University Graduate RegulationsThe following are minimum university-wide standards for the operation of graduate programs. Additional requirements for each graduate program are described in the individual college descriptions (see Arts and Sciences, Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Health and Public Affairs, School of Optics).
Student StatusStudents who are taking graduate classes may be classified in several ways. Those classifications are defined as:Regular Graduate Student - a student who has been accepted into a graduate degree program with no conditions or provisions and is seeking a graduate degree. Provisional Graduate Student - a degree-seeking student who does not meet BOR criteria for GPA or GRE/GMAT requirements, but for other reasons is accepted as a degree-seeking student by a program. Conditions will be attached to the admission that may have to be fulfilled in the first nine hours of a graduate program before the student is made a Regular Graduate Student. Only 10 percent of all new students in any degree program may be Provisional. Provisional students can not, in general, receive graduate fellowships or tuition waivers. Conditional Graduate Student - a degree-seeking student who meets BOR criteria for admission, but has not submitted all required documents. Conditions must be met by midterm of the first semester in order to register for future semester classes.
Restricted Graduate Student - a degree-seeking graduate student
who meets BOR criteria, but does not meet program
requirements to be accepted as a Regular Graduate Student. Restrictions
will be attached to the admission that will have to be fulfilled before the
student is made a Regular Graduate Student.
Graduate Certificate Student - a student, either a degree-seeking graduate student or a non-degree-seeking student, enrolled in a graduate certificate program. Non-degree-seeking students enrolled in graduate certificate programs are not eligible for financial aid. If accepted into a graduate program, students in this statue may, at the discretion of the program, transfer the credit hours for a graduate certificate program into a regular graduate program.
Student's ResponsibilityIt is the student's responsibility to keep informed of all rules, regulations, and procedures required for graduate studies. Graduate program regulations will not be waived or exceptions granted because students plead ignorance of the regulations or claim failure of the adviser to keep them informed.
University ClosingsIn the event of some extraordinary event (such as a natural disaster or prolonged power outage), the President shall determine whether it is necessary to cancel classes and approve administrative leave for employees in affected areas. Department chairs, in consultation with their faculty and with the college dean, shall determine the effect on final examinations and other academic matters.
UCF EmploymentFull-time graduate students may be offered the opportunity to work as graduate assistants. All graduate assistants (GTAs and GRAs) must work at least 10 hours per week, but not more than 20 hours per week. Students who want to work for more than one employee and/or for hours in excess of 20 hours per week must complete a Multiple Employment/Excess Hours Form. Exceptions to this policy may be granted by the Office of Graduate Studies and the Graduate Council for compelling reasons.Student FICA exemption - Graduate students who are enrolled at least part time (3 hours in spring/fall; 2 hours in summer; 1 hour of thesis/dissertation) will be exempt from FICA/Medicare taxes during pay periods that overlap with the academic term and during breaks of less than five weeks where graduate students are employed but not enrolled will result in withholding FICA/Medicare taxes. Note: International students with F-1 Visas are prohibited from working in excess of 20 hours per week during the fall and spring semesters.
AppealsWhen unusual situations arise, petitions for exceptions to policy may be requested by the student. Requests for consideration of exceptions to departmental rules should be made in writing to the graduate program coordinator. A Graduate Petition Form should be used for this request. The graduate program coordinator may ask the department or program graduate committee to examine the necessary information and recommend a response to the petition. The graduate program coordinator will recommend to the department chair whether the petition should be granted. If the department is considering an exception solely to a departmental policy or rule, the petition will not have to be considered further. Should the student wish to appeal the departmental decision, the student or department may request in writing to the graduate college coordinator that the college reconsider the decision.If the petition requires an exception to a college policy or rule, the student or department will request in writing that an exception be made at the college level. The graduate college coordinator may ask the graduate college committee to examine the petition at the request of the department or student once the department has made its recommendations. The graduate college coordinator will recommend to the college dean whether to grant the exception to college policy. If the college is considering an exception solely to a college policy or rule, then the petition will not have to be considered further. Should the student wish to appeal the college decision, the student or college may request in writing that the university reconsider the decision. If the petition requires an exception to a university policy or rule, the student or college will request in writing that an exception be made at the university level. The Associate Vice President for Graduate Studies may ask the Graduate Council to examine the petition at the request of the college or student once the college has made its recommendation. The Associate Vice President for Graduate Studies will determine whether or not the execption should be granted. The Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs is the final authority on whether exceptions to university policies will be made.
