Graduate Program of Study Policy

Keywords: Plan of study, graduation, requirements
Policy Number: KC-ACA-3750
Originally Issued: Prior to 2010
Revised: Spring 2019
Effective Catalog Cycle: AY 19-20
Approved by: Graduate Council, SGS Dean, Provost
Executive Sponsor: Provost
Responsible Office: School of Graduate Studies, Registrar

Policy Statement

Graduate education is intended to answer the personal needs of students and the special needs of society not satisfied through undergraduate training. Graduate degrees indicate that the holders have sufficiently mastered a program in a particular field to pursue creative projects in that specialty. The degrees are awarded for completion of a coherent program — formalized as the program or plan of study — designed to assure the mastery of specified knowledge and skills. Forms for specifying individual programs or plans of study are available from the principal graduate advisor or graduate officer of the academic unit, with final approval by the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies.

Students may elect to fulfill either the degree requirements in effect at the time of their original admission (provided there has not been a lapse in attendance at UMKC of more than two consecutive terms) or the degree requirements in effect at the time of advisement into a planned graduate program of study.

No course at the 300- or 400-level taken on a credit/no credit basis; no 300- or 400-level course with a grade below B- (2.7); and no 5000-level or higher course with a grade below C (2.0), will count toward any advanced degree program. Additionally, 80 percent of the credits for the degree must be passed with a grade of B (3.0) or better.

Students admitted to the combined J.D./MBA program must receive grades of B or better in 80 percent of Bloch School courses. Because of different grading standards, the transferred law hours are not included in the 80 percent calculation.

Degree programs may have requirements which are more stringent. If so, the program requirement takes precedence over the campus minimums. Final GPA at the time the degree is conferred (graduate certificates, masters and PhD degrees) must be 3.0 or higher for courses completed on the plan of study. Exceptions to this policy require a petition signed by the student’s advisor and the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies.

Doctoral Programs of Study

See Doctoral Degree Program Academic Regulations

Master’s Degree Program of Study

See Master’s Degree Program Academic Regulations

Reason for Policy

This policy was developed to support student academic success and to provide consistent, quality delivery of academic programs and services

Who Should Read this Policy?

All faculty; Academic advisors; School of Graduate Studies personnel, Registration Office personnel. All program unit personnel. All graduate students.

Instructions, Procedures and Related Information

Contacts

UMKC Registrar’s Office: Website:

Physical Location: 115 Administrative Center, 5115 Oak Street, Kansas City, MO 64110

Mailing Address: 5100 Rockhill Road, Kansas City, MO 64110-2499;

Phone: 816-235-1125; Fax: 816-235-5513; Email: registrar@

UMKC Office of the Provost:

School of Graduate Studies:

Exclusions

History & Updates

Appendices

Graduate Master’s Degree Program of Study Policy

Keywords: Program of Study, Plan of Study, Master’s
Policy Number: KC-ACA-3772
Originally Issued: Prior to 2010
Revised: Spring 2019
Effective Catalog Cycle: AY 19-20
Approved by: Graduate Council, SGS Dean, Provost
Executive Sponsor: Provost
Responsible Office: Academic Units, SGS, Records and Registration

Policy Statement

In consultation with the advisor or the supervisory committee, the master’s student plans a program of study in accordance with the minimum requirements outlined in the SGS Academic Regulations and the specific degree program requirements. Upon approval from the advisor and/or supervisory committee and unit graduate officer, programs of study should be approved by the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and filed with the Registrar prior to the completion of 50% of applicable degree coursework.

Master’s degree programs of study must include a minimum of 30 graduate credits. No more than 40 percent of the credits on the program may be 300- and 400-level courses. At least 60 percent of the credits must be at the 5000 level or higher. Further, up to six credits may be allowed for Research and Thesis (5599). Other demonstrations of skills considered by the department or school as comparable to the thesis may be accepted. No more than 40 percent of the courses applied toward a master’s degree program of study may be in the categories of non-thesis research, directed studies, readings or research and thesis. Such courses normally fall in the 5500 to 5599 range, but the numerical designations may vary among academic units.

Plan of study forms are available from the program director or academic unit.

Program Changes

Subsequent changes in the program of study must be approved by the student’s advisor and/or supervisory committee, the unit graduate officer, and Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, and be submitted to the Registrar. If cumulative changes in courses or degree requirements exceed four, a new program of study should be filed.

Reason for Policy

This policy was developed to support student academic success and to provide consistent, quality delivery of academic programs and services

Who Should Read this Policy?

All faculty; Academic advisors; School of Graduate Studies personnel, All program unit personnel. All graduate students.

Instructions, Procedures and Related Information

Contacts

UMKC School of Graduate Studies:

UMKC Registrar’s Office: Website:

Physical Location: 115 Administrative Center, 5115 Oak Street, Kansas City, MO 64110

Mailing Address: 5100 Rockhill Road, Kansas City, MO 64110-2499;

Phone: 816-235-1125; Fax: 816-235-5513; Email: registrar@

UMKC Office of the Provost:

Exclusions

History & Updates

Appendices

Graduate Doctoral Programs of Study Policy

Keywords: Doctoral, Program of Study, Plan of Study
Policy Number: KC-ACA-3782
Originally Issued: March 2012
Revised: Spring 2019
Effective Catalog Cycle: AY 19-20
Approved by: Graduate Council, SGS Dean, Provost
Executive Sponsor: Provost
Responsible Office: Academic Units, School of Graduate Studies, Registrar

Policy Statement

Students should plan their programs of study in consultation with their advisors and supervisory committees (if applicable). Upon approval from the advisor and/or supervisory committee and unit graduate officer, programs of study should be approved by the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and filed with the Registrar prior to the completion of 50% of applicable degree coursework. (Interdisciplinary Ph.D. students must file their proposed plans of study and form their supervisory committees within 24months of being admitted).

No more than 40 percent of the program may be 300- and 400-level courses.

Forms for specifying individual programs of study are available from the principal graduate advisor or graduate officer of each academic unit.

Reason for Policy

This policy was developed to support student academic success and to provide consistent, quality delivery of academic programs and services.

Who Should Read this Policy?

All faculty; Academic advisors; School of Graduate Studies personnel, All program unit personnel. All graduate students.

Instructions, Procedures and Related Information

Contacts

UMKC School of Graduate Studies:

UMKC Registrar’s Office: Website:

Physical Location: 115 Administrative Center, 5115 Oak Street, Kansas City, MO 64110

Mailing Address: 5100 Rockhill Road, Kansas City, MO 64110-2499;

Phone: 816-235-1125; Fax: 816-235-5513; Email: registrar@

UMKC Office of the Provost: