Master's Program Policies

Master's Admission Requirements

Admission to a master's degree program requires a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution, or recognized foreign institution, and a minimum of a 3.0 GPA in the last 60 attempted semester hours of undergraduate studies, or a competitive score on the GRE or if appropriate the GMAT or a master's degree from an accredited institution and GRE or GMAT scores.

A GRE or GMAT (Business Administration) exam score is required of all applicants. Admission to the university does not constitute admission to a master's program. Meeting minimum university admission standards for graduate status may not satisfy master's program admission requirements. Programs often require additional or higher criteria. An applicant's character, integrity and general fitness to practice a particular profession may also be considered in the admission process. The university encourages applications from a diverse population and values diversity in our graduate programs.

Course Requirements

The course requirements for a master's degree include lectures, seminars, discussions, independent study, independent research, and thesis research. A minimum of 30 semester hours (combined course work and thesis) is required, although many programs require more. The program of study must include at least 30 credit hours of post-baccalaureate, graduate course work (5000-level or higher), which must be taken as part of an approved graduate program of study. At least half of the program of study must be at the 6000 level. Only graduate-level course work with a grade of "C-" or higher may be used to satisfy degree requirements. For the thesis option, at least 24 semester hours of course work must be earned exclusive of thesis. In no case will the number of thesis hours in excess of the amount required by a program be counted toward degree completion. For the nonthesis option, at least 50 percent of the credits offered for the degree must be in a single field of concentration. A research report, capstone course, comprehensive exam, or other culminating experience is required in a nonthesis option master's program that demonstrates that graduate students have engaged in independent learning. An explanation of how the culminating experience promotes independent learning is required in each program's curricular description.

Independent Study Hours

A maximum of three courses may be taken as independent study, for a total of no more than six semester hours.

Residence Credit

The master's degree program must include at least 21 semester credit hours taken at UCF. Residence credits may be earned through enrollment in courses physically offered on the main campus; or at the UCF regional campuses (Brevard, Daytona Beach, and Downtown); or at geographical locations where UCF courses are being taught by regular UCF faculty members. Residence credits may also include UCF courses offered through the web or courses taken as a Traveling Scholar if prior approval is obtained.

Transfer of Credit

Master's transfer credits typically consist of hours completed at a regionally accredited institution (including UCF) or recognized international institutions BEFORE a student is given graduate status in his/her master's program at UCF. Only graduate-level or higher courses may be accepted as transfer credits. Similarly, only courses with a grade of "B-" or higher may be transferred into a program of study provided they are seven or less years old unless part of an earned master's degree. Except as noted in the bullets below, no more than a combined total of nine semester hours of credits may generally be transferred into a master's program of study. The acceptance of transfer credits must be recommended by the program director of the student's major. Students may petition their program department for exceptions to the limits given below. Transfer course work for master's programs may come from any of the following sources, with the limitations noted:

• Work taken as an undergraduate student at UCF. Graduate programs are permitted to accept up to nine hours of graduate course work taken at UCF while an undergraduate student was enrolled in an undergraduate program of study. The use of these hours of graduate course work in a graduate program of study is at the discretion of the graduate program director and graduate college coordinator. Not all graduate programs permit students to use graduate credit hours for a graduate program of study, if the hours have also been used for an undergraduate degree. It is the student's responsibility to obtain advisement from the graduate program director of the specific program before registering in graduate-level courses. (See also the section on Senior Scholars.)
• Work taken as a graduate student at other regionally accredited or recognized international institutions. Students with international transfer credit may be required to obtain a WES evaluation. No more than nine semester hours of graduate course work and no undergraduate course work may be transferred into a graduate program from other regionally accredited institutions or recognized international institutions.
• Work taken while in graduate status at UCF. No more than nine semester hours of graduate credit may be transferred into the graduate program from UCF course work taken while in nondegree status. Similarly, no more than nine semester hours of graduate course work may be transferred into the graduate program from courses taken as part of another graduate degree earned at UCF. For those students who may have completed graduate-level courses taken while in graduate status in another major at UCF where a degree was not earned, up to 9 hours of graduate course work may be credited toward a new degree program with the consent of the new program. Decisions regarding the appropriateness and acceptance of such credits into a program are at the discretion of the program into which transfer is requested. All of the hours taken in a graduate certificate program can be used in a graduate degree program with the consent of the program. These hours are not subject to the nine-hour limit.
• Work taken as a Traveling Scholar. Students who wish to take graduate course work elsewhere while enrolled as a student at UCF must apply and be accepted as a Traveling Scholar. Graduate credits earned as a Traveling Scholar are considered "resident" credits that are earned at UCF and are applicable to the program of study without being subject to the nine-hour limit. Consult the section on Traveling Scholars in the Graduate Catalog for more information.

Accelerated Undergraduate and Graduate Programs

Some programs combine undergraduate and graduate course work in a more seamless educational experience for students, reducing the time spent working on both degrees and providing a challenging educational experience to outstanding undergraduates. These accelerated bachelor's and master's (4+1) programs usually will allow students to complete a bachelor's and master's degree within about five years and are intended for only the most highly qualified undergraduate students.