General Requirements for All Graduate ProgramsProgram of Study and Academic PerformanceA program of study is an agreement concerning course work between the student and the degree program specifying all degree requirements. It must be established prior to enrollment in the second term for a full-time graduate student. For a graduate student carrying a reduced load, the establishment of a program of study may be delayed up to the registration for the ninth graduate semester hour. A Program of Study form (either a SASS audit or written form) can be obtained from the graduate program coordinator or graduate college coordinator, prepared and given to the graduate program coordinator to be placed in the student's permanent file. It must comply with the catalog current at the time it is proposed. The Program of Study, once established, cannot be altered solely due to poor academic performance by the student.GPA in Program of Study A graduate student's GPA shall be calculated on only those courses specified on the individual's Program of Study (not including required prerequisites). A minimum of a 3.0 GPA in the specified graduate program of study is required to maintain graduate student status and for graduation. In any term where the GPA drops below 3.0 in a program of study, a student will be changed to academic provisional status for a maximum of nine semester hours. If students have not attained an overall graduate GPA of 3.0 in the program of study at the end of the nine semester hours, they will be reverted to non-degree status. (Students admitted on provisional status are similarly given nine semester hours to attain a 3.0 GPA.) If a student wishes to appeal a change in status, an appeal should be filed with the graduate program coordinator. (See "Appeals" in this chapter.) No graduate-level courses with a grade of "D" or lower are acceptable in a program of study or, following admission to degree-seeking status, on a SASS audit. In addition, no 4000-level courses or transfer courses with a grade of "C" or lower are acceptable in the program of study. Once established, the program of study cannot be altered solely due to poor academic perfomance of the student. Graduate students whose overall GPA falls below 2.0 will be reverted to non-degree status. Maximum Hours of Unsatisfactory Grades A student may earn a maximum total of six semester hours of "C" grades in the program of study. The final program of study may not contain unresolved "I" (Incomplete) grades. This does not imply that a course in which a student has received these grades cannot be repeated to provide a better grade. Both grades will be used in computing the GPA in the program of study. There is no forgiveness policy on graduate grades. Exceeding six semester hours of unsatisfactory (more than six semester hours of "C" or unresolved "I") grades in a specified graduate program of study is reason for reversion to non-degree status. Incomplete Grades A grade of "I" (incomplete) is assigned by the instructor when a student is unable to complete a course due to extenuating circumstances, and when all requirements can clearly be completed in a short time following the close of regular classes. The Registrar's Office must be notified of the appropriate grade to be assigned no later than the date shown in the academic calendar of the term immediately following that in which the "I" was assigned. Failure to complete course requirements by that date may, at the discretion of the instructor, result in the assignment of an "F" grade, or a "U" grade for thesis or research report hours. It is the student's responsibility to arrange with the instructor for the changing of the "I" grade. Both the new grade and the letter "I" will appear on the student's permanent record. Grades of "I" awarded after Fall 1997 must be resolved within one calendar year or prior to graduation, whichever comes first. Incompletes left unresovlved will be changed to "F" if not changed in the allowed time period. A student may register for a course in which an "I" was received, but no repeat "R" action will be made on the permanent record. Incomplete grades cannot be used on the program of study. Review of Performance The primary responsibility for monitoring performance standards rests with the degree program. However, the college and university may monitor a student's progress and may revert any student to non-degree status if performance standards as specified above are not maintained. Satisfactory academic progress in a program also involves maintaining the standards of academic and professional integrity expected in a particular discipline or program. Failure to maintain these standards may result in termination of the student from the program. A degree program may revert any graduate student to non-degree status at any time when, in its judgment, the individual is deemed incapable of successfully performing at required standards of excellence. If a student is reverted to non-degree status, reinstatement to graduate student status can occur only through a formal appeal process. (See "Appeals" in this chapter.)
Course RequirementsCourse LoadsA full-time graduate student must take at least six credit hours each semester, with twelve semester hours being the maximum load. International students who are not receiving assistantships or fellowships must be enrolled in nine semester hours each semester (for fall and spring) per Immigration and Naturalization Service guidelines. During the summer term, full-time is three credit hours and half-time is two credit hours. In order to meet residency requirements, doctoral and specialist students must register for six hours in two contiguous terms. During the terms a student is registered for special courses such as thesis, dissertation research, or dissertation writing, the hours may vary. Students taking only thesis or dissertation hours will be required to be enrolled in at least one hour of thesis or dissertation research to be considered full-time.Students receiving veterans' education benefits should refer to the "Office of Veterans' Affairs" and "Veterans' Benefits" sections in the "Student Development and Enrollment Services" chapter in this catalog.
Course Levels of Graduate Work7000-Level Courses These courses are designed for doctoral students.
6000-Level Courses These courses are designed
for graduate students. Post-baccalaureate or Non-degree seeking students
should check with the colleges about their ability to enroll
in 6000-level courses.
Undergraduate registration in 6000-level courses is
allowed only in special situations with prior
approval by the college. Undergraduate students must be
within nine hours of graduation, have
a minimum 3.0 GPA, and not register for more than a total
of twelve hours in that term.
