Graduate Studies

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Purpose and Organization

LSUS offers programs of graduate study to the student who holds a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. The student may pursue the following degrees at LSUS:

College of Arts and Sciences

Master of Arts in Liberal Arts (MLA)
Master of Science in Biological Sciences (MSBS)
Master of Science in Computer Systems Technology (MSCST)
Master of Science in Nonprofit Administration (MSNPA)

College of Business

Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Master of Health Administration (MHA)

College of Education and Human Development

Doctor of Education in Leadership Studies (EdD)
Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction (MEDCI)
Master of Education in Educational Leadership (MEDL)
Master of Public Health (MPH)
Master of Science in Counseling (MSC)
Specialist in School Psychology (SSP)

Graduate Study

The aim of graduate programs at LSUS is the promotion of scholarship that is thorough, creative, and independent in character. Members of the graduate faculty teach all courses offered for graduate credit. Graduate study is much more than a continuation of undergraduate work. It provides students the opportunity to become investigators in special fields of learning, to broaden their professional and cultural background, and to improve their professional skills and competence. The true spirit of graduate study is one of inquiry and the desire to add to one’s knowledge.

Graduate study is, therefore, open only to students whose academic records indicate the ability to perform at a high level of professional practice or to accomplish academic work that can be judged as outstanding in quality. LSUS does not offer any graduate courses by correspondence or award graduate credit by examination.

All graduate programs are administered by the Dean of Graduate Studies, who is advised by a Graduate Council composed of ten members elected from the graduate faculty of the University. Under general policies established by the University, the Graduate Council provides for, and authorizes graduate credit for existing courses, approves new courses, rules on questions of admissions and standards, and makes recommendations on other matters relating to the administration of all graduate programs.

A student not interested in pursuing a graduate degree may enroll in graduate courses as a non-degree student, providing he/she meets the criteria for regular admission to graduate study. Not all courses may be available to non-degree-seeking students.

Admissions to Graduate Study

Graduates of colleges or universities accredited by the proper regional accrediting association may apply for admission to graduate study at LSUS. Admission is restricted to include only those students whose academic records indicate they can successfully undertake graduate work in the proposed area. Admission to graduate study at LSUS requires that all previously undertaken graduate work meet LSUS’s academic standards.

Unconditional Admission: For unconditional admission to graduate study, students must be in satisfactory standing at the last institution attended and meet all admission requirements of a degree program. A complete academic record is required for unconditional admission status.

The following categories of students are eligible for unconditional admission to graduate study at LSUS.

Applicants with a Graduate Degree from a regionally accredited university: Unless specified otherwise by individual programs, graduate students who possess a graduate degree previously earned from a regionally accredited university are eligible for unconditional admission to graduate study.

Applicants with an Undergraduate Degree, some Graduate Coursework, but no Graduate degree: Applicants who have some graduate coursework but do not possess a previously-earned graduate degree must have a minimum 2.50 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) on the undergraduate degree or a 2.75 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) in the last 60 hours attempted in the undergraduate degree program and a minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) on any graduate work attempted, with no grades of D or F.

Applicants with an Undergraduate Degree and no previous Graduate Coursework: Applicants who do not possess a previously earned graduate degree must have a minimum 2.50 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) on the undergraduate degree or a 2.75 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) in the last 60 hours attempted in the degree program.

Individual graduate programs might have their own GPA and other admission requirements that are different from the above.

Conditional Admission: For conditional admission to graduate study, applicants must meet all admission requirements of a degree program. The following categories of applicants are eligible for conditional admission to graduate study at LSUS.

Applicants with a Graduate Degree from a regionally accredited university: Applicants who possess a previously earned graduate degree from a regionally accredited university are eligible for conditional admission to graduate studies based on the graduate degree-granting transcript. Students must submit all undergraduate and graduate transcripts within one semester of starting their program to move to an unconditional status. A student without complete records within the first semester will be unable to register for future semesters.

Applicants with no previous graduate coursework and holding or completing an undergraduate degree: Applicants who are completing their undergraduate degree at the point of application who are unable to obtain a transcript demonstrating conferral of the undergraduate degree may be admitted conditionally into graduate studies if they meet the admission criteria based on their current transcript. Students must submit the official transcript noting conferral of their undergraduate degree within one semester of starting their program to move to an unconditional status. A student without complete records within the first semester will be unable to register for future semesters.

Appeal: Any student not meeting these criteria but having a 2.00-2.49 undergraduate GPA on a 4.0 scale may appeal through the appropriate Graduate Program Director and Dean for admission. An appeal must include a letter of appeal and a professional résumé. GMAT/GRE scores or letters of recommendation may be requested. Recommendations will be submitted to the Graduate Dean for final approval. Non-degree-seeking students are not eligible to appeal.

In general, only students formally admitted to graduate study are eligible to enroll in graduate courses. (See GRADUATE CREDIT under GENERAL REGULATIONS.) All inquiries should be addressed to: Office of Graduate Studies, LSUS, One University Place, Shreveport, LA 71115.

