-
- MyTSU |
- AskTSU |
- Make a Gift |
- Contact Us |
- Webmail |
- Directory
Detailed Program Admission Requirements
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, HUMAN, AND NATURAL SCIENCES
MAJOR: AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES
DEGREE: Master of Science (M.S.)
OPTIONS: Thesis, Non-Thesis
CONCENTRATIONS:
Agribusiness,
Agricultural Education
Animal Science
Plant Science
Admission Requirements: M.S. Program
Candidates must have the equivalent of the bachelor’s degree with a major in one of the Agricultural Sciences and a minimum quality grade point average of 2.50 on a 4.00 point scale and a minimum score of 870 on the GRE (verbal and quantitative, or verbal, quantitative and subject), or 370 on the MAT for unconditional admission. An applicant with a bachelor’s degree in areas other than the Agricultural Sciences may be recommended to the Graduate School for conditional admission and be required to take up to eighteen (18) credit hours of undergraduate prerequisite courses in the Agricultural disciplines: as recommended by the departmental admission committee. An applicant may also be recommended for conditional admission if he or she has a 2.25-2.49 GPA and a minimum pre-admission test score of 935 on the GRE or 383 on the MAT or 2.00-2.24 GPA and a minimum pre-admission test score of 1000 on the GRE or 394 on the MAT. Candidates having a Master’s degree from an accredited institution may be exempted from GRE Score requirements.
Degree Requirements: M.S. Program
Thesis Option
Each student must pass Research Methods (AGSC 5110), must have a thesis guidance committee appointed, and must be advanced to candidacy before enrolling in Thesis Writing (AGSC 5120).
The candidate must submit a thesis on a topic approved by the major advisor. Upon completion of the thesis, the candidate must satisfactorily pass an oral examination conducted by the Thesis Examination Committee. Students choosing this option will require 30 hours of coursework which will include 4 hours of thesis research.
Non-Thesis Option
The option is for students who would like to focus on training in specialized areas to meet the needs of employers in agricultural product processing, marketing organizations, input supply firms, teaching, agricultural extension services, and various state and federal government agencies. This program is not recommended for students who have any aspirations toward pursuing a Ph.D. degree.
Students choosing the non-thesis option will be required to take a minimum of 35 hours of course work which will include AGSC 5350 Independent Study of Contemporary Issues and Problems.
Comprehensive Examination
Upon completion of AGSC 5350 and during the semester of graduation, students choosing the non-thesis option must take a comprehensive written and oral examination administered by the student’s advisory committee and other faculty members representing appropriate subject matter areas. The student’s major advisor will serve as chairperson of the committee conducting the examination.
If a student fails the comprehensive examination, one retake will be allowed. Should the student again fail, a third and final examination may be taken upon completion of additional course work (minimum of 6 hrs) to be selected by the student’s advisory committee.
Complete 2011-2013 Graduate Catalog
CERTIFICATE: APPLIED GEOSPATIAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Admission Process
Applicants for the Certificate must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education and must meet the Graduate School requirements for non-degree admission and retention as published in the University catalog. Requests for application forms and materials should be directed to the School of Graduate Studies and Research.
Certificate Requirements
To earn the Graduate Certificate in Applied Geospatial Information Systems, students must satisfactorily complete the following courses:
AGSC 6510 Advanced Geospatial Information Systems
AGSC 6520 Advanced Spatial Analysis
AGSC 6530 Advanced Geospatial Metadata
AGSC 6540 Advanced Spatial Database Design and Management
AGSC 6550 Advanced Geospatial Information Systems Application and Design
AGSC 6560 Advanced Global Positioning Systems
The Certificate is awarded upon the successful completion of the six courses (18 semester credit hours).
Complete 2011-2013 Graduate Catalog
MAJOR: BIOLOGY
DEGREE: Master of Science (M.S)
Thesis Option, Non-Thesis Option
Admission Requirements: M.S. Program
Unconditional admission to the M.S. program requires the applicant to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university, a minimal score of 1250 calculated from the GPA multiplied by 200 and added to the GRE combined verbal and quantitative scores, two letters of recommendation and a personal statement. Also required is that the student will have accumulated a minimum of 24 acceptable semester hours in biology plus a minimum of four semester hours of biochemistry. The Departmental Admissions Committee will base admission upon these materials and additionally, will evaluate the applicant’s science course GPA and may request a personal interview to determine the applicant’s potential for success in the program.
Conditional admission may be granted to applicants prior to the completion of the 24 semester hours of biology and four semester hours of biochemistry, but the student must complete these courses with a GPA of 3.0 or better. The student must remove conditional status by earning at least a B (3.0) average in the first nine hours of graduate courses; failure to achieve this average will result in withdrawal from the program.
Degree Requirements: M.S. Program
The Department offers both thesis and non-thesis options in the master of science degree program. A minimum of 36 semester hours of approved courses is required for the M.S. degree under the thesis option, and a minimum of 39 semester hours is required under the non-thesis option. Students who choose the non-thesis option must pass a comprehensive examination (passing score 70% or above) taken no earlier than the term in which they complete their course work. Students interested in pursuing research careers in academia, government or industry are highly encouraged to take the thesis option.
Complete 2011-2013 Graduate Catalog
MAJOR: BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE
DEGREE: Doctor of Philopsophy
Admission Requirements: Ph.D. Program
Applicants to the Ph.D. program must submit a completed application form, a personal statement describing interest in the program and professional goals, and three letters of recommendation from persons familiar with the applicant’s academic work, especially in Biology. The Departmental admissions committee will base admission upon these materials and interviews with selected applicants.
Admission requires that the applicant have a bachelor’s degree from a fully accredited four-year college or university, a minimal score of 1370 calculated from the GPA multiplied by 200 and added to the GRE combined verbal and quantitative scores and a minimum score of 600 on the GRE subject test in Biology. Students may also be admitted with subject test scores below 600, but such students must take the Departmental diagnostic examination. The admissions committee will evaluate the student’s performance on the examination and design a curriculum to eliminate any identified weaknesses. After passing the recommended courses with a grade of B or better in each, the student will begin the Ph.D. curriculum.
Degree Requirements: Ph.D. Program
Degree candidates must complete the core of required graduate courses (24 hours) with a grade of B or better in each course, pass the comprehensive examination, and gain approval of their dissertation proposal prior to obtaining admission to candidacy for the doctoral degree. Students may have a “C” grade in no more than two courses (6 credit hours), neither of which can be a core course. No “D” or “F” grades are acceptable. A student who receives a grade of “C” in excess of six credits must repeat this course and achieve at least a “B”. After gaining admission to candidacy the student must complete an approved curriculum (24 hours minimum of electives set by the student’s research advisory committee), enroll in Graduate Seminar (BIOL 7010, 7020), complete a dissertation (24 hours), and successfully defend the dissertation prior to gaining the Ph.D. degree (Please refer to Biological Sciences Graduate Student Handbook for specific dissertation requirements). A student entering with a Master’s degree may have applicable hours transferred toward the Ph.D. program, as determined by the Advisory Committee. The total number hours required is 76.
Complete 2011-2013 Graduate Catalog
MAJOR: CHEMISTRY
DEGREE: Master of Science(M.S.)
CONCENTRATIONS:
Chemistry
Biochemistry
Admission Requirements
Unconditional admission to the M.S. program requires the applicant to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university, an undergraduate cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or better on a 4.0 scale, and a composite score of at least 870 on the Graduate Record Examination. Applicants have the option of taking the subject test in order to bring the combined score to 870 or higher. Applicants with less than a 2.5 undergraduate GPA must submit test scores at the time of application; applicants with a GPA of 2.5 or above may submit test scores in the first semester of attendance, but it is preferable that they submit test scores at the time of original application.
Conditional admission may be gained with a lower grade point average than 2.5, but the GRE score must be correspondingly higher. If the undergraduate GPA is between 2.25 and 2.49, the GRE score must be 935; if the GPA is between 2.0 and 2.24, the GRE score must be 1,000.
The student must remove the conditional status by earning at least a B (3.0) average in the first nine hours of graduate courses; failure to achieve this average will result in withdrawal from the program.
In addition, the applicant must have an undergraduate major in Chemistry, or the equivalent. In some instances, conditional admission may be granted prior to completion of the undergraduate course requirements, but a student must complete these courses before taking any graduate courses.
Degree Requirements
The Department offers both thesis and non-thesis options in the Master of Science degree program. A minimum of 30 semester hours of approved courses are required for the M.S. degree under the thesis option, and a minimum of 36 semester hours are required under the non-thesis option. Students who choose the non-thesis option must pass a comprehensive examination (passing score 70% or above) taken no earlier than the term in which they complete their course work. Students interested in pursuing research careers in the academia, government or industries are highly encouraged to take the thesis option.
There is no foreign language reading requirement for the M.S. degree in Chemistry.
The M.S. (Thesis option) degree requires students to complete and defend a thesis based upon his or her research.
Complete 2011-2013 Graduate Catalog
COLLEGE OF BUSINESS
DEGREE: MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (M.B.A.)
CONCENTRATIONS:
Accounting
Finance
General
Management Information Systems
Supply Chain Management
Admission Requirements
Anyone wishing to take courses for graduate credit must apply for admission to the Graduate School. General admission requirements for Graduate School are described in the Admissions, Regulations, Policies Section ofthis Catalog. In addition to requirements of the Graduate School, MBA applicants must meet the following requirements of the College of Business.*
1. 950 points based on the formula: 200 times 4-year undergraduate GPA plus GMAT score or;
2. 1000 points based on the formula: 200 times Junior-senior GPA plus GMAT score.
* Note – A limited number of exceptions to the above standards may be given for extensive professional experience.
All documents, including official transcripts, must be received by the Graduate School before a student will be considered for admission. Conditional admission is granted for one semester if a student has a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, has taken all prerequisites, and agrees to take the GMAT during their initial semester in the MBA Program. To remain in the program, the student must meet the 950 or 1,000 point criteria cited above.
All applicants are:
1. expected to be competent in oral and written English;
2. expected to satisfy all prerequisite requirements in a particular discipline before enrolling in graduate-level courses
in that discipline for credit;
3. expected to satisfy all prerequisites by the time nine hours of graduate-level work are completed.
Students are required to maintain a 3.0 grade point average in the program. In required core courses, grades below “C” are not accepted for credit toward the degree. Advisors can help students plan a program of study and assist them in planning to meet successfully all requirements of their program. Students must be admitted on either a conditional or unconditional basis in order to take MBA degree courses.
Degree Requirements
- Candidates must satisfy all prerequisites, complete core requirements and other approved courses to satisfy the minimum number of semester hours required for a graduate degree, and accumulate a minimum GPA of “B” or 3.0 on a 4.0 system.
- Candidates must file application of “Admission to Candidacy” for the MBA degree after completing all required prerequisites and nine (9) semester hours of graduate course work taken in residence with a “B” average in all courses taken for graduate credit. The recommendation of the major advisor and approval of the Dean of the Graduate School are required.
- Candidates must file “Application for Graduation” at least one full semester prior tocommencement, including clearance with the major advisor, the Dean of the Graduate School, the Business Office, the Placement Bureau, the Office of Admissions and Records, and the University Library.
- Candidates should attend commencement. The MBA degree may be awarded in absentia upon prior approval by the Dean of the Graduate School.
Complete 2011-2013 Graduate Catalog
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
MAJOR: ADMINISTRATION AND SUPERVISION
with or without Instructional Leadership licensure
DEGREE: Master of Education (M.Ed.)
Admission Requirements
Admission to the program requires the applicant to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university, an undergraduate cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or better on a 4.0 scale, and a composite score of at least 870 on the verbal, quantitative, and subject portions of the Graduate Record Examination or a score of 370 on the Miller Analogies Test. All applicants must submit test scores at the time of application.
The admissions committee will review and evaluate the entire academic and professional record in making the admission decision. Consideration will be given to (a) previous graduate GPA when the student has nine (9) or more graduate hours; (b) GRE or MAT scores; (c) a letter of recommendation on official employment letterhead; (d) a minimum of three years of work experience in the schools; (e) an acceptable score on an interview; (f) an acceptable score on a writing sample; and, g) acceptable score on in-basket exercises to be scheduled through the department. A Portfolio is required as part of the admissions process. The department will send the instructions for the portfolio upon receipt of your application in the department. The criteria listed above will be evaluated to determine the applicant’s overall potential for success in the program as compared to other applicants in the admissions cycle. There are no conditional admissions.
Each student must be interviewed by a committee of professional administrators prior to admission to the program. Each student must inform his or her advisor early in the program that Principal/Supervisor licensure is being sought. All candidates must complete and successful defend a required Action Research Project.
* All application materials must be submitted to the Graduate School by the deadlines below.