Transfer of Credit When Accreditation Is UncertainStudents who believe they have mastered the content of a graduate-level course should present a portfolio to the graduate program coordinator documenting the learning experience. If the committee after examining the portfolio believes the student has mastered the content presented in a graduate-level course, the student should be allowed to demonstrate that mastery through examination. (See "Credit by Examination or Waiver" below.) Correspondence courses are not acceptable toward a graduate program of study; however, extension or continuing education courses may be accepted.The acceptance of courses from unaccredited agencies or institutions threatens the integrity and value of the graduate degrees awarded by UCF. Graduate-level course work demands the mastery of skills, theories, and concepts at a much higher level than undergraduate-level course work. Therefore, the university will not allow students to transfer course work from professional societies, independent agencies, employees, or companies unless they are ACE (American Council on Education) certified.
Credit by Examination or WaiverExamination credit may be used to satisfy program course requirements, but not credit hour requirements. Certain program requirements or courses may be waived at the discretion of a program, although the total hours required for the program must be satisfied.
Thesis, Research Report, and Dissertation GradesFor thesis (XXX 6971 or 6973), dissertation (XXX 7980), and research report (XXX 6909) courses, satisfactory (S) or unsatisfactory (U) grades are used to reflect student progress in these courses. Should a student in a given term be given an incomplete, then this grade should be changed to an S or U, upon completion of the work. Other grades are not allowed to be given in these courses. Students who do not maintain satisfactory progress in their research may be reverted to non-degree status.
Public AccessStudents, faculty, staff, and other interested parties are strongly encouraged to attend thesis and dissertation 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 with students. At the discretion of the Chair of the 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.
Degree Application ProcessApplication for Graduate DegreeGraduate students must file an Intent to Graduate form with the graduate program coordinator by the last day of registration for the term of graduation. If the student does not graduate in that term, a new form must be filed at the beginning of the term of anticipated graduation.
Application for Graduate CertificateThose students, graduate or non-degree, who are completing a certificate must file a Completion of Certificate form with the graduate program coordinator by the last day of registration for the last course in the graduate certificate program. If the student does not complete certificate requirements in that term, a new form must be filed at the beginning of registration for the term of completion.
Thesis and Dissertation RequirementsAn oral defense of a thesis or dissertation is required with copies of the approved thesis or dissertation being prepared in accordance with program, college, and university requirements. The Graduate Studies Thesis and Dissertation Manual describes UCF's formatting requirements for theses/dissertations and outlines the steps graduate students must follow to submit their theses/dissertations to Graduate Studies for binding. Graduate students can obtain the manual from the Thesis/Disseration Editor in the Office of Graduate Studies, use copies on reserve at the Reference Services Desk in the UCF Library (second floor), or access this information on the editor's website.
Each semester the Thesis/Disseration Editor
presents workshops to inform
graduate students about procedures, deadlines, and
requirements associated with preparing a
thesis and dissertation.
Certification for Degree or CertificateThe college of the degree program must certify through the College Dean that all program and college requirements have been met. Degree certification forms are forwarded to Graduate Studies for final determination that all program, college, and university requirements have been met. Graduate students who have completed all the requirements for the degree and have successfully completed the required thesis or dissertation may request a letter to that effect prior to the receipt of the degree. Such letters will be issued by Graduate Studies.
Registration in Term of GraduationA student must be registered in any term in which UCF faculty or administrative and professional time will be required (e.g., for review of thesis or research report by faculty or editorial staff, for completion of internships, or for comprehensive or other examinations). Therefore, unless the graduate program certifies to Graduate Studies that no UCF resources will be utilized, a student must be registered in the term of graduation.
ReadmissionTo file for readmission, the student must complete a Reactivation/Readmission Application, or fax (407-823-6442) or e-mail (graduate@mail.ucf.edu) Graduate Studies stating a desire for readmission for a particular term. Graduate Studies will consult with the program about readmission.
Graduate Certificate ProgramsGraduate certificate programs are available at UCF to supplement an existing graduate program or to provide specialized knowledge in disciplines that complement the education of working professionals in the metropolitan area served by UCF. Many of our area employees have advanced graduate degrees and can enhance their education with specialized course. Frequently a package of specialized courses that forms a certificate will increase employment credentials and lead to career enhancement.
It is the intent of these programs to be current, providing specialized and state-of-the-art
content to area employees. Often certificate programs are offered using flexible and
nontraditional delivery systems that provide the best service to the employees in this
metropolitan area. Distributed learning, weekend courses, evening courses, and accelerated term
courses are acceptable. Any academic unit may propose a graduate certificate program that encompasses graduate courses in its graduate program. If an interdisciplinary certificate program is proposed, it must be acceptable to departments and faculty offering the courses and graduate programs on which the certificate program is based. Only departments offering graduate degree programs are eligible to develop graduate certificate programs, although departments not offering graduate degrees could join a graduate program in offering an interdisciplinary certificate. College-wide graduate programs are also eligible to develop graduate certificate programs. Certificate programs will not be allowed without some connection to an existing graduate program. The program, wherever it is academically housed, must be clearly identified and labeled as a certificate program. The intent of the programs must be specified in any department or college publications (print or Web based). A faculty coordinator will be appointed for each certificate program. The coordinator will be responsible for certifying successful completion of the program's academic requirements. The Provost will approve the design and title of the certificate. The Office of Graduate Studies will arrange for recording the completed certificate on the student's transcript. However, certificate recipients will not be recognized at commencement.
