2024-2025 Graduate Catalog > Graduate Degree Requirements

Graduate Degree Requirements

The following requirements apply to all graduate programs unless superseded by specific program policy as noted in the program's student handbook. Note: It is assumed that specific program policies would be more versus less restrictive than university-level policies for all graduate programs.

1. A minimum of 30 credit hours, including courses specified in particular degree programs. All degree programs must include at least 50 percent of 600 level courses.
2. A cumulative GPA of 3.0.
   1. No credit toward the degree will be allowed for grades below 2.0 (C).
   2. If a student’s cumulative GPA falls below 3.0 for two consecutive academic terms, the student may be subject to dismissal from the graduate program.
3. Proficiency in written English, as demonstrated in the writing assignments in graduate courses.
4. A minimum of 21 credit hours taken at Augustana University, with the last 8 credit hours taken at Augustana.
5. Completion of all work for the degree within a seven-year period. If a course becomes obsolete, it must be replaced with a more recent course or repeated.
6. The successful completion of a graduate paper if required by a specific program. The graduate paper has a twofold purpose. First, it allows the student to develop in-depth knowledge in a carefully defined subject area that is of interest and will be useful to the student; second, it demonstrates that the student possesses the skills of research, synthesis, and written exposition expected of candidates for the graduate degree.
7. A passing grade on a comprehensive written exam covering the course work of the student’s program OR a synthesis portfolio OR Research Synthesis Project that validates that the student has successfully met all course and program objectives and documents how course work has enhanced attainment of program outcomes.
8. A passing grade on an oral examination if required by a specific program. All candidates for a graduate degree shall take an oral examination. It is the final evaluation of whether the candidate has mastered the skills and knowledge required to earn the graduate degree. The oral examination is an opportunity for the candidate to defend the graduate paper and to validate orally the learning that has occurred as a result of graduate study.