Effective July1, 2000 - Revised October 1, 2002
CONTENTS
ARTICLE I: ORGANIZATION
Section 1. Structure
Section 1. Dean of the Graduate School
Section 3. The Graduate Council
Section 4. Graduate Faculty
ARTICLE II: GRADUATE EDUCATION
Section 1. Admissions
Section 2. Course Requirement
Section 3. Transfer Credits
Section 4. Residence Requirements
Section 5. Grades and Quality of Graduate Work
Section 6. Academics Probation and Termination
Section 7. Student Academic Honor and Conduct Code
Section 8. Admissions to Candidacy
Section 9. Examinations
Section 10. Thesis/Dissertation Requirement
Section 11. Time Limits for Completion of Degree
Section 12. Academic Appeal Process
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ARTICLE I: ORGANIZATION
Section 1. Structure
The Graduate School is one of five schools at the University of Colorado Denver (UCD). It is governed by a
resident Dean, Graduate Faculty, and Graduate Council (composed of one representative from each graduate program) and
uniform rules, standards, and procedures. The primary responsibilities of the Graduate School are to maintain the high standards
and quality of graduate faculty and programs on the UCD campus and to coordinate the various graduate programs. The
Graduate Faculty of the campus shall plan, develop, approve, and administer programs according to the needs of the campus and
in accord with the general standards of excellence and sound academic administration established by the Graduate School and the
rules and policies established by the University Board of Regents and the Colorado Commission on Higher Education.
The Dean of the Graduate School (hereafter referred to as the Dean) reports to the Chancellor of UCD and is responsible for
the administration of Graduate School rules and policies.
The Graduate Council of the Graduate School (hereafter referred to as the Council) consists of graduate faculty representatives of
the graduate programs, the Dean, and Associate Dean. The constituent academic units of the UCD Graduate School currently
include the following degree-granting programs:
Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics (Ph.D., Biochemistry)
Bioinformatics (Ph.D., Analytic Health Sciences)
Biometrics (M.S., Biometrics; Ph.D., Analytic Health Sciences)
Biomolecular Structure (Ph.D., Biochemistry)
Cell and Developmental Biology (Ph.D.)
Child Health Associate/Physician Assistant (M.S., Child Health Associate)
Clinical Sciences (Ph.D.)
Epidemiology (Ph.D., Analytic Health Sciences)
Experimental Pathology (Ph.D.)
Genetic Counseling (M.S., Biophysics and Genetics)
Human Medical Genetics (Ph.D., Biophysics and Genetics)
Immunology (Ph.D., Microbiology and Immunology)
Microbiology (Ph.D., Microbiology and Immunology)
Molecular Biology (Ph.D., Biophysics and Genetics)
Neuroscience (Ph.D.)
Nursing (M.S., Ph.D.)
Pharmaceutical Sciences (Ph.D.)
Pharmacology (Ph.D.)
Physiology and Biophysics (Ph.D., Physiology)
Public Health (M.S.P.H.)
Toxicology (Ph.D.)
The Graduate School also admits students to two interdisciplinary programs leading to a Ph.D. in one of the biomedical basic
science fields listed above:
Biomedical Sciences (Ph.D.)
Medical Scientist Training (M.D. / Ph.D.)
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Section 2. Dean of the Graduate School
The Dean is the chief academic and administrative officer of the Graduate School under authority delegated by the campus
Chancellor and Regents. The Dean is responsible for the overall coordination and effectiveness of Graduate School programs, is
the chair of the Council, and is the presiding officer for meetings of the Graduate Faculty of the Graduate School. Acting in
conjunction with the Council, the Dean's responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:
a. Insuring compliance of all Graduate School programs with standards for graduate faculty appointment, student admission, and graduation requirements;
b. Supervising the planning and approval of graduate curricula and revision, including new courses, course changes, and new certificate and degree programs;
c. Promoting cooperative and beneficial relationships, including interdisciplinary initiatives, among campus schools, departments, and programs;
d. Providing student academic advising and monitoring student progress;
e. Planning and monitoring the Graduate School budget and resource allocation;
f. Carrying out other duties as may be assigned by the Chancellor; and
g. Providing general oversight and supervision of all aspects of the Graduate School.
The Board of Regents appoints the Dean upon recommendation by the UCD Chancellor and the President.
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Section 3. The Graduate Council
The Council advises the Dean on matters relating to development, coordination, and evaluation of Graduate School programs.
