Unless otherwise noted a course may be taken more than once but may be offered only once toward degree requirements. All enrollments and all grades will appear on the transcript and will count in the cumulative grade point average.

The following letter grades can be given to graduate students in graduate-level courses: A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, F.

These grades carry the following numerical equivalents for purposes of computing cumulative averages:

A = 4.000

A- = 3.700

B+ = 3.300

B = 3.000

B- = 2.700

C+ = 2.300

C = 2.000

F = 0

Graduate students enrolled in undergraduate courses may receive grades of C-, D+ and D (C- = 1.700, D+ = 1.300, D = 1.000).

The grade of Satisfactory (SAT) may be assigned as an alternative to a letter grade. The grade of 'SAT' is equivalent to 'Passing for Graduate Credit', which requires an underlying letter grade of C or higher.  Students should check with their instructor at the beginning of the semester regarding the instructor's policy about pass/fail grades. A minimum of one-half of the total required credits for a master's degree must be on a letter-graded basis. Any portion of the remaining credits may be graded Satisfactory subject to prior approval by the student's department/program. The decision as to which courses may be taken on a pass/fail basis (graded SAT) rests with the department rather than with the individual student.

Students who are unable to complete course requirements within the allotted time may request a grade of Incomplete from the instructor of the course. Normally, incomplete grades are warranted only if a student is passing the course at the time of the request. Instructors who turn in a grade of "INC" are required to leave a written record of the following information with the departmental office of the academic department under which the course is offered: (1) the percentage of work completed, (2) the grade earned by the student on the completed work, (3) a description of the work that remains to be completed, (4) a description of the method by which the student is to complete the unfinished work, and (5) the date by which the work is to be completed. In the case of an independent study where the entire grade is determined by one paper or project, the instructor should leave with the department information pertaining to the paper or project, which will complete the course.

When the grade of Incomplete (INC) is assigned, the student must contact the instructor to determine what must be done to complete the course and the date by which the work is to be completed. A student can obtain credit for an "incomplete" only by finishing the work of the course before the end of one calendar year from the time of enrollment in that course. At the end of that period, if a grade is not submitted an IF (Incomplete Failure) will be recorded. The initiative in arranging for the removal of an "incomplete" rests with the student. This regulation does not apply to thesis and dissertation credits but does apply to terminal project credits.

In the courses which a student is offering to satisfy degree requirements, a minimum standard for satisfactory work is a 3.000 average.

A student who in any two semesters, consecutive or otherwise, has semester averages of below 2.800 is subject to academic dismissal upon recommendation of the Graduate Program Director and approval by the Dean of the Graduate School.

A student must make satisfactory and reasonable progress toward completion of a degree program within the Statute of Limitations for that degree. A student who is not making satisfactory or reasonable progress is subject to academic dismissal.

(Thesis 699 and Dissertation 899) The required number of thesis and dissertation credits varies by program. They range up to a maximum of 10 for master's theses and from a minimum of 10 to 18 for doctoral dissertations. No student is exempt from this requirement; normal tuition rates will apply. These credits will be graded IP (In Progress) until the thesis or dissertation has been accepted by the Graduate School at which time these credits will be converted to SAT (Satisfactory).

An undergraduate student in the senior year at any of the Five College institutions, including the University, who will earn during that year more credits than are needed for the bachelor's degree may register concurrently for graduate credits at the University of Massachusetts after securing the permission of the graduate course instructor. The student registers for these credits in the normal registration process. The Graduate School will accept a maximum of six credits earned via this method, provided that (1) the student is accepted into a Master's program, (2) the student's graduate program director recommends the transfer, and (3) the undergraduate registrar certifies that the courses were over and above those needed by the student for the Bachelor's degree. Acceptance of such courses follows transfer guidelines in force at the time of petition.  Approved Accelerated Master's Programs allow transfer of a larger number of credits.

