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Graduate Studies Overview

Graduate Studies Overview
Graduate Academic Advising
Academic Policy and Procedures
Academic Credits and Grades
Capstone Requirement
Professional Paper Retake Policy
Graduate Capstone Courses
Enrollment Status and Continuous Registration

INTRODUCTION TO GRADUATE EDUCATION

The goal of graduate education is to elevate and motivate thinking to a more advanced level, preparing the student to become a productive, innovative, and creative problem solver and decision-maker in the field or discipline of his or her choosing.

The degree allows the student to master a particular scope of knowledge; relate and integrate that knowledge to other disciplines; use it to understand and apply concepts, theory, and principles in new and challenging situations; and analyze and solve complex problems. Research methodology and technical and communication skills are part of the curriculum to prepare the graduate to become a decision-making professional, complete with the attitudes and abilities necessary to grow as an advanced professional in his or her field.

Curriculum may include coursework centered around research, case studies, applied projects, collaborative work with organizations outside of the university, and internships. A capstone experience completes the graduate programs and may include one of the following: a major research-driven thesis or its equivalent, a comprehensive professional-level project or case study, an internship or work of original art, or a comprehensive exam.