Admission Procedure: The student seeking to pursue graduate studies at LSUS should submit an online graduate application at www.lsus.edu by clicking on APPLY NOW. Supplemental materials, including letters of recommendation, personal statements, etc., should be sent to the appropriate Program Director. Records, GMAT/GRE scores, and other application materials sent to the Office of Admissions, Office of Graduate Studies, or individual Program Directors become a part of the student’s official file and are not returned to the student or released to a third party.

Early Admission: An LSUS Computer Science or Computer Information Systems undergraduate student in his/her senior year who has at least a 3.0 GPA may be admitted into the accelerated 5-year B.S./MSCST program and may receive credit for 600-level graduate courses, six (6) hours of which may be counted toward both the undergraduate and graduate degrees. The student must complete requirements for the undergraduate degree in consecutive requirements (e.g. GRE) before enrolling in any 700-level courses.

**Graduate Record Examination (GRE) www.ets.org, or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) www.mba.com. Students may call the Prometric Testing Center (318/742.7349) to schedule an appointment to take the GRE by computer. Students are able to schedule the test within a couple of weeks and results of the test are known the same day. Sending your GRE scores: LSU Shreveport’s institution code is 6355.

1. ALL GRADUATE APPLICANTS
   1.  A complete graduate application form and all supporting transcripts must be sent to the Office of Admissions and Records. This must be done by the deadline set by Graduate Studies as outlined in the handbook. Final admission decisions are made only after receipt of all credentials.
   2.  An official transcript must be sent directly to the Office of Admissions and Records by the registrar of each college and university attended, including both graduate and undergraduate work and showing all degrees previously awarded. The student who has attended institutions outside the United States should submit complete academic records for a course-by-course evaluation using one of the following organizations:
      • National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) [www.naces.org]
      • Association of International Credentials Evaluators (AICE) [www.aice-eval.org]
        
        Foreign medical graduates may submit evaluation from:
         
      • Federation Credentials Verification Service [www.fsmb.org/licensure.fcvs]
      • Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates [www.ecfmg.org]
   3. For students born after 1956, proof of immunization or immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella must be provided to the Office of Admissions and Records prior to registration. This policy applies to all students entering LSUS for the first time and all students returning after an absence of one semester or more. Proof of tetanus/diphtheria immunizations is also required. A copy of the Immunization Policy is provided with the admissions materials. A student may claim exemption from the immunization requirement for medical or personal reasons, however, the University will require the student to leave the campus and be excluded from class in the event of an outbreak of measles, mumps, or rubella. Students claiming exemption will not be permitted back on campus or in class until the outbreak is over or until proof of adequate immunization has been submitted to the Office of Admissions and Records. Students in a 100% online program do not have to provide proof of immunization but will be held to the same restrictions as students claiming exemption in the event of an outbreak of MMR.
   4. Admission to Graduate Studies does not automatically admit an applicant to a degree program. Admission requirements to specific degree programs vary. (See C. INDIVIDUAL PROGRAM APPLICANTS.) Supplemental materials required by the program should be mailed to the Program Director.
2. INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS - All international applicants must meet regular admission requirements. In addition, graduate student applicants must submit the following information:

A graduate applicant whose native language is not English must satisfy the LSUS English Language Requirements by one of the following:

1. Official TOEFL scores sent directly to Louisiana State University Shreveport (Code Number 6355) by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Minimum score for graduate applicants is 550 on the paper-based version, 213 on the computer-based version, or 80 on the internet-based version [www.toefl.org].
2. Minimum score of 6.5 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) [www.ielts.org].
3. Completion of Level 112 at an ELS Language Center [www.els.edu].
4. Completion of Level 9 at The Language Company center (TLC) [www.thelanguagecompany.com].
5. Minimum score of 53 on the Pearson Test of English (PTE) [http://pearsonpte.com/].

Graduate Program Directors may choose to require a higher TOEFL or IELTS score if they feel that stronger English language proficiency is a prerequisite for success in a particular degree program.

International applicants should contact their prospective program for information on higher score requirements.

Applicants who meet the following criteria are exempt from the above English language proficiency requirements:

1. Earned U.S. high school diploma, having attended all 4 years of high school in the U.S.,
2. Bachelor’s or Master’s degree earned from a regionally accredited U.S. institution,
3. Score of 480 on the English/Critical Reading section of the SAT; or 20 on the English section of the ACT,
4. Minimum 2.50 overall GPA on 30 or more semester hours above remedial level, including a college-level course in English and in Mathematics, or two consecutive English courses, from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university.
5. Secondary or tertiary education including bachelor’s or master’s degrees in a country where English is the primary official language: Australia, Belize, Botswana, British West Indies (Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Bay Islands, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Croix, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, The Turks and Caicos Islands), Canada, England, The Gambia, Ghana, Guyana, Ireland, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritius, New Zealand, Nigeria, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, Somalia, Swaziland, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Union of South Africa, United Kingdom, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Other requirements for admission:

1. Applicants must submit a signed financial resource statement prior to enrollment showing the source(s) of money (in U.S. dollars) available for each year of study in the United States.
2. Applicants must submit satisfactory scores on the GRE or GMAT if required by the degree program.
3. Applicants with a degree from outside the United States must present authorized records - transcripts, mark-sheets, certification of degrees - showing a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent with a GPA equivalent to B or better (3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale) on all undergraduate work from accredited colleges and universities. All foreign credentials must be submitted in English to the Office of Admissions and Records using a member organization of one of the following two national associations of credential evaluation services:
   1. National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) [www.naces.org]
   2. Association of International Credentials Evaluators (AICE) [www.aice-eval.org]

Foreign medical graduates may submit evaluations from:

1. Federation Credentials Verification Service [www.fsmb.org/licensure.fcvs]
2. Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates [www.ecfmg.org]
   
   A course-by-course evaluation is required. Additional information concerning the evaluation process and the associated fees can be obtained online from the evaluation service provider’s website.

A non-refundable fee of $30 must accompany the application. Before registering for classes at LSUS, the student will be required to present verification of an adequate health insurance plan to cover hospital, medical, surgical, major medical expenses, as well as repatriation expense protection or its equivalent.

3. INDIVIDUAL PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

College of Arts and Sciences

Master of Arts in Liberal Arts (MLA): Applicants to the MLA program should have earned a GPA of 3.0 or better in the last two years of undergraduate study, must schedule an admission interview with the MLA Director, and must submit a written Statement of Purpose that outlines educational goals and the ways in which the MLA program meets these goals. GRE scores are NOT required for admission.

Master of Science in Biological Sciences (MSBS): In addition to general University requirements for admission to graduate studies, all applicants to the MSBS degree program must submit GRE General Test scores of at least 300 for the combined verbal and quantitative sections on the new GRE format or at least 1000 for the combined analytical and quantitative sections on the old GRE format. Applicants must also submit two letters of recommendation from at least one science faculty member. The second letter of recommendation may be from a scientific professional with a terminal degree.

Master of Science in Computer Systems Technology (MSCST): A student entering this program must schedule an interview with the MSCST Program Coordinator and must complete a separate program application form.

For information on the 4+1 accelerated program for Computer Science and Computer Information Systems undergraduate seniors, see COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES , 4+1 Program under COMPUTER SCIENCE  curricula.

Master of Science in Nonprofit Administration (MSNPA): There are no individual program requirements beyond the Graduate Studies admission requirements.

College of Business

Master of Business Administration (MBA): Applicants to this program should have (1) a graduate degree from an accredited university, or (2) a bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited university with a minimum 3.0 overall GPA or minimum 3.0 GPA in the last 60 semester hours of courses, or (3) a bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited university with a minimum 2.5 overall GPA or minimum 2.75 GPA in the last 60 semester hours of courses, and at least three years of professional work experience, or (4) a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with a minimum 2.5 overall GPA or minimum 2.75 GPA in the last 60 semester hours of courses, and a minimum GMAT score of 450 and a minimum score of 1000, based on the following formula: GMAT score plus (200 x overall undergraduate GPA).

Master of Health Administration (MHA): Applicants to this program should have (1) a bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited university with a minimum 3.0 overall GPA or minimum 3.0 GPA in the last 60 semester hours of courses, or (2) a bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited university with a minimum 2.5 overall GPA or minimum 2.75 GPA in the last 60 semester hours of courses, and at least three years of professional work experience, or (3) a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with a minimum 2.5 overall GPA or minimum 2.75 GPA in the last 60 semester hours of courses, and a minimum GMAT score of 450 and a minimum score of 1000, based on the following formula: GMAT score plus (200 x overall undergraduate GPA).

College of Education and Human Development

Doctor of Education in Leadership Studies (EDD): Applicants must complete and submit all required materials by the deadline posted on the EdD website in order to be considered for Fall admission. The EdD program is a selective admissions program and, as such, not all applicants who apply will be admitted. The following items should be sent directly to the LSUS Office of Graduate Admissions.

1. The LSUS Graduate Studies Application for Graduate Admissions, complying with all applicable guidelines and standards,
2. Master’s degree from regionally-accredited college or university with a minimum cumulative graduate GPA of 3.5/4.0. Applicants with a cumulative graduate GPA between 3.00 and 3.49 may be considered for admission following the formal review process and an admission decision by the Chair of the Department of Leadership Studies,
3. All official transcripts from institutions where coursework has been attempted.

The following items should be sent directly to the Director of the EdD program:

1. Résumé/CV,
2. Professional recommendation letters from three sources,
3. Purpose statement from the applicant, including:
   1. How the degree fits within the applicant’s professional and personal goals,
   2. The applicant’s professional experience and how the applicant believes this will contribute to the program,
   3. The coursework, professional experience, or other professional development that has prepared the applicant for conducting doctoral level research,
   4. The applicant’s area of research where there is a strong interest (military, disaster preparedness and emergency management, health communication and leadership, or leadership concentration) and to explain the potential study that the applicant may want to develop.