Fall: July 1 Spring: November 1 Summer: April 1
Transfer credits
Candidates wishing to transfer credit(s) toward the M.Ed. program may transfer a maximum of twelve (12) graduate credit hours from an accredited institution for courses that correspond to program/state requirements.
Degree Requirements
Candidates for the M.Ed. degree must take a minimum of 33 hours of course work and pass comprehensive examinations in the field of general education and educational administration. Substitutions may be made only with the recommendation of the advisor and program coordinator. Candidates must see their advisor each semester prior to registration. An action based research project must be developed and successfully presented before a professional panel as part of the requirements for an Instructional Leadership license in Tennessee.
Complete 2011-2013 Graduate Catalog
MAJOR: ADMINISTRATION AND SUPERVISION
DEGREE: Educational Specialist (Ed.S.)
Admission Requirements
1. Master’s degree from an accredited institution.
2. A minimum Graduate Record Exam (GRE) score of 800 (Verbal & Quantitative), or a minimum Miller Analogies Test (MAT) score of 393.
3. A minimum G.P.A. of 3.25 on the last graduate degree. (If the graduate degree is not in educational administration, or a related area, the student will be required to have a total of nine (9) hours of prerequisites in educational administration at the master’s level.)
Candidates in the Educational Specialist program must establish academic residency by completing a minimum of eighteen (18) hours over a period of four (4) academic year semesters or two (2) academic year semesters and two (2) summer registrations (2 sessions per one summer equals one registration) of courses in the EDAD department.
The admissions committee will review and evaluate the entire academic and professional record in making the admission decision. Consideration will be given to (a) previous graduate GPA and (b) GRE or MAT scores; (c) an acceptable score on the interview; and, (d) an acceptable score on a writing sample; (e) an acceptable work record (resume or curriculum vita), and (f) three (3) written recommendations on professional letterhead recommending the candidate for the program indicating probable success in the program.
The above variables will be evaluated to determine the applicant’s overall potential for success in the program.
* All application materials must be submitted to the Graduate School by the deadlines below.
Fall: July 1 Spring: November 1 Summer: April 1
Degree Requirements without Instructional Leadership Licensure
A minimum number of thirty-three semester hours are required for the Educational Specialist Degree. The Program of Study must be developed prior to registration in the first semester. Grades of “C” or lower cannot count toward the degree. The Ed.S. Degree requires a nine (9) hour written comprehensive examination over the major area as well as a culminating project (EDAD 6140). All candidates must see their advisor prior to registration each semester. Courses must be taken in order as determined by program requirements.
Complete 2011-2013 Graduate Catalog
MAJOR: ADMINISTRATION AND SUPERVISION
DEGREE: Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
CONCENTRATIONS: PreK-12 Administration and Supervision
Higher Education Administration
Admission Requirements:
1. A minimum Graduate Record Exam (GRE) score of 900 (Verbal and Quantitative), or a minimum Miller Analogies Test (MAT) score of 402, are normally required for admission.
2. A minimum GPA of 3.25 is required on the last graduate degree, either Master’s or Education Specialist. No more than thirty (30) semester hours from an Ed.S. degree may be used toward the doctorate. The advisor and program coordinatorwill recommend the appropriate Education Specialist credits to be transferred.
3. An acceptable work experience record (curriculum vitae or resume).
4. Three (3) letters of recommendation indicating probable success in the program from professional sources.
5. An acceptable score on the writing sample.
6. An acceptable score on the interview.
The admissions committee will review and evaluate the entire academic and professional record in making the admissions decision. Consideration will be given to: (a) previous graduate GPA, (b) GRE or MAT scores, (c) other variables listed above.
* All application materials must be submitted to the Graduate School by the deadlines below.
Fall: July 1 Spring: November 1 Summer: April 1
Degree Requirements for PreK-12 Administration and Supervision Concentration:
A minimum of sixty (60) semester hours of approved course work beyond the Master’s degree is required: eighteen (18) semester hours of general doctoral core, twenty-four (24) semester hours of courses within the major core, twelve (12) hours of electives, and six to fifteen (6-15) semester hours of credit for the satisfactory completion of the doctoral dissertation. Also required is the successful completion of a written comprehensive examination and residency of a minimum of eighteen (18) semester hours over a period of four (4) semesters. All courses must be taken in order. Candidates must see their advisor prior to registering each semester.
Grades of “C” or lower cannot count toward the doctoral degree, nor does the grade of “C” or lower meet the eligibility requirements for the Comprehensive Examinations. Courses with a “C” or lower must be retaken for a higher grade.
Degree Requirements for Higher Education Administration Concentration:
The doctoral degree in Administration and Supervision with a concentration in Higher Education Administration is designed to offer students the experience of advanced study and research in their field of specialization. Study at the doctoral level requires a high level of motivation, dedication, and persistence by students who are committed to improving: (1) their personal and professional goals, and (2) advancing knowledge in their chosen field of study through independent and high quality dissertation research.
The degree requirements consist of the following
:
1. A minimum of sixty (60) semester hours of approved course work beyond the Master’s degree;
2.
Eighteen (18) semester hours in the doctoral core;
3.
Eighteen (18) semester hours in the major core;
4.
Twelve (12) semester hours in the research core;
5.
Six (6) semester hours of electives; and,
6.
Six to fifteen (6-15) semester hours for the satisfactory completion of the doctoral dissertation.
Also required is the successful completion of a written qualifying and comprehensive examination and residency of a minimum of eighteen (18) semester hours over a period of four (4) semesters. All courses must be taken in order. Candidates must see their advisor prior to registering each semester.
Grades of “C” or lower cannot count toward the doctoral degree, nor does the grade of “C” or lower meet eligibility requirements for the Comprehensive Examinations. Courses with a “C” or lower must be retaken for a higher grade.
Complete 2011-2013 Graduate Catalog
MAJOR: CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION
DEGREE: Master of Education (M.Ed.)
CONCENTRATIONS: Secondary School Instruction
Reading Specialist
Educational Techonology
Teaching Non-English Background (NELB) Students
Curriculum Planning
The Master of Education program provides advanced study to certified teachers or teacher candidates who have completed a bachelor's degree. The program builds on the College of Education’s conceptual framework, to prepare educators to become competent and caring professionals who are able to work effectively with diverse populations.
Admission Requirements
Unconditional admission to the teacher certification program, for those seeking initial licensure, requires the applicant to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university, an undergraduate cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or better on a 4.0 scale, and a composite score of at least 870 on the verbal, quantitative, and subject portions of the Graduate Record Examination or a score of 370 on the Miller Analogies Test.
Conditional admission, for already licensed applicants, may be gained with a lower grade point average, but the GRE or MAT score must be correspondingly higher. If the undergraduate GPA is between 2.25 and 2.49, the GRE score must be 935 or the MAT score 383. If the GPA is between 2.0 and 2.24, the GRE score must be 1,000 or the MAT score 394. Applicants with less than a 2.5 undergraduate GPA must submit test scores at the time of application; applicants with a GPA of 2.5 or above may submit test scores in the first semester of attendance, but it is preferable that they submit test scores at the time of original application. The student must remove conditional status by earning at least a B (3.0) average in the first nine hours of graduate courses; failure to achieve this average will result in withdrawal from the program.
Applicants who are potential candidates for the Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction must be certified to teach or must meet certification (initial licensure) before the degree is awarded. Exceptions are the concentrations in Educational Technology and Teaching Non-English Background Students (NELB)
Degree Requirements
The Master’s Degree program in Curriculum and Instruction offers concentrations in Secondary School Instruction, Adult Education, Reading, Educational Technology, Teaching Non-English Language Background Students, and History and Geography.
Complete 2011-2013 Graduate Catalog
MAJOR: CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION
DEGREE: Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
CONCENTRATIONS:
Curriculum Planning
Elementary Education
Reading
Secondary Education
Special Education
Admission Requirements
1. A minimum Graduate Record Exam (GRE) score of 900 (Verbal & Quantitative), or a minimum Miller Analogies Test (MAT) score of 402, are normally required for admission.
2. A minimum G.P.A. of 3.25 is required on the last graduate degree, either Master’s or Education Specialist. No more than thirty (30) semester hours from an Education Specialist degree may be used toward the doctorate. The advisor will recommend the appropriate Education Specialist credits to be transferred.
3. An acceptable work experience record
4. Four (4) letters of recommendation indicating probable success in the program
5. Proof of the ability to write effectively
6. An acceptable interview
The admissions committee will review and weight the entire academic and professional record in making the admissions decision. Equal weight will be given to: (a) previous graduate GPA, (b) GRE or MAT scores, (c) other variables listed above. Applicants whose standardized test scores are below those normally expected for admission will be considered for admission to these programs if: (1) the overall record (based on the above variables) indicates high potential for success in doctoral study, and (2) the applicant’s overall potential for success in the program is judged to be comparable to that of the other applicants in the admissions cycle.
General Department Requirements
A minimum of sixty (60) semester hours of approved course work beyond the Master’s degree is required: eighteen (18) semester hours of general education core, twenty-four (24) semester hours of departmental core, twelve (12) hours of electives, and six (6) hours credit for the satisfactory completion of the doctoral dissertation. Also required is the successful completion of a written qualifying examination, a written comprehensive examination, and residency of a minimum of eighteen (18) semester hours over a period of four (4) semesters.
Complete 2011-2013 Graduate Catalog
MAJOR: ADVANCED STUDIES IN TEACHING AND LEARNING
DEGREE: Master of Education (M.Ed.)
The mission of this Regents Online Degree Program (RODP) Master’s Degree program in Education is to provide advanced professional preparation in the area of reading and language arts for licensed practicing teachers. Further, this entirely online program is based on the assumption that all course content and learning experiences will be based on the student’s work as a classroom teacher. All courses include assignments that teachers carry out in their own classrooms.
The RODP Master’s Degree program is aligned with National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) core propositions. The program is built around a core of proficiencies that are consistent across most National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certificates. In addition, it includes coursework focused on pedagogical content proficiencies related to teaching Reading—Language Arts. This design allows teachers to receive advanced professional preparation consistent with NBPTS principles and is supportive of achieving NBPTS certification in Early and Middle Childhood/Literacy: Reading—Language Arts. Since the core is aligned with NBPTS generalist certificates, this program also supports teachers who seek NBPTS certification in any of the generalist areas as well. This design is flexible in that it allows other NBPTS certification areas to be included by changing the pedagogical content focus.
For more information about this program, refer to the RODP Web site at www.tn.regentsdegrees.org.
Admission Requirements
Unconditional admission to the teacher certification program, for those seeking initial licensure, requires the applicant to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university, an undergraduate cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or better on a 4.0 scale, and a composite score of at least 870 on the verbal, quantitative, and subject portions of the Graduate Record Examination or a score of 370 on the Miller Analogies Test.
Conditional admission, for already licensed applicants, may be gained with a lower grade point average, but the GRE or MAT score must be correspondingly higher. If the undergraduate GPA is between 2.25 and 2.49, the GRE score must be 935 or the MAT score 383. If the GPA is between 2.0 and 2.24, the GRE score must be 1,000 or the MAT score 394. Applicants with less than a 2.5 undergraduate GPA must submit test scores at the time of application; applicants with a GPA of 2.5 or above may submit test scores in the first semester of attendance, but it is preferable that they submit test scores at the time of original application. The student must remove conditional status by earning at least a B (3.0) average in the first nine hours of graduate courses; failure to achieve this average will result in withdrawal from the program.
Applicants who are potential candidates for the Master’s Degree in Advanced Studies in Teaching and Learning must be certified teachers currently teaching in a classroom.
Complete 2011-2013 Graduate Catalog
MAJOR: ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
DEGREE: Master of Education (M.Ed.)
Unconditional admission to the teacher certification program, for those seeking initial licensure, requires the applicant to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university, an undergraduate cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or better on a 4.0 scale, and a composite score of at least 870 on the verbal, quantitative, and subject portions of the Graduate Record Examination or a score of 370 on the Miller Analogies Test.
Conditional admission, for already licensed applicants, may be gained with a lower grade point average, but the GRE or MAT score must be correspondingly higher. If the undergraduate GPA is between 2.25 and 2.49, the GRE score must be 935 or the MAT score 383. If the GPA is between 2.0 and 2.24, the GRE score must be 1,000 or the MAT score 394. Applicants with less than a 2.5 undergraduate GPA must submit test scores at the time of application; applicants with a GPA of 2.5 or above may submit test scores in the first semester of attendance, but it is preferable that they submit test scores at the time of original application. The student must remove conditional status by earning at least a B (3.0) average in the first nine hours of graduate courses; failure to achieve this average will result in withdrawal from the program.
Applicants who are potential candidates for the Master’s Degree in Elementary Education must be certified to teach or must meet certification requirements before the degree is awarded (initial licensure).