The Council consists of the Dean, Associate Dean, and one graduate faculty representative from each graduate program. The
Dean is the Chair of the Council. The Council shall develop its own by-laws and rules of procedure consistent with the Laws of
the Regents and the Rules and Policies of the Graduate School. The Council shall convene at least twice annually to conduct
business related to the interests of the Graduate School and all programs. The duties of the Council are to advise the Dean and to
help the Graduate School achieve the goals set forth in the Graduate School mission as
follows:
a. Review proposals for new degree and certificate programs and make recommendations to the Dean
b. Establish policies and procedures for ongoing graduate program reviews
c. Conduct academic and strategic planning for the Graduate School
d. Recommend, review, and approve changes to the Graduate School Rules
e. Conduct and delegate its responsibilities through committees and subcommittees (see below)
f. Carry out other duties as are assigned to it by the Dean
The business of the Graduate School and Council shall be assigned to standing committees (and ad hoc committees when
appropriate). Standing committees of the Graduate School / Council are:
1.School of Medicine Graduate Executive Committee
2.School of Nursing Graduate Executive Committee
3.School of Pharmacy Graduate Executive Committee
4.Graduate Faculty Credentials Committee
5.Graduate School Student Conduct and Academic Appeals Committee
Each School Graduate Executive Committee (GEC) will consist of representatives from each School program and other School
faculty and administrators as may be determined by each School. Each GEC shall have its own by-laws that specify the keeping of
minutes of regularly scheduled meetings and the Dean or Associate Dean as ex officio, non-voting members. The by-laws, as well
as changes to them, will be approved by the Council and Dean. Each GEC will be responsible for dealing with School-specific
graduate issues and activities, including 1) recommending to the Dean new and modified curricula and 2) implementing and
monitoring a standardized process for distributing Graduate School funds for student fellowships and other support.
The Graduate Faculty Credentials Committee will consist of at least one graduate faculty member from each School with graduate
programs. It shall review all nominations to the Graduate Faculty and make recommendations to the Dean. Appointments and
re-appointments to the Committee will be made annually by the Dean with the concurrence of the Council.
The Graduate School Student Conduct and Academic Appeals Committee will consist of at least one graduate faculty member
from each School with graduate programs. Conduct cases shall also include student representation. It shall be convened to review
cases of honor code misconduct or student academic grievances and appeals as they occur and to make recommendations to the
Dean. Appointments and re-appointments to the committee will be made annually by the Dean with the concurrence of the
Council.
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Section 4. Graduate Faculty
Appointments to the Graduate Faculty of the Graduate School are based on uniform standards developed by the Graduate School
Council and approved by the Dean. Appointment to the Graduate Faculty is a privilege extended to those who have a faculty
appointment at an accredited college or university and who qualify through their research and scholarship, mentoring, teaching
ability, and commitment to graduate education and students.
Nominations for membership on the Graduate Faculty are initiated by the program directors of the graduate programs in which
the faculty member is expected to mentor, teach, and participate on examining committees. Any faculty member of the University
of Colorado (CU) may request to be nominated by a graduate program director.
All appointment nominations must include:
a. Nomination form signed by the nominating program director
b. A letter of support from the graduate program director that confirms the faculty member’s commitment to graduate-level education and specifies how s/he meets the criteria for a Regular or Special appointment and why s/he needs an appointment
c. NIH or similar biosketch
d. A summary of recent or anticipated graduate-level mentoring, teaching, and service on examination committees.
New applications must be submitted well in advance of anticipated teaching, research supervision, and student examinations.
Appointments will not be approved retroactively to cover those activities. The Dean will approve or disapprove appointments to
the graduate faculty in conjunction with the recommendations of the Credentials Committee. The status of a Regular or Special
Member may be revoked upon the recommendation of the program director that nominated the faculty member and the
concurrence of the Dean.
Students enrolled in a degree program are not eligible for Graduate Faculty membership in the same program.
A list of Regular and Special Members of the Graduate School shall be kept in the Office of the Dean. Nomination, biosketch,
and graduate-level service forms necessary for full review of credentials also are available from the Graduate School.
Regular Appointments
Appointment as a Regular member of the Graduate Faculty is a privilege extended to those who qualify through their research,
teaching and mentoring ability, and demonstrated commitment to graduate education. Regular membership generally shall be
limited to full-time faculty members of the UCD who hold the rank of assistant professor and above. Regular members shall
hold a doctoral degree or the terminal degree appropriate to their discipline, or shall have demonstrated other attainments that
qualify them for Regular membership. The quality of research, graduate teaching, thesis / dissertation supervision, and scholarship
shall be central to the decision. Each program may elect to impose additional criteria that exceed Graduate School requirements.
In addition to these basic requirements, the faculty member must present evidence of strong commitment to graduate student
education in the form of ongoing or anticipated involvement in at least one of the following activities:
1.Directing thesis / dissertation research as principal mentor;
2.Teaching graduate course(s) as the director (or co-director); and
3.Serving on graduate student examinations and/or thesis / dissertation committees.
Although one or more of the above assignments is required for a Regular appointment, evidence of commitment to graduate
education also may be demonstrated by such complementary activities as supervision of laboratory rotations, graduate student
advising, graduate curriculum development, and graduate program administration. These contributions can strengthen the
application of one whose involvement in the three areas listed above is marginal.
A Regular member of the Graduate Faculty may:
a. Direct (teach and assign grades in) graduate courses;
b. Serve on and chair comprehensive and final / dissertation examination committees;
c. Supervise thesis / dissertation research;
d. Serve on academic and administrative Graduate School committees;
e. Participate in program activities for the specific program(s) for which the faculty member was appointed; and
f. Vote on issues before the Graduate Faculty.
In addition to the privileges listed above, Regular members of the Graduate Faculty are entitled to teach graduate courses, serve
on examination committees, and supervise thesis / dissertation research for graduate students at all other CU campuses, pending
appropriate intercampus approvals.
Initial appointments are typically for three (3) years (should be concomitant with faculty appointments in the faculty members’
respective school: Medicine, Nursing, or Pharmacy). Subsequent appointments can be made for up to five (5) years.
Special Appointments
Faculty members at any level can be nominated for a new or continuing Special appointment if they present evidence of research
and scholarly activity and they are or will be assigned to direct graduate courses or sit on examination and thesis / dissertation
committees.
Nomination letters and accompanying credentials must be detailed enough to demonstrate the specific academic contributions,
expertise, and/or skills (including, if appropriate, evidence of meeting certifications standards for clinical practice) that a
prospective Special graduate faculty member will bring to the student’s academic training and evaluation.
A Special member of the faculty of the Graduate School is entitled to engage in the same activities as a Regular member, except
that a Special faculty member:
1. Cannot chair a Ph.D. examining committee or direct Ph.D. research. With approval of the program director and Dean, a Special faculty member may serve as a chairperson of an M.S. examining committee or direct a master’s thesis; and
2. Does not vote on Graduate School issues or rules.
University of Colorado faculty members who have been appointed as Regular Graduate Faculty members at the Denver, Boulder,
and Colorado Springs campuses are eligible to teach courses, mentor students, and sit on examination committees at the UCD
campus as Special Graduate Faculty members when they are requested to serve by UCD program directors, pending
appropriate intercampus approvals.
The initial period of appointment normally will be for one or two years (unless a shorter period is requested). Subsequent
appointments may be up to three years, especially for part-time teaching faculty with ongoing course assignments. Those
nominated solely to serve as examination committee members will be appointed for the estimated length of time needed for the
committee to complete its assignment.
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ARTICLE II: GRADUATE EDUCATION
Section 1. Admissions
Refer to the UCD Graduate Faculty Handbook for current policies and procedures concerning applications and admission.
Program letters of offer to applicants must include a statement indicating that admission to the University and program is pending
Graduate School approval.
Students will not be approved for admission into the Graduate School later than six (6) weeks (8 weeks for international students)
prior to the beginning of registration for classes unless there are extenuating circumstances.
Admission to Regular Degree Status
Students are admitted as Regular Degree students in a program of the Graduate School provided they meet the following criteria:
a. Hold a baccalaureate or master’s degree from an accredited college or university, or demonstrate completion of work equivalent to the baccalaureate or master’s degree given at this University;
b. Have an undergraduate grade point average of 3.00 or better ("A" is equal to 4.0) and/or a 3.00 or better GPA in a completed master’s degree program;
c. Meet any additional requirements for admission as established by the program faculty (any program-specific prerequisites or corequisites such as physical chemistry, calculus, statistics, or volunteer experience will be monitored by the individual program administrators and faculty); and
d. Have adequate preparation to enter graduate study in the chosen program as demonstrated by GRE scores, or an equivalent measure (an earned M.S./M.A. or Ph.D.; or MCAT scores; or completion of at least 18 units of transferable graduate-level coursework at UCD). Students whose native language is not English must also take the TOEFL test, unless they have completed a baccalaureate or graduate-level degree program at an English-speaking college or university.
Additional requirements and documentation may be specified in the Graduate School Policy Manual.
Admission to Provisional Degree Status
An applicant not meeting the criteria for admission as a Regular Degree student may be recommended by the faculty for admission
as a Provisional Degree student. The recommendation must include a rationale to support the admission and a description of the
conditions that the student must meet in order to become a Regular Degree student.
The admission of the applicant as a Provisional Degree student requires the approval of the Dean. When the conditions for
provisional admission are met, the Graduate School will notify the program and the student of the change to Regular Degree
student.