Applicants who are selected to continue to the next round of review will be contacted for an interview via Online Video Service (Zoom, Skype, Adobe Connect, etc.). Final notification of admission status will be provided upon the completion of reviews and selection of applicants.

Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction (MEDCI): Applicants to this program should have a graduate degree from an accredited university OR a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with a minimum 2.5 overall GPA or minimum 2.75 GPA in last 60 semester hours of courses.

Master of Education in Educational Leadership (MEDL): Applicants to this program should have a graduate degree from an accredited university OR a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with a minimum 2.5 overall GPA or minimum 2.75 GPA in last 60 semester hours of courses.

Master of Public Health (MPH): In addition to general University requirements for admission to graduate studies, all applicants to the MPH degree program must complete an asynchronous interview which reflects your goals and objectives and how the program may help you reach your goals, along with three electronic recommendations.

Master of Science in Counseling (MSC): To apply for admission to this program, applicants must complete the online LSUS Application for Graduate Admission and submit transcripts to the Office of Admissions and Records. Applicants must also submit to the MSC Program Coordinator: (1) at least two letters of reference; (2) MSC Program Application Form; and (3) Letter of Intent (essay) indicating your plans after the degree. All material must be received by the Program Director prior to the MSC program application deadlines which are: March 30^th for admission in the Summer term and early admission in the Fall semester, April 30^th for the Fall Semester, and October 30th for the Spring semester. (Also, see posted dates on the MSC webpage for a full program description.) An application is complete only when all required materials have been received. In addition, applicant’s credentials should provide evidence of freedom from limitations that would jeopardize their success as a professional counselor. All necessary forms are available at the MSC program website. Admission decisions are made by the MSC Program Committee and are made on a competitive basis.

Specialist in School Psychology (SSP): Application to the SSP Program is a two-part process: Applicants must apply to the LSUS Office of Graduate Studies through the online process. This includes submission of all official transcripts from colleges/universities attended and immunization records. If the applicant elects to send GRE scores, official scores should be sent directly to LSUS Admissions (code 6355). At the same time, applicants apply directly to the SSP Program. Applicants should send a personal letter of intent and resume/vita directly to the SSP Program, as well as request at least two letters of recommendation sent to SSP Director directly from references. Acceptance by Graduate Studies does not mean that you have been admitted into the SSP program, only that you have been admitted to take graduate coursework. Upon receipt of application, materials are reviewed by the School Psychology Training Committee to determine whether minimum admission requirements are met. This includes: 1) an undergraduate degree in psychology from an accredited institution or a BA/BS degree from an accredited institution with 12 or more hours of psychology coursework including behavioral sciences (psychology) statistics; 2) undergraduate GPA of at least 2.5 (on a 4.0 point scale). Submission of Verbal and Quantitative GRE scores is optional. Following review of application materials, applicants may be invited for a face-to-face or phone interview which is the final step of application process. The interview with faculty and current students focuses on the applicant’s academic and career goals, as well as familiarity with the profession of school psychology. Application Deadlines: March 31 is early Fall admission; June 30th is the final deadline set by LSUS Graduate Studies. The SSP Program, however, begins reviewing applications and strives to complete admission decisions by April 15. Admission decisions are made by the SSP Program Training Committee on a competitive basis and enrollment is limited.

4. THE TRANSIENT APPLICANT - A student in good standing pursuing a graduate degree program at another institution wishing to take courses at LSUS to be credited towards their degree program may be admitted for only one semester or summer semester by completing a graduate application and providing an official transcript to the Office of Admissions and Records. (See also ADMISSION CLASSIFICATION below.)

Admission Classification for Graduate Degree Programs

A prospective student who has earned a baccalaureate degree and plans to take additional work beyond the baccalaureate degree must apply for admission to graduate study and be admitted under one of the following classifications:

Regular

A prospective candidate for a degree who meets all requirements for unconditional admission to a graduate program and has been recommended by the Department and College in which he/she proposes to study and whose admission has been approved by the Dean of Graduate Studies is classified as a regular degree student.

Pre-admission

A prospective candidate for a degree (excluding the doctoral program in Leadership Studies and graduate degrees in the College of Business) who meets all requirements for unconditional admission to a graduate program with the exception of undergraduate prerequisite course or final transcript is classified as a pre-admit into the degree program. This classification can be used for one calendar year for completion of the prerequisite courses.

Admission Classification for Non-degree Graduate Programs

Non-degree

Admission in the non-degree category is restricted primarily to those persons who may benefit professionally from additional study at the graduate level. In general, the only supportive material required for such admission are valid transcripts confirming that the student has met the criteria for regular admission to graduate study. Individual program requirements do not apply.

Transient

A student in good standing at another recognized graduate school who wishes to take work at LSUS may enroll as a transient student. This student must submit a completed graduate application and an official transcript and state that he/she wishes to enroll at LSUS for a specified semester. A student is admitted under this classification for one semester only. The student must be readmitted under this classification each semester to be eligible for graduate courses.

General Regulations

Course Loads: The following sections define maximum load requirements for graduate students:

Maximum Graduate Credits per Semester

The maximum number of graduate credits in which a graduate student may enroll is 15 in a regular semester and 9 in a Summer semester. Students enrolled in accelerated online programs may take 15 graduate credits in a Summer semester. The total number of graduate and undergraduate credits in which a graduate student may be enrolled at LSUS concurrently is 19 during a regular semester and 10 in a Summer semester. Exception for College of Business Graduate Programs: For students enrolled in College of Business Graduate Programs, the maximum number of graduate credits is 12 in a regular semester and 6 graduate credits each session (e.g., AP1, AP2).

Credits per Semester for Full-Time and Part-Time Graduate Students

A full-time graduate student is one who is enrolled for 9 or more credits in a regular semester or 6 or more in a Summer semester. A part-time graduate student is one who is enrolled in fewer than 9 credits in a regular semester or fewer than 6 credits in a Summer semester. Exception for SSP: Students enrolled in the SSP program may be classified as full-time when enrolled in their final fall and spring semester taking the pre-assigned course, even though the number of hours scheduled is less than ordinarily required for the classification. Exception for EdD: For students enrolled in the EdD program, a full-time student is one who is enrolled for 6 doctoral-level graduate credits (800+) in a regular semester or 6 doctoral-level graduate credits (800+) in the combined Summer terms. A part-time doctoral student is one who is enrolled in fewer than 6 doctoral-level graduate credits (800+) in a regular semester or fewer than 6 doctoral-level graduate credits (800+) in the combined Summer terms.

For those who seek financial aid, full-time graduate status is defined as 6 or more hours for Summer and 9 or more hours for Fall or Spring semesters; half-time graduate status is 6-8 hours. Exception for EdD: For students in the EdD program who seek financial aid, full-time doctoral graduate status is defined as at least 6 doctoral-level graduate (800+) hours for Summer, Fall, or Spring.

Transfer Credits

For the Master’s degree, a maximum of 6 semester hours of graduate credit with grades of B or higher may be transferred from another regionally accredited institution with the approval of the graduate Program Director. The College of Business graduate programs do not accept transfer credit. The Graduate Council may grant permission to accept a greater number of transfer credits (not to exceed 50% of the degree) in individual cases. Students wishing to transfer from one Master’s degree program to another at LSUS may transfer ALL graduate credits earned at LSUS provided: (1) the course grade is B or higher; (2) there is an equivalent course required in the program into which the student wishes to transfer; and (3) permission is granted by the Director of the program into which the students wishes to transfer. The College of Business graduate programs do not accept transfer credits from any LSUS graduate program, including credits earned in other College of Business graduate programs. Graduate credits earned by extension from other universities, by examination, or by correspondence are not accepted.

For the Ed.D. in Leadership Studies degree in the College of Education and Human Development, a maximum of 12 semester hours of graduate credit with grades of B or higher may be transferred from another regionally accredited institution with the approval of the Ed.D. Program Director. The Graduate Council may grant permission to accept a greater number of transfer credits (not to exceed 50% of the degree) in individual cases.

Graduate Credit

All courses that may fulfill graduate degree requirements at LSUS, except the doctoral degree, are numbered 600 or 700. Courses numbered 700+ are open to graduate students only, except as indicated. Courses numbered 800+ are open to doctoral students only. The student who has been admitted to the Graduate Program under the classification Regular, Non-degree, or Transient may register for graduate courses.

A senior at LSUS who needs 30 or fewer semester hours to complete requirements for the bachelor’s degree and has maintained a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 may be permitted to register for and receive graduate credit in courses, provided the student registers for, and successfully completes in consecutive regular semesters, all the remaining courses required for the bachelor’s degree, and provided the student registers for no more than 15 semester hours total per semester that graduate courses are taken. This privilege applies only during the final 30 hours of the student’s undergraduate work and is extended only upon recommendation of the Dean of the student’s College and approval of the Director of the graduate program involved. A student must successfully complete all undergraduate degree credit courses taken once graduate courses are begun in order to retain the privilege of obtaining graduate credit while still an undergraduate.

Superior undergraduate students may register earlier than their final 30 hours for graduate-level courses; however, these courses do not count for graduate credit. For undergraduate enrollment by students in 700-level graduate courses, the student must have earned at least 90 semester hours with a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher. Approval by the Dean of the student’s College and the Director of the graduate program involved is required.

Graduate credit courses in the College of Business are available to LSUS Business undergraduates who have met all entrance requirements. (See also MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION .)

Six (6) hours of graduate credit may be counted towards both the B.S. degree and the MSCST degree for senior undergraduates who have been admitted into the accelerated 5-year program leading to the BS degree in Computer Sciences / Computer Information Systems, and the MSCST degree in Computer Systems Technology. (See also MASTER OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTER SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY .)

Grade Requirements and Scholastic Regulations

Grade Requirements

In order to receive a Master’s, Specialist’s, or Doctoral degree, a student must have at least a 3.0 cumulative LSUS GPA. Those courses in which grades of P, NC, W, or I are recorded are not included in determining the GPA.