The Graduate School defines full time as enrollment in nine or more credits; part time as eight or fewer credits; and for loan deferments, half time as six or more credits. Audited courses do not count toward enrollment status. Working on incomplete courses from prior semesters cannot count toward enrollment status. Master's and doctoral candidates working on research for a required thesis or dissertation may be considered full-time or half-time, regardless of the number of thesis or dissertation credits for which they register, provided the major department certifies that they are working full time on research.  Master's and doctoral candidates legally employed for at least 40 hours a week at a University-approved co-operative education experience (Co-op) may be considered full time students regardless of the number of credits in which they are enrolled, provided the major department certifies the work experience is directly related and integral to the curriculum of the student's academic program.

A graduate student in a full-time degree program may register for up to 16 credits during the fall and spring semesters and 9 credits during the summer semester. Graduate students in part-time degree programs may register for up to 9 credits each fall, spring, and summer semester. Any student who wishes to register for more than the maximum credit load must secure permission from the graduate program director in the major department and the approval of the Graduate Dean.

Degree-seeking graduate students are required to maintain continuous enrollment each fall and spring semester until their degree has been awarded.  This requirement is fulfilled by registering for course/thesis/dissertation credits or by enrolling for and paying the Continuous Enrollment (Program) Fee. Failure to be properly enrolled for the fall and spring semesters will result in a student's withdrawal after the last day to add or drop classes.

The Statute of Limitations (SOL) is the period within which all degree requirements must be completed. Doctoral students are required to achieve candidacy within six years from acceptance and complete their program within five years of achieving candidacy. Candidacy is recommended by the academic department upon satisfactory completion of coursework and passing the qualifying examination. Master's students have four calendar years from acceptance into the program (or five years for the M.F.A. and part-time off-campus programs) to earn the degree. Dual master's degrees are given five years unless otherwise noted in the program description.

1. To add, drop, or change a course, students must use the online student information system, SPIRE.

2. Up to and including the 14th calendar day of the semester, degree-seeking graduate students may add, drop or change courses without penalty; that is, no entry will be made on the student’s permanent record. No courses may be added after this date.  Non-degree graduate students may add a course or drop a course with no record through the 7th calendar day of the semester.

3. Courses dropped after period (b), but within eight calendar weeks from the beginning of a semester will be recorded with a grade of DR (Drop) on the student's transcript.

4. During periods (b) and (c) a student may withdraw from the university without academic penalty. Grades of DR will be noted on the record. After eight weeks, grades of WF (Withdraw Failing) or WP (Withdraw Passing) will be entered unless special permission is obtained from the Dean of the Graduate School. No student may withdraw from courses after final examinations begin.

Chapter 151C of the Massachusetts General Laws as amended states:

"Any student in an educational or vocational training institution, other than a religious or denominational educational or vocational training institution, who is unable, because of his religious beliefs, to attend classes or to participate in an examination, study, or work requirement on a particular day shall be excused from any such examination or study or work requirement, and shall be provided with an opportunity to make up such examination, study, or work requirement which he may have missed because of such absence on any particular day; provided, however, that such makeup examination or work shall not create an unreasonable burden upon such school. No fees of any kind shall be charged by the institution for making available to the said student such opportunity. No adverse or prejudicial effects shall result to any student because of his availing himself of the provisions of this section."

A personal leave of absence may be granted for up to one year at a time.  A leave of absence is requested when the student, because of unexpected circumstances, is not able to actively pursue his or her graduate program of study. Graduate students who request a leave of absence must petition their Graduate Program Director who, in turn, provides justification for the request to the Graduate Dean. If the Dean grants a leave of absence, the student's statute of limitations is extended appropriately. Graduate students on leave of absence must maintain continuous enrollment by paying the Continuous Enrollment Fee every semester during their leave.

When a student's health or mental health problem interferes significantly with their academic work, the student may receive a health leave of absence or withdrawal from the University for up to one year at a time, upon recommendation by the appropriate physician or therapist of the University Health Services. During the period of a health leave of absence the student must maintain their status by paying the Continuous Enrollment Fee. Accordingly, the Graduate School will adjust the student's statute of limitations for the duration of the leave of absence. Normally, the leave of absence/withdrawal will result from the student's voluntary efforts. In exceptional circumstances, involving life threatening behaviors, a student may be asked to leave the University involuntarily until serious life-threatening circumstances have been controlled.

