Expectations for Graduate and Professional Study

The major goals of graduate and professional education at Texas A&M University are to instill in each student an understanding of and a capacity for scholarship, independent judgment, academic rigor, and intellectual honesty. Faculty along with graduate and professional students have a shared obligation to work together, fostering these goals through relationships that advance freedom of inquiry, demonstrating individual and professional integrity, and encouraging common respect.

Graduate student progress is guided and evaluated by an advisor and advisory committee. These individuals give direction and support for the appropriate developmental and learning goals of a graduate student. The advisor and the advisory committee also have the obligation of evaluating a graduate student’s academic performance. The graduate student, the advisor, and the advisory committee constitute the basic core of graduate education. The quality, scope, and extent of interaction in this group determines the significance of the graduate experience.

High quality graduate education requires the professional and ethical conduct of the participants. Faculty and graduate students have mutual responsibilities in ensuring academic standards and quality graduate programs. Excellence in graduate education is achieved when faculty and students are inspired, have the academic and professional backgrounds essential to function at the highest level, and are genuine in their mutual desire to see one another succeed. Any action that negatively affects this interaction, from either faculty members or students, destroys the whole relationship. Mutual respect is critical to the successful process.

The requirements set forth in this catalog are defined as minimum University requirements. Departments, interdisciplinary degree programs, and colleges/schools may opt to establish higher standards and/or additional requirements.

Student Responsibilities

Each student has a responsibility to:

1. Know specific degree requirements as established by the University and the student’s department, interdisciplinary degree program, or college/school.
2. Be acquainted with the Texas A&M University Student Rules.
3. Enroll in the necessary coursework to complete the approved degree plan.
4. Maintain appropriate standards to continue in graduate studies.
5. Know the steps and deadlines related to graduation.

Information about general degree requirements is available in this catalog. Specific degree requirements and procedural guidelines are available from the academic unit graduate advisor(s).

General Graduate Degree Information

A Research Doctoral Degree is an academic degree that typically represents the highest level of formal study or research in a given field and that requires completion of original research.

A Professional Practice Doctoral Degree refers to certain degree programs that prepare students for a career as a practitioner in a particular profession, including certain credential types that are required for professional licensure.

A Master's Degree refers to an academic degree that typically represents a level of formal study or research in a given field, designed to develop expertise, allow for specialization, and may or may not require completion of original research.

Research Doctoral Degrees

Doctor of Philosophy

Work leading to the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree is designed to give the candidate a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of the professional field and training in methods of research. Students who graduate with a doctoral degree will

1. master the degree-program's requirements;
2. develop a coherent understanding of the subject matter;
3. apply subject-matter knowledge to solve problems and make decisions;
4. analyze and integrate information to make critical, reasoned arguments;
5. communicate effectively;
6. develop clear research plans; use appropriate technologies to communicate;
7. teach and explain the subject matter in a discipline; and
8. choose ethical courses of action in research and practice.

The degree is not granted solely for the completion of coursework, residence and program requirements, although these must be met.

Students who have completed a master’s degree, a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)/Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD), Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), Doctor of Jurisprudence (JD), or Doctor of Medicine (MD) at a United States institution, a minimum of sixty (60) hours may be required on the degree plan for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Students who have completed a baccalaureate degree but not a master’s degree or a United States DDS/DMD, DVM, JD, or MD, a minimum of ninety (90) hours may be required on the degree plan for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. In all cases, program faculty determine the number of hours required upon admission.

Professional Doctorate

Professional doctorates at Texas A&M include a Doctor of Education (EdD), Doctor of Engineering (DEngr), and a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) are designed to prepare a candidate for a position of leadership in the full range of settings, including public and private schools, colleges, business, government, industry, and the military establishment. The programs are designed for the practitioner, with emphasis on solving problems to benefit society at large. Students who graduate with a Professional doctoral degree will

1. master degree-program requirements;
2. develop a coherent understanding of the subject matter;
3. apply subject matter knowledge to solve problems and make decisions;
4. analyze and integrate information to make critical, reasoned arguments;
5. communicate effectively;
6. develop clear research plans;
7. use appropriate technologies to communicate;
8. teach and explain the subject matter in their discipline; and
9. choose ethical courses of action in research and practice.

Because graduates of the program are expected to demonstrate a high level of professional skill and educational statesmanship, only those candidates who show a consistently high level of professional performance in their academic studies, in their role-related studies, in their internship experience, and in the completion of their records of study will be recommended for the degree.

Students who have completed a master’s degree, a DDS/DMD, DVM, JD, or MD at a United States institution, a minimum of 60 hours may be required on the degree plan for a professional doctorate. Students who have completed a baccalaureate degree but not a master’s degree or a United States DDS/DMD, DVM, JD, or MD, a minimum of 90 hours may be required on the degree plan. In all cases, program faculty determine the number of hours required upon admission.

Professional Practice Doctoral Degrees

Professional Practice doctorates at Texas A&M include a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), Juris Doctor (JD), Doctor of Medicine (MD), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD), and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM). The programs are designed to develop broadly competent practitioners. They typically combine intensive coursework with clinical/practical rotations in the field. Students who graduate with a professional practice doctoral degree will

1. master degree-program requirements;
2. develop a coherent understanding of the subject matter;
3. apply subject matter knowledge to solve problems and make decisions;
4. analyze and integrate information to make critical, reasoned arguments;
5. communicate effectively; develop clear research plans;
6. use appropriate technologies to communicate;
7. teach and explain the subject matter in their discipline; and
8. choose ethical courses of action in research and practice.

Master’s Degrees

Work leading to the master’s degree is designed to give the candidate a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of the field beyond that of the undergraduate degree. Students who graduate with a master’s degree will

1. demonstrate proficiency of degree-program requirements;
2. apply subject matter knowledge in a range of contexts to solve problems and make decisions;
3. use a variety of sources and evaluate multiple points of view to analyze and integrate information;
4. communicate effectively; use appropriate technologies;
5. develop clear research plans and conduct appropriate research; and
6. choose ethical courses of action in research and practice.

A minimum of thirty (30) hours may be required for completion of the master’s degree.

Scholastic Requirements

Students in graduate degree programs must maintain good academic standing and meet minimum university scholastic requirements throughout the duration of their graduate studies.

Unless otherwise stated, students in graduate degree programs (G7 or G8 Classification) and post-baccalaureate non-degree students (G6 Classification) must maintain a 3.00 cumulative GPA (computed as specified in Student Rule 10.4.3). Degree-seeking students also must maintain a GPA of at least 3.00 on all courses listed on a degree plan. Departments and Colleges may establish higher GPA requirements for their students in graduate degree programs and for post-baccalaureate non-degree students (G6 Classification).

A graduate student will not receive graduate degree credit for undergraduate courses taken on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. A graduate student may not receive grades other than S (Satisfactory) or U (Unsatisfactory) in graduate courses bearing the numbers 681, 684, 690, 691, 692, 693, 695, 697, and 791 (except for ALEC 695, BUAD 693, AGEC 695, GEOG 695, and IBUS 692). These officially designated S/U courses may be listed on a degree plan, along with other courses approved and noted as S/U in the graduate catalog.

Graduate courses not listed on a degree plan may be taken on an S/U basis. Only grades of A, B, C, and S are acceptable for graduate credit.

For graduate students, grades of D, F, or U for courses on the degree plan must be absolved by repeating the courses and achieving grades of C or above or S.  If a course has been taken more than once, and a grade of D or F was earned and then repeated for a grade of C or higher, the original grades of D or F will be excluded from the GPA calculation for the degree plan (if applicable) and cumulative GPA, but remain on the student’s permanent record.

A course in which the final grade is C may be repeated for a higher grade. If a subsequent grade is higher, the original grade(s) will be excluded from the GPA calculation for the degree plan (if applicable) and cumulative GPA, but remain on the student’s permanent record.

Repeat grades and cumulative GPA requirements for financial aid programs may differ from those listed above, based on the type of aid. For more specific information about financial aid eligibility, please contact Aggie One Stop.

Rules related to F* grades and repeat courses may be found under Student Rule 20 and on the Aggie Honor System Office website. If a minimum GPA is not attained in a reasonable length of time, a student may be dismissed from graduate studies. Degree-seeking graduate students may also be considered scholastically deficient if they fail to show acceptable proficiency in such other requisites for their degree as may be assigned by the student's advisory committee, department, interdisciplinary degree program, college/school, or the Graduate and Professional School (e.g., qualifying and preliminary examinations, research, writing a thesis, dissertation, or record of study,  etc.).