Provisional Degree students must meet the following minimum conditions before being changed to Regular Degree status. Students
in clinical and basic science programs in the Schools of Medicine and Pharmacy must obtain a minimum cumulative grade point
average of 3.00 in the first 10 quarter hours of course work taken after admission. Students in School of Nursing graduate
programs must obtain a 3.00 cumulative GPA in the first 6 semester hours of course work taken after admission. The GPA will
include all graduate courses taken after admission to UCHSC. Provisional Degree students also must meet any other conditions
(e.g., overcoming deficiencies) stated by their respective program directors in their provisional admittance contracts. Provisional
Degree students who fail to meet the conditions of their admission are subject to immediate termination from the Graduate School.
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Section 2. Course Requirements
Master's Degree (minimum requirement):
a) Plan I (thesis): 30 semester or 45 quarter hours, including 4-6 semester or 6-9 quarter hours of thesis work.
b) Plan II (no thesis): 30 semester or 45 quarter hours.
Ph.D. Degree (minimum requirement):
30 semester or 45 quarter hours of courses, and 30 semester / 45 quarter hours of dissertation credit.
All studies offered toward the minimum requirements for a M.S. or Ph.D. degree must be graduate level. Graduate-level courses
are:
a. Taught by a Regular or Special member of the graduate faculty;
b. Graded on the A-F system (not pass/fail); and
c. Offered within the degree program at the 5000-level or above; or
d. If offered outside the degree program (including transfer credits), are 5000-equivalent level or higher and are approved for
a specific degree plan by faculty of the degree-granting program and by the Dean.
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Section 3. Transfer Credits
Transfer credit is defined as any credit earned at another accredited institution, credits earned at another campus of the CU
system, or credits earned as a nondegree student within the CU system. The maximum amount of transfer work that may be
applied toward a graduate degree at UCD (individual programs may have more restrictive limits) is:
a) M.S. and M.S.P.H. degree programs: 12 semester hours; 18 quarter hours.
b) Ph.D. degree programs: 30 semester hours; 45 quarter hours.
The Graduate School accepts transfer credits only after approval of those transfer credits by the student's program director and
the Dean. All courses accepted for transfer must:
a. Be graduate level (M.S. / M.A. or Ph.D.);
b. Have a grade of "B" or higher;
c. Not have been applied toward an undergraduate degree or another graduate degree on the same level (e.g., M.A. to M.S.);
d. Be validated if not completed within the time limit for passing the Ph.D. comprehensive examination or completing all M.S. degree requirements (See Section 11 below); and
e. Be transferred prior to the term in which the comprehensive or final examination is taken.
Credit may not be transferred until the student has established a satisfactory record of at least one term of enrollment at the
UCD and a minimum 3.00 GPA. Transferred courses do not reduce the residency requirement but may reduce the amount of
work required at the UCD for the degree.
Excess undergraduate credits from another institution may not be transferred to the Graduate School. Seniors at the University of
Colorado may, however, transfer up to nine hours of courses numbered 5000 or above provided the courses meet the conditions
listed above and have not been applied toward another degree.
Credit may not be transferred until the student has established a satisfactory record of at least one term of enrollment at the HSC
and a minimum 3.0 GPA. Transferred courses do not reduce the residency requirement but may reduce the amount of work
required at the HSC for the degree.
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Section 4. Residence Requirements
To earn resident credit toward a graduate degree, a student must be registered as a full-time student and enrolled in a minimum
five (5) credits of graduate-level coursework, or at least one (1) credit hour of master’s thesis or "Master’s Candidate for
Degree," or at least one (1) credit hour of doctoral dissertation prior to the comprehensive examination, or five (5) dissertation
hours after passing the comprehensive exam.
Students who need to leave UCD programs for a period of time may petition their program directors for a leave of absence of
up to one year. If approved by the program, a copy of the petition is forwarded to the Graduate School Office for the student’s
file. Approved leaves of absence do not extend the time limits for earning a degree, but they may be cited as supporting
documentation to request an extension if needed. Leaves of absence that exceed one year will not be approved. Students who are
absent for longer than one year will be considered to have withdrawn from the program and will be required to reapply for
admission and be considered with all other applicants.
Master’s Degree Residency Requirements
Master’s degree students must enroll full-time at UCD for a minimum of two semesters or three quarters.
Doctoral Degree Residency Requirements
The minimum residence requirement for doctoral students is six semesters or nine quarters of scholarly work beyond the
attainment of a bachelor’s degree. Two semesters or three quarters of residence credit may be allowed for an earned master’s
degree from another institution of approved standing; however, at least four semesters or six quarters of residence credit must be
earned for work taken at the UCHSC.