1. Voluntary health leave/withdrawal: A voluntary health leave of absence/withdrawal may be requested by any student with a serious health problem who, in the opinion of the attending physician/therapist, cannot pursue their academic work. All such leaves/withdrawals will be reviewed and approved by the Director of University Health Services. A form is provided by University Health Services for this purpose. The form specifies the start and end date of the medical leave, and it indicates whether medical clearance is required before the student can return from the leave. The completed form is submitted to the Graduate Dean, who approves the leave and notes on the student's record whether medical clearance is required at the end of the leave. In the case that medical clearance is required to return from the leave, a student must present evidence that the health problem no longer precludes successful completion of academic work. The student will be examined by the Medical Director or Mental Health Director, or designee who must approve the request to return from the leave/withdrawal.

2. Involuntary health leave/withdrawal: An involuntary leave of absence/withdrawal for health reasons may be recommended by a physician or therapist on the staff of the University Health Services. An involuntary health withdrawal must involve a strong likelihood of: serious risk of physical harm to the student themselves, manifested by evidence of threats of suicide or attempts at suicide or other serious bodily harm; serious risk of physical harm to other persons in the community, including evidence of homicidal or other violent behavior; or a reasonable risk of physical impairment or injury to the person themselves because of impaired judgment that would not allow the person to live independently or protect themselves in the community or not allow the person to perform the essential functions of an educational program without requiring substantial modification of the program. All recommendations for an involuntary health leave/withdrawal must be approved by either the Medical Director or the Mental Health Director. The reasons for the recommendation must be documented. Once documented and approved, the terms of the health leave/withdrawal become effective immediately and the student may be required to leave campus immediately, even though they will be able to subsequently appeal the decision.

A student who has been given an involuntary health leave of absence/withdrawal has ten business days to appeal the decision. All appeals must be in writing to the Director, University Health Services, stating the reason for the appeal and the desired resolution. The Director of the University Health Services and the Dean of the Graduate School will convene a three-member Appeals Panel composed of two licensed medical and/or mental health care providers from outside the University, and the Dean of the Graduate School or their designee. The Appeals Panel will consider the case within five business days of the request for the appeal. At the time of the hearing, the student will have the opportunity to contest the decision and will be permitted to have an adviser present. The decision of the Appeals Panel is final.

In order to remove the conditions of the involuntary health leave/withdrawal, a student must present evidence that the health problem no longer precludes successful completion of academic work and safe attendance at the university. The student will also be examined by the Medical Director or Mental Health Director, or designee who must approve the request to return from the leave/withdrawal.

Any of the following conditions may warrant administrative withdrawal:

1. Failure to comply with administrative requirements; specifically,

   1. Failure by a student to satisfy an overdue financial obligation to the university, consisting of tuition, loans, board, room fees, library charges, or other student charges, including student activities, health services, Child Care and other such fees as may be established from time to time, or other University obligations.

   2. Failure to comply with prior conditions on admission to the university imposed by the Graduate School in compliance with university policies.

   3. Failure to maintain continuous enrollment.

2. Forgery, fraud, or falsification of information on any official University form or document, such as the admissions application, a grade report, recommendations, transcripts, etc.

1. If administratively withdrawn, a student's record will indicate the withdrawn date and the reason for administrative withdrawal.  The student shall cease to be enrolled and shall not be allowed to complete the current semester or to register for future semesters.  If a student has already pre-registered at the time of withdrawal, all course enrollments will be canceled.

2. The student shall return their identification card and any and all property belonging to the university currently in their possession.

3. The student shall receive no further material or notification from the Registrar concerning University affairs.

1. An appropriate administrative official may recommend to the Registrar that a student be administratively withdrawn from the University.