University Admission StatusStudents admitted to a graduate degree program or to post-baccalaureate status are eligible to take certificate programs. Those with bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degrees are eligible to enroll in certificate programs. Entry to a certificate program does not guarantee admission to a graduate program. However, once a person is accepted into a regular graduate program, credits from a UCF certificate program may be applied toward an existing graduate program with the consent of the program. Post-baccalaureate students who are enrolled in a certificate program are not eligible for tuition waivers, assistant ships, fellowships, or federal financial aid. Students may apply for admission into a certificate program at any time prior to the completion of the last course in the certificate program.Course Requirements and LoadsA certificate program must comprise a minimum of nine semester hours and a maximum of 18. The course work must consist of an integrated and organized sequence of study.No internship or independent study courses may be used in a certificate program. The use of practicum courses in a certificate programs is not generally encouraged, but may be used in programs where there is a strong professional setting and on-campus faculty supervision. Alternative delivery programs are acceptable and encouraged. Distributed learning, weekend courses, evening courses, and accelerated term courses are acceptable. A course may not apply toward more than one certificate program. Certificate students must take the full number of required hours. If an overlap of course work occurs between two or more certificate programs for the same student, the student must complete the total required hours by taking electives approved by the program. All courses that are offered as part of a certificate program must be graduate-level courses. Students must earn course grades of "B" or better to get credit toward the certificate. Courses may be retaken to achieve a better grade.
Applicable CreditsTransfer of CreditNo graduate credit hours taken at other institutions can be applied to a graduate certificate program at UCF.
Recency of Credit
Master's ProgramsUniversity Admission StandardsAdmission to graduate status requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and a minimum of a 3.0 GPA in the last 60 attempted semester hours of undergraduate studies, or a score of at least 1000 on the combined verbal-quantitative portion of the GRE or a score of at least 450 on the combined verbal-quantitative portion of 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. Additional or higher criteria may be required by the college or department. An applicant's character, integrity and general fitness to practice a particular profession may also be considered in the admission process.
Applicable Credits and CoursesTotal Hours RequiredA minimum of 30 semester hours (combined course work and thesis) is required, although many programs require more than this. For the thesis option, at least 24 semester hours of course work must be earned exclusive of thesis. For the non-thesis option, at least 50 percent of the credits offered for the degree must be in a single field of concentration. Some colleges offer a course work only option, in which a thesis is not required, although a research report may be required. Course Levels 6000-Level Courses. A minimum of fifteen credit hours (including thesis hours) of an individual's program of study must be in 6000-level courses, which are designed for graduate students. Exceptions to this requirement must be approved by the Graduate Council. Exceptions to this rule have been granted to Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, and English. Directed Independent Studies Courses A maximum of three courses may be taken as independent study, for a total of no more than six semester hours. Residence Credit At least 21 semester credits must be UCF credits. Residence credits may be earned through enrollment in courses physically offered on the main campus; or at the UCF area campuses (Brevard, Daytona Beach, South Orlando, Downtown Academic Center); or at geographical locations where UCF courses are being taught by regular UCF faculty members. Resisdence credits also include UCF courses offered through the World Wide Web. Transfer of Credits Taken before Enrolling at UCF Work taken at an accredited institution BEFORE a student is given graduate status at UCF may be transferred into the student's program of study. Transfer course work may come from the following areas:
No more than nine semester hours total of graduate credit may be transferred into the graduate program from UCF post-baccalaureate work or from other accredited institutions. Graduate programs are permitted to accept up to nine hours of graduate course work taken at UCF while an undergraduate student as part of an undergraduate program of study. Oversight of the appropriateness of and discretion for accepting such courses into a graduate program of study will be provided by the instructor, graduate program coordinator, and graduate college coordinator. The use of these hours of graduate course work in a graduate program of study is at the discretion of the college and program. This does not apply to undergraduate course work taken while an undergraduate student. Institutions not in the State University System must be fully accredited by a regional accrediting association of the Commission on Accreditation (e.g., the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools). In some instances, UCF will have conducted an independent evaluation of a nonaccredited institution. If judged to be equivalent, hours may be transferred from these schools. In all instances, only grades of B or better will be transferred. Students who wish to take course work elsewhere while enrolled as a student at UCF must apply and be accepted as a Traveling Scholar. Credits earned as a Traveling Scholar are considered "resident" credits that are earned at UCF. Consult the "Traveling Scholar" section in this chapter for more information.
Time Limitation for Degree CompletionThe 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. No course older than seven (7) 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 two major semesters [spring/fall], excluding summers) must file for readmission to the university, although seven years is measured from when the student was first admitted to the program.