Scholastic Regulations - Grading System

A - The grade of A has a value of four quality points per semester hour and indicates superior work in both quality and quantity.
B - The grade of B has a value of three quality points per semester hour and indicates acceptable but undistinguished work.
C - The grade of C has a value of two quality points per semester hour and indicates work of unsatisfactory quality and suggests that further graduate study may be unwise. (Not more than two course grades of C may be presented for a graduate degree.)
D - The grade of D has a value of one quality point per semester hour, indicates unacceptable work and carries no graduate degree credit.
F - The grade of F does not earn quality points. This grade is given for work failed.
P - All graduate courses taken for credit towards a graduate degree must be taken for a grade, with the exception of the thesis option credits and a few designated foundation- and internship-type courses. The awarding of a P indicates a grade of B or better.
I - The I means incomplete and is given for work that is of passing quality but which, because of circumstances beyond the student’s control, is not complete. An Instructor may consider an I only with written authorization from the student’s Dean. It is the responsibility of the student to initiate the action. Unless the student completes the requirements for removal of an I within 60 days from the end of the semester in which it was received, the I will be converted to F. If the student’s circumstances preclude removal of the I by that time, the student or the Instructor may, before the deadline, petition the Dean for an extension of 60 days.
IP - The IP means in progress and is assigned for thesis, final project, or dissertation work begun, and in which the student is making satisfactory progress, but is incomplete. IP grades may be converted provided the student completes the required work in question within the allotted time allowed for a degree. In any other instance, IP grades are considered permanent.
W - The W is assigned when a student withdraws from a course or resigns within the allowable time (see ACADEMIC CALENDAR ).
X - The X means audit and indicates that the student enrolled for no credit.

Pass/Fail Option

Certain graduate courses grade all students on a pass/fail basis. Details regarding the pass/fail courses are contained within individual program requirement sections of this catalog. Additional information may be obtained from the office of the student’s Program Director or College Dean.

Repeated Courses

A graduate student may repeat any undergraduate or graduate course, with all attempts counting towards the student’s GPA. Exception: A doctoral graduate student may only repeat graduate courses in the program curriculum, with all attempts counting toward the student’s GPA.

Duplicated Courses (400-/600-level)

At the discretion of the Program Coordinator, a student may be allowed to take a graduate course that essentially duplicates an undergraduate course but requires more rigorous coursework.

Probation and Ineligibility

A graduate student is expected to maintain a 3.0 cumulative LSUS GPA. The cumulative LSUS GPA includes all graduate work attempted at LSUS. A graduate student who fails to earn a 3.0 GPA in any term and whose cumulative LSUS GPA falls below 3.0, including accelerated terms and Summer terms, will be placed on academic probation. A graduate student on academic probation must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher for each term on probation with no course grades of C or below. Probationary status is removed when the student raises his/her cumulative LSUS GPA to 3.0 or better. A graduate student who fails to correct his/her cumulative LSUS GPA within the next twelve credit hours in which the student is enrolled will be dropped from the graduate program.

In addition, a graduate student will be dropped from his/her program for the following reasons:

• Cumulative LSUS GPA falls below a 2.0;
• More than six credit hours with a grade of C or lower in all graduate work attempted in the current degree program;
• Three credit hours with a grade of C and three credit hours with a grade of D in graduate work attempted in the current degree program, except when the grade of C is subsequent to the grade of D in the same course;
• Six credit hours with a grade of D or lower in graduate work attempted in the current degree program; or
• A grade of F in a graduate course in the current degree program.

For students concurrently taking courses in accelerated and regular terms, probation and eligibility status will be determined after the completion of both terms. Students suspended or dropped from their current program may appeal for readmission as per the policies and procedures of the College that offers the program. Students reinstated as per College policy or on appeal are eligible to continue graduate studies unless the credit hours since the suspension result in one or more of the ineligibility conditions stated in this section.

Appeal Procedure for students in the College of Arts and Sciences following ineligibility due to poor academic performance:

1. The student shall submit a written appeal addressed to the Dean of Graduate Studies that includes a detailed explanation of the circumstances leading to the poor performance and an action plan for improvement. The appeal must be accompanied by Graduate Student Appeal Form J2 available from the Office of Graduate Studies and must be submitted at least 45 days prior to the start of the term in which the student wishes to be readmitted.
2. The appeal should be accompanied by at least two letters of recommendation, one of them being from the Program Director. The other can be from someone familiar with the student in a professional capacity such as a former professor or work supervisor. The letters should be sent directly to the Dean of Graduate Studies by email or regular mail.
3. The appeal should include the student’s name, student ID, mailing address, and email address. It should be sent electronically or by regular mail to the Dean of Graduate Studies.