A post-baccalaureate non-degree student (G6 Classification) who has completed twelve (12) hours of coursework is considered to be scholastically deficient when the student’s grade point average falls below 3.00 or below a higher standard set by the department or college of affiliation; or the student fails to show proficiency in such other areas as may be specified by the program’s academic unit or the Graduate and Professional School.

For a scholastically deficient post-baccalaureate non-degree student (G6 Classification), the student’s home academic unit shall determine eligibility, and the academic unit is responsible for notifying the Graduate and Professional School if a registration block is to be placed on the student.

The details of scholastic deficiency and procedures for dismissal are explained in Texas A&M University Student Rule 12. Departments, interdisciplinary degree programs, or colleges/schools may adopt additional or higher requirements pertaining to scholastic deficiency or dismissal.

New Graduate Student Orientation

Coordinated by the Graduate and Professional School, the New Graduate Student Orientation provides an overview of graduate and professional education and services at Texas A&M University – including information on financial aid, procedures and processes, campus safety, writing services, and additional campus services. Designed to get new graduate and professional students off to a good start, students will also have the opportunity to explore resources and meet representatives of campus services and organizations who serve the graduate and professional community.

New graduate and professional students will have the opportunity to meet campus leaders, administrators, and fellow graduate and professional students. Experienced graduate students will be present to answer questions and provide insight about thriving in graduate school; balancing school, work, and personal life; and making the most of living in the local communities. 

For additional information about New Graduate Student Orientation, please contact the Graduate and Professional School at Grad-Recruit@tamu.edu.

Requirements for a Certificate

A current student must receive permission from both the department and college offering the certificate, as well as from their primary department and college, in order to pursue a certificate. All requirements outlined in the catalog and degree evaluation for the specific certificate program must be completed in order for a certificate to be awarded.

Certificate types:

• Major-dependent - A student is admitted to the program through the offering department. Admission to the program requires the student to pursue a specific degree/major at Texas A&M University. This type of certificate program typically serves as a track within a degree program. The certificate and degree are awarded simultaneously.
• Degree-dependent - A student is admitted to the program through the offering department. Admission requires that the student be currently pursuing a degree at Texas A&M University. The certificate may or may not be related to their specific degree/major. The certificate is awarded upon completion of the requirements and is independent of any degree.
• Stand-alone - A student is admitted to the program through the Office of Admissions. The student may pursue the certificate without being enrolled in a degree program. Students currently pursuing a degree or another stand-alone certificate through Texas A&M University may be admitted to an additional stand-alone certificate program through the offering department without submitting an application through the Office of Admissions. The certificate may be awarded upon completion of requirements.

Certificate Graduation Applications

A formal application for certificates to be awarded must be submitted online in Howdy by the deadline stated in the academic calendar.

Certificates are granted to students who make a formal application for the certificate to be awarded, have all grades on record in the Office of the Registrar, and have satisfied all certificate requirements.  With the exception of major dependent certificates, which are awarded at the end of each term along with the student's associated degree, certificates are awarded on the last calendar day of the month in which they are completed.  In months where a commencement ceremony is held, degree-dependent and stand-alone certificates will be awarded with the conferral date for that term's commencement ceremony. 

Students who have made a formal application for a certificate in a given semester/term must have all requirements satisfied no later than 5 p.m., Friday, the first week of classes of the succeeding semester or summer term for the certificate to be formally awarded.

A Certificate Processing and Service Charge is assessed for each certificate graduation application submitted by a student. This charge is non-refundable and cannot be transferred to another certificate graduation application. 

Students must have settled all financial obligations to the university prior to receiving a certificate.

University certificates will either be mailed directly to the student or issued to the college for formal presentation.

For additional information regarding certificate tracking and awarding, please visit the Office of the Registrar website.

Residence

A major purpose of the Residence Requirement for graduate degrees is to ensure that students have an opportunity to benefit from the advantages of a university environment. These advantages include access to university libraries, laboratories, and other physical facilities, as well as opportunities to participate in seminars and a variety of cultural activities. Equally important to graduate students are the advantages of becoming acquainted with the faculty and other students on personal and professional bases.

Students “in residence” are expected to devote sufficient time and energy to graduate studies, on campus, under the direct instruction of an advisory committee chair and members (if applicable). Another major purpose of the Residence Requirements for graduate degrees is to ensure that faculty have opportunities to properly evaluate students’ development, guide and direct their studies, and determine competency.

There are no Residence Requirements for students enrolled in distance education degree programs.

For specific minimum Residence Requirements, students should check the Additional Requirements section in the Graduate and Professional Catalog for the degree they are pursuing.

Student's Advisory Committee

After receiving admission to graduate studies, students will consult with the graduate program concerning selection of a chair and members (if applicable) for an advisory committee representative of the student’s field(s) of study and research.

1. A Doctor of Philosophy degree student’s advisory committee will consist of no fewer than four members, where the chair or co-chair must be from the student’s academic unit (or interdisciplinary degree program, if applicable), and at least one or more of the members must have an appointment to an academic unit other than the student’s. The external member for a student in an interdisciplinary degree program must be from an academic unit different from the chair of the student’s advisory committee.
2. Other doctoral degree students’ advisory committees may consist of no fewer than two members, where the chair must be from the student’s academic unit (or interdisciplinary degree program, if applicable). If the Program Requirements mandate three-or-more members on the student’s advisory committee, at least one or more of the members must have an appointment to an academic unit other than the student’s. The external member for a student in an interdisciplinary degree program must be from an academic unit different from the chair of the student’s advisory committee.
3. A thesis option Master’s degree student’s advisory committee will consist of no fewer than three members, where the chair or co-chair must be from the student’s academic unit (or interdisciplinary degree program, if applicable), and at least one or more of the members must have an appointment to an academic unit other than the student’s. The external member for a student in an interdisciplinary degree program must be from an academic unit different from the chair of the student’s advisory committee.
4. A non-thesis option Master’s degree student’s advisory committee may consist of no fewer than one member, where the chair must be from the student’s academic unit (or interdisciplinary degree program, if applicable). If the Program Requirements mandate three members on the student’s advisory committee, at least one or more of the members must have an appointment to an academic unit other than the student’s. If required for an interdisciplinary degree program, the external member must be from an academic unit different from the chair of the student’s advisory committee.

For all graduate degree programs where the student’s advisory committee must have more than one member, the chair, in consultation with the student, will select the remainder of the advisory committee members.

Only members of the Graduate Committee Faculty located on Texas A&M University campuses may serve as chair of a student’s advisory committee. Other members of the Graduate Committee Faculty, including those located off-campus or outside the university (if permitted by program, department and college/school policy), may serve as a co-chair or member, but not as chair.

The advisory committee as a group, and as individual members, are responsible for advising the student on academic matters. These duties include the responsibility for approving a student’s proposed degree plan; research proposal (if applicable); thesis, dissertation, or record of study (if applicable); and conducting examinations (if required). The advisory committee members’ approval of a degree plan indicates their willingness to accept the responsibility for guiding and directing a student’s entire academic program and for initiating all academic actions concerning a student. Additionally, in cases of academic deficiency, the advisory committee is responsible for initiating recommendations to the academic unit and the Graduate and Professional School.

The chair of an advisory committee, who usually has immediate supervision of a student’s degree program, has the responsibility for calling meetings at any time considered desirable.

If the chair of a student’s advisory committee is unavailable for an extended period of time in any academic period during which the student is involved in activities relating to an internship, thesis, or professional paper, and is registered for courses such as 684 (Professional Internship), 691 (Research), 692 (Professional Study), or 693 (Professional Study), the Department Head or interdisciplinary degree Program Chair (if applicable) may appoint an alternate advisory committee chair during the interim period.

If a student’s advisory committee chair is on an approved leave of absence, and the student wants the chair to continue to serve in this role, a written request must be submitted by the Department Head, or interdisciplinary degree Program Chair (if applicable), to the Associate Provost and Dean of the Graduate and Professional School,  for the faculty member who is on an approved leave of absence to be allowed to continue serving as chair of the advisory committee, without a co-chair, for up to one year. The request must confirm that the faculty member is able to engage in the required duties as chair during the leave of absence. Extensions beyond the one-year period (if necessary) may be granted with additional approval of the Associate Provost and Dean of the Graduate and Professional School.

If a student’s advisory committee chair voluntarily separates from the university, and the student is nearing completion of the degree, the chair may continue to serve in this role, at the student’s request, for up to one year. Two options are available:

1. The chair may continue, with a co-chair, without additional approval by the Graduate and Professional School. The student must select a current member of the Graduate Committee Faculty, from the student’s academic program and located near the Texas A&M University campus site, to serve as co-chair of the advisory committee.
2. The chair may continue, without a co-chair, with approval by the Graduate and Professional School. A written request must be submitted through the Graduate Committee Faculty Office to the Associate Provost and Dean of the Graduate and Professional School by the Department Head or interdisciplinary degree Program Chair to allow the faculty member to continue as chair, without a co-chair, of the advisory committee.