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Section 5. Grades and Quality of Graduate Work
In order to maintain satisfactory academic progress, advance to candidacy, and earn a graduate degree, students are required to
maintain at least a "B" (3.00) average in all work attempted while enrolled in the Graduate School.
Courses in which grades below "B minus" (2.7) are received are not accepted for any Ph.D. degree. Courses in which grades
below "C" (2.0) are received are not accepted for any M.S. degree or for the removal of any academic deficiencies. Students that
receive such grades may repeat that course once within 24 months with the approval of the graduate program. All grades received
will appear on the student’s transcript and will be included in the GPA calculation.
Grades received in transferred courses and grades earned while a student was classified as a Special Student are not included in
calculations of the grade point average.
IW, IF, and IP grades are changed to final letter grades when the required work has been completed by the student. IW and IF
grades automatically change to W and F after one year if no grade changes are initiated. In addition, letter grades may be changed
due to clerical or administrative error. However, no other grade changes are allowed by the Graduate School; i.e., students are
not allowed to perform additional work for a course already completed in order to have their grades improved.
Credit by examination is not allowed for graduate students. Programs may allow a student to challenge and test out of a given
course, but the student does not register or receive credit for it. If a student successfully challenges a course, the program can
require the student to take a different course or an elective. In all cases, the student must meet the minimum credit requirements for
the degree.
Each UCD graduate degree program will publish a handbook containing specific guidelines for measuring satisfactory academic progress.
These may differ from the Graduate School-wide standards if, and only if,
they are more stringent than these minimum standards. In this case,
the program-specific standards will supercede the Graduate School standards.
In addition, the handbook will contain guidelines for measuring satisfactory
academic progress in all activities not
covered by the Graduate School grading, examination, and probation policies. Such activities might include
(but are not limited to) preliminary
examinations, clinical competencies, and research activities or skills not reflected in course grades, and
vacation and leave of absence policies
and procedures. Students must be given a copy of the program's handbook,
informing them of these guidelines, at the beginning of their studies, as well as
each time the handbook is revised. Students may be directed to a web site
where an electronic version of the current handbook is published, in lieu of
receiving a printed version of the handbook.
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Section 6. Academic Probation and Termination
When a student’s cumulative grade point average (GPA) falls below 3.00, s/he will be placed on academic probation. The student
will have two semesters or three quarters in which to raise the cumulative GPA to 3.00 or above. The graduate program also may
impose special conditions on a probationary student in addition to the 3.00 GPA required by the Graduate School.
If a student on probation does not earn a 3.00 GPA in all graduate courses taken in each probationary term or does not meet any
special conditions required by the graduate program, s/he will be subject to immediate termination upon the recommendation of
the program director and concurrence of the Dean. The Dean will make the final decision on termination.
If the student’s cumulative GPA is below 3.00 following the probationary period, or if s/he has not met the additional conditions
required by the graduate program, s/he will be subject to immediate termination as described above. If there are extenuating
circumstances, however, the program director may petition the Dean for an extension of the probationary time period.
Students who are terminated from a graduate degree program and the Graduate School will be notified officially by the Dean.
Such notification will include the reasons for termination and the right of appeal and the following statement on the Graduate
School readmission policy:
"Any student who is terminated from the Graduate School following unsuccessful academic probation or failure to
meet his / her program's guidelines for satisfactory academic progress may reapply for admission to the same or a
different graduate program after one year and with evidence of better preparation to pursue a graduate degree. Such
evidence might include the successful completion of graduate courses taken elsewhere or other steps taken to
overcome deficiencies that led to termination. The student's application will be considered equally with other
applications but will be given no special consideration."
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Section 7. Student Academic Honor and Conduct Code
Students are expected to adhere to the highest standards of personal integrity and professional ethics and to the UCD honor
code. Students who do not meet these standards and / or who violate the honor code may be dismissed immediately or placed on
disciplinary probation by the Dean upon the recommendation of the Graduate School Student Conduct and Academic Appeals
Committee. The honor code, committee guidelines, and appeal process are on file in the Graduate School office and printed in the
Graduate Student Handbook.
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Section 8. Admission to Candidacy
Master's Degree
Students who wish to receive the master’s degree must first become candidates. After completing or registering for all
program-required, nonthesis coursework students must file an "Application for Graduation" with the Graduate School no later than
the posted candidacy / graduation deadline during the term in which they plan to have their degrees conferred. This form is
included in the M.S. graduation packet available in the Graduate School office.
The student’s advisor and program director must approve the completed application before being submitted to the Graduate
School for approval and filing. An approved form certifies that a student’s work is satisfactory and that the program curriculum
described in the Application for Graduation meets the requirements and the student is a candidate for the degree. Students cannot
take the final examination before the Graduate School approves this application.