While students are classified as undergraduate students, they are subject to undergraduate policies. Similarly, when classified as graduate students, they are subject to graduate policies and may qualify for graduate financial support.

The undergraduate requirements listed in the Graduate Catalog for specific programs are for informational purposes only. The official requirements are detailed in the Undergraduate Catalog and take precedence over what is described here.

Senior Scholars

UCF undergraduates who meet departmental eligibility requirements may enroll in UCF graduate courses and use them toward their undergraduate degree and their graduate program of study upon admission to a UCF graduate program. As Senior Scholars they are entitled to use up to nine graduate credit hours (more may apply for some accelerated programs) toward a UCF graduate degree or certificate, provided they have received advisement and written approval to do so from the graduate program director. This permission must be obtained before enrolling in the graduate courses. In addition to approval from the graduate program director, undergraduates must consult their undergraduate adviser to ensure that registration in graduate-level course work will meet their bachelor's degree requirements. The student must receive college and university approval to interrupt the residency requirement. The University Waiver Form can be obtained from the undergraduate department office. Tuition and fees for graduate-level courses are different from undergraduate courses, and it is the student's responsibility to consult with the Office of Student Financial Assistance (http://finaid.ucf.edu/) regarding adjustments that might be needed for Bright Futures and other scholarship funding.

Time Limitation for Degree Completion

The student has seven years from the date of admission (prerequisite, articulation, and foundation courses are exempt) to the master's program to complete the degree. In addition, no course older than seven years at the time of graduation may be used in the Program of Study for a master's degree. Students who do not maintain continuous enrollment (missing enrollment at the university for a period of three consecutive semesters) must file for readmission to the university, although seven years is measured from when the student was first admitted to the program.

Readmission

Master's students should maintain continuous enrollment in their degree program. Students who anticipate that they may not be able to enroll continuously due to external circumstances should apply for a Special Leave of Absence (see Special Leave of Absence in the General Graduate Policies section).

If master's students do not maintain continuous enrollment and have not filed for a special leave of absence (see Continuous Attendance in the General Graduate Policies section), they must file for readmission to the university. To file for readmission, the student must complete a new online Application. For more information about readmission, refer to the Admissions and Registration section of this catalog.

Readmission decisions are individually made, based on such factors as space in the program, reasons for the break in graduate education, progress in the degree program, among others. Readmission is not guaranteed.

Other Academic Requirements

Comprehensive Culminating Experience

An appropriate culminating academic experience is required of all master's degree students. It may include a thesis defense, written or oral examination, research report, capstone course, presentation and defense of a portfolio of student work, or other appropriate scholarly activity of a type that has been approved by the Graduate Council that demonstrates that graduate students have engaged in independent learning. An explanation of how the culminating experience promotes independent learning is required in each program's curricular description.

Advisement

Appointment of Committee or Adviser

An academic adviser and advisory committee is required when the student is enrolled in a thesis option and can be useful when there is substantial flexibility in course work. It is the responsibility of the department to appoint an adviser and advisory committee.

Thesis Requirements

The thesis is the culminating or comprehensive experience for those who conduct an original research study as part of a thesis-option program. The thesis consists of a common theme with an introduction and literature review, details of the study, and results and conclusions. Since the work is original, it is very important that care is taken in properly citing ideas and quotations of others. Academic dishonesty in thesis, research report and dissertation work may result in termination from the degree program.

An oral defense of the thesis is required. The approved thesis must be written and prepared in accordance with program, college, and university requirements. The UCF Thesis and Dissertation Manual describes formatting requirements for theses and outlines the steps that graduate students must follow in order to submit their theses electronically to UCF Graduate Studies.

Additionally, the Thesis and Dissertation Office maintains online workshops to inform graduate students about procedures, deadlines, and requirements associated with preparing a thesis.

Thesis students are required to submit their thesis electronically. Electronic thesis/dissertation (ETD) submissions are archived by the UCF library in digital format that is widely accessible. The electronic thesis may include video and audio clips as well as other formats that are appropriate for the field of study.

All theses that use research involving human subjects, including surveys, must obtain approval from an independent board, the Institutional Review Board (IRB), for this prior to starting the research. Graduate students and the faculty that supervise them are required to attend training on IRB policies, so this needs to start well in advance of the research start date. It is imperative that proper procedures are followed when using human subjects in research projects. Information about this process can be obtained from the Office of Research and Commercialization (www.research.ucf.edu). Click on "Compliance" and the IRB Policy and Procedures Manual is available. In addition, should the nature of the research or the faculty supervision change since the IRB approval was obtained, then new IRB approval must be sought. Failure to obtain this prior approval could jeopardize receipt of the student's degree.

Students who wish to complete their degree requirements in a given semester must take their oral defense and submit their final electronic copy to UCF Graduate Studies by the dates shown in the Academic Calendar.