Suspension/Readmissions Policy for students in the College of Business following ineligibility due to poor academic performance:

1. The student will be placed on academic suspension for 1 semester (Fall, Spring, or Summer) or 2 AP terms.
2. The student will be granted an automatic readmission in the graduate program from which he/she was suspended. The student must contact the Dean of Graduate Studies four weeks prior to the start of classes following suspension to initiate the required paperwork.
3. A student who has earned a grade of F in the current degree program will not be automatically readmitted. Readmission appeals for a grade of F must be in accordance with the following procedure:
   1. The readmission appeal will not be considered without two letters of recommendation, one each from the Dean of the College of Business and the Program Director. To initiate the letter of recommendation process, the student must submit, by email, a detailed explanation of the circumstances leading to the poor performance and an action plan for improvement to the Program Director at least 60 days prior to the start of the term in which the student wishes to be readmitted.
   2. If the Program Director notifies the student that two letters of recommendation will be submitted on his/her behalf, then the student shall submit a written appeal addressed to the Dean of Graduate Studies that includes a detailed explanation of the circumstances leading to the poor performance and an action plan for improvement. The appeal must be accompanied by Graduate Student Appeal Form J2 available from the Office of Graduate Studies and must be submitted at least 45 days prior to the start of the term in which the student wishes to be readmitted.
4. A suspended student who does not return to the program within one year after the suspension ends will need to submit a new application for readmission.
5. Prior to returning to the program, it is the student’s responsibility to determine whether he/she will be able to attain the necessary GPA to graduate.
6. If a student becomes ineligible for a second time, the student is expelled and is ineligible for readmission into that program.

Suspension/Readmissions Policy for students in the College of Education and Human Development following ineligibility due to poor academic performance:

1. If a student is suspended from his or her program of study due to unsatisfactory academic performance, he or she will be ineligible to continue at LSUS for 1 semester or two 7-week terms.
2. Readmission is not automatics. A student on suspension may appeal and request to be readmitted to his or her program as follows:
   1. The student shall submit a request in writing to the Program Director stating his or her interest to seek readmission into the program, a detailed explanation of the circumstances leading to the unsatisfactory performance, why he or she feels an appeal should be considered, and an action plan for improvement.
   2. The Program Director will discuss the student’s status with the Department Chair; the College of Education and Human Development Dean/Associate Dean may be consulted if deemed necessary by the Program Director and/or Chair. A decision will be made whether to allow the student to continue with the appeal. The student will be notified in writing by the Program Director whether or not the appeal is supported at the Program level. If so, the student may proceed with an appeal to the Dean of Graduate Studies.
   3. The appeal to the Dean of Graduate Studies includes the following: (1) Graduate Student Appeal Form J2, which can be obtained from the Office of Graduate Studies, (2) the student’s written request as described above in item a., and (3) the decision letter described above in item b. All documents must be submitted at least 45 days prior to the semester the student wishes to be readmitted.
   4. The appeal should include the student’s name, student ID, mailing address, and email address. It should be sent electronically or by regular mail to the Dean of Graduate Studies.
3. If an appeal is granted by the Office of Graduate Studies, the student is responsible for adhering to deadlines for any paperwork, tuition, and fees associated with reentering the program. Students who are readmitted should meet with the Program Director to develop an academic plan to work towards meeting the program’s academic standards. In addition, students are encouraged to contact the LSUS Student Success Center for further support of their academic progress.

Registration for Thesis, Final Project, or Dissertation

A student must register for thesis, final project, or dissertation credit each semester in which the thesis, final project, or dissertation is under preparation and when College facilities and/or staff time are utilized. The letters IP will be recorded each semester for which a graduate student registers and makes satisfactory progress in the thesis, final project, or dissertation course. Each degree program specifies the minimum number of course credit hours required for thesis, final project, or dissertation hours in order to complete their work and may do so in 1-credit hour increments after the student has registered and paid for the required hours needed in order to complete the degree. These additional hours may not be used to meet degree requirements. Students who do not pursue continuous enrollment in the thesis, final project, or dissertation course (excluding summer) must reapply for graduate admission and be readmitted into the graduate program. Subsequently, they must register for the 1-credit hour increment class provided they have met the initial credit hour registration.

Time Limit for Completing Degrees

All coursework credited towards the degree must have begun no earlier than eight years prior to the completion of all of the degree requirements.

Extension of time may be granted only on conditions beyond control of the student. A formal request outlining the conditions upon which the extension of time is made should be addressed to the Dean of Graduate Studies.

Graduate Only Coursework

Each individual master’s degree program will determine the number of courses numbered at or above 700 that will be required for that particular program. For the doctorate degree, at least 75% of the courses applicable towards the degree must be numbered 800 or above.

Appeals of Final Grades Assigned in Course

The process for appealing course grades consists of up to three steps, described in detail below:

1. Attempt a resolution with the Instructor of the course.
2. Appeal to the Chair of the Department.
3. Appeal to the Graduate Dean.

The student may choose to accept resolution of the matter at any stage.

Please note: Appeals must be based clearly on alleged prejudice, bad faith, capricious action, or similar reasons. The following do not qualify as basis for appeals: Technical issues unrelated to university-provided services such as problems with the student’s internet service provider, malfunctioning personal devices including computers, tablets and phones, malfunctioning browsers; performance below expectations on tests; perceived difficulty or appropriateness of class material, textbooks, or assignments and tests; dissatisfaction with Instructor’s qualifications, teaching methods, or teaching effectiveness.

