credit” and is given in one-hour workshops and may be given on transferred courses. The mark WP denotes “withdrew passing” and the mark WF denotes “withdrew failing.” The mark X denotes an incomplete course. If the student meets the prescribed requirements of the course before the end of the next academic semester after the X is given, the student will receive the grade earned; otherwise, the mark X will be automatically changed to an F. The mark of Q will be given students who drop courses from the thirteenth class day, for a semester, or from the fifth class day, for a summer session, until the last day for dropping courses without grade of F as stated in the Academic Calendar. Courses with the mark of Q will not be counted as courses attempted, and will not be included in determining grade point averages.

The graduate student who elects to drop all courses, i.e., to resign from the University, must notify the Registrar’s Office and process a Resignation Request. (See Resignations, page 50.)

SCHOLARSHIP

A minimum grade point average of 3.0 (B average on a 4.0 maximum) is required in all course work. All grades earned in courses listed for graduate credit on the student’s official Degree Plan will be utilized in computing the grade point average.

When the grade of C is earned in any course, it must be balanced by a grade of A in a course of equivalent value taken in the same academic program. (See Academic Probation and Suspension, page 50.) A grade of A earned at another institution may not be used to remove a grade deficiency earned in residence at this University. Semester hours of credit earned at another institution shall be recorded as received but not utilized in computing the student’s Sam Houston State University overall grade point average. Only those transferred courses from accredited institutions in which a grade of A or B was earned and which are accepted toward an official degree program may be applied toward a degree (see Transferred Credit, page 48).

ACADEMIC PROBATION AND SUSPENSION
A student who earns a total of two grades of C in any combination of courses will have his/her graduate status reviewed by a committee of the department or college Graduate Faculty. The committee will consider the advisability of his/her continued enrollment in a graduate program. A student who earns three grades of C or one grade of F will be terminated from graduate studies. Those students who earn a third grade of C during the semester or summer session of their anticipated graduation will be terminated from graduate studies and will not be eligible to graduate. Any appeal for a review of the termination of graduate status should be directed in writing to the appropriate academic dean.

If a student’s cumulative grade point average falls below the minimum of 3.0, the student is automatically on scholastic probation. The probation must be removed in one semester or the student will be suspended.
In order to achieve and remain in academic good standing at Sam Houston State University, a graduate student must maintain an overall grade point average of at least 3.0 (B) on all graduate course work attempted. (See Scholarship, above.)

A 3.0 overall grade point average is the absolute minimum required for graduation. A graduate student who falls below a 3.0 overall grade point average at the close of any semester or summer school during which one or more semester hours are attempted will be placed on probation. Summer school (two sessions) is considered to be a unit equivalent to a semester. If an enrolled student on probation fails to achieve a minimum of 3.0 overall grade point average at the close of the next semester or summer school following the starting of the probation, the student will be suspended.

The appropriate academic dean may place on probation or retain on probation or suspend any student deficient in grade points without regard to the regulations previously stated. Any appeal for a review of the termination of graduate status should be directed in writing to the appropriate academic dean.

RESIGNATIONS

To resign (officially withdraw) from the University, a student must notify the Registrar’s Office and process a Resignation Request. The Resignation Request must be in writing and becomes effective on the date received by the Registrar’s Office. The effective date of the Resignation Request, as received by the Registrar’s Office, is the date which is used for determining any refund as authorized in the State Refund Policy (see Tuition and Fees Refund Policy, page 38). The student is responsible for clearing all debts owed to the University. Students who fail to officially resign from the University will receive the grade of F for each course in which they are enrolled.

Students who resign after the first nine weeks of a regular semester or after the first two weeks of a summer session receive a mark of WP (withdrew passing) or WF (withdrew failing) for each course for which they are enrolled. Students who resign from the University while enrolled in a course whose duration is less than a normal term will receive a mark of WP or WF if they resign after one-half of that course time has been completed. The mark of WP or WF is the responsibility of the student’s instructors.

STUDENT ABSENCES ON RELIGIOUS HOLY DAYS

Academic Policy Statement 861001

Section 51.911 of the Texas Education Code requires that an institution of higher education shall allow a student who is absent from class for the observance of a religious holy day to take an examination or complete an assignment scheduled for that day within a reasonable time after the absence. The student, not later than the 15th calendar day after the first day of the semester, or the 7th calendar day after the first day of a summer session, must notify the instructor of each scheduled class that he/she will be absent for a religious holy day. The student’s notification shall be in writing and be delivered personally to the instructor of each class (who shall acknowledge and date the notification) or sent to each instructor by certified mail, return receipt requested. A student who is excused from class under this section may not be penalized for the absence but is responsible for satisfactorily completing the missed assignment or examination. Refer to the Academic Calendar for the deadline date for notification by students to the faculty members of the student’s intent to be absent on religious holy days.

GRADUATION

APPLICATION FOR A DEGREE

Prior to the semester or summer school in which the degree is to be conferred, a formal application and payment of the degree audit/diploma fee of $25 must be made in the Registrar’s Office. The Academic Calendar which is located in the current catalogue and in the Schedule of Classes indicates the deadline for making application for a degree. A student filing a degree application after the published deadline will be assessed an additional $25 late fee. A student who is completing the last semester of course work at an institution other than the University must provide the Registrar with an official transcript of this course work no later than one day prior to the graduation date. Application for a degree is available online at https://www.shsu.edu/saminfo/registrar-menu.html.

ATTENDANCE AT COMMENCEMENT

Should a degree candidate be unable to attend commencement, a written request for the award of the degree in absentia should be directed to the Office of the President of the University. The degree candidate should indicate the address to which the diploma is to be mailed.

TRANSCRIPTS

A currently enrolled student or a former student of the University may obtain a transcript of his/her completed work from the Office of the Registrar. All requests for transcripts must be in writing and must be accompanied by the individual’s signature. A fee which, according to state law must be paid in advance, will be charged for each copy. The fee for each transcript is $5. Transcripts will not be released to students who have a financial indebtedness to the University. Checks should be made payable to Sam Houston State University.

SECOND MASTER’S DEGREE

Academic Policy Statement 801215

A student may seek a second master’s degree at Sam Houston State University, provided his/her field of concentration for this degree will be different from the field of concentration for the first master’s degree.
Upon the written recommendation of the appropriate department chair(s) and dean, the following maximum number of hours may be applied to the second master’s degree:

1. A maximum of 6 semester credit hours may be applied to a master’s degree program of 30-35 credit hours at Sam Houston State University.
2. A maximum of 9 semester credit hours may be applied to a master’s degree program of 36-44 credit hours at Sam Houston State University.
3. A maximum of 12 semester credit hours may be applied to a master’s degree program of 45-59 credit hours at Sam Houston State University.
4. A maximum of 15 semester credit hours may be applied to a master’s degree program of 60 or more credit hours at Sam Houston State University.

UNIVERSITY ACADEMIC POLICY MANUAL AND STUDENT GUIDELINES

Sam Houston State University’s Academic Policy Manual and Student Guidelines provide specific information pertaining to the educational mission of the University and student conduct. Copies of these publications may be viewed at the Reference Desk of the Newton Gresham Library and the website https://www.shsu.edu/students. Academic Policy Statements which may be of special interest to Sam Houston State University students include:

900823 Academic Grievance Procedures for Students
811006 Disabled Student Policy
861001 Student Absences on Religious Holy Days
810806 Student Educational Records

TRANSCRIPTS

A currently enrolled student or a former student of the University may obtain a transcript of his/her completed work from the Office of the Registrar. All requests for transcripts must be in writing and must be accompanied by the individual’s signature. A fee which, according to state law must be paid in advance, will be charged for each copy. The fee for each transcript is $5, effective June 1, 2002. Transcripts will not be released for students who have a financial indebtedness to the University. Checks should be made payable to Sam Houston State University.

CORRESPONDENCE COURSES

Correspondence courses are offered for those students who wish to add to their academic program by individual study. A student is permitted to complete eighteen semester hours toward a bachelor’s degree by correspondence course work. Correspondence courses may be completed in a minimum of sixty days or a maximum of one calendar year.

Semester credit hours earned in a correspondence course(s) are not considered “Resident Classroom Instruction” hours and are not used in determining academic honors: cum laude, magna cum laude, summa cum laude, The Dean’s List, and the President’s Honor Roll. However, the semester credit hours and grade points earned for correspondence courses are included in the calculation of the overall SHSU grade point average.