Degree Requirements
Candidates for the Master of Education degree, and initial certification, must take a minimum of thirty-six (36) semester hours of course work. Candidates for the Master of Education degree who are adding elementary to an existing endorsement must complete a minimum of 33 semester hours of course work. Both candidates must successfully pass comprehensive examinations in the fields of general education and elementary education.
Complete 2011-2013 Graduate Catalog
MAJOR: SPECIAL EDUCATION
DEGREE: Master of Education (M.Ed.)
The Special Education program provides candidates with courses and experiences designed to prepare competent professionals facilitators of learning with a multicultural perspective to serve in various educational capacities. Graduates are prepared to serve as classroom teachers, and to serve as professionals employed by hospitals, group homes, mental health centers, and other community service agencies, both public and private, serving individuals with disabilities.
Admission Requirements
Unconditional admission to the teacher certification program, for those seeking initial licensure, requires the applicant to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university, an undergraduate cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or better on a 4.0 scale, and a composite score of at least 870 on the verbal, quantitative, and subject portions of the Graduate Record Examination or a score of 370 on the Miller Analogies Test.
Conditional admission, for already licensed applicants, may be gained with a lower grade point average, but the GRE or MAT score must be correspondingly higher. If the undergraduate GPA is between 2.25 and 2.49, the GRE score must be 935 or the MAT score 383. If the GPA is between 2.0 and 2.24, the GRE score must be 1,000 or the MAT score 394. Applicants with less than a 2.5 undergraduate GPA must submit test scores at the time of application; applicants with a GPA of 2.5 or above may submit test scores in the first semester of attendance, but it is preferable that they submit test scores at the time of original application. The student must remove conditional status by earning at least a B (3.0) average in the first nine hours of graduate courses; failure to achieve this average will result in withdrawal from the program.
Applicants who are potential candidates for the Master’s Degree in Special Education must be certified to teach or must meet certification requirements before the degree is awarded (initial licensure).
Complete 2011-2013 Graduate Catalog
MAJOR: PSYCHOLOGY
DEGREE: Master of Science (M.S.)
CONCENTRATIONS:
Counseling Psychology
School Psychology
Couseling Psychology Concentration
The curriculum is designed for students seeking preparation for a career in various types of mental health settings and related organizations, or for students planning to pursue a Ph.D.. The primary goal is to provide a solid psychological core with a focus on emotional, social, vocational, health, and educational issues across the life span. Recognizing the value of both practice and research, the Counseling Concentration offers two options: thesis or non-thesis.
Admission Requirements
Admission requires an undergraduate major in psychology or related field. Undergraduate study should include one course in general psychology, elementary statistics, research methods, abnormal psychology, physiological psychology, social psychology and developmental psychology. The minimum acceptable admission requirements of the Graduate School are a 2.5 or higher GPA, a composite GRE (Verbal + Quantitative + Subject) of 870 or higher, or a MAT of 370 for unconditional admission. Conditional admission is offered for 2.25-2.49 GPA with a composite GRE (Verbal + Quantitative + Subject) of 935 or higher or a MAT of 383, or a 2.0-2.24 GPA with a composite GRE (Verbal + Quantitative + Subject) of 1000 or higher or MAT of 394 or higher. GRE scores are preferable to MAT scores. Students admitted conditionally must earn a “B” or better in the first twelve hours of graduate work to gain the unconditional status.
In addition the student should submit in duplicate ALL of the following -information in a single envelope directly to the Graduate School:
1. Three (3) letters of recommendation - one of which should be from an academic advisor or his or her designee.
2. A letter of aspiration (personal statement) indicating why the applicant has chosen to pursue a degree in this area along with his or her academic and career goals.
3. A copy of all undergraduate transcripts should also be submitted with the application.
4. Once the above criteria have been met, the Coordinator of the program will contact the applicant and arrange an interview with the members of the Graduate Admissions Committee prior to final recommendation for admission to the program.
All application materials including the letters of recommendation and aspiration must be received by the Graduate School by March 15 for admission for fall semester.
Degree Requirements
A minimum of four semesters and a summer term of residential study are required to complete the program within a two year period. The Thesis Option requires fifty-three (53) semester hours of approved course work. The Non-Thesis Option requires fifty-eight (58) semester hours of approved course work.
Thesis Option
This option is appropriate for students planning to pursue a Ph.D. The candidate must submit a thesis on a topic approved by the thesis advisor. A minimum of fifty-three (53) semester hours of approved course work is required.
Non-Thesis Option
The non-thesis option is for students who choose to focus on training in the practice aspects of psychology. Students who select the non-thesis option will be required to take a minimum of 58 hours of course work (including 6 hours of electives above the core requirements) and must pass a Comprehensive Examination to meet the requirements for the degree.
School Psychology Concentration
Applicants with bachelor’s degrees will be admitted initially into the M.S. program. Upon successful completion of the M.S., students may apply for admission to the Ed.S. or Ph.D. program. Students typically are not eligible for licensure as a school psychologist with only a master’s degree.
Admission Requirements
Admission requires an undergraduate major in psychology or related field. Undergraduate study should include at least one course in statistics, testing, abnormal, physiological, social, and developmental. The minimum acceptable admission requirements of the Graduate School are a 2.5 or higher GPA, a composite GRE (Verbal + Quantitative + Subject) of 870 or higher, or a MAT of 370 or higher for unconditional admissions. Conditional admission may be offered for 2.25-2.49 GPA with a composite GRE (Verbal + Quantitative + Subject) of 870 or higher or a MAT of 381, or a 2.0-2.24 GPA with a composite GRE (Verbal + Quantitative + Subject) of 1000 or higher or a MAT of 394 or higher. Applicants with less than a 2.5 undergraduate GPA must submit test scores at the time of application; applicants with a GPA of 2.5 or above may submit test scores in the first semester of attendance, but it is preferable that they submit test scores at the time of original application. Students admitted conditionally must earn a “B” or better in the first twelve hours of graduate work to gain the unconditional status.
Degree Requirements
A minimum of four semesters and a summer term of residential study and forty-two (42) semester hours of approved course work are required. These courses are prerequisites for both the Ed.S. and Ph.D. degrees in School Psychology.
Complete 2011-2013 Graduate Catalog
MAJOR: PSYCHOLOGY
DEGREE: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
CONCENTRATIONS:
Counseling Psychology
School Psychology
The doctoral program offered by the Department of Psychology includes two concentrations: Counseling Psychology and School Psychology. Both concentrations seek to prepare graduates for licensure as Counseling Psychologists and School Psychologists as established by the State Board of Examiners in Psychology - Division of Health Related Boards and the Tennessee Board of Education, respectively. Prior graduate course work and the student’s goals and objectives are considered in determining annual admissions and the individual student’s program of study.
Admissions Requirements
A master’s degree in psychology, counseling, school psychology, or a related area is required. There is a ceiling on the number of students admitted to the program in a given year. All applicants must submit the following materials to the Graduate School Office by December 1st for admission in the Fall:
1. An application for admission to the Graduate School.
2. Transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate course work. A minimum grade point average of 3.25 at the Master’s level is required.
3. Quantitative and Verbal Scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Millers Analogy Test (MAT) are required. While both the GRE and MAT are acceptable, the GRE is strongly preferred. The minimal acceptable standards for admission are 3.25 Master’s GPA and a 900 on the GRE (Verbal + Quantitative) or 402 on the MAT. Exceptions may be considered for applicants with extraordinary qualities who have demonstrated excellence in the field of work or research, and who add diversity to the program. However, a student whose combined GRE is less than 1000 or whose MAT is less than 425 is not normally considered for admission. Conditional admission is not offered at the Doctoral level.
4. A work history, that is, a curriculum vitae that includes work experience and research experience.
5 Three letters of recommendation submitted on the doctoral recommendations forms distributed by the Graduate School.
6. A supplemental application to the Counseling Psychology (Ph.D.) program.
Selection of students for the Doctoral Program in Psychology is highly competitive. Applicants whose materials are received by the December 1st deadline will be evaluated by the respective program committees that will select the applicants to be interviewed on the campus in early February. An interview is required for admission. In keeping with the Uniform Notification Date established by the American Psychological Association, if selected for admission, the applicant will be notified and must respond not later than April 15th to the offer. Admissions are based upon the following criteria:
1. Past academic performance as indicated by undergraduate and graduate grade point average, test scores, and course work at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Psychology.
2. Research and scholarly pursuits as demonstrated by research involvement, presentations, publications, and writing sample.
3. Counseling and interpersonal skills as demonstrated by work experiences including practicum and internships as well as work in the fields of counseling, school psychology, other professional activities, and supervised experiences.
4. Goodness of fit between the goals of the applicant and the goals of the program.
5. Commitment to the field as evidenced by licensure or certification in Psychology or Education as well as involvement in professional associations.
6. Experience with diverse populations.
General Departmental Requirements
In order to obtain the Doctorate of Philosophy in Psychology in Counseling or School Psychology a student must successfully complete the following:
1. A minimum of sixty-six (66) semester hours of approved course work for Counseling Psychology concentration and sixty-three (63) semester hours of approved course work for School Psychology concentration beyond the master’s degree.
2. A residency consisting of two (2) consecutive semesters of full-time enrollment (a minimum of 9 credit hours per semester).
3. A written qualifying examination.
4. A written comprehensive examination and an oral examination.
5. An approved internship (explained below).
6. A dissertation (explained below).
Internship
A 2000 hour (minimum) pre-doctoral internship is required of the Ph. D. in both Counseling and School Psychology concentrations. Placement of our students in acceptable internships has traditionally occurred, however, obtaining an internship is based upon a national selection process and the University does not guarantee the availability of or selection for an internship. APA approved internships are mandatory for students in the Counseling Psychology concentration except in extenuating circumstances (e.g., geographically bound, family circumstances, etc.). Students seeking this exception must make their desire known in writing to the Program Coordinator as soon as they become aware of the need to for such an alternative. In this case, the internship must be listed in the Association of pre and Post-Doctoral Internship Center (APPIC) directory. In order to fulfill the internship requirement, out-of-state relocation maybe necessary.
Dissertation
A student may not enroll in Dissertation until the semester after s/he has successfully completed the comprehensive examination. Once enrolled, the student must continuously re- enroll each semester until the dissertation is successfully completed and defended. Only research that is of an original nature will be accepted. It is required that the dissertation proposal be approved prior to application for internship.
COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGY CONCENTRATION
The doctoral concentration in Counseling Psychology is accredited by the American Psychological Association. It is also a designated Doctoral Program in Psychology of the American Association of State Psychology Boards (AASPB) and is listed in the Council for the National Register of Heath Service Providers in Psychology. The Counseling Psychology concentration is designed for students seeking training as Scientist-Professionals. The Concentration requires a minimum of sixty-six (66) semester hours. These hours included core courses in education, psychology, specialty electives, practicum and dissertation.
Typically students complete the following prerequisite course work in their master’s program prior to entry into the doctoral program: statistics, theories of counseling, counseling techniques, social psychology, career counseling, physiological psychology, intelligence testing, theories of learning, history and systems of psychology and two substantive areas such as psychometrics, developmental psychology, or theories of personality. It is the doctoral student’s responsibility during the first semester of enrollment to meet with the assigned faculty advisor to review the student’s prior work to insure that such graduate work has been completed and to recommend needed courses.
A student enrolled in the Counseling Psychology concentration may take the Qualifying Examination for the doctoral degree only after completing all prerequisite master’s level courses, and Statistics and Computer Applications for Research (PSYC 7136).
SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY CONCENTRATION
The doctoral concentration in School Psychology is a designated Doctoral program in Psychology of the American Association of State Psychology Boards (AASPB) and the Council for the National Register of Health Service Providers in psychology. The school psychology doctoral program provides advanced training to work as a professional psychologist in schools and other settings. The program utilizes an ecological-contextual orientation in working with children, schools and families.
The doctoral concentration in School psychology requires a minimum of sixty-six (66) semester hours. These hours include core courses in education, psychology, guided specialty electives, practicum and dissertation.
Students admitted to the Ph.D. degree program in School Psychology who have been awarded the Ed.S. degree in school psychology from accredited institutions may be granted full credit for a maximum of thirty hours if the hours are acceptable to the students program.
A student enrolled in the School Psychology concentration may take the qualifying examination for the doctoral degree only after graduate courses in the following areas have been completed: statistics, psychometrics, theories of counseling, individual intelligence testing and learning theory. Typically students complete the above graduate work in their master’s program prior to entry into the doctoral program. It is the doctoral student’s responsibility during the first semester of enrollment to meet with the assigned faculty advisor to review the student’s work to insure that such graduate work has been completed and to recommend needed courses.
Complete 2011-2013 Graduate Catalog
MAJOR: PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL COUNSELING
DEGREE: Master of Science (M.S.)