ExaminationsEvaluationAll examination procedures and other evaluations of a student's progress shall be the province of the individual department or appropriate unit operating within the framework of the college (or colleges for interdisciplinary programs). Comprehensive Examination 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.
Advisory CommitteesAppointment of Committee or AdviserIt is the responsibility of the appropriate academic Dean of the college or the coordinator of the program granting the degree to (1) determine whether an advisory committee or an adviser will be used and (2) approve the necessary appointments. The Office of Graduate Studies reserves the right to review appointments to advisory committees, place a representative on any advisory committee, or to appoint a co-adviser. There may be two advisors appointed by the program, the Academic Adviser who oversees the satisfaction of university requirements, and in thesis degree programs, a Thesis Adviser who may oversee the thesis research. The Academic Adviser must be a UCF faculty member in the program granting the degree. The Academic Adviser is normally necessary when there is considerable flexibility in course work, or where the student is conducting research and working with a thesis advisor who is not a UCF faculty member. Both thesis and non-thesis programs may find it useful to appoint an Academic Adviser.
Thesis Advisory Committee
ThesisIn some programs, students are required to complete a thesis. An oral defense of the thesis is required with copies of the approved thesis being prepared in accordance with program, college, and university requirements. The UCF Thesis and Dissertation Manual describes formatting requirements for theses/dissertations and outlines the steps graduate students must follow to submit their theses/dissertations to Graduate Studies for binding. Graduate students can use the copies on reserve at the Reference Services Desk in the UCF Library (second floor), or access this information on the editor's website.Each semester the Thesis and Dissertation Editor presents workshops to inform graduate students about procedures, deadlines, and requirements associated with preparing a thesis and dissertation. Students who wish to complete their degree requirements in a given semester must take their oral defense and turn in their final unbound copies to the Thesis and Dissertation Editor in Graduate Studies by the dates shown in the Academic Calendar of the Graduate Catalog.
Enrollment Requirement
Thesis Defense
Education Specialist ProgramsEducation Specialist (Ed.S.) degrees are awarded in Educational Leadership, Curriculum and Instruction, and School Psychology. The Ed.S. degree provides an opportunity for professionals in leadership positions in an educational environment to receive in-depth academic study. This degree provides the opportunity for the development of a high level of professional proficiency in such areas as instruction, supervision, administration, curriculum, and current research literature. Because the purpose of the Ed.S. degree may differ from those of the Ed.D., credit earned in an Ed.S. program is not automatically transferable to a doctoral program. Instead, if a holder of an Ed.S. degree enters a doctoral program at a later date, the doctoral advisory committee will decide how much of the credit earned in the Ed.S. program will be credited toward the doctorate. In any case, only 30 hours taken prior to doctoral status may be transferred into the doctoral program of study. The primary goal of the Ed.S. degree is teaching or acquiring professional proficiency in a specialized education-related area.
University Admission StandardsAdmission to the Education Specialist program requires (1) a master's degree from a regionally accredited institution (except in the case of the School Psychology Specialist program, which does not require a master's degree, but does have other special admission criteria), (2) a combined score of 1000 (Verbal and Quantitative Sections of the General Graduate Record Examination), (3) other criteria as required by the individual departments, and (4) a recommendation for admission by the appropriate College of Education Graduate Admissions Committee. Admission to the university does not constitute admission to a specialist program.
ExaminationsTwo examinations are required. Educational Leadership majors must successfully complete one 3-hour examination in their major area and one 3-hour examination in an area of specialization. Curriculum and Instruction majors must successfully complete one 3-hour examination in their teaching specialty and one 3-hour examination in the Educational Foundations area.
Program of Study and Academic StandardsA program of study (i.e., required course work) will be specified by the student's program area and approved by the college. Minimal core requirements for the Ed.S. degree consist of 36 hours beyond the master's degree in an approved program, which must include a minimum of 12 graduate-level hours in the specialization area, 6 graduate-level hours in research/statistics, and additional core requirements that are specific to each of the Ed.S. degrees. An overall 3.0 GPA must be maintained on all graduate work attempted. All other academic standards which apply to master's students will not be lower for specialist students.
Transfer of CreditIn the Educational Leadership program:Total transfer credit can never exceed nine semester hours. All credit must be earned after the master's degree with the maximum being nine semester hours from accredited institutions.
In the Curriculum and Instruction program:
Time Limitation and Continuous AttendanceThe student has seven (7) years from the date of admission (prerequisite, articulation, and foundation courses are exempt) to the specialist program to complete the degree. No course older than seven (7) years, at graduation, may be used in the program of study for a specialist degree. Students who do not maintain continuous enrollment (missing enrollment at the university for a period of two major semesters [spring/fall], excluding summers) must file for readmission to the university, although seven years is measured from when the student was first admitted to the program.
Doctoral ProgramsUniversity Admission StandardsEligibility for admission to a doctoral program should be limited to superior students who have demonstrated intellectual ability, high achievement, and adequate preparation for advanced study and research in a chosen field.Minimum university standards for admission to a doctoral program require a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and a minimum of a 3.0 GPA in the last 60 attempted semester hours of undergraduate studies, or a score of at least 1000 on the combined verbal-quantitative portion of the GRE or a combined verbal-quantitative score of at least 450 on the GMAT, or a master's degree from an accredited institution and GRE or GMAT scores. A GRE or GMAT (Business Administration) score is required of all applicants. However, meeting minimum university admission standards may not satisfy doctoral program admission requirements. Additional or higher criteria may be required by the college or department.
ExaminationsTo avoid confusion of terminology for examinations, all programs should use the following terms:Qualifying Examination. This title designates the examination (optional by programs) which is used to determine if students should continue with their doctoral studies. It is normally given within the first year of the doctoral program. This is a written examination and is permanently filed in the student's records in the program. Candidacy Examination. This title is used for the examination which the student takes prior to admission to Candidacy Status. This is a written examination and is permanently filed in the student's records in the program. It is normally taken near the end of completion of course work, and must be passed before being allowed to enroll in dissertation hours. Dissertation Proposal Examination. After passing the general Candidacy Examination, the student will write and defend a Dissertation Proposal in an oral examination. Dissertation Defense. This is an oral examination (or defense) of the dissertation.
Completion of Qualifying ExaminationEligibility to continue a doctoral program should be limited to superior students who have demonstrated intellectual ability, high achievement, and adequate preparation for advanced study and research in a chosen field. The decision to allow a student continuing progress toward a doctorate is made by the graduate committee of the program area concerned and the Dean of the college on the basis of the qualifying examination and/or other criteria as specified by the individual program area. This exam is normally taken within the first year of a doctoral program.
Program of StudyA program of study (i.e., required course work) will be specified by the student's program area and approved by the college. The particular plan of study, which may vary from student to student, should be formulated jointly by the student and the appropriate committee or adviser in the program area. Changes in the program of study may be made at any time by the advisory committee.
Course RequirementsThe course requirements for a doctoral degree will consist of lectures, seminars, discussions, independent research, and independent study. Each program of study will include a minimum of 72 semester hours of graduate credit beyond the baccalaureate degree, 57 semester hours of which must be exclusive of the dissertation, with at least 6 semester hours of course work taken at UCF outside the student's program area. A university-wide minimum of at least 15 hours of dissertation hours are required for all doctoral programs. Specific programs may require more.
Independent Study Hours
Academic StandardsAcademic standards for doctoral students will meet or exceed those previously stated for master's programs.
Special Degree RequirementsEach student may be expected to demonstrate an appropriate competency in a related area. The appropriate competency must be carefully defined by the program area and approved by the student's committee and the Dean of the college. Any course credit earned in attaining such a skill does not count toward minimum hour requirements.
Residency RequirementsEach student is expected to complete two contiguous semesters in full-time graduate student status after acceptance into a doctoral program. Doctoral students must be registered a minimum of 6 semester hours during this time.
Transfer CreditUp to 30 semester hours of credit from an accredited institution may be transferred into a doctoral program, and will be determined on a case-by-case basis by the graduate committee of the program area generally at the time the student is admitted to the program. The transfer hours will consist of a maximum of six hours of 4000-level work, no 3000-level courses, and no courses with grades of less than "B." The College of Engineering allows up to 36 credit hours, including up to 6 thesis credits, to be transferred from the master's program.Graduate programs are permitted to accept up to nine hours of graduate course work taken at UCF while an undergraduate student as part of an undergraduate program of study. Oversight of the appropriateness of an discretion for accepting such courses into a graduate program of study will be provided by the instructor, graduate program coordinator, and graduate college coordinator. The use of these hours of graduate course work in a graduate program of study is at the discretion of the college and program. This does not apply to undergraduate course work taken while an undergraduate student.
Time Limitation for Degree CompletionThe student has seven (7) years from the date of admission to the doctoral program to complete the dissertation. No courses taken since the program entry date at UCF may be older than seven (7) years and used in the program of study.
ReadmissionStudents who do not maintain continuous enrollment (missing enrollment at the university for a period of two major semesters [spring/fall], excluding summers) must file for readmission to the university, although seven years is measured from when the student was first admitted to the program. To file for readmission, the student must complete a Reactivation/Readmission Application, form, or contact the Office of Graduate Studies by fax (407-823-6442) or e-mail (graduate@mail.ucf.edu) and state desire for readmission for a particular term. Graduate Studies will consult with the program about readmission. For more information about readmission, refer to the "Admission to the University and Graduate Programs" chapter.
Examination CommitteeIn some programs a doctoral examination committee will be formed consisting of several faculty members representing the appropriate disciplines and approved by the Dean or college designee to administer qualifying and/or candidacy examinations. In many cases this committee will consist of the program graduate committee. All members will evaluate and vote as to whether students have successfully completed the exams.