For both options, extensions beyond the one-year period (if necessary) may be granted with approval of the Associate Provost and Dean of the Graduate and Professional School.

Although individual members may be replaced by petition for valid reasons, all members of a student’s advisory committee cannot resign en masse.

For specific advisory committee requirements, students should check the Program Requirements section in the Graduate and Professional Catalog for the degree they are pursuing.

Degree Plan

Upon commencement of graduate studies, an advisory committee will evaluate the student’s previous education, and outline a program of study and/or research topics(s) based upon the student’s degree objectives. Graduate students, in consultation with the advisory committee, will then develop a degree plan which includes those courses to be applied toward a particular degree and formally establish the advisory committee. 

The degree plan must be created, submitted, and approved through the online Document Processing Submission System (DPSS). The degree plan must be submitted prior to the deadline imposed by the student’s college or school and approved by the Graduate and Professional School no later than 90 days prior to the last day for completion of a Final Examination. Students must select the appropriate program option(s) when submitting a proposed degree plan.

Coursework included on the degree plan is subject to the requirements and restrictions detailed in the Credit Requirements and Limitations on Credits and Coursework sections in each degree program page, or as required by the student’s advisory committee and/or academic unit. Coursework included on the degree plan may not satisfy requirements for more than one degree, except for approved combination degree programs.

Changes to an approved degree plan, if deemed necessary by the advisory committee, may be made through a petition to the Graduate and Professional School. No changes can be made to a degree plan once a student’s Final Examination Request or Final Examination Exemption Request is approved by the Graduate and Professional School.

Degree program time limits apply to courses listed on a degree plan. For additional information, students should check the Time Limits section in the Graduate and Professional Catalog.

Petitions

Graduate students may use a Change of Major, Department, or Degree Program (MDD) Petition to request a change of major, academic unit, or degree program.

Graduate students may use a Long Form Petition to request

1. changes to the coursework on an approved degree plan, if deemed necessary by the advisory committee;
2. membership on the student’s advisory committee as established on an approved degree plan;
3. a leave of absence;
4. extensions to time limits; or
5. waivers or exceptions to published rules.

The Graduate and Professional School considers each petition on its own merit. A student should make such requests online by submitting either an MDD or a Long Form Petition through the Document Processing Submission System (DPSS).

Petitions will be routed for the required approval by members of a student’s advisory committee (if established), and the Department Head, interdisciplinary degree Program Chair, or college/school Dean, or designee.

Credit Requirements

All graduate students must complete sufficient semester credit hours to satisfy their degree requirements. Students must complete a minimum of 60 credit hours for the Doctor of Philosophy degree or 30 credit hours for a master’s degree. Academic units may set additional or higher requirements. Specific minimum semester credit hours required for a given graduate program can be found in the Credit Requirements section of the Program Requirements in the Graduate and Professional Catalog for the degree sought.

A semester credit hour is defined by University Rule 11.03.99.M1 (Definition of a Credit Hour) as not less than:

1. one hour of formalized instruction and a minimum of two hours of out of class student work each week for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time or
2. at least an equivalent amount of work for other academic activities leading to the award of semester credit hours.

Coursework may be completed in one or a combination of academic units. Ordinarily, students will devote the major portion of their time on work in one or two closely related fields of study; but other work may be required in supporting areas of interest.

Limitations on Credits and Coursework

Credit hour requirements for all graduate degrees at Texas A&M University are subject to the following limitations:

1. To receive a graduate degree, students must earn one-third or more of the credits through the institution’s own direct instruction. These limitations also apply to joint degree programs.
2. Transfer credits may be used to meet the credit hour requirements under the following limitations:
   1. The maximum number of credit hours which may be considered for transfer credit is the greater of 12 credit hours or one-third (1/3) of the total hours of a degree plan.
   2. Graduate and/or upper-level undergraduate courses (400-level only) taken in residence at an accredited United States or international institution (recognized by the Office of Admissions), with a final grade of B or greater, may be considered for transfer credit if – at the time the courses were completed – the courses would be accepted for credit toward a similar degree for a student in degree-seeking status at the host institution.
   3. An official transcript from the institution at which the transfer coursework was taken must be sent directly to the Office of Admissions. Coursework credit submitted for transfer from any institution must be shown in semester credit hours or equated to semester credit hours.
   4. Up to 1 hour of credit may be obtained for each five-day week of coursework for graduate courses of three weeks’ duration or less taken at other institutions. Each week of coursework must include at least 15 contact hours.
   5. Grades for courses completed at other institutions are not included in computing the GPA.
   6. Coursework in which no formal grades were given, or in which grades other than A or B were earned (for example, CR, P, S, U, H, etc.), is not accepted for transfer credit.
   7. Courses completed at Texas A&M University and appearing on the degree plan with grades of D, F, or U may not be absolved by transfer work.
   8. Except for officially approved cooperative doctoral programs, credit for thesis or dissertation research – or the equivalent – is not transferrable.
   9. Courses used toward a degree at another institution may not be applied for transferred graduate credit.
   10. Courses used toward a certificate, but not applied to an awarded degree, may be considered for transfer. If the course to be transferred was taken for a certificate or prior to the conferral of a degree at the transfer institution, a letter from the registrar at that institution stating that the course was not applied for credit toward the degree must be submitted to the Graduate and Professional School.
   11. Credit for internship coursework in any form, or taken by extension, is not transferable.
   12. Courses for which transfer credits are sought must be approved by the student’s advisory committee and the Graduate and Professional School.
   13. A student who has earned 12 credit hours of graduate credit in residence at Texas A&M University may be authorized to transfer courses in excess of the limits upon the advice of the advisory committee and with the approval of the Graduate and Professional School.
3. The maximum number of credit hours taken in post-baccalaureate non-degree (G6) classification at Texas A&M University which may be considered for application to the degree plan is 12.
4. Only grades of A, B, C, and S are acceptable for graduate credit.
5. Graduate courses on a degree plan may not be taken on an S/U basis except for 681 (Seminar), 684 (Professional Internship), 690 (Theory of Research), 691 (Research), 692 (Professional Study), 693 (Professional Study), 695 (Frontiers in Research), 697 (Methods), 791 (Doctoral Capstone), or SOPH 680 (Public Health Capstone).
6. Approval to enroll in any professional course should be obtained from the Department Head or interdisciplinary degree Program Chair (if applicable) in which the course will be offered before including such a course on a degree plan.
7. No more than 50 percent of the non-research coursework required for an in-person degree program may be completed through distance education courses.
8. No graduate credit may be obtained by continuing education, correspondence study, extension, or for any course of fewer than three weeks duration.

Some academic units may have additional or more restrictive requirements.

The foregoing limitations apply to all graduate programs. Exceptions will be permitted only in unusual cases, when petitioned through the student’s advisory committee, and approved by the Graduate and Professional School.

Doctoral Degrees

Credit hour requirements for all doctoral degrees are subject to the following additional limitations:

1. A student pursuing a doctoral degree must enroll in an appropriate amount of 691 (Research) credit hours.
2. A maximum of 9 credit hours of advanced undergraduate courses (400-level only) may be considered for application to a doctoral degree plan.

Some academic units may have additional or more restrictive requirements.

Exceptions will be permitted only in unusual cases, when petitioned through the student’s advisory committee, and approved by the Graduate and Professional School.

Master’s Degrees

Credit hour requirements for master’s degrees are subject to the following additional limitations:

Thesis Option Students

1. A maximum of 12 credit hours may be used, in any combination of the following, on a thesis master’s degree plan:
   1. No more than 8 credit hours in any combination of the following:
      1. no more than 8 credit hours of 684 (Professional Internship) and
      2. no more than 8 credit hours of 691 (Research).
   2. No more than 8 credit hours of 685 (Directed Studies).
   3. No more than 3 credit hours of 690 (Theory of Research).
   4. No more than 3 credit hours of 695 (Frontiers in Research).
2. Certain zero-credit courses may be allowed on a thesis master’s degree plan:
   1. A zero-credit 681 (Seminar) course may be used.
   2. Other courses, including 684 (Professional Internship), 685 (Directed Studies), and 691 (Research) hours, are not eligible for zero credit.
3. A maximum of 9 credit hours of advanced undergraduate courses (300- or 400-level only) may be considered for application to a master’s degree plan.