CONCENTRATIONS:
Pre-K-12 School Counseling
PRE-K-12 SCHOOL COUNSELING CONCENTRATION
The primary goal of the Professional SchoolCounseling Psychology Program is to train competent and culturally aware counselors to support teachers, other professional personnel and parents in addressing the needs of students from diverse backgrounds related to academic and career preparation as well as personal growth and development. Special emphasis is placed on prevention and recognition of values and strengths. Professional School Counseling curriculum is designed to meet the requirements for certification as set forth by the Tennessee State Board of Education.
Admission Requirements
The curriculum requires the bachelor’s degree (any major) including twelve (12) semester hours in psychology with at least one course in each of the following areas: general psychology, elementary statistics, human development, and abnormal psychology or adjustment. Both introduction to psychological tests and measurement and foundations of psychological investigation are strongly recommended as prerequisites, as well. Admission to the program does not require the applicant to have a teacher’s certificate. The minimum acceptable admissions requirements in accordance with the Graduate School are a 2.5 or higher GPA with a composite GRE (Verbal + Quantitative + Subject) of 870 or higher or a MAT of 370 or higher. Additional program admission requirements are as follows:
1. Three letters of recommendation to be submitted directly to the Program Coordinator.
2. A letter stating applicant’s purpose for aspiring to become a school counselor. The letter is to be submitted directly to the Program Coordinator.
3. A review of applicant’s files by the Program Coordinator and a personal interview with the Pre-K-12 School Counseling Committee.
NOTE: Applicants should check with the program coordinator for any possible changes in admissions or degree requirements upon application to the program.
Degree Requirements
A minimum of four semesters and a summer term of residential study and forty-eight (48) semester credits of approved course work. All candidates must successfully complete a final written comprehensive examination.
Note: Licensure as a Professional School Counselor in the state of Tennessee requires a minimum score of 580 on the Praxis II School Counselor (K-12) Specialty Area Test. The test application is available in the Office of Teacher Education, Clay Education Building, room 112.
ENDORSEMENT ONLY STUDENTS
Individuals who seek the State Department of Education endorsement through the Pre-K-12 School Counseling concentration, but do not intend to pursue a degree through TSU, must:
1. Have earned a Master’s Degree in School Counseling or a related area.
2. Apply for non-degree admission to the Graduate School.
3. To apply for acceptance into the program and for a mandatory Interview with the Professional School Counseling Advisory Council, Scan and email one electronic file to the program coordinator materials by April 1st.
a) All previous transcripts
b) Letter of intent
c) 3 letters of recommendation, and
d) Proof of application to the Graduate School.
Complete 2011-2013 Graduate Catalog
MAJOR: ENGINEERING
DEGREE: Master of Engineering (M.E.)
CONCENTRATIONS:
Biomedical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Environmental Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Manufacturing Engineering
The College of Engineering, Technology and Computer Science offers work leading to the Master of Engineering (M.E.) degree with six concentrations: Biomedical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Manufacturing Engineering.
Admission Requirements
For unconditional admission to the Master of Engineering degree program, the student must have a bachelor’s degree in engineering or science from an accredited program and must have the necessary prerequisite courses. If the evaluation of a student’s undergraduate degree program reveals prerequisite deficiencies, the student must eliminate them by satisfactorily completing each of the prerequisite courses prescribed before unconditional status is achieved. None of the courses used to eliminate undergraduate deficiencies may be used in the student’s program of study for the Master of Engineering degree.
For admission with unconditional classification, in addition to the above, the student must possess a grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale.
For admission with conditional classification, in addition to the above, the student must have a GPA between 2.75 and 2.99 or a GPA between 2.50 and 2.74 and a passing score of 70 on the Fundamental of Engineering (FE) examination.
All students applying for admission must submit to the Graduate School a completed Graduate Application form and two copies of transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended.
Degree Requirements
1. admission of all degree seeking students to candidacy for the degree after the completion of nine (9) graduate credit hours in residence at the University;
2. a minimum of thirty-three (33) graduate semester hours of course work, including at least six (6) credit hours of mathematics, three (3) credit hours of laboratory based courses, three (3) credit hours of special problems in engineering applications (design project), and six (6) credit hours of electives with the consent of the advisor.
Substitution within the core courses may be permitted with the consent of the advisor and the department head.
Complete 2011-2013 Graduate Catalog
MAJOR: COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS ENGINEERING (CISE)
DEGREE: Master of Science (M.S.)
The Master of Science degree program in Computer and Information Systems Engineering is designed to meet the needs of information industry by preparing its graduates with background in computer hardware, computer software and systems approach to the design and development of computer integrated systems.
Admission Requirements
The program provides opportunities for students from electrical or other engineering fields, computer science, and business majors to pursue this degree through different levels of admission status.
For admission to the M.S. in CISE program, the student must have B. S. degree in Electrical Engineering, or other engineering disciplines or computer science from an accredited program.
For unconditional admission, the student must also have the necessary prerequisite courses and a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 or above out of 4.00.
Conditional Admission: Since this is an interdisciplinary program, student’s previous preparation in the basic and engineering sciences, electrical engineering and computer science must reflect successful completion of basic sciences and differential equations, numerical analysis, linear algebra, probability and statistics, engineering design and engineering economics, circuit theory, analog and digital electronics, communication theory, advanced programming, data structures and operating systems, computer networks or their equivalents. If an evaluation of the student’s transcripts shows prerequisite deficiencies, or a cumulative GPA between 2.75 to 3.0, the student will be eligible for conditional admission. Students with a B. S. degree in Business or other related science areas with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or above will be eligible for conditional admission. Also, students with a B.S. degree in engineering with a cumulative GPA between 2.50 to 2.74 and a passing score of 70 in Fundamentals of Engineering will be eligible for conditional admission. Students with exceptional experience in this field will be considered on an individual basis.
Degree Requirements
The Master of Science degree requires: admission of all degree seeking students to candidacy for the degree after completion of all prerequisites identified at the time of initial admission and the completion of nine (9) required graduate credit hours in residence at the university; a minimum of thirty (30) graduate semester hours of course work, including at least eighteen (18) credit hours of required core courses, six (6) credit hours of thesis, and six (6) credit hours of electives to be chosen from a list of courses and with the consent of the advisor and the approval of the department head.
Substitution within the core courses may be permitted with the consent of the advisor and approval of the department head.
Complete 2011-2013 Graduate Catalog
MAJOR: COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS ENGINEERING (CISE)
DEGREE: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
CONCENTRATIONS:
Computer Communication and Networks
Control System and Signal Processing
Robotics and Computer Integrated Manufacturing
Admission Procedure
All students applying for admission must submit to the Graduate School: a completed Graduate Admission Application form, two copies of transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended, and three letters of recommendation.
Admission Requirements
For admission to the Ph.D. in CISE program, the student must have a:
1. A Bachelor of Science degree in engineering or computer science from an accredited program or a Master of Science in CISE, or a Master of Engineering or a M. S. degree in a closely related area.
2. Student with a B.S. degree and/or Masters degree(s) from foreign universities must submit a Certificate of Proficiency in English or a minimum score of 550 or equivalent on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
3. In addition to the above, the student must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 or above on a 4.00 scale for a B.S. degree graduate while a Master of Engineering or a Master of Science in CISE or a closely related M.S. degree graduate must have a 3.30 grade point average on a 4.00 scale. In addition the student must have above average grades in all of the prerequisite courses in related mathematics, engineering science, communication systems, computer hardware and computer science courses. If an evaluation of a student’s transcripts reveals course or prerequisite deficiencies, the student must eliminate all deficiencies by satisfactorily completing each of the prerequisite courses prescribed before unconditional status is achieved and before completing nine (9) graduate credit hours. Student must file a letter of intent to pursue the Ph.D. degree to the Coordinator of the Ph. D. program after receiving unconditional status. None of the courses used to eliminate undergraduate deficiencies will be used to meet degree requirements.
Transfer Credits
Transfer students with Masters degrees and beyond may transfer up to a maximum of 24 credit hours of equivalent courses towards required and/or elective courses.
Major Advisor
Initially the Coordinator of the Ph.D. program will serve as an academic advisor for all new students entering the program. Each student in the Ph.D. program is expected to select a major advisor by the beginning of the second year. All major advisors must hold tenure or tenure-track full-time graduate faculty positions.
Ph.D. Advisory Committee
A Ph.D. Advisory Committee will consist of four (4) graduate faculty from the student’s program with the major advisor as its chairperson. The Ph.D. Advisory Committee will be recommended by the major advisor, with input from the student, to the Coordinator of the Ph.D. program, for approval by the Dean of the College of Engineering, Technology and Computer Science and the Dean of Graduate Studies. Upon the student’s completion of core courses and selection of a concentration, this Ph.D. Advisory Committee will review the student’s prior transcripts, evaluate and recommend any transfer credits, and prepare a program of study for approval by the Coordinator of the Ph.D. program and the Dean of College of Engineering, Technology and Computer Science before submission to the Dean of Graduate Studies. The Committee will supervise the student’s program, administer dissertation review and approval, and finally recommend the awarding of the degree.
Retention
Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 or better on the scale of 4.00, and pass all pass/fail courses throughout the program to remain in good academic standing.
Students must have a grade of B or better in all core courses and may not have more than two C grades in other courses used to meet degree requirements. After completion of nine (9) semester hours of graduate work, if the student’s cumulative GPA at the end of a given semester falls below 3.00, the student will be placed on academic probation for the next semester and must satisfy the existing University requirements to return to good academic standing. Students may be dismissed from the program upon recommendation of the Ph.D. Advisory Committee for continued probation beyond two consecutive semesters.
Comprehensive Written Examination
This is a written examination designed to evaluate the student’s readiness to advance to candidacy status. It is scheduled after the student has met all of the core courses and major area required and elective course requirements specified in the student’s program of study and upon the recommendation of the student’s major advisor. The comprehensive examination committee will develop the written examination. This is an ad hoc committee consisting of at least three (3) graduate faculty in the program and is appointed by the Coordinator of the Ph.D. program in CISE, upon the recommendation of the major advisor. This committee will determine the passing performance and inform the student, the Coordinator, and the student’s major advisor of the final outcome of the examination. The comprehensive written examination will consist of questions from the core, the student’s area of study and the knowledge considered essential background for the dissertation research.
Students who pass the comprehensive written examination and meet all other requirements for candidacy for the Ph.D. degree in CISE will receive written confirmation of the status of their candidacy from the Dean of Graduate School. Students who fail the examination may take it again after at least one semester. Students who fail the examination after two attempts will be dropped from the program. Students in the Ph.D. program with good standing who do not plan to pursue the Ph.D. degree may seek to meet the M.S. in CISE or the Master of Engineering degree requirements of the University.
Oral Defense of Dissertation Proposal
The dissertation proposal is submitted to the student’s major advisor and the Ph.D. Advisory Committee for review. The committee will make recommendations as needed. The proposal must be orally defended by the candidate before the advisory committee, and it must be accepted by the committee. A signature of the committee members on the dissertation proposal constitutes approval to proceed with thesis research. Only after approval of the dissertation proposal may the student register for the CISE 790 Ph.D. Dissertation course.
Degree Requirements
The student must successfully complete the approved program of study with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
1. After the approval of the dissertation proposal, student must complete dissertation research and submit completed dissertation to the advisory committee for approval.
2. Upon approval by the advisory committee and the graduate school, the student must defend the research before the advisory committee and a public seminar before the faculty, students, alumni and/or industrial representatives.
3. Upon successful defense of research, presentation of the written dissertation, and approval by the Coordinator of the Ph.D. program and the Graduate School, the major advisor with the consent of the Ph.D. Advisory Committee will initiate recommendation for awarding of the degree.
Other Requirements
Other requirements such as residency, maximum class load, transfer of credits, time limits for credits and preparation of dissertation will comply with all existing policies of the University, the College of Engineering, Technology and Computer Science, and the Graduate School as listed in the Graduate Catalog.
Curriculum Description
This program requires a minimum of seventy-two (72) graduate semester credit hours beyond the bachelor’s degree for the Ph.D. degree in CISE. Students with master’s degree in a related field may transfer up to a maximum of 24 semester credit hours of the equivalent courses for this degree. However, if a student lacks certain prerequisites or course requirements, the student may be asked to take additional courses before the required graduate courses. The program in CISE is unique and interdisciplinary because it has a core requirement that provides the necessary foundation to computer based systems integration.
Complete 2011-2013 Graduate Catalog
MAJOR: HUMAN AND PERFORMANCE AND SPORT SCIENCE
DEGREE: Master of Arts in Education (M.A.Ed.)