Doctoral Degree
Students must apply for admission to candidacy for the doctoral degree at least two weeks before taking the comprehensive
examination. This form is included in the Ph.D. Comprehensive Examination packet available in the Graduate School office. The
student’s advisor and program director must approve the completed application form before being submitted to the Graduate
School for approval and filing. The student cannot take the comprehensive examination with less than a 3.00 G.P.A. and before
this application is submitted to and approved by the Graduate School.
Before being admitted to candidacy, doctoral students must complete at least three semesters or five quarters of
residence, complete or register for all program-required, nonthesis coursework, and pass the comprehensive examination. (See policy on
required residence above, Section 4.)
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Section 9. Examinations
Students must be registered at the time they take the comprehensive (final) examination for the master’s degree or
the comprehensive examination or final (thesis defense) for the Ph.D. degree. Students who schedule their examinations after the
last day of a given term must register in the subsequent term.
Master's Degree Comprehensive / Final Examination
After all other requirements for the degree have been substantially completed and after advancement to candidacy, all candidates
for the master’s degree are required to take a final comprehensive examination or thesis defense. The final examination / thesis
defense is conducted by a committee consisting of at least three members of the Graduate Faculty. The majority of the members,
including the chair, must be from the core training faculty of the degree-granting program.
The student’s final examination / defense committee and the examination schedule must be approved by the program director. The
Graduate School must be notified on the appropriate forms at least two weeks before the exam. These forms are included in the
M.S. graduation packet. The Graduate School will post the notice of the exam.
All members of the committee must be present for the examination. One member, but not the chairperson or the student, may
participate by interactive video. A majority of the examination committee members must vote affirmatively for one of the following
examination outcomes:
a. Pass;
b. Pass with stated conditions;
c. Fail.
If a student passes the examination with conditions, those conditions must be satisfied within four months. Failure to satisfy these
conditions will result in failure of the examination.
A student who fails the examination is subject to immediate dismissal from the program on the recommendation of the graduate
program and concurrence of the Dean. At the program’s discretion, a student who fails the examination may retake it once. The
retake must be completed by the end of the next academic term. The original examination form noting the failure is signed by the
committee and returned to the Graduate School office. New examination forms will be generated when the examination is
rescheduled. Students will be required to meet registration requirements and be registered during the term in which the repeated
exam is taken.
Doctoral Degree Examinations
Final / Thesis Examination
Preliminary Examination
Each program is responsible for ensuring that students are qualified for doctoral study through a preliminary examination. The
results (Pass/Fail) must be reported to the Graduate School. A student who fails the examination is subject to immediate dismissal
from the Graduate School upon the recommendation of the program and concurrence of the Dean. At the program's discretion, a
student who fails the examination may retake it once.
Comprehensive Exam
After completing or registering for all program-required nonthesis coursework, and concurrently with applying for admission to
candidacy for the Ph.D., students must take a comprehensive examination in their respective discipline. This examination (written
or oral or both) will test a student’s mastery of a broad field of knowledge, not merely the formal coursework which s/he has
completed. The oral part of the comprehensive examination is open to members of the Graduate Faculty. This examination must
be completed no later than the end of the student’s third year. Individual programs may establish an earlier deadline. Under
extenuating circumstances, and with the recommendation of the program director and concurrence of the Dean, the examination
may be taken during the fourth year.
The student’s comprehensive examination committee and the examination schedule must be approved by the program director.
The Graduate School must be notified on the appropriate forms at least two weeks before the exam. These forms are included in
the Ph.D. comprehensive examination packet. The Graduate School will post the notice of the exam.
The examination committee shall consist of a minimum of five Graduate Faculty members. At least one of the members must be
outside the program’s core training faculty. The majority of the members, including the chair, must be from the core training faculty
of the degree-granting program. The student's dissertation advisor, if already
identified, may not chair the examination committee.
All members of the committee must be present for the examination. One member, but not the chairperson or the student, may
participate by interactive video. The examination form is signed by the committee and returned to the Graduate School Office. The
student must receive affirmative votes from the majority of the examination committee for one of the following
outcomes:
a.Pass;
b.Pass with stated conditions;
c.Fail.
If a student passes the examination with conditions, those conditions must be stated on the examination form and satisfied within
six months. The committee chair is responsible for monitoring the conditions and reporting their outcome to the Graduate School.
Failure to satisfy these conditions will result in failure of the examination.
A student who fails the examination is subject to immediate dismissal from the Graduate School upon the recommendation of the
program and concurrence of the Dean. At the program’s discretion, a student who fails the examination may retake it once. The
retake will be in the form designated by the committee and must be completed within six months. The original examination form
noting the failure is signed by the committee and returned to the Graduate School office. New examination forms will be generated
when the examination is rescheduled. Students will be required to meet registration requirements and be registered during the term
in which the repeated exam is taken.