2. The administrative official shall make their recommendation in writing, detailing their compliance with the following requirements:

   1. The recommendation must be based on one of the grounds set forth in Section 1.

   2. The facts upon which the recommendation is based must be ascertained and stated precisely and accurately.

   3. An attempt to resolve the matter must have been made by the administrative official by issuing the student a written notice of the proposed recommendation for withdrawal and the reasons therefore, such matter not having been successfully resolved within fourteen calendar days of the mailing of said notice.

   4. If the matter has not been successfully resolved, the administrative unit shall issue a certified letter to the student setting forth the recommendation for withdrawal and the reasons therefore.

3. If the Graduate School is satisfied that the conditions specified in item b of this section have been satisfied, the Graduate School shall administratively withdraw the student from the University no sooner than the fifteenth calendar day following the mailing of the notice provided for in said paragraph.

Any student who has been administratively withdrawn may at any time during the semester in which the withdrawal was made make arrangements with the Graduate School for the resolution of the matter. Upon such a resolution satisfactory to the Graduate School, the Graduate Dean shall forthwith reinstate the student to active enrollment status.

1. minimum of 30 graduate credits, of which not more than 6 credits (12 credits for M.F.A. students) of grade B or better may be transferred from other institutions with the consent of the candidate's major department and approval of the Graduate Dean. These transfer credits must have been awarded within three years of a student's entrance into the master's degree program. A minimum of 21 credits must be in the major field, unless a higher number is required by the student's program. If a thesis option is chosen, at least 6 credits must be earned in 600-800 series courses (at this University) in addition to any thesis credits, and Independent Study courses shall be limited to 6 credits (12 credits for M.F.A. students). If a thesis is not offered, at least 12 credits must be earned (at this University) in 600-800 series courses. A minimum of half the required credits for a master's degree in each department must be on a letter graded basis; some or all of the remaining number of credit hours toward the degree may be graded Satisfactory (SAT), subject to the approval of the student's department. The option as to which courses may be taken on a SAT/fail basis rests with the department/school rather than with the individual candidate. Transfer credits cannot be used as part of the required component of one-half credits of letter grades. No more than 10 credits may be earned by means of a thesis.
2. The thesis is optional with the school or department; if one is required, however, it shall be under the supervision of a Thesis Committee. This committee shall consist of one or more members of the Graduate Faculty appointed by the Dean of the Graduate School upon recommendation of the Graduate Program Director or the Head or Chair of the Department. A copy of the candidate's thesis outline must be signed by each member of the Thesis Committee to indicate that the outline has been approved. A signed copy of the thesis outline shall be sent to the Graduate Dean four months prior to the thesis defense. The thesis must be approved by the Thesis Committee and the Department Chair or Head.
3. Candidates who do not write a thesis may be required to pass a general examination (written or oral), depending on program requirements. The Examining Committee usually consists of three graduate faculty members, and the positive recommendation of at least two of the three members of the Examining Committee shall be requisite to receiving the degree.
4. Candidates for the doctoral or master's/doctoral degree may apply for the master's degree when they have fulfilled normal requirements in their Department/School for the master's degree.
5. Foreign language requirements for the master's degree are optional with the school or department.
6. Course credits used previously to fulfill the requirements for any prior degree may not be used for fulfilling requirements for any master's degree at this University.
7. The Statute of Limitations (maximum time period in which to earn the master's degree) is four calendar years from acceptance into the program, with the exception of the M.F.A. program and the part-time off-campus programs in labor studies and management, each of whose period is five years. Dual master's degrees are given five years unless otherwise noted in the program description.
8. Any Graduate School regulation or procedure shall not preclude graduate programs from developing specific regulations or procedures which are more restrictive or selective.

The Master of Arts in Teaching program is primarily for those who do not have adequate academic preparation nor appropriate teaching experience but do hold a bachelor's degree and wish to become effective teachers either at the secondary school or community/junior college level. The M.A.T. program leads to a terminal degree combining professional aspects of the M.Ed. degree with the academic tradition of the M.S./M.A. degree. A minimum of 39 credits are required for the secondary school option, and 45 credits for the community/junior college option. Specific credit requirements are detailed in the program descriptions. A maximum of 9 graduate credits of grade B or better from another accredited institution may be applied toward the degree, upon recommendation by one of the participating programs (Spanish, Classics, French and Italian) and approval by the Graduate Dean.