CONCENTRATIONS:
Exercise Science
Sport Administration
Admission Requirements
Unconditional admission to the program requires the applicant to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university, an undergraduate cumulative GPA or 2.5 or better on a 4.0 scale, and a composite score of at least 870 on the verbal, quantitative, and subject portions of the GRE or a score of 370 on the MAT.
Conditional admission may be gained with a lower grade point average, but the GRE or MAT score must be correspondingly higher. If the undergraduate GPA is between 2.25 and 2.49, the GRE score must be 935 or the MAT score 383. If the GPA is between 2.0 and 2.24, the GRE score must be 1,000 or the MAT score 394. Applicants with less than a 2.5 undergraduate GPA must submit test scores at the time of application; applicants with a GPA of 2.5 or above may submit test scores in the first semester of attendance, but it is preferable that the submit test scores at the time of original application. The student must remove conditional status by earning at least a B (3.0) average in the first nine hours of graduate courses; failure to achieve this average will result in withdrawal from the program. Candidacy cannot be attained until the full requirements for unconditional admission are met.
At least eighteen (18) hours of prerequisite study in Health, Physical Education, Recreation or a closely related field must be completed prior to admission to the program.
Degree Requirements
1. The M.A.Ed. Degree requires a minimum of thirty (30) semester hours of study including nine (9) hours of Major Core courses, and nine hours of Concentration Core courses. The remaining hours are guided electives chosen from the selected concentration with the consent of anadvisor.
2. Students who elect to write a thesis or project are encouraged to enroll in HPSS 5120 or HPSS 6020 at least one semester prior to the semester in which they intend to complete work for the degree.
3. Students who choose the non-thesis option must pass a comprehensive examination prior to graduation.
4. Students must maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA or better to remain in good standing.
Complete 2011-2013 Graduate Catalog
MAJOR: NURSING
DEGREE: Master of Science in Nursing: (M.S.N.)
CONCENTRATIONS:
Nursing Education
Family Nurse Practitioner
Holistic Nursing
Admission Requirements
Students in the graduate nursing program will meet the University admission, candidacy, and graduation requirements as listed in the Graduate Catalog. Students should review the Graduate Catalog for University requirements and policies. Admission to the program occurs each Summer, Fall, and Spring semester.
Applicants who have completed graduate level nursing courses at another institution need to have earned at least a grade of “B” in each course to be eligible for admission. Individuals who have previously earned grades of less than “B” in any graduate nursing course at another institution are not eligible for admission to the TSU MSN program.
Transfer of Graduate Level Nursing Courses
Graduate level nursing courses completed at other institutions, with grades of at least “B” and taken within the last 3 years will be evaluated on an individual basis. A maximum of twelve (12) hours may be transferred, but must have been taken within six (6) years of the anticipated graduation date from Tennessee State University.
Application Materials
Applicants should submit all the required application materials to the Graduate School by March 15th for summer admission, July 15th for fall admission, and November 15th for spring admission.
1. Completed Graduate School applications with fee,
2. Three completed reference forms,
3. Official transcripts from all previous colleges,
4. Resume and copies of Tennessee RN license, certification, professional organization memberships, BLS, and student liability insurance (when you start your clinical courses,
5. Written statement of professional goals, upon completion of the MSN degree, maximum of one (1) page, double spaced and typed,
6. Documentation of current professional nursing experience,
7. Personal record of immunizations.
Plan of Study Appointment
An appointment with the program director is required in order to create a plan of study for each student.
Unconditional Admission
Requirements for unconditional admission are:
1. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in all required courses (general education and nursing) for the BSN degree OR in all the nursing courses required for the BSN degree. Graduate level courses are not counted in calculating the GPA,
2. Graduation from an NLNAC or CCNE accredited baccalaureate nursing program, and
3. A current Tennessee R.N. license.
Conditional Admission
Students who do not meet the unconditional admission requirements may be considered for conditional admission if they can demonstrate graduate potential by other means. Students must have an undergraduate cumulative GPA of 2.50 to 2.99.
Students who are admitted conditionally must meet the following requirements to be considered for unconditional admission status:
Completion of 9 semester credit hours of graduate course work from the MSN curriculum with an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher.
PROCESS FOR CHANGE OF STATUS FROM CONDITIONAL TO UNCONDITIONAL ADMISSION
Students must meet all the requirements for unconditional admission before taking courses in the major.
Students who have completed the conditional admission requirements are reviewed by the Admission Committee and are approved for change of status.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Special requirements before entering the MSN clinical courses include current Health Care Provider-BLS certification, advanced practice student liability insurance, and meeting OSHA and agency mandated health requirements.
Retention and Progression
To remain in good standing, a graduate student (degree or non-degree) must maintain an overall grade point average of 3.0 (B) or better on all graduate work attempted. In order to graduate, students must have a minimum 3.0 grade point average overall and on the program of study. When the cumulative grade point average falls below 3.0, the graduate student will be placed on academic probation. If the student does not achieve a 3.0 cumulative grade point average at the conclusion of one probationary semester, the Dean of the Graduate School and appropriate college/department/program officials will determine whether the student should be dismissed from the program or continued on probation. No student will be allowed more than two probationary semesters, whether consecutive or cumulative. At the end of a second probationary semester a student whose cumulative grade point average is still below 3.0 will be dismissed from the graduate nursing program. A student will be removed from probationary status upon attaining a cumulative 3.0 grade point average. Grades of D or F are not accepted for any graduate degree credit, but these grades will be computed in the GPA. One C grade may be repeated one time for students admitted unconditionally.
Academic disqualification from the graduate nursing major will occur when the student:
• Fails to maintain a 3.0 GPA in graduate school
• Fails to earn a grade of B (3.0) or better when repeating a course
• Willfully misrepresents patient data or clinical practice
• Willfully places any patient in physical or emotional jeopardy
• Is placed on probation by the Tennessee Board of Nursing
• Fails to disclose a felony conviction
• Fails to disclose disciplinary action or diversion by the Tennessee Board of Nursing
• Fails to complete all degree requirements within six (6) years of entering graduate nursing coursework
Readmission
Readmission applies to those students who have not been in continuous enrollment in the Graduate School. For example, students who did not enroll in courses during Fall or Spring semester of a given academic year must reapply for admission to the Graduate School. The procedures for readmission are:
1.
Complete the application form provided by the Graduate School. Check Readmission.
2.
Return the completed application form to the Graduate School.
Financial Assistance
Upon acceptance into the graduate program, students may apply for available stipends or financial aid. Full-time students (taking 9 hours each semester) may apply for teaching or research assistantships, and nurse traineeships.
Curricular Requirements
The goal of the master’s program FNP concentration is to prepare professional nurses with knowledge, skills, and values to provide advanced, holistic comprehensive clinical nursing care to individuals and families with complex health care problems in primary health care settings.
The FNP curriculum provides a core of nursing and general knowledge as a foundation for advanced family health nursing practice which blends traditional clinical nurse specialist and family nurse practitioner roles.
The Holistic Nursing concentration provides in depth study of complementary and alternative therapies, healing practices, and holistic specialization.
The Nursing Education concentration was designed to provide students the opportunity to obtain the theory skill and experience to teach within the college or university setting or within the education department of a clinical facility. Courses provide information on the operations of higher education organizations, on teaching and learning strategies, and in the area of curriculum development. Two practicum courses allow the student to learn, through experience, the role of the educator in both the classroom and clinical settings. Graduates of the Nursing Education concentration are prepared to become certified as nurse educators.
Students identify and work towards achieving their individual career goals. Clinical preceptors and specialized seminars assist the student to focus on the knowledge and skills needed for their area of advanced nursing practice. Graduates of the FNP program are eligible to become certified as family nurse practitioners. Graduates of the Holistic Concentration are prepared to become certified as Advanced Holistic Nurses Graduates of the Nursing Education concentration are prepared to become certified as nurse educators following two years teaching experience as a faculty member in a School of Nursing.
Content is organized and sequenced to assist students to move from a general knowledge base to one that is more complex and specialized. The program consists of four (4) semesters plus one (1) ten (10) weeks summer session of full-time study with 43 credits required for graduation with the FNP or 45 credits for the Education and Holistic specialties. Clinical practicum, field study, thesis or a Scholarly Project and comprehensive examination are part of the program.
All students take the foundational courses first which provide advanced knowledge, experiences, and competencies in nursing research, current and emerging theories, roles, ethical decision making and management of health care information.
Nursing theory and research are placed before the clinical courses in order for students to integrate the knowledge into their advanced clinical practice.
Each credit hour of didactic teaching equals one 55 minute class period per week. The allocation of course credits to theory and clinical is based on course content and objectives, and required learning activities. Clinical hours are scheduled for 20 hours per week and are incorporated in the two FNP courses for a total of 600 hours in 30 weeks or two (2) semesters. Students have the option of full time or part time study.
Scholarly Project
Each student in the MSN program must conduct a scholarly project or thesis as a partial fulfillment of the requirements for the completion of the degree. The initial step is the selection of a topic on which to prepare a state of the science paper. Faculty members who chair thesis or projects hold Graduate School status as approved by the Graduate Council. The research topic must be approved by the faculty advisor.
Scholarly Project students must enroll in NURS 5220 for two consecutive terms (6 hours). Detailed directions for the Scholarly Project may be obtained from the student advisor.
Complete 2011-2013 Graduate Catalog
CERTIFICATE: HOLISTIC NURSING
Nurses who hold a Master of Science in Nursing Degree from a nationally accredited program and are interested in continuing study in Holistic Nursing may be eligible to enter post graduate studies. The three pre-requisite courses required for advanced practice nursing – Advanced Assessment (4 hours), Advanced Pathophysiology (3 hours), and Advanced Pharmacology (3 hours) – will need to be completed before beginning the Holistic Nursing concentration and may be transferred from the previous graduate degree. If the MSN program from which the applicant graduated did not include all three courses, the three advanced courses may be taken through Tennessee State University before beginning the Holistic Nursing coursework. Graduation with a post-graduate certificate will require completion of Nursing 5080, 5170, 5180, and 5190. Students who choose to complete the post graduate certificate in Holistic nursing in addition to their primary degree in another area of study may take Holistic Nursing courses as the electives required for the primary degree. Approved electives include Nursing 5080 and 5170. To earn the Holistic Nursing Post Graduate Certificate, those students would continue with Nursing 5180 and 5190 for a total of seven (7) additional hours to complete the requirement. Students who hold the MSN degree from another institution in another area of advanced practice nursing would complete the fourteen (14) hours in Holistic Nursing after transferring the ten (10) pre-requisite courses.
Complete 2011-2013 Graduate Catalog
CERTIFICATE: FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER
Nurses who hold a Master of Science in Nursing degree from a nationally accredited program and are interested in continuing study in Family Nurse Practice may be eligible to enter post graduate studies. The three pre-requisite courses required for advanced practice nursing – Advanced Assessment (4 hours), Advanced Pathophysiology (3 hours), and advanced Pharmacology (3 hours) – will need to be completed before beginning the Post Graduate Certificate requirements and may be transferred from the previous graduate degree. If the MSN program from which the applicant graduated did not include all three courses, the three advanced courses may be taken through Tennessee State University before beginning the remaining FNP coursework. Graduation with a post graduate certificate will require completion of nursing 5120 and 5140 and the required 300 clinical hours in both courses for a total of 600 hours in clinical practice. Tennessee State University students who choose to complete the post graduate certificate in Family Nurse Practice in addition to their primary degree in another area of study (for example either Holistic Nursing or Nursing Education) would take Nursing 5120 and 5140 for a total of nine (9) hours to complete the requirement. Students who hold the MSN degree from another institution in another area of advanced practice nursing would complete the nine requisite hours for the family (FNP) specialty, transferring the ten (10) hours in prerequisite courses.
Complete 2011-2013 Graduate Catalog
CERTIFCATE: NURSING EDUCATION
Nurses who hold a Master of Science in Nursing degree from a nationally accredited program and are interested in continuing study in Nursing Education may be eligible to enter post graduate studies. The three pre-requisite courses required for advanced practice nursing – Advanced Assessment (4 hours), Advanced Pathophysiology (3 hours), and Advanced Pharmacology (3 hours) – will need to be completed before beginning the Nursing Education concentration and may be transferred from the previous graduate degree. If the MSN program from which the applicant graduated did not include all three courses, the three advanced courses may be taken through Tennessee State University before beginning the Nursing Education coursework. Graduation with a post graduate certificate will require completion of Nursing 5230,5250, 5270, and two of the clinical option courses that allow specialization in either Medical-Surgical Nursing (5320 and 5340), or Psychiatric Nursing (5290 and 5300), or Women’s Health/Pediatric Nursing (5360 and 5380). TSU students who choose to complete the post graduate certificate in Nursing Education in addition to their primary degree in another area of study may take Nursing Education courses as the electives required for that degree. Approved electives include Nursing 5230 and 5250. To earn the Nursing Education Post Graduate Certificate, those students would continue with Nursing 5270, and two of the clinical option courses – a total of 13 additional hours to complete the requirement. Students who hold the MSN degree from another institution in another area of advanced practice nursing would complete the five (5) Nursing Education courses required by Tennessee State University, but would transfer the ten (10) hours of pre-requisite courses in Assessment, Pathophysiology and Pharmacology if previously earned.