Non-Thesis Option Students

1. A student pursuing a non-thesis option master’s degree may not enroll in 691 (Research) courses for any reason. Under special circumstances, however, students in a non-thesis Master of Arts or Master of Science degree program may request application of 691 hours on a degree plan under the following conditions:
   1. The Department Head or interdisciplinary degree Program Chair (if applicable) for the program may approve an exception for a student who changes to a non-thesis option MA or MS degree program from a PhD (after at least one year of study) or a thesis option MA or MS degree.
   2. If approved, a maximum of 8 credit hours in combination of 685 (Directed Studies) and 691 (Research) may be used.
   3. Colleges/schools, departments, and interdisciplinary degree programs may establish additional requirements.
2. A maximum of 12 credit hours may be used, in any combination of the following, on a non-thesis master’s degree plan:
   1. No more than 4 credit hours in any combination of the following:
      1. no more than 3 credit hours of 685 (Directed Studies).
      2. no more than 4 credit hours of 684 (Professional Internship), and
      3. no more than 2 credit hours of 681 (Seminar),
   2. No more than 8 credit hours in any combination of the following:
      1. no more than 8 hours of 691 (Research), if permitted.
      2. no more than 3 credit hours of 685 (Directed Studies), and
      3. no more than 4 credit hours 684 (Professional Internship), 
   3. No more than 3 credit hours of 690 (Theory of Research).
   4. No more than 3 credit hours of 695 (Frontiers in Research).
3. Certain zero-credit courses may be allowed on a non-thesis master’s degree plan:
   1. A zero-credit 681 (Seminar), 684 (Professional Internship), or 685 (Directed Studies) course may be used.
   2. Other courses, including 691 (Research) hours, if permitted, are not eligible for zero credit.
4. A maximum of 9 credit hours of advanced undergraduate courses (300- or 400-level only) may be considered for application to a master’s degree plan.

Some academic units may have additional or more restrictive requirements.

The foregoing limitations apply to all master’s degrees, except for approved program exceptions. Students should check the Program Requirements in the Graduate and Professional Catalog for the degree they are pursuing. All other exceptions will be permitted only in unusual cases, when petitioned through the student’s advisory committee, and approved by the Graduate and Professional School.

Preliminary Examination for Doctoral Students

Candidates for all doctoral degrees at Texas A&M University must pass a Preliminary Examination.

The objective of a Preliminary Examination is to evaluate the following qualifications:

1. Mastery of the subject matter in all program fields.
2. Adequate knowledge of the literature in these fields and an ability to carry out bibliographical research.

3. An understanding of the research problem and appropriate methodological approaches.

A Preliminary Examination may be administered by an advisory or other committee designated by the academic unit (herein referred to as an “examination committee”).

Credit for Preliminary Examination is not transferable in cases where a student changes degree programs after passing an examination.

A doctoral student’s graduate degree program and/or advisory committee may require additional qualifying, cumulative, or other types of examinations at any time deemed desirable. These examinations are entirely at the discretion of the academic unit and/or the student’s advisory committee.

Eligibility for Preliminary Examination

Students are eligible to schedule the Preliminary Examination in the Academic Requirements Completion System (ARCS) if they meet the following qualifications:

1. An approved degree plan on file with the Graduate and Professional School prior to any component of the Preliminary Examination.
2. No pending requests in the Document Processing Submission System (DPSS).
3. A cumulative and degree plan GPA of at least 3.00.
4. Registration at Texas A&M University with a minimum of one (1) semester credit hour in the Fall, Spring, or Summer term during which any component of a Preliminary Examination is held. If the entire examination is held between semesters, then the student must have been registered for the term immediately preceding the Preliminary Examination.
5. At the end of the semester in which at least the first component of the Preliminary Examination is given, there are no more than six (6) semester credit hours of coursework remaining on an approved degree plan (except 681, 684, 690, 691, 692, 693, 695, 697, 791, or other graduate courses specifically designated as S/U in the Graduate and Professional Catalog). Please note: the head of the student’s academic unit has the authority to approve a waiver of this requirement.

Scheduling a Preliminary Examination

Preliminary Examinations shall be given no earlier than a date at which a doctoral student is within 6 credit hours of completing formal coursework on an approved degree plan (except 681, 684, 690, 691, 692, 693, 695, 697, 791, or other graduate courses specifically designated as S/U in the Graduate and Professional Catalog).

A student should schedule and complete a Preliminary Examination no later than the end of the semester following the completion of formal coursework on an approved degree plan.

Doctoral students who meet the eligibility requirements must submit a Preliminary Examination Request via ARCS.

Preliminary Examination Format

The student’s academic unit and/or examination committee shall determine the Preliminary Examination’s format and communicate it to the student in advance of the examination. The Preliminary Examination may consist of a written component, oral component, or combination of both.

If an academic unit requires students to take a written component as part of their Preliminary Examination, the faculty must:

1. Offer the examination at least once every six months and be announced at least 30 days prior to the scheduled examination date.
2. Assume responsibility for marking the examination as satisfactory or unsatisfactory, or otherwise graded, and stating specific reasons for an unsatisfactory mark.
3. Forward the marked examination to the student’s advisory committee chair within one week following administration of the examination.

If a written component precedes an oral component of a Preliminary Examination, the examination committee chair is responsible for making all written examinations available to all members of the examination committee. 

Only one examination committee substitution is allowed, with prior approval of the Graduate and Professional School, to provide an evaluation decision for a student’s Preliminary Examination. The examination committee chair may not be replaced by a substitute. If the substitution is for the sole External Member of the examination committee, with an appointment to an academic unit other than the student’s (or advisory committee chair, for interdisciplinary degree programs), then the substitute must also be external to the student’s (or chair’s) academic unit. In extenuating circumstances, with approval of the Graduate and Professional School, an exception to this requirement may be granted.

Preliminary Examination Grading

Regardless of format, students will receive an overall Preliminary Examination result of pass or fail. The academic unit will determine how the overall pass or fail result is determined based on the examination structure and internal academic unit procedures.

A positive evaluation of the Preliminary Examination by all examination committee members, with at most one dissension, is required to pass a student on the examination. Preliminary Examination results must be reported to the Graduate and Professional School via ARCS within 10 working days following completion of the examination.

Preliminary Examination Failures and Retakes

First Failure

In accordance with Student Rule 12.5, the student’s graduate program or advisory committee should make a recommendation to the student regarding scholastic deficiency for a failure of the Preliminary Examination. Upon approval, by a student’s examination committee (with no more than one member dissenting), the academic unit, and the Graduate and Professional School, a student who failed a Preliminary Examination may be given one re-examination.

Retake of Failed Preliminary Examination

The examination committee must agree upon, and communicate to the student, in writing, an adequate time frame from the first failed Preliminary Examination (normally six months) to retest, as well as a detailed explanation to address inadequacies emerging from the examination. 

The student and examination committee should jointly negotiate a mutually acceptable date for a retake of the Preliminary Examination. When providing feedback on inadequacies, the committee should clearly document expected improvements that the student must be able to exhibit for a retake of the examination.

The examination committee will document and communicate the time frame and feedback within 10 working days of the first Preliminary Examination failure.

Second Failure

Upon a second failure of the Preliminary Examination, students are no longer eligible to continue pursuit of a doctoral degree in that program/major. In accordance with Student Rule 12.5.3 and/or 12.5.4, the student will be notified of the action being taken by the academic unit as a result of the second examination failure.

Expiration of Preliminary Examinations

For restrictions on Preliminary Examination validity, students should check the Time Limits section in the Graduate and Professional Catalog.

Research Proposal

Candidates for all doctoral and thesis option master’s degrees must submit a Research Proposal.

The general field of research to be used for a thesis, dissertation, or record of study should be agreed on by the student and the advisory committee as a basis for selecting the proper courses to support the proposed research. Once the research project can be outlined in reasonable detail, the Research Proposal should be completed.

Compliance issues must be addressed before completion of a Research Proposal if a graduate student is performing research involving human subjects, animals, infectious biohazards, or recombinant DNA. Students engaged in these types of research should check with the Office of Research Compliance and Biosafety to address questions about all research compliance responsibilities before the proposal is submitted to the Graduate and Professional School. Additional information may be obtained at the Office of Research Compliance and Biosafety website.

The Research Proposal should be finalized at a meeting of the student’s advisory committee, at which time the feasibility of the proposed research and the adequacy of available facilities should be reviewed. Once completed, the Research Proposal must be submitted to the Graduate and Professional School via the Academic Requirements Completion System (ARCS).

Doctoral Degrees

For doctoral degrees, a Research Proposal should be submitted to the Graduate and Professional School via ARCS according to guidelines and deadlines set by the individual academic unit or program as soon as possible following the completion of formal coursework on an approved degree plan, but no later than 20 working days prior to the submission of the Final Examination Request.

