2014-2015 Graduate Catalog

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Specialist Degree Requirements

Courses and Credit Hours

A student entering a specialist degree program who possesses a master's degree must earn a minimum of 30 semester hours of graduate credit beyond the master's degree. A student entering a specialist degree program who possesses only a baccalaureate degree must earn a minimum of 60 semester hours of graduate credit beyond the baccalaureate degree. Programs may have requirements that exceed the minimum standards established by the university.

Comprehensive Examinations

Each specialist student must pass a written comprehensive examination in the area of specialization and pass any other examination(s) the supervising committee may require. The written comprehensive examination may not be taken until the student has:

  • been granted regular admission to the program
  • filed an approved plan of study
  • completed at least 20 semester hours (50 semester hours if baccalaureate only student) of work applicable toward the degree, not including the practicum
  • maintained a GPA of at least 3.0 in their program
  • received approval from the program advisor
  • and see requirements under “Written Comprehensive Examinations”

Plan of Study

In conjunction with the supervising committee, each specialist degree student must prepare a plan of study that clearly specifies core requirements and identifies elective, transfer, and double numbered course work.

  • The plan must be formalized on a Plan of Study form created by the program faculty. The completed form, including the signature of the program advisor, must be filed with the Graduate School by the end of the student's first semester of enrollment after admission. Upon receipt of a properly signed Plan of Study, the Dean of the Graduate School or his/her designee shall review and approve or disapprove the plan. If approved, the Plan of Study form will be filed in the student's folder. If disapproved, the Plan of Study form will be returned to the student for correction and re-submission. Because the plan of study will be the basis for the graduation check, any deviation from the plan of study must be approved by the program advisor and the Dean of the Graduate School or his/her designee. Requests for changes to the plan of study must be approved by the advisor and submitted in writing to the Graduate School with copies sent to all committee members.

Supervising Committee

A two-person specialist supervising committee, recommended by the program, will supervise a student's specialist degree program. The supervising committee will assist the student in preparing a plan of study, oversee comprehensive examinations where appropriate, and direct the student's practicum.

Time Limit

The maximum time allowed for completion of the Specialist in Education degree is six calendar years beginning with the first semester of enrollment after admission has been granted. However, program time limits are adjusted to reflect approval of transfer credit or unclassified hours. Student must complete the degree within six calendar years beginning with the earliest work counted in the program (which would include transfer credit and unclassified hours).