Complete 2011-2013 Graduate Catalog
MAJOR: OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY (OCCT)
DEGREE: Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT)
Admission Requirements
Program admission is made through the Graduate School of Tennessee State University. Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission due to the competitive nature of the MOT program. In addition to the general requirements of the Graduate School, documentation of the following is required:
1. Completion of an undergraduate degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
2. Completion of the following prerequisite courses within the last 10 years with a minimum grade of “C”
- General psychology
- Abnormal psychology
- Developmental psychology (covering the lifespan)
- Anatomy and Physiology I
- Anatomy and Physiology II
- Statistics
- Medical Terminology
- Physics with a lab (4 credits)
3. Completion of the GRE within the last 5 years:
- 900 or above for verbal and quantitative reasoning combined
- 3.5 or above for analytical writing
4. Completion of a minimum of 30 hours of observation, volunteer, or work with an occupational therapist (OT) or certified occupational therapy assistant (COTA).
5. Submission of a minimum of 3 professional references and/or letters of recommendation
Please note:
A felony conviction may affect a graduate's ability to sit for the NBCOT Certification Examination and/or to attain state licensure.
MOT Retention Policy
Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of “B” or 3.0 on a 4.0 system in order to graduate. Any course attempts resulting in a grade of less than “C” will be allowed to be repeated once and the second grade will replace the first. A student may repeat a maximum of two (2) courses in a given program for the purposes of improving grades. The MOT program is designed as a lock step program. Therefore, any student who receives a grade of less than “C” in any course will be required to retake that course when it is offered during the next academic year. Other courses in the curriculum cannot be taken out of sequence.
Any student who does not achieve a 3.0 overall GPA for one semester will be placed on academic probation and the student is given the opportunity to raise his or her GPA to a 3.0 the following semester. If the student does not achieve the 3.0 GPA in the identified semester, he or she will be dismissed from the MOT program. Students may file an appeal for readmission, but students are only allowed one appeal for readmission. The appeal needs to follow the established process noted in the Graduate Catalog.
A comprehensive examination, which consists of written and practical components, must be passed with a score of 75% or better before the student can be enrolled in OCCT 6904 or OCCT 6914. The exam may be attempted twice. If a student is not successful in achieving a minimum score of 75% on the second attempt, he or she will be dismissed from the MOT program. Any need to repeat the exam will require retaking both parts because the comprehensive exam is considered one exam with two parts.
Complete 2011-2013 Graduate Catalog
MAJOR: PHYSICAL THERAPY (PHTH)
DEGREE: Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.)
Admission Requirements
Admission to the DPT program at TSU is a competitive process with admission to the program occurring once annually. A maximum of 36 students are enrolled in each class. A Bachelor’s degree is required by the end of the spring semester in the year you expect to start the PT program.
The Department of Physical Therapy will participate in the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service, known as PTCAS, beginning in July 2011. Applicants applying to the entry-level professional physical therapist program for the 2012 entering class will apply online using the PTCAS application. To learn more about the PTCAS application process, please visit the PTCAS web site at www.ptcas.org. Completed applications will be reviewed and early interviews and admissions will be granted to qualifying applicants.
The application submission period begins July 2. The deadline for applications is October 15.
To be considered for admission to the program, applicants must have:
1. A baccalaureate degree.
a. Official transcripts are required from all institutions attended.
b. Posting of the baccalaureate degree.
2. Completed application to the Graduate School and payment of application fee.
3. Successful completion (C or better) of the following pre-requisite courses. A minimal pre-requisite GPA of 3.0 is required.
a. Two (2) Biology courses with corresponding labs
b. Two (2) Chemistry courses with corresponding labs
c. Two (2) Physics courses with corresponding labs OR One (1) Physics course and a Movement Science course
(i.e. Biomechanics, Kinesiology).
d. Human Anatomy (or Anatomy and Physiology I and II in lieu of separate Anatomy and Physiology courses)
e. Physiology (may be a general physiology or an exercise physiology course)
f. Math—at least a level of math required to take Physics I
g. Statistics/ Elementary Statistics
h. Two (2) Psychology courses OR One (1) Psychology course and One (1) Philosophy/Logic (or equivalent) course
4. The admission committee may consider the substitution of similar/upper level courses for the required pre-requisites. Examples include, but, are not limited to other science courses, kinesiology, biomechanics, and/or motor learning. Please indicate on application/transcript self-evaluation form which courses you wish to be considered as substitute for listed pre-requisites.
5. A combined score of 900 for Quantitative and Verbal sections of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). NOTE: The official GRE scores must be sent to Tennessee State University by the ETS testing agency.
6. A minimum of 40 hours of documented observation in at least two different physical therapy clinical settings. Settings may include acute, long-term rehabilitation, out-patient (sports), skilled nursing facility, and/or home health.
7. Minimum of 2 letters of recommendations—one must be from a physical therapist.
8. Interview with the faculty
9. Written essay that assures proficiency in the ability to write, demonstrating analytical ability, appropriate grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Essay is completed during the onsite interview—Please do not send an essay with your application.
The application deadline is October 15.
Students who expect to complete a Bachelor’s degree in Spring just before beginning the program may be accepted pending the receipt of official transcripts including the degree earned.
Incomplete applications may result in your application being declared incomplete and result in non-admittance to the program.
Applicants with international undergraduate degrees should consult the appropriate sections of the Graduate Catalog for international admission procedures
Criminal Background Checks
Criminal background checks and or drug screens may be a requirement for training at some affiliated clinical sites. Based on the results of these checks/screens, an affiliated clinical site may determine to not allow your participation in training at their facility. This could result in your inability to successfully complete the requirements of this program. Additionally, a criminal background may preclude licensure or employment.
Application Procedures
1. Admission to the Physical Therapy program requires all students to submit an Application form along with a $25.00 non refundable application fee to Tennessee State University School of Graduate Studies and Research. It is strongly recommended that the application be submitted electronically and the fee paid on a charge card.
2. The Department of Physical Therapy will participate in the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service, known as PTCAS, beginning in July 2011. Applicants applying to the entry-level professional physical therapist program for the 2012 entering class will apply online using the PTCAS application. To learn more about the PTCAS application process, please visit the PTCAS web site at www.ptcas.org
Financial Assistance
Upon acceptance into the physical therapy program, students may apply for available stipends or other financial aid.
Degree Requirements
The Doctor of Physical Therapy degree requires a total of 113 hours in the professional course of study. All students accepted for admission into the graduate program in Physical
Therapy must meet the following requirements prior to enrollment in the clinical practicum:
• Proficiency in medical terminology
• Documentation that they are free from communicable disease
• Tuberculosis screening and all required immunizations
• Current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Basic First Aid certification
• Health/Accident insurance coverage
• Professional student liability insurance coverage
• The following Essential functions that give the ability to perform, whether unaided or with reasonable accommodation, the following functions for a clinical practicum:
° Critical thinking ability sufficient for clinical judgment;
° Interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with individuals, families and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds;
° Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to provide safe and effective physical therapy care;
° Auditory abilities sufficient to monitor and assess health needs;
° Visual acuity sufficient for observation and assessment necessary in physical therapy care;
° Tactile ability sufficient for physical assessment and treatment;
° Physical ability to assist moving, transferring and ambulating patients who have physical impairment or dysfunction.
If a student is unable to perform the aforementioned essential technical functions, they have the right to request reasonable accommodations in accordance with TSU’s disability policy as described in the Tennessee State University Student Handbook.
Complete 2011-2013 Graduate Catalog
MAJOR: PUBLIC HEALTH
DEGREE: Master of Public Health (M.P.H.)
CONCENTRATIONS:
Public Health Science
Cultural Competency
Admission Requirements
Applicants must possess a baccalaureate or graduate degree from an accredited college or university with a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 or higher (on a 4.00 scale) for the undergraduate degree or a graduate cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher in the major subject area. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores from within the past five years will be required for all applicants. Verbal and quantitative scores will be reviewed. Applicants who hold a doctoral degree may be exempt from the GRE requirement. Other professional school standardized test scores (for example, GMAT, MCAT, DAT, and LSAT) may be substituted for GRE scores. Applicants whose native language is not English will be expected to submit certificates of proficiency in English or a minimum score of 500 (paper test) or 173 (computer-based test), or 61 (Internet-based test) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
Three letters of recommendation are required from three individuals (at least one letter from a former instructor, professional reference, or employer) familiar with the applicant’s academic background and/or interest in public health. Applicants must also submit a personal statement of approximately 500-1,000 words indicating their interests and career goals, including why the applicant wants to complete an MPH degree. Overall admission into the program is competitive; therefore, students with the strongest credentials will be selected over those who are less competitive.
A minimum of 30 semester hours of coursework must be completed in residency. Students may be allowed to take up to (9) credit hours without being fully admitted into the program. (Successful completion of the nine hours does not guarantee acceptance into the MPH program.)
Complete 2011-2013 Graduate Catalog
MAJOR: SPEECH AND HEARING SCIENCE
DEGREE: Master of Science (M.S.)
The Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology offers a course of study leading to a Master of Science Degree in Speech and Hearing Science. The Master of Science degree can be obtained on-campus in a traditional format or on-line through a distance education format.Certification and licensure to practice as a Speech-Language Pathologist requires a master’s degree as entry level. The Speech and Hearing Science major has a curriculum that leads to certification by the American Speech Hearing Language Association (ASHA), and licensure by the State of Tennessee’s Department of Health and/or Department of Education.
Admission Requirements
Formal admission to the Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology is made through the Graduate School of Tennessee State University. To apply to the tradition (on ground) program, all admission materials should be filed with the Graduate School by February 1st prior to the fall semester in which the student wishes to enroll. (NOTE: Students are admitted to the distance education program every other year. The next admission deadline for the distance education format is July 1, 2012 and every other July 1st thereafter). Acceptance into the Program is highly competitive.
APPLICANTS ARE REQUIREDTO SUBMIT:
1. A Graduate School Application and Fee
2. Official College Transcript(s)
3. Results from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) OR the Millers Analogy Test (MAT)
4. A Letter of Intent
5. Three Letters of Recommendation (addressing school, leadership, volunteer and life experiences)
For admission with Unconditional Classification, the student must have a:
• Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.5 or higher
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) of 800 (verbal +quantitative) OR a minimum score on the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) of 380.
• Bachelor’s degree and completion of the required prerequisite courses* in speech language pathology.
For admission with Conditional Classification, the student may possess a GPA between 2.5 and 3.4 with an acceptable GRE or MAT score. The student with an acceptable GPA and a minimal combined score (verbal + quantitative) on the GRE of 600 or a minimum score on the MAT of 370 may also be considered for conditional admission. The student’s classification is changed to unconditional if a 3.00 or better GPA is attained in the first 9 credit hours of graduate coursework. Any exception to these standards must be approved by the Graduate Selection Committee of the Department, Department Head, School Dean and Graduate Dean.
If evaluation of an applicant’s transcript shows prerequisite deficiencies, the student must complete each of the prerequisite courses* prescribed before unconditional status is achieved. Applicants with practicum experiences in speech-language pathology and audiology must have proper documentation, including appropriate signatures and certification status (CCC/SLP or CCC/A).
*PREREQUISITE COURSES
SPTH 2500 Speech & Hearing Science: Anatomy & Physiology
SPTH 2600 Phonetics
SPTH 3100 Introduction to Human Communication
SPTH 3300 Clinical Methods in Articulation Disorders
STPH 3500 Language Development in Children
SPTH 3514 Observation of Clinical Practicum*
SPTH 3720 Identification & Appraisal of Speech/Language
SPTH 3740 Introduction to Audiology
SPTH 4800 Speech Science & Instrumentation**
*Optional - Observation of Clinical Practicum is optional course. Students are required, however, to complete a minimum of 25 hours of observation prior to the beginning of the clinical practicum experiences.
**Speech Science & Instrumentation is a required knowledge by the American Speech Language and Hearing Association. Students lacking this prerequisite knowledge have the option of taking the graduate level SPTH 5800 (Speech Science and Instrumentation).
Degree Requirements
The program consists of academic and clinical requirements. The curriculum consists of forty-one (41) semester hours of required courses, six (6) semester hours of elective courses (which are required for students desiring an Education Endorsement and/or for students lacking the requisite knowledge and coursework in Speech and Hearing Science), plus a comprehensive examination and/or thesis. The program also requires a minimum of six (6) additional credit hours of clinical practicum during which the student must obtain 400 clock hours of clinical practicum experiences under the supervision of certified clinicians (CCC-SLP or CCC-A) in nine (9) areas of speech-language intervention and treatment across the lifespan. Students entering the program are required to have (1) a degree in Speech Language Pathology or (2) the required prerequisite courses.