Final / Dissertation Examination
After the dissertation has been completed and before the degree is conferred, a final examination on the dissertation and related
topics is conducted in two parts, an oral presentation of the dissertation research that is open to the public, and a closed
examination conducted by the examining committee.
The program director will approve the student’s final examination / defense committee and the examination schedule. The
Graduate School must be notified on the appropriate forms at least two weeks before the exam. (Forms are included in the Ph.D.
graduation packet.) The Graduate School will send announcements of the examination to appropriate faculty members, and the
signature form will be sent to the program office to be placed in the student’s file for use at the examination. The Graduate School
will also post the notice of the exam.
The dissertation defense committee shall consist of a minimum of five Graduate Faculty members. At least one of the members
must be outside the program’s core training faculty. The majority of the members, including the chair, must be from the core
training faculty of the degree-granting program. The student’s dissertation advisor may not chair the examination committee. The
student must submit finalized draft copies of the thesis to the defense committee at least two weeks before the examination date.
Programs may require an earlier deadline.
All members of the committee must be present for the examination. One member, but not the chairperson or the student, may
participate by interactive video. The examination form is signed by the committee and returned to the Graduate School Office. The
student must receive affirmative votes from the majority of the examination committee for one of the following outcomes:
a. Pass;
b. Pass with stated conditions;
c. Fail.
If a student passes the examination with conditions, those conditions must be satisfied within 60 days of the defense. The special
conditions must be stated on the examination form and subsequently monitored by the committee chair in order to ensure that the
conditions can be completed within 60 days. If a student fails the examination outright, s/he may not continue in the program.
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Section 10. Thesis / Dissertation Requirements
Master's Thesis
A thesis based on original investigation is required of every master’s degree candidate under Plan I. All research conducted for
the M.S. degree must meet regulatory standards specified by federal, state, and local agencies regarding ethical research, animal
use, human subjects, and environmental safety. Each thesis is presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the master’s
degree and must meet the formatting criteria outlined in the UCD Thesis Specifications available in the Graduate School office.
Master’s students must register for a minimum of four semester / six quarter hours (maximum of six semester / nine quarter hours)
of thesis. These hours can be taken in any combination of semesters or quarters. If in the semester / quarter a student takes the
final examination s/he already has registered for six semester / nine quarters hours of thesis and has completed all other course
work, s/he must then register for Candidate for Degree (CAND 6940 or NURS 6940). This course carries one credit with
pass/fail grading.
A grade of In Progress (IP) will be assigned for thesis hours in all semesters / quarters until the finalized thesis is submitted to the
Graduate School office. The Graduate School will then obtain the final thesis grade, and all IPs will be changed to this grade. Two
formally approved copies of the thesis must be filed in the Graduate School office by the deadlines specified in the graduation
packet. Despite thesis submission deadlines, students must submit a formally approved thesis to the Graduate School within 60
days of thesis defense. In addition, thesis fees are paid in the Graduate School office.
Doctoral Dissertation
A dissertation based upon original investigation and showing mature scholarship and critical judgment, as well as familiarity with
tools and methods of research, must be written upon some subject approved by the student’s
dissertation advisor and the Dissertation Advisory Committee. All research conducted for the Ph.D. degree must meet regulatory standards specified by federal, state, and local
agencies regarding ethical research, animal use, human subjects, and environmental safety.
Students normally choose a dissertation advisor during the summer following their first year or during the fall quarter or semester of their second year. With the permission of the student’s Graduate Program Director this process may be delayed; however, students must choose a dissertation mentor no later than 3 months after passing the comprehensive examination.
Immediately after selecting a dissertation advisor, the student, in collaboration with his/her dissertation advisor, will choose a Dissertation Advisory Committee, subject to approval of the Graduate Program Director. Although it is recommended that the Dissertation Advisory Committee be the same as the Dissertation Examination Committee, the two committees need not be identical. The Dissertation Advisory Committee will serve an advisory function to the student and dissertation advisor, and will also monitor the student’s progress in generating and/or collecting data to be used in the writing of the dissertation. The Dissertation Advisory Committee will give the student formal permission to write the dissertation once sufficient data have been collected and analyzed. The Dissertation Advisory Committee will meet at least once each year. Individual Programs may require – and the Graduate School encourages – a greater frequency of meetings. Records of the meetings and of the student’s progress will be kept in the student’s file in the Graduate Program office and notice that a student is not in compliance with this rule will be sent by the Program to the Graduate School office three weeks before the end of the Fall academic term. Students who have not had a Dissertation Advisory Committee meeting in the preceding 12 months will not be permitted to register for Winter Quarter (or Spring Semester), or for subsequent academic terms. Once the student is in compliance with this rule, s/he will be permitted to register.