Doctoral students must have an approved Research Proposal to be admitted to candidacy.

Master’s (Thesis Option) Degrees

For thesis option master’s degrees, a Research Proposal must be submitted to the Graduate and Professional School via ARCS at least 20 working days prior to the submission of a Final Examination Request, or by the date established in the Graduate and Professional School Dates and Deadlines calendar – whichever comes first.

Admission to Candidacy for Doctoral Students

Candidates for all doctoral degrees at Texas A&M University must be admitted to candidacy. Students are eligible for admission to candidacy if they meet the following qualification:

1. Complete all formal coursework on the degree plan (with the exception of any remaining 681, 684, 690, 691, 692, 791, or other graduate courses specifically designated as S/U in the Graduate and Professional Catalog).
2. Achieve a cumulative and a degree plan GPA of at least 3.00, with no grade lower than C in any course on the degree plan.
3. Pass a Preliminary Examination.
4. Have an approved Research Proposal.
5. Meet the Residence Requirements.

A Final Examination will not be authorized for any doctoral student who has not been admitted to candidacy.

Final Examination

Candidates for all doctoral degrees and certain master’s degrees at Texas A&M University must pass a Final Examination by deadlines announced through the Graduate and Professional School Dates and Deadlines Calendar.

Doctoral Student Eligibility for Final Examination

A Final Examination is required for all students pursuing a doctoral degree. 

For doctoral degree students, eligibility to schedule a Final Examination requires that

1. the dissertation or record of study is available in substantially final form to all members of a student’s advisory committee, and all members have had adequate time to review the manuscript;
2. the student’s cumulative and degree plan GPA must be at least 3.00;
3. no unabsolved grades of D, F, or U for any course may be listed on a degree plan (to absolve a deficient grade, the student must repeat the course at Texas A&M University and achieve a grade of C or better); 
4. the student must register for any remaining hours of 681, 684, 690, 691, 692, 791, or other graduate courses specifically designated as S/U in the Graduate and Professional Catalog during the semester of the Final Examination; and
5. the student must be admitted to candidacy (please refer to the Admission to Candidacy section of the Graduate and Professional Catalog for requirements).

Master's Student Eligibility for Final Examination

For master’s degree students, eligibility to schedule a Final Examination requires that

1. a student’s cumulative and degree plan GPA must be at least 3.00;
2. no unabsolved grades of D, F, or U for any course may be listed on a degree plan (to absolve a deficient grade, the student must repeat the course at Texas A&M University and achieve a grade of C or better); and
3. all coursework on the degree plan must be completed, with the exception of those hours for which the student is registered.

Master’s students may be given only one opportunity to repeat a Final Examination, and that must be within a time period that does not extend beyond the conclusion of the next regular semester (Summer terms excluded).

Thesis Option Degrees

For thesis option students, a Final Examination is required.

The Final Examination may not be administered until the thesis is available in substantially final form to all members of a student’s advisory committee and all members have had adequate time to review the manuscript. The examination may cover the thesis and all work taken on a Degree Plan.

Thesis option students must be registered at the university in the Fall, Spring, or Summer term in which the Final Examination is taken.

An academic unit may have stricter requirements provided there is consistency among all degree programs within the college/school or department.

Non-Thesis Option Degrees

For non-thesis option students, a Final Examination may be required. The examination cannot be held prior to the mid-point of the student’s final semester if questions on the Final Examination are based on courses in which the student is currently enrolled.

If a student has completed all required degree plan coursework, the student is not required to register for classes in the semester a Final Examination is administered (unless the student holds a graduate assistantship).

For specific examination requirements, non-thesis students should check the Program Requirements for the degree they are pursuing. An academic unit may have stricter requirements provided there is consistency among all degree programs within the college/school or department.

Final Examination Exemptions

Thesis and/or non-thesis option candidates for certain master's degrees may petition (if permitted in the Program Requirements) to be exempt from the Final Examination, provided the Degree Plan GPA is 3.50 or greater, with approval of the advisory committee, the academic unit, and the Graduate and Professional School. Requests for exemption from the Final Examination must be submitted the same semester the student intends to graduate.

Scheduling a Final Examination

The Final Examination request must be submitted to the Graduate and Professional School via the Academic Requirements Completion System (ARCS) a minimum of ten (10) working days in advance of the requested examination date, or the deadline listed on the Graduate and Professional School Dates and Deadlines Calendar – whichever comes first. Any changes to the Degree Plan must be approved by the Graduate and Professional School prior to submission of the request.

Any cancellations will be notated in ARCS.

Final Examination Format

The Final Examination shall be conducted by the student’s advisory committee as approved on a graduate degree plan, and the format shall be determined by the student’s academic unit and/or advisory committee and communicated to the student in advance of the examination. The Final Examination may consist of a written component, oral component, or combination of both.

The examination may cover the broad field of the candidate’s training and closely related topics. For doctoral and thesis master’s students, it is presumed that the major portion of the time will be devoted to the thesis, dissertation, or record of study (as applicable).

Only one committee member substitution is allowed, with prior approval of the Graduate and Professional School, to provide an evaluation decision for a student’s Final Examination. The advisory committee Chair may not be replaced by a substitute. If the degree program requires the advisory committee to include at least one External Member, and the substitution is for the sole external member of the advisory committee, then the substitute must also be external to the student’s (or chair’s, for interdisciplinary degree programs) academic unit. In extenuating circumstances, with approval of the Graduate and Professional School, an exception to this requirement may be granted.

Persons other than members of the advisory committee may, with mutual consent of the candidate and the advisory committee chair, attend Final Examinations. Upon completion of a candidate’s questioning, all visitors must excuse themselves from the proceedings.

Final Examination Grading

A positive evaluation of the Final Examination by the members of a student’s advisory committee, with at most one dissension, is required to pass a student on the examination. If the chair is the sole member of the student’s advisory committee, a positive vote is required to pass a student on the Final Examination. Academic units may have stricter requirements provided there is consistency in all degree programs within a given department or interdisciplinary degree program.

Final Examination results must be reported to the Graduate and Professional School via ARCS within 10 working days of completion of the examination.

Expiration of Final Examinations

For restrictions on Final Examination validity, students should check the Time Limits section under Additional Requirements in the Graduate and Professional Catalog for the degree they are pursuing.

Thesis, Dissertation, or Record of Study

For programs which include a professional internship, practicum, or licensing option, students will spend an appropriate period of time under the supervision of a practicing professional in business, an educational institution, government agency, or industry. The objectives are:

1. Demonstration of a student’s ability to apply training and knowledge by making an identifiable contribution in an area of practical concern to a given industry or organization; and
2. Gain experience in a non-academic environment, and in a position through which they will become aware of organizational approaches to problems in addition to those traditional approaches with which students are familiar; and/or
3. Attain professional certification or licensure in parallel with completion of a graduate degree program.

Internship, practicum, or licensing program agreements should be negotiated between an appropriate organization or industry and the appropriate academic unit. The organization and the nature of the program will be determined by mutual consent of the student, the student’s academic unit, the student’s advisory committee, and the supervising organization. This should be decided prior to commencement of an internship, practicum, or licensing program, and should be at a level commensurate with the particular degree objectives.

Practica, if utilized as part of a student’s degree requirements, should be undertaken near the end of the student’s educational program, after the student has had the opportunity to establish a solid theoretical base for the experience.

A report, which must be the original work of a student, should be prepared by a student in accordance with guidelines established by a student’s academic unit, advisory committee, or other appropriate body. The report should be submitted to the advisory committee and to any other organization which may be specified for specific programs.

For any professional internship, practicum, or licensing requirements, students should check the Program Requirements in the Graduate and Professional Catalog for the degree they are pursuing.

Foreign Languages

Foreign language requirements for graduate programs at Texas A&M University are administered and monitored by the individual academic units overseeing graduate studies. For any foreign language(s) required, students should check the Additional Requirements in the Graduate and Professional Catalog for the degree they are pursuing.

Time Limits

All graduate degree programs at Texas A&M University are subject to time limit restrictions. Failure to complete degree requirements within the prescribed time limit will result in the degree not being awarded.

Doctoral Degrees

All requirements for doctoral degree programs must be completed within a period of 10 consecutive calendar years for the degree to be granted.

Coursework

A course will be considered valid until 10 years after the end of the semester in which it is taken. Graduate credit for coursework which is more than ten (10) calendar years old at the time of a Final Examination may not be used to satisfy doctoral degree requirements.