CandidacyAdmission to CandidacyStudents may not be admitted to candidacy until a Doctoral Committee has been appointed, and the Committee has certified that the student has successfully completed the Candidacy Examination and demonstrated the qualifications necessary to successfully complete requirements for the degree. Only after admission to candidacy may a student register for dissertation hours (XXX 7980). The admission to candidacy will be approved by the graduate college coordinator and forwarded to Graduate Studies for status change.
Candidacy Examination
Enrollment in Dissertation Hours
NOTE: Generally enrollment in 3 credit hours is required while students are in residence at UCF and placing substantial time demands on their professors. For part-time and nonresident students enrollment of at least one semester hour is required. Colleges may have more stringent requirements.
DissertationDissertations are required in all doctoral programs. An oral defense of the dissertation is required with copies of the approved dissertation being prepared in accordance with program requirements.
Dissertation Advisory Committee Composition
All members vote on acceptance or rejection of the dissertation proposal and the final dissertation. The dissertation proposal and final dissertation must be approved by a majority of the committee.
Dissertation Preparation
Each semester the Thesis and Dissertation Editor presents workshops to inform graduate students about procedures, deadlines, and requirements associated with preparing a thesis and dissertation. Those students who have just passed Candidacy are encouraged to attend a workshop. Students who wish to complete their degree requirements in a given semester must take their oral defense and turn in their final unbound copies to the Thesis and Dissertation Editor in Graduate Studies by the dates shown in the Academic Calendar of the Graduate Catalog. Doctoral students also must provide one unbound copy for microfilming by University Microfilms International (UMI). The editor will send dissertations to UMI, with the student's completed UMI form and microfilming fee.
Dissertation Defense
Special Scholar ProgramsTraveling ScholarsThe university participates in the Board of Regents Traveling Scholar Program (6C-6.07) enabling a graduate student to take advantage of special resources available on another campus but not available on the home campus; for example, special course offerings, research opportunities, unique laboratories, and library collections. A traveling scholar is a graduate student who, by mutual agreement of the appropriate academic authorities in both the sponsoring and hosting institutions, receives a waiver of admission requirements of the host institution and a guarantee of acceptance of earned resident credits by the sponsoring institution.A traveling scholar must be recommended by his or her own graduate adviser, who will initiate a visiting arrangement with the appropriate faculty member of the host institution. After agreement by the student's adviser and the faculty member at the host institution, graduate deans at both institutions will be fully informed by the adviser and have the authority to approve or disapprove the academic arrangement. A student will register at the host institution and will pay tuition and/or registration fees according to fee schedules established at that institution. The Traveling Scholar form, available in the department offices, must be used for documentation. This form must be completed and prior approval obtained before any course work can be taken. Each university retains its full right to accept or reject any student who wishes to study under its auspices. A traveling scholar will normally be limited to one term for a total of six credit hours taken as a traveling scholar at another institution. A traveling scholar is not entitled to displacement allowance, mileage, or per diem payments. The home university, however, may at its option continue its financial support of the traveling scholar in the form of a fellowship or graduate assistantship with any work obligation to be discharged either at the home or at the host institution. As part of the Traveling Scholars agreement, SUS institutions agree to accept one another's entrance requirements and credits. All Traveling Scholars are required to submit the Student Health History and immunization requirements according to UCF and BOR policies. Credit is not automatically transferred into the graduate program of study. The student must request an official transcript be sent from the host institution to Graduate Studies (AD 230, P.O. Box 160112, Phone 823-2766), and the program coordinator must complete the Program of Study so that the credits can be entered into the student database. Credits earned will be considered resident credits and are not counted as "transfer" credits under the "nine-hour" rule. These hours may count toward UCF residency requirements if prior approval is obtained. Graduate students are not allowed to be traveling scholars in their final, or graduation, term except by appeal to Graduate Studies.
International Visiting ScholarsThe following policy and procedures allow departments to invite international visitors to study or participate in research activities at UCF. These scholars will be designated as Visiting Scholars or Visiting Research Scholars. The policy is directed to those who do not wish to earn a degree, but who may audit courses in the post-baccalaureate, non-degree-seeking status for professional development and who normally have complete financial support provided by some outside agency. These visitors will have J-1 Exchange Scholar Visa status, limited to one year, which can be extended. J-1 visa holders must return to their home country; they may not request to remain in the United States. Visitors seeking degrees will use regular UCF admission procedures and must qualify for an I-20 Certificate of eligibility for an F-1 Student Visa.Visitors participating in the international scholars program who are required to audit courses at UCF must fill out the UCF Graduate Nondegree/Ceritification/Transient Application and pay the $20 application fee. The deadline is about four (4) months before the beginning of a term. A faculty member, as Faculty Sponsor, must accept the responsibility for recommending, advising, and directing the activities of the scholar. The procedure for extending an invitation is as follows:
During each academic term of the visit, the Visiting Research Scholar will be required to audit one hour of XXX 6918, Directed Research, under the direction of the Faculty Sponsor and also may be permitted (or required) to audit regular courses. The Visiting Scholar will be admitted to non-degree status and will audit courses as directed and approved by the Faculty Sponsor. The Visiting Scholar will not be permitted to take courses for credit unless formally admitted to a degree program or upon written approval from the Dean of the college in which the student is studying. The international visiting scholar will be appointed Visiting Research Scholar or Visiting Scholar in the College and may be given a modest honorarium. Such scholars will normally not be maintained on the College payroll, but are expected to have extended financial support.