The curriculum emphasizes both classroom and clinical experiences necessary for a comprehensive understanding of normal communicative processes, including reception, integration, and expression. It also emphasizes in-depth analyses of communicative and swallowing disorders, giving special attention to techniques for diagnosis, remediation, and management. Students plan their curriculum in consultation with an advisor. For employment in the school systems
, graduate students may complete requirements for licensure by the State Department of Education. These requirements are in addition to those required for the degree.
Supervised clinical observation and practicum experiences in speech-language pathology and audiology are an integral part of the curriculum. To meet requirements for graduation, students must obtain the minimum number of required clinical clock hours for ASHA certification.
Twenty-five hours of observation and 50 hours clinical hours completed at the undergraduate level can be applied toward ASHA certification requirements.
All observation and clinical clock hours amassed at the undergraduate level must be obtained under the supervision of an ASHA certified member.
Practicum experiences, applicable toward ASHA certification, are provided on-campus At the TSU Speech and Language Clinic where diagnostic and clinical services are offered to children and adults in the middle Tennessee area. Students are also assigned to off-campus practicum sites to obtain diverse experience through the Department’s affiliations with school systems, child-care centers, habilitation and rehabilitation facilities, hospitals, and health-care facilities.
The Master of Science Program in Speech and Hearing Science is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) in Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech Language and Hearing Association (ASHA). ASHA implemented new Standards for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology in 2005. Students who did not apply for certification prior to January 1, 2005 may be required to take additional coursework and clinical practica in order to provide evidence of knowledge and skills pertinent to the field of speech language pathology.
Essential Functions
The Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology has created a list of Essential Functions which are task-and attribute-based criteria needed to successfully achieve professional entry-level competencies. The Essential Functions of Speech-Language Pathologists establishes the expectations and requisite abilities considered necessary in the field of speech-language pathology.
Below are the essential functions that individuals must perform, either independently or with reasonable accommodations to enter the Speech-Language Pathology program:
1. Critical thinking skills sufficient for clinical judgment;
2. Interpersonal skills sufficient for effective interaction with individuals and families from a variety of cultural backgrounds;
3. Communication skills with proficiency in English and/or other languages of service deliverysufficient for effective written and spoken interaction with others;
4. The ability to comprehend and read professional literature/reports and write university level papers and clinical reports in English;
5. Physical mobility sufficient to move from room to room and maneuver in small spaces;
6. The ability to participate in classroom or clinical activities for 2-4 hour blocks of time with one or two breaks;
7. The ability to move independently to, from and in academic/clinical facilities;
8. Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient for manipulation of evaluation and treatment instruments and materials;
9. The ability to respond quickly enough to provide a safe environment for clients in emergency situations, including fire, choking, etc, and in application of universal precautions (standardized approach for infection control);
10. Visual acuity, hearing sensitivity and auditory discrimination sufficient for client evaluation and treatment;
11. The ability to implement speech, language diagnostic and hearing screening procedures; administer and score instruments, interpret results and make appropriate recommendations and decisions, including the ability to evaluate and generalize appropriately without immediate supervision;
12. The ability to select, develop and implement comprehensive intervention strategies for treatment of communication and related disorders;
13. The ability to maintain attention and concentration for sufficient time to complete academic/clinical activities, typically 2-4 hours with 1-2 breaks.
14. The ability to maintain appropriate work place behavior, including understanding and respect for supervisory authority, punctuality and regular attendance.
Criminal Background Check
A criminal background check and/or a drug screening are a required at most affiliated clinical training sites. Based on the results of these checks an affiliated clinical site may determine to not allow students at their facility. This could result in the inability to successfully complete the requirements of this program. Additionally, a criminal background may preclude licensure or employment. If criminal background checks or drug screenings are required, students are expected to cooperate fully with the process and pay all associated costs. Tennessee State University and the Speech Pathology and Audiology Department are not liable if the results of a criminal background check or a drug screening indicates that a student is unable to complete the requirements of the program or if such results preclude one from obtaining licensure or employment. [Note: All applicants for initial speech-language pathology licensure in Tennessee must obtain a criminal background check.]
Complete 2011-2013 Graduate Catalog
MAJOR: CRIMINAL JUSTICE
DEGREE: Master of Criminal Justice (M.C.J.)
Offered as a joint degree with the Department of Criminal Justice, Middle Tennessee State University.
Admission Requirements
Unconditional admission to the M.C.J. program requires the student to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university, an undergraduate grade point average of 2.5 or better on a 4.0 scale, and a composite score of at least 600 on the verbal and quantitative portions of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), or at least 370 on the Miller Analogies Test (MAT). Students with less than a 2.5 undergraduate GPA must submit test scores at the time of application; students with a GPA of 2.5 or above may submit test scores in the first semester of attendance, but it is preferable that they submit test scores at the time of original application. In addition, the individual must have a minimum of eighteen hours of work at the undergraduate level in Criminal Justice or an approved equivalent.
Conditional admission may be gained with a lower grade point average, but the GRE or MAT score must be correspondingly higher. If the undergraduate GPA is between 2.25 and 2.49, the GRE score must be 645 or the MAT score 383. If the GPA is between 2.0 and 2.24, the GRE score must be 690 or the MAT score 394. Conditional admission may also be granted to a student with a limited number of deficiencies in undergraduate course prerequisites; these course deficiencies must be removed before enrollment in Criminal Justice courses at the graduate level. The student must remove conditional status by earning at least a B (3.0 average) in the first nine hours of graduate courses; failure to achieve this average will result in withdrawal from the program.
Degree Requirements
The total program consists of thirty-six semester hours of course work. Six hours of core courses must be taken at each institution; six more semester hours of research and thesis (CRMJ 6640 and 6900) must be taken at one institution, which must be designated at the time of admission to candidacy.
Complete 2011-2013 Graduate Catalog
CERTIFICATE: HEALTH ADMINISTRATION AND PLANNIN
The Graduate Certificate in Health Administration and Planning is a 15 credit hour program offered by the College to serve the professional needs of individuals working in public, private and non-profit agencies concerned with health administration, planning or policy. The program assists students in conceptualizing the changing world of health care delivery and management. Community health practitioners and College faculty design and teach courses with a practical, applied orientation. The Certificate is offered as a stand-alone credential and as part of the MPA curriculum.
Admission Requirements
Applicants for the stand-alone Graduate Certificate must meet graduate school requirements for admission as a non-degree student. Applicants must provide: (1) a completed Application for Admission to the Graduate School; (2) application fee; (3) one official transcript of undergraduate work showing the award of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. Requests for application forms and materials should be directed to the Dean of the Graduate School.
Students admitted to the certificate program who wish to apply their certificate credits toward completion of the MPA degree must apply for the MPA degree and meet all MPA admission standards. Unconditionally admitted MPA students must complete the three required certificate courses (PADM 6190; PADM 6515; PADM 6550) in order to obtain the Health Administration & Planning certificate. The Certificate and MPA degree will be awarded during the same semester.
Advisor
Each student will be assigned an adviser upon official admission. Students should consult with their advisors prior to registering for classes each term.
Certificate Requirements
To earn a 15 semester credit hour certificate, students must satisfy three required and two elective courses.
Complete 2011-2013 Graduate Catalog
CERTIFICATE: NON-PROFIT MANAGEMENT
The Graduate Certificate in Non-Profit Management is a 15 credit hour program of the College of Public Service and Urban Affairs. It offers individuals working in non-profit organizations, or those considering a career in non-profit enterprises, an opportunity to enhance managerial, professional, analytical, and research abilities. A part-time student can complete certificate requirements within twelve months, and the program is designed to fit within an existing Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree to accommodate those students who may wish to enroll in and complete that degree program.
Admission Requirements
Applicants for the stand-alone certificate must meet Graduate School requirements for admission as a non-degree student. Applicants must provide: (1) a completed Application for Admission to the Graduate School; (2) application fee; (3) one official transcript of undergraduate work showing the award of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. Requests for application forms and materials should be directed to the Graduate School.
Students admitted to the certificate program who wish to apply their certificate credits toward completion of the MPA degree must apply for that degree and meet all MPA admission standards. Unconditionally admitted MPA students must complete PADM 6190 and two of the remaining four required certificate courses as their MPA electives in order to obtain the Non-Profit Management certificate, along with the MPA degree. The Certificate and MPA degree will be rewarded during the same semester that the student graduates from the MPA program.
Advisor
Each student will be assigned an adviser upon official admission. Students should consult with their advisors prior to registering for class each term.
Complete 2011-2013 Graduate Catalog
MAJOR: PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
DEGREE: Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.)
The MPA program prepares students for administrative positions in local, state, or national government and in non-profit agencies. The MPA is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration. It requires 36 semester hours of course work plus an internship of 6 semester hours.
A modern public administrator must understand administrative processes, all factors that affect them, and their implications for the vital issues which affect our society. Administrators must be able to analyze government and policy related problems and recommend appropriate courses of action to elected officials and other public policy makers. In order to accomplish the public mission, it is essential that public administrators have specific skills and knowledge in areas such as financial administration, personnel management, evaluation, research design, statistics, computer utilization, and the management and leadership of large organizations. Our graduates are professionals qualified by their specialized knowledge, skills and abilities to assume key leadership and managerial positions in the public sector.
Admission Process
Applicants for admission must provide the following items: (1) Application for Admission to the Graduate School; (2) application fee; (3) Graduate Record Examination scores (only the General Test is required); (4) one transcript from all colleges and universities previously attended; (5) three letters of recommendation on agency letterhead from individuals that are familiar with the potential student’s academic or professional work experience; and (6) a Statement of Purpose explaining why the applicant seeks admission to the MPA program.
Admission Requirements
In addition to submitting the admissions application and materials cited above, applicants seeking unconditional admission must present a Graduate Record Examination score (verbal and quantitative scores combined) of at least 750. This portion of the GRE is also called the General Test.
Applicants with at least a 2.50 undergraduate grade point average who have not submitted a score on the Graduate Record Examination may be conditionally admitted for one term only. Students admitted conditionally must submit an acceptable Graduate Record Examination test score and/or proof of satisfaction of prerequisite during the first semester of enrollment. Persons having a Master’s or other advanced degree need not submit a GRE score.
MPA applicants must meet the following requirements: students seeking unconditional admission to the program must have a minimum overall grade point (calculated either as overall GPA or last 60 hours) of 2.25, provided the student presents a correspondingly higher GRE General Test score. Similarly the minimum acceptable GRE General Test score would be 750, provided the student presents a correspondingly higher GPA.
This sliding scale for unconditional admission to the MPA program is as follows.
|
GPA |
GRE |
|
(Four Year or Last 60 Hours) |
(composite Verbal/Quantitative score) |
|
3.0 |
750 |
|
2.9 |
770 |
|
2.7 - 2.8 |
790 |
|
2.5 - 2.6 |
800 |
|
2.25 - 2.49 |
870 |
|
Below 2.25 |
100 |
Persons having a Master’s or other advanced degree need not submit a GRE score. All GRE scores must have been earned within 6 years of the anticipated matriculation date.
All Applicants:
1. Are required to complete satisfactorily complete PISI 2010 or URBS 2010 or an equivalent undergraduate course in government prior to admission. A graduate-level course in this subject can also be used to meet this requirement. This prerequisite should be satisfied before enrolling in graduate-level courses for credit.
2. Are expected to be competent in written and oral English.
3. Must possess basic computer literacy.
Advisor
Each student admitted to the MPA program is assigned an advisor. Students should consult with their advisors prior to registering for classes in each term of enrollment.
Degree Requirements
1. Master’s Core. Students must satisfy the nine-course core requirement plus any prerequisite courses. Enrollment in a specific course may be waived for students having equivalent graduate course work. Waiver of a core course requirement does not reduce the total credit hours which must be earned toward the degree.
2. Electives. Students may select, with the approval of their advisors, any three 6000 level courses offered by the Department. With the permission of the student’s advisor, a maximum of 12 semester credit hours of course work may be taken outside of the Department, including courses transferred from another institution.
3. Internship. The total credit hours for the MPA include 6 semester hours for a supervised internship of 300 hours. Students typically work for state or city agencies acquiring on the job experience in government or in an appropriate nonprofit agency. Students with little or no experience in public, non-profit or health administration should contact the department head concerning an internship. Students may be approved for an internship after completing 15 credit hours of course work.