The Master of Fine Arts degree program is designed particularly for those interested in the creative aspects of the arts and may be obtained in the Department of Art for work in the visual arts, the Department of English for work in creative writing, or the Department of Theater for work in dramatic art. The basic requirements for the degree are:

1. 60 credits at the graduate level. Not more than 12 credits may be transferred from other institutions upon recommendation of the department and approval of the Graduate Dean. No more than 18 credits may be earned for the thesis.
2. The exact nature of the thesis project will be determined by the student's major adviser in conference with the student. It is to be understood that the student will produce a work in the creative arts. A written analysis of the work itself and of the procedures used in producing it is required. The candidate will be asked to pass an examination in the major field in addition to presenting the thesis project publicly.

Dual master's degree programs are designed upon the request of two cooperating programs. All degree requirements for each program must be completed. The total number of credits for the dual degree program must be at least 60 credits of which no fewer than 30 credits must come from each of the two programs. If either of the cooperating degree programs requires a thesis, a thesis will be required under the dual degree option. The thesis should address a topic which is derived from the rationale for the dual degree. In order for a student to be permitted to exercise the dual degree option, they must meet the entrance requirements of each individual program and be admitted by both programs. Both degrees must be awarded concurrently. The Statute of Limitations for completion of a dual degree option shall be five years. A student who does not complete both courses of study required by the cooperating programs may be awarded one master's degree upon completion of the program requirements for one of the two programs.

The requirements for the master's thesis are the same as those for the doctoral dissertation, with the following exceptions:

1. The Chair or Head of the Department shall submit nominations to the Graduate Dean for a Thesis Committee. This committee may consist of one, two, or three members, all of whom must be members of the University of Massachusetts Graduate Faculty. After the Thesis Committee has been appointed by the Graduate Dean, it shall review the candidate's proposed thesis outline. When accepted, all members shall sign a cover sheet indicating approval. The thesis outline, with the cover sheet bearing the signatures of the committee members and the date of the Thesis Committee's meeting with the candidate, will be forwarded to the Graduate Dean by the Graduate Program Director at least four months prior to the thesis defense. All candidates who prepare a thesis must pass a thesis examination, not necessarily limited to the thesis topic, and administered by the Thesis Committee.
2. The candidate shall submit the thesis to the Graduate School in electronic format following the online instructions by the deadline for the appropriate degree period. Both the Thesis Committee and the Graduate School must approve the final format and appearance. The thesis will be made available through the W.E.B. Du Bois Library and branch libraries. Some departments also require a bound copy for their own files.
3. The Degree Eligibility form and one original signed, paper signature page for the thesis must be submitted to the Graduate School by the deadline for the appropriate degree period.

The departmental* Graduate Program Director is responsible for the following, all within the guidelines of the Graduate School and the candidate's graduate studies program:

1. Approving the candidate's program of courses.
2. Approving the procedure for satisfying the language requirements, if any.
3. Arranging for the candidate's preliminary comprehensive examination.
4. Reporting fulfillment of the above requirements to the Head/Chair of the Department, and to the Graduate School.

As soon as the student has passed the preliminary comprehensive examination, the Department Head/Chair or Graduate Program Director of the candidate's major department* shall recommend to the Dean of the Graduate School the names of at least three members of the Graduate Faculty to serve as a Dissertation Committee. At least two of the Graduate Faculty so nominated, including the committee Chair, shall be from the candidate's major department.* One member shall be appointed from outside the candidate's department* but from within the University community. Without exception, the outside member shall be a voting member of the Dissertation Committee.

It shall be the responsibility of the Dissertation Committee to approve the dissertation project, to supervise its execution, and to arrange and attend the final examination of the student. All members of the Dissertation Committee must tentatively approve the dissertation before the final oral examination is scheduled and agree that it is time for this examination to be held. Attendance at the final oral examination is open to all members of the candidate's major department and any member of the Graduate Faculty. However, only members of the Dissertation Committee may cast votes. A unanimous vote of the Dissertation Committee is required for the student to pass the final oral examination. If, at the final examination, two members of the Dissertation Committee cast negative votes, the candidate will be informed that he or she has not passed the examination. If there is but one negative vote, the degree will be held up pending action of the Graduate Council.