Ph.D. students must register for a total of at least 30 semester / 45 quarter dissertation credit hours to complete the requirements
for the Ph.D. degree. A student may not register for more than 10 dissertation credit hours in any one term.
Before taking the comprehensive examination, a doctoral student may register for a total of 10 semester or 15 quarter hours of
thesis work in the semesters or quarters before taking the comprehensive examination, or 10 hours in the semester or quarter
when the comprehensive examination is taken. Thesis hours taken in excess of these limits will not be counted toward the minimum
thesis units required for graduation.
A student on the quarter system who has passed the comprehensive examination must register for at least five dissertation hours
three out of every four quarters each academic year and extending through the quarter of the final examination (thesis defense).
Semester students (School of Nursing) who have passed must register for at least five dissertation hours each fall and spring term
and extending through the semester of the final examination (thesis defense).
A student who fails to register continuously in a given academic year (3 out of 4 quarters or fall and spring semesters) for
dissertation credit hours after passing the comprehensive examination must retake and pass the examination in order to regain
status as a student in "good standing" in the Graduate School.
A grade of "In Progress" (IP) will be assigned in all semesters / quarters until the final examination or thesis is submitted to the
Graduate School office. The Graduate School will then obtain the thesis grade, and all IPs then will be changed to this final grade.
A formally approved thesis must be submitted to the Graduate School, with the appropriate supporting documentation, within 60
days of thesis defense.
Off-Campus Status for Ph.D. Students
If, in the course of his/her dissertation research, a student plans to work and study out-of-state and will not be utilizing campus
facilities or faculty time, s/he may request off-campus status for purposes of registering for three units of thesis credit. Written
requests must be received in the Graduate School office at least one week before the semester / quarter begins. The request must
include the institution (if applicable), location, address, and telephone number where the student can be contacted during the
off-campus period. The student must also indicate the period of time covered by off-campus status. The request must be
co-signed by the program director prior to submission for approval to the Graduate School. Off-campus status cannot be
extended through the (last) term in which the final examination is to be taken and during which the student must register for at least
five thesis hours.
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Section 11. Time Limits for Completion of Degrees
Master's Degree Time Limit
Master’s students have five years from matriculation (the start of course work) to complete all degree requirements, including the
filing of the thesis with the Graduate School if Plan I is followed. Students who fail to complete the degree in this five-year period
are subject to termination from the Graduate School upon the recommendation of the program director and concurrence of the
Dean. For a student to continue beyond the time limit, the program director must petition the Dean and include 1) reasons why the
program faculty believes the student should be allowed to continue in the program and 2) an anticipated timeline for completion of
the degree. The Dean may approve extensions for only one year.
Any course work taken more than five years prior to applying for candidacy must be validated by a process determined by the
student’s respective program director. The director will advise the Graduate School in writing that such courses have been
validated for a particular student prior to the student’s advancement to candidacy.
Ph.D. Degree Time Limit
Doctoral students must complete all degree requirements within seven years of matriculation. Students who fail to complete the degree in
this seven-year period are subject to termination from the Graduate School upon the recommendation of the program director and
concurrence of the Dean. For a student to continue beyond the time limit, the program director must petition the Dean and include
1) reasons why the program faculty believes the student should be allowed to continue in the program and
2) an anticipated timeline for completion of the degree. The Dean may approve extensions for one year.
Any course work taken more than five years prior to applying for must be validated by a process determined by the student’s
respective program director. The director will advise the Graduate School in writing that such courses have been validated for a
particular student prior to the student’s advancement to candidacy.
Leave of Absence
Approved leaves of absence, as described in Article II, Section 4, do not extend the time limits for earning a degree, but they may
be used as a reason to request an extension if needed. Leaves of absence over a one year period will not be approved. Students
absent for more than one year will be required to reapply for admission and be considered with all other applicants.
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Section 12. Academic Appeal Process
Students who face suspension or termination from the Graduate School and its programs due to unsatisfactory academic
performance may appeal. The Graduate School Student Conduct and Academic Appeals Committee consider formal grievances
and appeals. The appeal guidelines and process are on file in the Graduate School office and printed in the Graduate Student
Handbook.
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ARTICLE III: AMENDMENTS TO THE RULES
Amendments to these standing rules may be initiated by petition from at least five members of the UCD Graduate Faculty and
may be adopted upon majority consent of the Council and approval by the Dean. Upon consultation with the Council, the Dean
may approve revisions to the standing rules that update information, resolve ambiguities, promote clarity, or ensure compliance
with state or Colorado Commission on Higher Education mandates.
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