Step 1: Consult the Instructor of the class. A student who has a question about a final grade should first discuss the matter with the faculty member teaching the course.

Step 2: File the appeal form with the Chair of the Department. If the student is unable to resolve the issue after speaking with the Instructor of the course, the student must then file an appeal with the Chair of the Department offering the course. The form can be signed and scanned via email. This form must be submitted to the Department Chair along with a detailed letter of appeal and any supporting documentation or materials within 30 calendar days of the start of the term or session following the one in which the grade was recorded. If the Department Chair is the Instructor, then the appeal should be submitted to the College Dean. This form can also be used to appeal results of qualifying exams (e.g. comprehensive exam) and presentations (e.g. proposal or thesis defense) in which case the appeal should be submitted to the Program Director. The Department Chair will then investigate the appeal contacting necessary parties as needed and will then make a decision. This decision will be communicated to the student within two weeks of the date the appeal form was received and the appeal form and paperwork will be sent to the office of the Dean of Graduate Studies.

Step 3: Continue the appeal to the Graduate Dean. If the student wishes to appeal the Department Chair’s (or College Dean’s) decision, he/she will send an email, with justification for the second appeal, to the Dean of Graduate Studies. The Dean will then review the documentation of the appeal and can decide not to accept the appeal if he/she deems it to be unfounded. If the Dean deems that the appeal is appropriate and justified, he/she will convene a panel of three Graduate Council members from outside the course’s school. This panel will then investigate the appeal, consult appropriated parties (if necessary), and hold a hearing (if necessary) with the student participating via Skype, as needed. The panel will then make a recommendation to the Dean of Graduate Studies who makes the final decision and communicates that decision to the student within three weeks of the date the student forwarded the appeal. The Dean of Graduate Studies also notifies the Department Chair, the Program Director, and the Instructor. If the decision requires change in an official University record, the Chief Graduate Officer must comply with all University regulations and procedures necessary to accomplish the change.

The decision of the Chief Graduate Officer shall conclude the matter, subject to the right of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and the Chancellor to review the case. The Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs will consider the case only based on a separate petition for review after Step 3 of the above appeals process has been completed. The Chancellor will consider the case only on based on a separate petition for review and only if the student wishes to appeal the Vice Chancellor’s decision.

Graduation Requirements

Catalog Use: The student must meet all requirements for an approved graduate degree outlined in one issue of the catalog. Any catalog in force during the student’s residence at the University may be elected, provided the residence is continuous. (Exception: Catalogs prior to the 2015-2016 academic year may not be selected for the Doctor of Education degree.) If residence is interrupted for 12 consecutive months, the student may not elect a catalog earlier than the one in force at the time of reentry.

Procedural Requirements:

1. During the semester immediately prior to the semester or semester in which the degree is to be awarded, the candidate must ask the Dean of the appropriate College to evaluate the candidate’s academic record for compliance with degree requirements; the degree check-out form (available in the Dean’s office), signed by the Dean and furnished to the candidate, must then be presented to the Dean of Graduate Studies for approval.
2. The candidate next must make application for a degree via his/her myLSUS account by clicking on “Graduation Application” under Quick Links. The candidate must pay the graduation fee of $50.00. Graduation fees for the doctoral degree will be greater; students may confirm the amount at least one semester prior to the time of graduation.
3. At least three days prior to graduation, the candidate must clear any financial indebtedness to the University.
4. The candidate is encouraged to participate in commencement ceremonies.

No graduate degree, whether honorary or earned, shall be conferred except by vote of the Board of Supervisors upon recommendation by the University and Graduate Faculty.

Previous Coursework Policy for a Second Graduate Degree

Students who wish to obtain a second graduate degree from this University must meet all academic and residence requirements set by the Graduate Program and the Department concerned. A maximum of six hours from the first graduate degree earned at another regionally accredited university may be applied towards the second, if, at the beginning of the second degree, the Dean and Director of the second graduate degree approve the credits. The College of Business graduate programs do not accept transfer credit. A maximum of twelve hours from the first graduate degree earned at LSUS may be applied towards the second, with additional LSUS graduate credit hours (up to 50% of the second graduate degree) applicable upon approval from the Program Director and the Graduate Council. The College of Business cannot accept transfer credit from other graduate degrees, including other LSUS degrees.

Previous Coursework Policy for Doctoral Candidates

Students who wish to obtain a Doctorate degree from this University must meet all academic and residence requirements set by the Graduate Program and the Department concerned. While no graduate coursework counted in a previous Master’s degree may be applied towards a doctorate degree, doctoral courses taken for the doctoral program may be applied towards a master’s degree with approval from the Program Director. A maximum of 12 hours of graduate coursework taken beyond the Master’s degree and not counted towards a completed degree or 30+ certification may be applied towards the Doctorate degree, provided that, by the beginning of the second year of study towards the Doctorate degree, the Dean of the College of Education and Human Development and the Leadership Studies Program Director approve the credits. Previously taken graduate program examinations (preliminary, oral, or comprehensive) or dissertation credit from another institution or program will not be accepted.

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