Correspondence courses are not offered at the graduate level, nor can any correspondence course taken at any level or at any institution count towards a graduate degree at Sam Houston State University.
Enrollment in correspondence courses may be completed at any time. Additional information, including a brochure listing the courses which are offered and an enrollment application, may be obtained by inquiring in person in Room 116, Academic Classroom Building III, or writing to Correspondence Course Division, Box 2536, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX 77341-2536. Telephone: (936) 294-1003, 294-1005, 294-3824. Website: http://cor.shsu.edu.

GRADUATION

APPLICATION FOR A DEGREE

Prior to the semester or summer school in which the degree is to be conferred, a formal application and payment of the degree audit/diploma fee of $18 must be made in the Registrar’s Office. The Academic Calendar which is located in the current catalogue and in the Schedule of Classes indicates the deadline for making application for a degree. A student filing a degree application after the published deadline will be assessed an additional $25 late fee. A student who is completing the last semester of course work at an institution other than the University must provide the Registrar with an official transcript of this course work no later than one day prior to the graduation date. Application for a degree is available online at https://www.shsu.edu/saminfo/registrar-menu.html.

ATTENDANCE AT COMMENCEMENT

Should a degree candidate be unable to attend commencement, a written request for the award of the degree in absentia should be directed to the Office of the President of the University. The degree candidate should indicate the address to which the diploma is to be mailed and should include the correct fee for postage and packaging the diploma. $5.00 — USA; $17.00 — Mexico; $12.00 — Canada; $24.00 — other countries. Checks should be made payable to Sam Houston State University.

GRADUATION WITH SPECIAL RECOGNITION

Special recognition at graduation is provided to undergraduate students who compile outstanding academic records. Those graduates who have achieved undergraduate academic excellence at the university receive a gold cord at graduation to reflect this achievement. The gold cord indicates one of the following academic achievements: Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, Cum Laude, With Academic Distinction, Special Scholastic Recognition for Transfer Students, or Alpha Chi.

Degrees conferred Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, and Summa Cum Laude reflect an outstanding grade point average with a minimum of sixty semester hours earned in residence at Sam Houston State University. The distinction and corresponding grade point averages are: Cum Laude — 3.50 to 3.66; Magna Cum Laude — 3.67 to 3.85; Summa Cum Laude — 3.86 to 4.00.

The Department Academic Distinction Program is an individualized learning experience available to outstanding students at Sam Houston State University. An Academic Distinction Program project provides qualified students with a comprehensive introduction to meaningful research under the guidance of a designated faculty advisor.

Transfer students from accredited institutions who complete their final requirements for a baccalaureate degree (see NOTE below) at Sam Houston State University will receive Special Scholastic Recognition and a gold cord at commencement plus an appropriate notation on their academic transcript when they have achieved not less than a 3.5 overall grade point average computed on all accepted transfer resident classroom instruction, have attained a minimum overall grade point average of 3.5 computed on all resident classroom instruction taken at Sam Houston State University, and have met other specified university criteria.
Alpha Chi, a national honor society organized to recognize and promote scholastic excellence, is open to all university seniors who accepted membership and have achieved a 3.6 or higher grade point average on all college-level course work.

Participation in the Honors Program at Sam Houston State University is based on a competitive selection process, and provides outstanding academic opportunities, and distinct undergraduate college experiences. Upon successful completion of the Honors Program — twenty-four semester hours of Honors courses and two special seminars — the student’s academic transcript will indicate graduation “With Honors” and the student may wear an Honors medallion with academic regalia. To be designated as having graduated “With Highest Honors” the student must also successfully complete a special senior project involving original research and/or an effort of creative expression.

NOTE: Semester credit hours earned in a correspondence course(s) are not considered “resident classroom instruction” hours and are not used in determining the minimum semester credit hour requirement for academic honors: cum laude, magna cum laude, summa cum laude, the Dean’s List, and the President’s Honor Roll. However, the semester credit hours and grade points earned for correspondence courses are included in the calculation of the overall SHSU grade point average.