Academic Common Market ScholarsThe university is a participant in the Common Market Program with other universities in the Southeast offering access to both undergraduate and graduate courses in selected fields. Arrangements can be made for certified Florida residents to earn a graduate degree at a participating university, and be treated as an instate student at that university. This program can be used only when the field of study is not available in the home state and the participating institution approves. Students taking part in this program will have to apply and be accepted by a participating university, notifying that university of their planned attendance as an Academic Common Market Scholar. The participating universities are located in the following states:
Both Florida and Texas only participate at the graduate level. For further information, please contact Graduate Studies at 823-6432 (AD 243, P.O. Box 160212).
Linkage AgreementsThe State of Florida has established various linkage agreements to assist in the development of stronger economic and social ties between Florida and strategic foreign countries. Linkage Institutes are set up throughout the state, and provide out-of-state tuition exemption to scholars from the foreign countries represented by the institutes. To participate in these exemptions, students must apply to the Linkage Institute for the country in which they reside for out-of-state tuition exemption. Students participating are required to return home after their tenure of graduate study for a length of time equal to the exemption period. Each institute develops its own criteria for selection of students, and typically support the out-of-state fees for about 20 to 30 scholars a year.The institutes established in Florida are listed below with their contact persons:
Florida-Brazil Institute Dr. Elizabeth Lowe McCoy, UF
352-392-5834
Dr. Terry McCoy, UF
352-392-0375
Dr. Robert Vitale, Miami-Dade
Community College
305-237-2533
Florida-Canada Institute Dr. Warren McHone, UCF
407-823-2629
Dr. Sean P. Smith, Palm Beach
Community College
561-367-4574
Florida-Caribbean Institute Dr. Mark B. Rosenberg, FIU
305-348-2894
Mr. Francisco Bertot, Daytona
Beach Community College
904-254-3091
Florida-China Institute Dr. Henry O.K. Chen, UWF
904-474-2665
Mr. Robert J. Ludwiczak, Brevard
Community College
407-632-1111
Ms. Miriam B. Stamps, USF
813-974-6305
Florida-Costa Rica Institute Dr. Erasmo Gerato, FSU
904-644-1414
Ms Carol Litrides, Valencia
Community College
407-855-9989
Florida-Eastern Europe Institute Dr. Jean Kijek, UCF
407-823-3647
Dr. Robert W. Westrick, Lake
Sumter Community College
352-365-3523
Florida-France Institute Dr. Erasmo Gerato, FSU
904-644-1414
Dr. Eugene Scruggs, USF
813-974-4126
Dr. Robert Vitale, Miami-Dade
Community College
305-237-2533
Florida-Israel Institute Dr. William B. Stronge, FAU
561-367-2833
Dr. Benjamin Popper, Broward
Community College
954-475-6733
Ms. Nancy Q. Rosen, FAU
954-351-4150
Florida-Japan Institute Dr. Mark Orr, USF
813-974-4090
Ms. Shigeko Honda, UWF
904-474-3108
Dr. Glen E. Goltermann, UWF
904-474-2144
Florida-Mexico Institute Dr. Mark B. Rosenberg, FIU
305-348-2894
Mr. Hugh Anderson, Polk
Community College
813-297-1026
Florida-West Africa Institute Dr. Harriett A. Paul, FAMU
904-599-8825
Dr. Roland E. Buck, UNF
904-620-2600
Dr. Brenda Simmons, Florida
Community College at Jacksonville
904-633-8319
Proprietary and Confidential InformationIf thesis or dissertation work is supported by a contractual agreement with an outside sponsoring agency, and provision was made in the agreement to delay disclosure of the study's results for the purpose of filing a patent or copyright, then this section describes procedures for handling the thesis/dissertation. (See also "Patent and Invention Policy" for explanations of rights associated with patents and copyrights.)
Patent and Invention Policy for Graduate StudentsThe "Patent and Invention Policy for Graduate Students" is included here in its entirety. Departments and colleges should discuss this policy with graduate students at orientations.PREMISE: UCF has three fundamental responsibilities with regard to graduate student research. They are to (1) support an academic environment that stimulates the spirit of inquiry, (2) develop the intellectual property stemming from research, and (3) disseminate the intellectual property to the general public. UCF owns the intellectual property developed using university resources. The graduate student as inventor will according to this policy share in the proceeds of the invention.
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