Preliminary and Final Examinations

After passing a required Preliminary Examination for a doctoral degree, students must complete a Final Examination within four (4) years of the semester in which a Preliminary Examination was taken. For Preliminary Examinations completed between terms, a Final Examination must be completed within four (4) years of the semester prior to completion of a Preliminary Examination.

Dissertations or Records of Study

Students in doctoral degree programs must have a final corrected version of the dissertation or record of study manuscript cleared by the Graduate and Professional School within one (1) year of the semester in which a Final Examination was taken. Final Examinations completed between terms will expire one (1) year from the end of the term preceding the examination.

Master’s Degrees

All requirements for master’s degree programs must be completed within a period of seven consecutive calendar years for the degree to be granted.

Coursework

A course will be considered valid until seven (7) years after the end of the semester in which it is taken. Graduate credit for coursework which is more than seven (7) calendar years old at the time of a Final Examination may not be used to satisfy master’s degree requirements.

Final Examinations and Theses

Students in thesis option master’s degree programs must have a final corrected version of the thesis manuscript cleared by the Graduate and Professional School within one (1) year of the semester in which a Final Examination was taken.

Students in non-thesis option master’s degree programs must complete all other degree requirements within one (1) year of the semester in which a Final Examination (if required) was taken.

Final Examinations completed between terms will expire one (1) year from the end of the term preceding the examination.

99-Hour and 7-Year Cap on Doctoral Degrees

In Texas, public colleges and universities are funded by the state according to the number of students enrolled. In accordance with legislation passed by the Texas Legislature, the number of hours for which state universities may receive subvention funding at the doctoral rate for any individual is limited to ninety-nine (99) semester credit hours. Texas A&M and other universities will not receive subvention funding for hours in excess of the limit.

Institutions of higher education are allowed to charge the equivalent of non-resident tuition to a resident doctoral student who has enrolled in one-hundred (100) or more semester credit hours of doctoral coursework.

Doctoral students at Texas A&M have seven years to complete their degree before being charged out-of-state tuition. A doctoral (G8) student who, after seven (7) years of study, has accumulated one-hundred (100) or more doctoral hours will be charged tuition at a rate equivalent to out-of-state tuition. Please note that the tuition increases will apply to Texas residents as well as students from other states and countries who are currently charged tuition at the resident rate. This includes those doctoral students who hold a Graduate Assistant-Teacher (GAT), -Lecturer (GAL), Non-Teaching (GANT), or -Research (GAR) appointment, or recipients of competitive fellowships who receive more than $1,000 per semester. Doctoral students who have not accumulated one hundred hours after seven years of study are eligible to pay in-state tuition if otherwise eligible. For counting purposes, a year is considered as three semesters – normally Fall, Spring, and Summer. Using this system, a student is allowed twenty-one (21) semesters as a G8 student to complete the doctoral degree before penalization with the higher tuition rate. Any semester in which a G8 student is enrolled for a doctoral-level course is counted.

Doctoral students who exceed the credit limit will receive notification from the Graduate and Professional School during the semester in which they are enrolled and exceeding the limit in their current degree program. The notification will explain that the State of Texas does not provide funding for any additional hours in which a student is enrolled in excess of ninety-nine (99) hours. Texas A&M University will recover the lost funds by requiring students in excess of ninety-nine hours to pay tuition at the non-funded, non-resident rate. This non-funded, non-resident tuition rate status will be updated for the following semester and in all subsequent semesters until receipt of a doctoral degree. Please see the Tuition Calculator at the non-resident rate for an example of potential charges.

The following majors are exempt from the 99-Hour Cap on Doctoral Degrees and have a limit of one-hundred and thirty (130) doctoral hours:

• Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics
• Biomedical Sciences
• Clinical Psychology
• Counseling Psychology
• Genetics and Genomics
• Health Services Research
• Medical Sciences
• Microbiology
• Neurosciences (College of Medicine)
• Nutrition
• Oral and Craniofacial Biomedical Sciences
• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Public Health Sciences
• School Psychology
• Toxicology

Graduation

A graduate degree is conferred at the close of each regular semester and 10-week summer semester. A candidate for an advanced degree who expects to complete their work at the end of a given semester must submit a formal application for degree online in Howdy by the deadline stated in the academic calendar and in accordance with Student Rule 14.1. The diploma of the University, with the appropriate degree, will be granted to the student who has made formal application for the degree by the published official deadline, has all grades on record in the Office of the Registrar, and has satisfied all degree requirements by no later than 5 p.m., Friday, the first week of classes of the succeeding semester or summer term following commencement in accordance with Student Rule 14.5.

A cancellation made after the application deadline will not result in a refund of the graduation fee. Graduate degree candidates who have completed all degree requirements will not be allowed to cancel their graduation application without approval from the Graduate and Professional School. 

 Qatar Students

Formal application for a degree at Texas A&M University at Qatar is made by submitting an Application for Graduation via the Howdy Portal. Students must also pay the required diploma/graduation fee and the optional regalia fee (if planning to attend the commencement ceremony) using the online payment portal. Applications for graduation should be submitted by the deadline stated in the Texas A&M University at Qatar academic calendar. Under certain circumstances, an application for a degree may be accepted after the stated deadline.

Students must have settled all financial obligations to the university and Qatar Foundation prior to receiving a diploma.

Texas A&M University at Qatar graduate and undergraduate students completing their degree in July or December will have the opportunity to participate in the commencement ceremony in May, following the completion of their degree. Students must participate in the commencement ceremony at their home campus. 

Letter of Completion

The Graduate and Professional School may issue, if necessary, a Letter of Completion upon written request from the student. The letter certifies that the student has completed all academic requirements for a degree and states the date the degree will be awarded.

A Letter of Completion may be requested anytime from the point a student has completed all requirements for the awarding of a degree and until five days prior to commencement. A student in a master’s thesis option or a doctoral program must have completed all non-course degree requirements, including final clearance of a thesis, dissertation, or record of study by the Graduate and Professional School, and have received final grades for all degree plan coursework for eligibility to request a letter. For students in a master’s non-thesis option program, requests for a Letter of Completion will be accepted only if the student has completed all non-course requirements and received final grades for all degree plan coursework, and the Graduate and Professional School has received the final examination results (if applicable).

A Letter of Completion will not be issued after a degree has been conferred.

Students must use the Letter of Completion Form available through the Graduate and Professional School website. International students should contact International Student and Scholar Services prior to requesting a Letter of Completion to determine how receipt could affect the student’s visa status.

Letter of Intent

Texas A&M graduate students who wish to pursue a subsequent graduate degree at Texas A&M University should initiate a Letter of Intent. Letters of Intent are common when students apply to pursue a subsequent degree within the same department and college/school, but some academic units may require students to apply for admission through the standard application process.

A Letter of Intent, when approved by a department head or interdisciplinary degree program chair (if applicable) in which the student intends to study, will be viewed by the Graduate and Professional School as an admission to the program specified in the letter. A student must use the Letter of Intent Form available through the Graduate and Professional School website. The student will not be permitted to enroll in coursework until the previous degree has been conferred.

If a student wishes to enroll in a department, interdisciplinary degree program, or college/school where a Letter of Intent is not the accepted practice, the admitting academic unit should consult with the Office of Admissions and the Graduate and Professional School to pursue an alternate process for admission.

If a break in enrollment occurs for one academic year or longer following graduation, the student must reapply for admission to a graduate degree program through the Office of Admissions and is not eligible to submit a Letter of Intent.

Full-Time Status

Graduate students (domestic or international) are considered full-time if they are registered for a minimum of

• 9 semester credit hours during a fall or spring semester; or
• 6 semester credit hours during a summer semester.

Grades of Q or W do not count toward the certification of enrollment status.

Colleges/schools and departments may impose additional semester credit hour requirements for a student holding an assistantship or fellowship which exceeds the minimum stated above.

Special considerations relate to “full-time status” for an international student. Please refer to the information on this subject in the Course Load Requirements for International (Non-Immigrant) Students with F1 or J1 Status section (below).

A student who has financial assistance should consult the Scholarships & Financial Aid section of the catalog, visit the Aggie One Stop webpage, or contact AggieOneStop@tamu.edu.

Maximum Schedule

Fall/Spring semesters: A graduate student may register for a maximum of 15 hours. The college/school dean’s office can approve/register a student for up to 18 hours. A request to register for more than 18 hours should be submitted to the Graduate and Professional School via the Petition for Waivers or Exceptions to University Requirements through the Document Processing Submission System (DPSS) and must include the course/section number and the semester of registration. If approved, maximum allowable hours will be updated accordingly by the Graduate and Professional School, and the academic department will register the student for the additional hours.