DEPARTMENT ACADEMIC DISTINCTION PROGRAM

An enriched program is offered to superior students at Sam Houston State University, culminating in the student’s receiving a diploma designating that the degree is being conferred “With Academic Distinction” in a field of specialization. The program consists of six hours of individual work on a project under the guidance of a designated faculty member. To qualify for department Academic Distinction, the student must enroll for six (6) semester hours of credit in a department Academic Distinction program, and the student must have the following qualifications: (a) be of junior standing (64 semester hours or more) or written approval of the chair of the major department or the discipline in which academic distinction is sought, (b) have a Sam Houston State University grade point average of not less than 3.25, (c) have a grade point average of 3.5 on all courses taken in the major field, and (d) have the written approval of the department chair, the Director of The Honors Program and the Academic Dean. To complete the six-hour program and to graduate with Academic Distinction in a specified academic discipline, the student must maintain not less than a 3.25 Sam Houston State University grade point average and not less than a 3.5 grade point average in the major field or in the discipline in which academic distinction is sought and must complete all other academic requirements which the individual department considers necessary. The six additional semester credit hours of department Academic Distinction Program course work will be completed in addition to the standard requirements within the major field and may not be taken in lieu of any requirements in the major field.

GRADUATE STUDIES

The graduate programs at Sam Houston State University offer advanced and specialized study to those who aspire to become intellectual leaders in the professions and in various field of teaching and research. The University provides graduate students the opportunity to pursue individual educational programs through carefully directed intellectual activity. Above all, Sam Houston State University offers graduate education that is both professional and personal. Masters and doctoral degree programs are available at Sam Houston State University. The list of graduate degree programs is located on pages 22-23 of this catalogue or online at www.shsu.edu.gradcat. Students should contact the appropriate department or college housing the degree program for more information on availability of scholarships and graduate assistantships.

Application materials are available from the Graduate Studies office in Academic Building III, room 325; telephone: (936) 294-1971; email: graduate@shsu.edu; mailing address: Office of Graduate Studies, Box 2478, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX 77341. Applications for admission can also be downloaded and mailed to the University by accessing the University’s graduate web page at https://www.shsu.edu/~grs_www/forms/gradadm.html. For an online application, access https://www.applytexas.org/adappc/gen/c_start.wb.

While requirements vary by degree, students should submit the following items with their application:

• A non-refundable one-time application fee must accompany the application form. Checks drawn on U.S. banks or U.S. money orders must be payable to Sam Houston State University. The amount of the application fee is subject to change without prior notice.
• An official transcript from all community college and university coursework.
• Requisite official scores from standardized tests such as the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) generals test as mandated by the degree program. The College of Business Administration requires an official score on the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT).
• Academic letters of reference as mandated by the degree program. For more information, contact the appropriate department chair or academic dean of the college housing the degree program.
• State required immunizations.
• An applicant who does not meet the requirements for admission may qualify for conditional admission.

Inquiries should be directed to the chair of the degree program. (No conditional admission for international students.)

International students (non-U.S. citizens) must meet the same admissions standards as U.S. students.

Applicants from non-English speaking countries must score at least 550 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). International students should have application materials submitted 60 days prior to registration and must satisfy all immigration requirements.

TRANSFER INFORMATION

TRANSFER GUIDELINES

The following guidelines and definitions are established to clarify and enhance Chapter 5, Subchapter A, Section 5.4 of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board rule pertaining to Transfer Curricula and Resolution of Transfer Disputes for Lower-Division Courses.

DEFINITIONS

The definitions listed below were established by the Coordinating Board and will serve as criteria to resolve legal questions as specified in Section 1.23, Subchapter C, Chapter 61 of the Education Code, Section 61-078. The publications Transfer of Credit Policies and Curricula of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and Community College General Academic Course Guide Manual: A Manual of Approved General Academic Transfer Courses for State Appropriations to Texas Public Community Colleges are the references for this issue: The following criteria for lower-division and upper-division course credit were adopted by the Task Force to Update the Academic Course Guide Manual.

A. Criteria for Lower-Division Course Credit

Lower-Division (Baccalaureate/Associate Degree) Courses

Courses offered in the first two years of college study are those which:

a. Are identified by a majority of public 4-year undergraduate institutions in the state as courses intended to comprise the first two years of collegiate study, AND
b. Stress development of disciplinary knowledge and skill at an introductory level; OR
c. Include basic principles and verbal, mathematical, and scientific concepts associated with an academic discipline.

B. Criteria for Upper-Division Course Credit

Upper-Division (Baccalaureate) Courses

Courses offered only in the third or fourth years of a baccalaureate program are those which:

a. Are identified by a majority of public 4-year undergraduate institutions in the state as courses intended to comprise the third and fourth years of postsecondary study, AND
b. Involve theoretical or analytical specialization beyond the introductory level, OR
c. Require knowledge and skills provided by previous courses for successful performance by students.

C. Free Transferability

Lower-division courses included in the Academic Course Guide Manual and specified in the definition of “Lower-Division Course Credit” shall be freely transferable to and accepted as comparable degree credit by any Texas public institution of higher education where the equivalent course is available for fulfilling baccalaureate degree requirements. It is understood that each Texas institution of higher education may have limitations that invalidate courses after a specific length of time.

For Texas community colleges, these freely transferable courses are identified in the latest revised edition of Coordinating Board publication Lower Division Academic Course Guide Manual, (revised 2002). Specifically excluded are courses designated as vocational, ESL/ESOL, technical, developmental or remedial, and courses listed as “basic skills.”

For senior four-year institutions, lower-division courses that have the same course content and CIP codes as approved by the Coordinating Board shall bear equivalent credit. Specifically excluded are course designated as ESL/ESOL, technical and developmental/remedial courses.
Within the spirit of the law it is realized that differences in interpretation of “same course content” may generate disputes.

D. Disputes

Transfer disputes may arise when a lower-division course is not accepted for credit by a Texas institution of higher education. To qualify as a dispute the course(s) in question must be offered by the institution denying the credit (receiving institution), or in the case of upper-level institutions, must be published as a lower-division course accepted for fulfilling lower-level requirements. For community colleges, the course(s) must be listed in the Lower Division Academic Course Guide Manual, and be offered at the receiving institution. Additionally, the sending institution may challenge the receiving institution’s denial of credit.

Students at Sam Houston State University who require additional information/clarification regarding Transfer Dispute Resolution Guidelines should contact the Director of Undergraduate Admissions, telephone (936) 294-1828. The University reserves the right to refuse to accept transfer credit when the instructor of record does not meet the requisite academic credentials.

COMMON COURSE NUMBERS

The Texas Common Course Numbering System was developed in part to assist students in identifying which courses at one college will meet specific course requirements at another college. In other words, the common course numbering system promotes the successful transfer of course work among colleges and universities in Texas, making the transfer process easy for students.

The common course number has a standardized four-letter prefix followed by a four-digit number — example, ENGL 1301. The four-letter prefix identifies the subject area. Each digit in the four-digit sequence gives additional information about the course. The first digit identifies the course as either freshman level (1) or sophomore level (2). The second digit identifies the number of credit hours a student will earn upon completion of the course. Most often this digit will be a 1, 2, 3, or 4. The final two digits serve to establish the sequence in which courses are generally taken.

In the course description sections of the catalogue, the common course number is shown in brackets — example, [ENGL 1301]. The following is a list of all the common course numbers currently adopted by Sam Houston State University. Courses which fulfill one of the General Education Requirements for the Core Curriculum are identified with the letters GE to the right of the Sam Houston State University course number.

COMMON COURSES
EFFECTIVE FALL SEMESTER 1996, List revised June, 2002

UNIVERSITY ACADEMIC POLICY MANUAL AND STUDENT GUIDELINES
Sam Houston State University’s Academic Policy Manual and Student Guidelines provide specific information pertaining to the educational procedures of the University and student conduct. Copies of these publications may be viewed at the Reference Desk in the Newton Gresham Library or online at https://www.shsu.edu/~vaf_www/polpro.html. Academic Policy Statements which may be of special interest to Sam Houston State University students include:

900823 Academic Grievance Procedures for Students
811006 Disabled Student Policy
861001 Student Absences on Religious Holy Days
810806 Student Educational Records
930226 Developmental Course Attendance
800521 Department Academic Distinction Program Policy