*Refers to administrative entity for which degree has been authorized (i.e., department, program, school, etc.).

A cooperative Ph.D. program is offered by Amherst, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke and Smith Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. The degree is awarded by this University, but the dissertation advisor may be on the faculty of one of the other participating institutions. Departments authorized to offer the cooperative Ph.D. degree are: all departments in Geology, Physics, and Astronomy. Admission to these cooperative programs is handled like admissions to all other graduate programs at the University.

In addition to the other requirements of the Graduate School, a candidate for the degree Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) or Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) must complete an acceptable dissertation. The dissertation qualifies for acceptance when it satisfies the following criteria: (1) It should demonstrate the candidate's intellectual competence and maturity in the field of concentration; (2) It should make an original and valid contribution to human knowledge; (3) It should be an individual achievement and the product of independent research.

Although doctoral dissertations may result from a project involving collaboration of several scholars or scientists, the individual contribution of each doctoral candidate must be substantial and clearly identifiable. The length of the dissertation is governed by the nature of its subject matter.

The dissertation in its completed form will be judged largely upon the ability of the candidate to review and make critical use of the literature; to formulate a problem, plan a method of attack, and work systematically toward a solution; to summarize the material or data, and draw conclusions based thereon. Scholastic attainment in writing and presenting the results of the study will be crucial. The goal of the dissertation is to make a contribution to knowledge. It should be of publishable quality.

The following rules shall be adhered to in preparation and presentation of a dissertation:

1. The professor responsible for the direction of the student's research shall be the Chair of the candidate's Dissertation Committee. Only members of the Graduate Faculty may be appointed to this committee.
2. It is the responsibility of the Chair of the Dissertation Committee to arrange a conference with other members of the committee and the candidate to discuss the research problem before approving the dissertation prospectus.
3. A copy of the candidate's dissertation prospectus must be signed by each member of the Dissertation Committee and Department Chair/Head or Graduate Program Director to indicate that the prospectus has been approved and that a conference with the candidate has been held. The signed copy of the prospectus shall then be sent to the Dean of the Graduate School, via the candidate's Graduate Program Director.
4. Prior to arranging for the final preparation of dissertations, candidates should refer to the Guidelines for Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations.
5. The Dissertation Committee is responsible for preparation of an acceptable dissertation. The dissertation must have the tentative approval of this Committee and the approval of the Department Head or Chairman before arrangements are made for the final oral examination for the degree.
6. Because of the time required to give adequate consideration to the research, it is important that the dissertation be submitted to the Dissertation Committee at least one month before the Graduate School degree-granting deadlines.
7. Although different disciplines have distinctive research and presentation styles, the Guidelines for Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations must be followed in order to achieve the maximum uniformity possible. Both the Dissertation Committee and the Graduate School must approve the final format and appearance. The candidate shall submit the dissertation to the Graduate School in electronic format following the online instructions by the deadline for the appropriate degree period. The dissertation will be made available through the W.E.B. Du Bois Library and branch libraries. Some departments require a bound copy for their own file as well.
8. The Degree Eligibility form and one original signature page for the dissertation must be submitted to the Graduate School by the deadline for the appropriate degree-granting period.
9. The University of Massachusetts Amherst requires that all dissertations be copyrighted by placing a copyright notice in all copies of the work. Registration of the copyright is optional. Further information concerning copyright is available at http://www.copyright.gov.

The dissertation will be cataloged in the Library of Congress and in the University of Massachusetts Library. This does not preclude the printing of the dissertation in whole or in part in a journal or as a monograph.

For additional information, refer to individual program listings in this Bulletin. Any Graduate School regulation or procedure shall not preclude graduate programs from developing specific regulations or procedures which are more restrictive or selective.