5-week Summer sessions: A graduate student may register for a maximum of 6 hours. The college/school dean’s office can approve/register a student for up to 9 hours. A request to register for more than 9 hours should be submitted to the Graduate and Professional School via the Petition for Waivers or Exceptions to University Requirements through DPSS and must include the course/section number and the semester of registration. If approved, maximum allowable hours will be updated accordingly by the Graduate and Professional School, and the academic department will register the student for the additional hours.

10-week Summer sessions: A graduate student may register for a maximum of 10 hours. The college/school dean’s office can approve/register a student for up to 15 hours. A request to register for more than 15 hours should be submitted to the Graduate and Professional School via the Petition for Waivers or Exceptions to University Requirements through DPSS and must include the course/section number and the semester of registration. If approved, maximum allowable hours will be updated accordingly by the Graduate and Professional School, and the academic department will register the student for the additional hours.

Continuous Registration Requirements

Students in graduate degree programs requiring a thesis, dissertation, internship, or record of study and who have completed all coursework on an approved degree plan, other than 684 (Professional Internship), 691/791 (Research) or 692 (Professional Study), are required to maintain continuous registration until the completion of all requirements for a degree. Registration for zero-credit courses does not satisfy the continuous registration requirement. The continuous registration requirement may be satisfied by registering either In Absentia or In Residence.

Unless a student plans to take examinations or use university resources, registration during the summer semester is not required to fulfill the continuous registration requirement; however, departments, interdisciplinary degree programs or colleges/schools may have additional or stricter requirements.

Students who do not comply with the continuous registration requirement will be blocked from registration. A student may register again after receiving favorable recommendation from a departmental review committee (not the student’s advisory committee), endorsement of the department head, interdisciplinary degree program chair, or college/school dean, and approval of the Graduate and Professional School. If a break in enrollment occurs for one academic year or longer, the student must apply for readmission to the university through the Office of Admissions.

In Residence Registration

Students subject to In residence registration (i.e., on campus) must register in each subsequent fall, spring and summer semester for at least 1 credit hour. Departments, interdisciplinary degree programs and colleges/schools may have additional or stricter requirements.

In Absentia Registration

To qualify for In Absentia registration, a student may not have access to or use of facilities or properties belonging to or under the jurisdiction of the Texas A&M University System at any time during the semester for which the student is enrolled. A student who qualifies for In Absentia registration must register in each subsequent fall and spring semester for a minimum of 1, and maximum of 4, credit hours of 684 (Professional Internship), 685 (Directed Studies), 691 (Research) or 692 (Professional Study). Departments, interdisciplinary degree programs and colleges/schools may have additional or stricter requirements.

International Graduate Student Registration

International students may have additional registration requirements depending on their visa status. These students should consult with the International Student and Scholar Services website or an ISSS advisor to obtain current information on these requirements.

In Absentia

Students may register In Absentia if enrolled in a course which is offered on an individual basis and conducted away from the College Station campus, System campuses, or facilities (such as Agricultural Research and Extension Centers, Research Stations) or other properties under the jurisdiction of the Texas A&M University System (TAMUS). Such courses may include, but are not limited to, internships, directed studies, practicums, etc.

To qualify for In Absentia registration, a student must not have access to or use of facilities of the TAMUS at any time during the semester or summer term for which they are enrolled. A student holding a fellowship or assistantship may not register In Absentia.

International students who want to work in another student title when registered In Absentia should contact both the Division of Human Resources & Organizational Effectiveness (HROE) and International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) for information about their eligibility. International students with questions about maintaining legal status while registered In Absentia should consult with ISSS. Students traveling outside the United States and registering In Absentia should register their experience on the Education Abroad portal where they will complete online emergency notification information so university assistance is available during any crisis situations. Additional details are available on the Education Abroad website.

Leave of Absence

Under special circumstances, a G7 or G8 student may petition for a leave of absence of up to one year by submitting a Petition for Waivers and Exceptions through the Document Processing Submission System (DPSS) prior to or during the first semester of leave. The entire advisory committee (if formed) and department head or interdisciplinary degree program chair (if applicable) must approve the petition and route it to the Graduate and Professional School for approval. Students cannot be registered in the semester(s) of a leave of absence.

Leave will be granted only under conditions that require the suspension of all activities associated with pursuing the degree. For certain types of approved leave, such as medical or active-duty military, the time period for completion of the degree will pause with the start of leave and resume when the student returns to the program. Personal leave may not pause the time limit for the degree. Students should refer to the Time Limits section for their specific program requirements. In cases with extenuating circumstances, a leave of absence can be extended by the student’s committee and the Graduate and Professional School by submitting a second petition before the end of the leave.

A student who returns to the University at the conclusion of an approved leave of absence will not be required to submit an application for readmission to the Office of Admissions. A student who returns with an expired leave of absence will be required to reapply to the University. If a student returning from an approved leave of absence is unable to register, the academic unit should contact the Graduate and Professional School for assistance. International graduate students should visit with an International Student and Scholar Services advisor to find out how a leave of absence may impact their stay in or re-entry into the United States.

For information related to pregnancy and parenting accommodations, please see the Title IX webpage.

Limitations for Texas A&M Faculty and Staff in Graduate Studies

The following limitations were set by the Graduate and Professional Council of Texas A&M University concerning enrollment in advanced degrees for members of the faculty and staff of the university.

1. Members of the faculty above the rank of assistant professor will not normally be granted a doctoral degree at this institution. They may, however, enroll in graduate studies.
2. A graduate committee faculty member may not serve in the graduate committee faculty of an academic unit in which the member is currently pursuing a graduate degree or certificate.
3. Any exceptions, individual or program, to the restrictions above must receive the written approval of an appropriate department head or chair of intercollegiate faculty, college/school dean, the associate provost and dean of the graduate and professional school, and the provost and executive vice president before submission of an application for admission to graduate studies.

Undergraduates Registering for Graduate Courses

A senior undergraduate student with a grade point average of at least 3.000 or approval of their academic dean or designee, is eligible to enroll in a graduate course and reserve it for graduate credit. Students can request this by working with their academic advisor to submit a request online through the Course Level Change (CLC) System. The request must be approved by the course instructor, the student’s major department head, and the dean of the student’s undergraduate college. Undergraduate credit hours used to meet the requirements for a baccalaureate degree may not be used to meet the requirements for a graduate degree. 

An academically superior undergraduate student with a grade point average of at least 3.250 or approval of their academic dean or designee, is eligible to apply graduate credit hours toward their undergraduate degree program. Students can request this by working with their academic advisor to submit a request online through the Course Level Change (CLC) System. The request must be approved by the course instructor, the student’s major department head, and the dean of the student’s undergraduate college. Graduate credit hours used to meet the requirements for a baccalaureate degree may not be used to meet the requirements for a graduate degree.

Course Level Change requests for undergraduate degree candidates must be submitted and receive all approvals no later than the deadline set in Student Rule 14.5 in order to be included in the overall GPA calculation for determining any Latin Honors awarded to the student upon completion of their baccalaureate degree.

VA Education Benefits

In order to receive full Veterans Administration (VA) education benefits, eligible students must be enrolled full time in courses that are counting toward their program of study. The number of credit hours required for full time status may differ between degrees and may vary during the summer term. For hour requirements and courses that count for your degree, please review your degree plan as determined by your department or visit your academic advisor. 

Registration Requirements for Graduate Assistants and Fellows

Registration requirements for a graduate student holding an assistantship and/or fellowship are discussed in the section on Financial Assistance.

Course Load Requirements for International Students with F-1 or J-1 Status

A student with F-1 or J-1 status is required to be enrolled full-time in fall and spring semesters.  Summer semester is traditionally a vacation period unless it is the student’s first or graduating semester and the student is then required to enroll full-time.  In order for the student to be enrolled less than full-time, the student must either receive authorization from International Student and Scholar Services or be flagged as full-time by the Office of the Registrar based on an exception listed in student rules.  If the student does not take one of these appropriate actions, then the student may be out of legal status with the Department of Homeland Security or the Department of State.  Loss of legal immigration status is serious and will result in a student being ineligible to be employed and may result in a student having to leave the United States. The student is responsible to uphold U.S. federal government and University regulations.

The U.S. government allows a student to register less than full-time in certain circumstances. These reasons may be found in the “Maintaining Your F-1/J-1 Status” section available on the International Student and Scholar Services website. 

For immigration purposes, a student with F-1 status may request authorization from ISSS to co-enroll at another institution for full-time enrollment.  J-1 students may not count co-enrollment toward their full-time enrollment. Federal regulations only allow F-1 and J-1 students to count one course (up to three hours) of distance learning credits toward their immigration requirement each term. Please visit the ISSS website for more information.