4. Students with one year of significant public or nonprofit professional administrative experience may be exempted from the internship requirement and have a reduction of 6 semester hours in the total credit hours required for the MPA. Qualified students seeking an internship exemption must submit an Application for Internship Exemption accompanied by a reflective essay relating their academic study to their work experience.
5. Comprehensive Examination. Students must successfully complete a written comprehensive examination, taken no earlier than the term in which all course work is completed.
6. Writing Portfolio. Each student is required to assemble and submit a writing portfolio, which must be judged as passing prior to graduation. It should be submitted prior to the semester of graduation. Typically this is done student apples to take the comprehensive exam. Detailed instruction on the writing portfolio may be found on the CPSUA website.
Course Scheduling
Courses are scheduled with the fully employed individual in mind with a variety of delivery and timing options such as on-line, hybrid (both on-line and in class) and traditional in class course offerings. However, check the course schedule each semester for course offerings and types of course delivery.
Complete 2011-2013 Graduate Catalog
MAJOR: PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
DEGREE: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
The Ph.D. program with a major in public administration is designed to serve the specialized interest of students preparing for either academic or professional public management careers.
The program emphasizes the various contexts and forms of public administration in contemporary society as well as an understanding of knowledge areas basic to the profession. These include the application of theory and analytical techniques appropriate for solving management and policy problems and for undertaking systematic inquiry into the discipline.
Classes are scheduled with the fully employed individual in mind. Core and elective courses typically meet one evening per week. In addition, elective courses may be available on weekends or on-line.
Prerequisites
Students entering the program must possess a Master’s degree. The Master’s degree, whether the MPA or other degree, should include the knowledge and skills common to an understanding of public administration. A student admitted to the Ph.D. program who has not acquired the requisite knowledge and skill base may expect a longer commitment of time to complete the Ph.D. degree. The prerequisite knowledge and skills include:
1. Quantitative Skills—statistical, research, and computer use.
2. Public Management—political, legal, social, and economic contexts of public administration.
3. Organizations—theory and analysis of organizations and the human resources within organizations.
4. Fiscal Management—operational and program audits, budgeting.
Admissions Process
Applicants for admission must provide the following items to the School of Graduate Studies: (1) Application for Admission to the Graduate School; (2) Application Fee; (3) Graduate Record Examination (GRE) (only the General Test is required); (4) two official transcripts from all colleges and/or universities previously attended (to be submitted with the Application for Admission); (5) three letters of recommendation from persons familiar with the applicant’s potential for doctoral level study in public administration; (6) a 500-1000 word essay discussing personal, academic, and career goals as well as interests and experience in the area of public administration; and (7) a sample copy of academic or professional writing (e.g., graduate term paper, thesis, academic/professional clinical study, or policy analysis/management report).
Admissions Requirements
In addition to submitting the admissions application and materials, cited above, applicants must: (1) present a Graduate Record Examination score (verbal and quantitative scores combined) of at least 950; (2) possess a Master’s degree in an associated field; (3) have a grade point average of at least 3.25 in previous graduate studies; and (4) receive a positive recommendation from the Ph.D. Admission committee after the interview process and after the admission application and all other admission materials have been evaluated.
Transfer Credit
Students who have hours beyond the Master’s degree may be permitted to apply a maximum of six semester hours of credit, for course work applicable to public administration, to the Ph.D. program. Credit for those hours will be granted at the time the student is advanced to candidacy.
Advisor
A faculty member is designated as the academic advisor for all students admitted to the Ph.D. program until the student’s dissertation committee has been formed.
Residency
Ph.D. students must establish academic residency at TSU by completing the Quantitative Skills Core and two of the five Doctoral Core course within four (4) regular semesters.
Retention
Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 or better on the scale of 4.00, and pass all courses throughout the program to remain in good academic standing. Students must have a grade of B or better in all core courses and may not have more than two C grades in other courses used to meet degree requirements. After completion of nine (9) semester hours of graduate work, if the student’s cumulative GPA at the end of a given semester falls below 3.00, the student will be placed on academic probation for the next semester and must satisfy the existing University requirements to return to good academic standing. Students may be dismissed from the program upon recommendation of the Ph.D. Advisory Committee for continued probation beyond two consecutive semesters.
Academic Load
Students who are on leave of absence from full-time employment or who have made arrangements to pursue studies on a full-time basis may take up to twelve (12) hours of credit a semester, with the approval of their advisor. Students working full-time in their professional capacities may enroll for no more than six (6) credit hours each semester.
Early Review
After nine credit hours of enrollment in the doctoral programs, students will be interviewed and evaluated as to their strengths and weaknesses performing in the program to date. Remediation or other action, including a recommendation to withdraw, may be indicated at this time.
Time Limitation for Credit
Post-Master’s degree credit hours earned more than ten (10) years prior to a student’s graduation may not be applied toward the Ph.D. degree.
Analytical Managerial Tools Proficiency
In order to satisfy the analytical tools requirement, students must successfully complete the Quantitative Skills Core. This includes course work in research and management tools, including PADM 7130, in which a major research design must be prepared, and PADM 7140, in which a major statistical analysis and report must be prepared. In addition, students must complete a dissertation proposal including demonstration of competence in research and management methods. The proposal must be a major work on the conceptual framework and methodology of the dissertation.
Preliminary Examination
The student must pass an examination to determine if the student has acquired the skills and knowledge to start work on the dissertation. In order to take this preliminary examination, the student must:
1. Be in good academic standing.
2. Have completed a minimum of 24 semester hours of course work beyond the Master’s degree, including all Quantitative Skills Core and Doctoral Core courses.
3. Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 including a minimum average GPA of 3.0 in Core course work.
4. Have filed the Declaration of Intent to Take the Preliminary Examination form during the semester preceding the semester in which the examination is taken. The form must be filed by the end of April for a fall semester examination and by the end of October for the spring semester examination.
The preliminary examination is offered twice each year, early in a regular semester. The examination is in two parts, one written and one oral. The written exercise is given first. The oral portion of the examination is conducted by a committee of at least three Public Administration faculty members appointed by the department head. A student failing the preliminary examination may be retested only once, and only on the recommendation of the examining committee. A student who fails the written portion of the preliminary exam may not be permitted to sit for the oral portion of the Ph.D. comprehensive exam.
Candidacy
The student must be admitted to candidacy prior to registering for dissertation research credit. The Admission to Candidacy form may not be filed until:
1. The student has successfully completed the preliminary examination.
2. The student has successfully defended the prospectus to the dissertation committee.
Dissertation Committee
The student, in close consultation with the Ph.D. Advisor, asks three graduate faculty members to serve as a dissertation committee. At least two of the members must be program faculty and one of these must agree to chair the committee. The department head, in consultation with the faculty, designates the committee membership and chair. Once the committee is formed, the committee chair serves as the student’s academic advisor. The dissertation committee has the responsibility of providing guidance to the student for the remainder of the student’s program as well as approving the dissertation prospectus and the dissertation.
Areas of Specialization
Students are encouraged to concentrate elective course work in an area of specialization designed in consultation with the student’s dissertation committee.
Dissertation
Once admitted to candidacy, the student should register for dissertation research credit. The student must enroll for a minimum of 12 semester credit hours of dissertation research. Once students begin the dissertation, they must register for PADM 8110 every semester until the dissertation is complete. After 12 credit hours have been completed, students register for “Dissertation Continuation” at a reduced fee.
The student must engage in original and significant research in public administration or public policy, guided in this endeavor by the student’s dissertation committee. On the basis of this research, the student must write a work of publishable quality adhering to the style and format required by the Graduate School. The final draft of the dissertation must be acceptable to all members of the student’s dissertation committee.
Final Oral Examination
After acceptance of the final dissertation draft by the committee, the program head shall appoint one graduate faculty member from the program and the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research shall appoint one graduate faculty member from outside the Department, who together with the members of the dissertation committee sit as the final examining body. The student must make an oral defense of the dissertation before this body and in the presence of all others who choose to attend. In defending the dissertation, the student is expected to relate its significance to the field of knowledge to which it contributes and to the general field of public administration.
The student is judged to have passed the final oral examination if at least 4 of the 5 examining committee members certify to that effect. Students failing the final oral examination may be reexamined only once.
Complete 2011-2013 Graduate Catalog
MAJOR: PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
DEGREE: Master of Professional Studies (M.P.S.)
CONCENTRATIONS:
Strategic Leadership
Human Resources Leadership
Training and Development
The Master of Professional Studies program is designed to affordably and flexibly meet the education needs of working adults who are not generally served by traditional methods. Offered completely online and available twenty-four hours and seven days a week, this unique program is taught by professors who are best suited to help you develop the skills necessary to excel in your career field.
This course is developed and taught in conjunction with the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) and the Regents Online Degree Program (RODP). Because the MPS degree is offered online, the student must follow the RODP hardware and software requirements, and is eligible to complete all registration, advising, bookstore purchases, and even library research online through both the RODP website and the TSU website.
This graduate professional degree consists of 33 hours of interdisciplinary coursework and is available in three concentrations.
Admissions Process
Applicants for admission must provide the following: 1) Application for Admission to the Office of Graduate Studies and Research; 2) application fee; 3) Graduate Record Examination scores; 4) one official transcript from all colleges and universities previously attended; 5) three letters of recommendation; and 6) a Statement of Purpose explaining why the applicant seeks admission to the MPS program.
Admission Requirements
• Students must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. They must be in good standing at the last school attended.
• Students must possess basic computer literacy and writing skills
• Students must adhere to the admission deadlines.
Unconditional Admission:
1) An undergraduate grade point average of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale from an accredited college or university.
2) An acceptable score on the GRE, generally at least 400 verbal and 500 quantitative and a 4.0 on analytical writing.
Applicants with five or more years of qualified professional work experience may submit a portfolio in lieu of the GRE. The portfolio is to include: a resume which shows the type of work done over the period and provides details of the employers; position descriptions of all positions listed on the resume; a 500 to 600 word essay describing the professional work accomplished and how the MPS will help the individual advance in the profession; examples of written documents showing professional responsibilities, honors and professional achievements; and a list of professional awards/recognitions. The portfolio material must be submitted as a packet, not mailed separately. Applicants should submit their applications and the GRE scores or portfolio to the Office of Graduate Studies and Research of Tennessee State University. The admission decision will be based on the entire academic and professional record. Applicants will be granted unconditional admission if the overall record (based on the above variables) indicates a high potential for success in the program.
Conditional Admission:
Conditional Admission into the MPS program may be granted temporarily by the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research upon the recommendation of the Department of Public Administration. Continuation in the program as a degree-seeking student is contingent upon fulfilling specific requirements stipulated in the conditional admission letter.
1. Graduates of accredited colleges who have not taken the Graduate Record Examination (and do not have five years of qualified professional experience) must take the GRE during the first semester of enrollment (prior to mid-term is preferred) in courses for graduate credit. They must also obtain a 3.00 GPA in all classes the first year or until unconditionally accepted.
2. Graduates of accredited colleges who have five years of qualified professional experience but who do not have completed portfolios must submit the requested documents during the first semester of enrollment (prior to mid-term is preferred) in courses for graduate credit. They must also obtain a 3.0 GPA in all classes the first year or until unconditionally accepted.
3. Students who present a grade point average (GPA) below 2.75 must, at the time of application, submit GRE scores or portfolio which are acceptable to the Department of Public Administration. After admission, those students are required to obtain a 3.00 GPA in the first nine (9) semester hours of coursework.
Advisor:
Each student admitted to the MPS program is assigned an advisor. Students should consult with their advisors prior to registering for classes in each term of enrollment.
Degree Requirements:
Total credits required for graduation: 33
Students in the MPS program are required to take 33 total credits for graduation. The students cannot take more than 3 courses in any one discipline. Students transferring to the program cannot transfer more than 12 hours.
Complete 2011-2013 Graduate Catalog
MAJOR: SOCIAL WORK
DEGREE: Master of Social Work (M.S.W.)
Admission Requirements
Students must first be admitted to the Graduate School/College of their home campus. The minimum GPA for admission to the program at TSU is 2.5. In addition to the standard institutional requirements for admission to the Graduate School, students must also submit an application to the Department of Social Work at their selected home campus. The application will consist of:
1. A completed MSW Application Form which will include an essay.
2. Three (3) letters of recommendation from professionals who can address the applicant's interest in social work, potential for successfully completing a Masters program, and potential for professional social work practice.
3. Complete Graduate Record Examinations (General Test)
Students applying for Advanced Standing must have completed a Bachelor of Social Work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in their undergraduate course work to be admitted Advanced Standing.
Degree Requirements
The program structure is as follows:
Students may attend either full time or part-time. Full time students will complete the program in 2 years. Part-time students will complete the program in 4 years. Students may also choose a combination which will allow them to complete the program in 3 years.
Complete 2011-2013 Graduate Catalog
webpage contact:
School of Graduate Studies and Research