Thesis Advisory Committee Composition

A student writing a thesis must have a Thesis Advisory Committee consisting of at least three members, who are approved graduate faculty with qualifications to serve on thesis committees (www.graduate.ucf.edu/CurrentGradCatalog/content/gradfaculty/). This committee will recommend to the Dean of the college regarding the student's program of study, provide continual guidance for the student, and be the principal mechanism for the evaluation of the student's thesis and performance in any general examinations. At least two members of the Thesis Advisory Committee must be qualified regular faculty members from the student's department (or college, if a college-wide program) at UCF, one of whom must serve as the chair of the committee. Adjuncts, visiting faculty members, courtesy appointees, or qualified individuals from outside the university may serve as a member or co-chair of a thesis advisory committee if otherwise qualified, but may not serve as the chair.

Program areas may specify additional committee membership beyond the minimum of three. Qualifications of additional members must be equivalent to that expected of UCF faculty members. UCF faculty members must form the majority of any given committee. Additional information regarding the criteria for serving as a member, co-chair, or chair of a Thesis Advisory Committee is provided in UCF Faculty Senate Resolution 2004-2005-3 Regarding Minimum Qualifications for Participating in Graduate Education.

Committee membership must be approved by the Dean or designee of that college. All members must be in fields related to the thesis topic. UCF Graduate Studies reserves the right to review appointments to a Thesis Advisory Committee, place a representative on any Thesis Advisory Committee, or appoint a co-chair. A student may request a change in membership of the Thesis Advisory Committee by consulting their program director.

All committee members vote on acceptance or rejection of the thesis proposal and the final thesis. The thesis proposal and final thesis must be approved by a majority of the committee.

Thesis Enrollment Requirement

Master's level students who wish to be considered full-time and who are engaged in thesis or research report-related activity must be enrolled for at least three semester credit hours of thesis (or research report) each semester continuously (including summers) after completion of regular course work and until successful defense and graduation. This requirement does not negate other regulations regarding full-time enrollment or the requirement that all graduate students be enrolled in the term in which they graduate. (See Registration in Term of Graduation in the Graduate Catalog.) Students who wish to enroll in part-time hours should consult their adviser.

Thesis Defense

Thesis defenses will be approved by a majority vote of the Thesis Advisory Committee. Thesis committee members who do not approve of the thesis may choose not to sign the thesis approval sheet. Further approval is required from the Dean or Dean designee and UCF Graduate Studies before final acceptance of the thesis in fulfilling degree requirements.

Review for Original Work

Effective Fall 2008, the university requires all students submitting a thesis or dissertation as part of their graduate degree requirements to first submit their electronic documents through Turnitin.com for advisement purposes and for review of originality. The thesis or dissertation chair is responsible for scheduling this submission to Turnitin.com and for reviewing the results from Turnitin.com with the students advisory committee. The advisory committee uses the results appropriately to assist the student in the preparation of their thesis or dissertation.

Before the student may be approved for final submission to the university, the thesis or dissertation chair must indicate completion of the Turnitin.com requirement by signing the Review for Original Work section on the Thesis and Dissertation Attachment form (see www.graduatestudies.ucf.edu, Forms & Files).

Thesis Dissemination

While UCF respects the wishes of students who would like to publish their work and/or apply for patents, it is essential for scholarly research conducted at a university to be available for dissemination. While several options are available for the release of an ETD, it is the goal of the university that all theses be available through the UCF Libraries catalog. Upon uploading the final ETD to the UCF Libraries ETD website, students, in some cases with their advisers, must choose one of the options for the availability of their ETD through UCF. Students with potential patent concerns are required to discuss the following options with their thesis adviser and indicate the availability choice on the Thesis and Dissertation Attachment form (see www.graduatestudies.ucf.edu, Forms & Files).

• For those with no patent or copyright concerns:
• Immediate worldwide dissemination with no restrictions.
• For those who have patent issues, dissemination options must be discussed and agreed to with your adviser. Choices are:
• Pending dissemination of the entire work for six months for patent or other proprietary issues, with an additional six months extension available. Once the patent and proprietary issues are resolved, then immediate worldwide dissemination with no restrictions.
• Pending dissemination of the entire work for six months for patent or other proprietary issues, with an additional six months extension available. Once the patent and proprietary issues are resolved, choosing this option allows the student to make the thesis available to the university community for the period chosen below, and then for it to be distributed via the Web beyond that time.
• one year
• three years*
• five years*
• For those who have copyright concerns, dissemination options are a student decision within the guidelines of individual departments that may have requirements for dissemination. If a department has no guidelines for dissemination, then students are free to choose one of the options below. In general, those in the sciences and engineering will choose one year while students in the arts and humanities may choose longer. Choosing this option allows the student to make the thesis available to the university community for the period chosen below, and then for it to be distributed via the Web beyond that time.
• one year
• three years*
• five years*

*Does not require thesis adviser signature and approval.

Public Access

Students, faculty, staff, and other interested parties are strongly encouraged to attend thesis final defense sessions. Notices providing date, time, and location of such meetings must be distributed to all academic departments.

These sessions are educational and informative for graduate students and provide an opportunity for colleagues to observe the work of their peers. At the discretion of the Chair of the Thesis Advisory Committee, questions may be invited from the audience. That part of the session involving committee discussion leading to a vote on the acceptance of the work will be closed. Sessions may be recessed briefly to excuse visitors and the candidate before this stage begins.

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