Classification

Classification indicates the type of degree program in which each student is enrolled and reflects the student’s progress within that program at the professional level.

Classification

Code	Classification Definition
G6	Post-baccalaureate Non-degree
	Post-baccalaureate non-degree classification denotes a student with a baccalaureate degree from an institution of higher education who has not been admitted to a degree-seeking graduate program. Limitations may be placed on the use of coursework taken while in G6 status if, at a later date, a post-baccalaureate non-degree student is admitted to a degree-seeking graduate program. Specifically, a college or a department may or may not decide whether to accept any G6 work toward a student’s graduate degree; however, with the approval of the student’s graduate advisory committee, the department head or chair of the interdisciplinary program, and the Graduate and Professional School, a maximum of 12 credit hours taken in post-baccalaureate non-degree status may be used on a student’s degree plan. Admission to post-baccalaureate non-degree status does not establish eligibility for admission to degree-seeking status. A post-baccalaureate non-degree student is not eligible to register for 691 (Research) hours.
	An application for post-baccalaureate non-degree classification is handled on a first-come, first-served basis. An application submitted within one month of registration may not be processed in time to begin that semester or term.
	Enrollment of a G6 student in courses may be limited by college and departmental policies. Each post-baccalaureate non-degree student must be reviewed by his or her department of affiliation for continuation at the end of each semester.
	A post-baccalaureate non-degree student must maintain at least a 3.00 GPA on all coursework attempted to remain eligible for registration. University departments and colleges may have additional and higher requirements.
	For the scholastically-deficient post-baccalaureate non-degree student, the student’s home department shall determine eligibility. It is the department’s responsibility to place a registration block on these students. Post-baccalaureate non-degree status is not normally available to an international student.
G7	Graduate (Master's)
	G7 classification denotes admission of a student to a master’s-level program of study or to a doctoral program who has not yet completed a master’s degree or 30 hours of eligible coursework taken at Texas A&M University.
G8	Graduate (Doctoral)
	G8 classification denotes admission to a doctoral-level program of study.
G9	Graduate (Master's/Doctoral Admitted)
	G9 classification denotes admission to graduate study, but that documents must still be completed before a student is allowed to file a degree plan. Upon receipt of the required documents, the student’s classification will change. Approval of the Associate Provost and Dean of the Graduate and Professional School is required to change a student from G9 classification to the appropriate classification (i.e., G7 or G8).
D1	Dentistry, First Year
D2	Dentistry, Second Year
D3	Dentistry, Third Year
D4	Dentistry, Fourth Year
D6	Dentistry, Post-professional Certificate
L0	Law, Non-degree
L1	Law, First Year
L2	Law, Second Year
L3	Law, Third Year
M1	Medical, First Year
M2	Medical, Second Year
M3	Medical, Third Year
M4	Medical, Fourth Year
N1	Professional Nursing
P1	Pharmacy, First Year
P2	Pharmacy, Second Year
P3	Pharmacy, Third Year
P4	Pharmacy, Fourth Year
V1	Veterinary, First Year
V2	Veterinary, Second Year
V3	Veterinary, Third Year
V4	Veterinary, Fourth Year

Semester Credit Hour

A lecture course which meets one hour per week for 15 weeks is worth 1 semester credit hour. Thus, a course worth 3 semester credit hours meets three hours per week. Credit hours for laboratory courses are determined to be some fraction of the number of hours spent in class. 

For further information, see Texas A&M University Rule 11.03.99.M1 Definition of a Credit Hour, which complies with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board definition of minimum course lengths as part of the Texas Administrative Code, “Minimum Length of Courses and Limitation on the Amount of Credit that a Student May Earn in a Given Time Period." For more information, please see the Texas Administrative Code online.

The Master’s degree curriculum is designed to develop new understanding through research and creativity. Students have the option to pursue a thesis or non-thesis (as available) master’s degree.

For specific dates and deadlines for each semester, please refer to the Graduate and Professional School Dates and Deadlines Calendar.

Steps to Fulfill Master's Degree Requirements

Master's Degree Requirements

Step	Instruction	Details
1.	Meet with departmental graduate advisor to plan course of study for first semester (if required).	When: before first semester registration Approved by: graduate advisor or interdisciplinary degree program chair (if required)
2.	Establish advisory committee. Submit a degree plan.	When: prior to the deadline imposed by the student's college/school and no later than 90 days prior to final examination Approved by: advisory committee, department head or interdisciplinary degree program chair, and the Graduate and Professional School
3.	If thesis is required, submit Thesis Research Proposal to the Graduate and Professional School.	When: at least 20 working days prior to the submission of the Final Examination Request Approved by: advisory committee, department head or interdisciplinary degree program chair, and the Graduate and Professional School
4.	Apply for degree. Pay graduation fee.	When: during the first week of the final semester
5.	Ensure degree plan and advisory committee are up-to-date, and coursework is complete.	When: at the beginning of the graduating semester, prior to submitting Final Examination Request
6.	Complete Residence Requirement.	When: before or during final semester (if applicable) Approved by: the Graduate and Professional School
7.	Submit Final Examination Request.	When: must be received by the Graduate and Professional School at least 10 working days before requested exam date or by the published deadline
8.	Successfully complete the Final Examination.	When: must be held by the deadline on the Graduate and Professional School Dates and Deadlines Calendar, and Results should be submitted by the advisory committee within 10 days following the Final Examination Approved by: advisory committee and the Graduate and Professional School
9.	If required, upload one approved final copy of thesis manuscript as a single PDF file to the Thesis and Dissertation Submission System (https://etd.tamu.edu) and submit Thesis Approval Form to the Graduate and Professional School.	When: see the Graduate and Professional School Dates and Deadlines Calendar for specifics Approved by: advisory committee, department head or interdisciplinary degree program chair, and the Graduate and Professional School
10.	Arrange for cap and gown and graduate.	For more information, visit https://aggie.tamu.edu/graduation

Work leading to a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree is designed to give candidates a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of their professional fields and training in methods of research. The final basis for granting a degree shall be a candidate’s grasp of the subject matter of a broad field of study and a demonstrated ability to do independent research. In addition, a candidate must have acquired the ability to express thoughts clearly and forcefully in both oral and written languages. Degrees are not granted solely for the completion of coursework, residence and technical requirements, although these must be met.

For specific dates and deadlines for each semester, please refer to the Graduate and Professional School’s Dates and Deadlines Calendar.

Steps to Fulfill Doctoral Degree Requirements

Doctoral Degree Requirements

Step	Instruction	Details
1.	Meet with departmental/intercollegiate graduate advisor to plan course of study for first semester.	When: before first semester registration Approved by: graduate advisor (if required)
2.	Establish an advisory committee. Submit a degree plan.	When: prior to the deadline imposed by the student's college/school, department, or interdisciplinary degree program, and no later than 90 days prior to Preliminary Examination Approved by: advisory committee, department head or interdisciplinary degree program chair, and the Graduate and Professional School
3.	Complete course work detailed on an approved degree plan.	When: before Preliminary Examination
4.	Complete a Preliminary Examination.	When: a student should complete a Preliminary Examination no later than the end of the semester following the completion of formal coursework on the degree plan Approved by: advisory committee, department head or interdisciplinary degree program chair, and the Graduate and Professional School
5.	Submit Research Proposal for dissertation or record of study to the Graduate and Professional School.	When: at least 20 working days prior to the submission of the Final Examination Request; students must have an approved research proposal in order to be admitted to candidacy Approved by: advisory committee, department head or interdisciplinary degree program chair, and the Graduate and Professional School
6.	Complete Residence Requirement.	When: before submitting Final Examination Request
7.	Apply for degree. Pay graduation fee.	When: during the first week of the final semester
8.	Submit Final Examination Request.	When: must be received by the Graduate and Professional School at least 10 working days before requested exam date or by the published deadline
9.	Successfully complete Final Examination.	When: must be held by the deadline on the Graduate and Professional School Calendar, and Results should be submitted by the advisory committee within 10 days following the Final Examination Approved by: advisory committee and the Graduate and Professional School
10.	Upload one approved dissertation or record of study manuscript as a single PDF file to the Thesis and Dissertation Submission System (https://etd.tamu.edu) and submit the Dissertation/Record of Study Approval Form to the Graduate and Professional School.	When: see the Graduate and Professional School calendar for deadlines Approved by: advisory committee, department head or interdisciplinary degree program chair, and the Graduate and Professional School
11.	Arrange for cap and gown and graduate.	For more information, visit https://aggie.tamu.edu/graduation

Note: Once formal coursework is complete, students must still satisfy the Continuous Registration Requirements until all degree requirements have been met. This includes submission and clearance of the dissertation or record of study.