School of Graduate Studies

The School of Graduate Studies, is an administrative unit that coordinates university-wide academic and research quality on behalf of the graduate faculty, monitors decisions regarding admission, academic progress, and eligibility for graduation of students in most programs. Departments and programs may have additional requirements for admission. Consult the appropriate portions of this bulletin for such requirements.

The Dean of the School of Graduate Studies office is located in the Administration Building, AD310, graduateschool@andrews.edu.

Graduate Enrollment & Admission Policies

The Admission Process

The graduate programs at Andrews University are characterized by academic quality, attention to research, close individual student/professor interaction, and an emphasis on the spiritual dimensions of the various content fields.  The university welcomes students in harmony with these ideals to apply for admission to its graduate programs.

1. Applications for graduate programs should be submitted online at www.andrews.edu/apply along with the appropriate requirements. Once the application is complete and ready for review, the appropriate Academic Program and School will make an admission decision on the application.  Graduate Enrollment Management processes the Admission Decision and communicates it to the applicant.

2. Applicants for the DPT Program must apply through the Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service (PTCAS).  For more information, see the School of Rehabilitation Sciences  section of this bulletin.

3. Applicants for the SPLAD Program must apply through the CSDCAS Application Service. For more information, see the School of Communication Sciences & Disorders  section of this bulletin.

How to Apply

The graduate application is to be submitted online along with the nonrefundable application fee.  Online and paper application fee is $60.  During the application process, you may pause and then reopen your online application file through a link that will be sent to the email address you provide.  Your information is saved for up to 90 days.

Application Deadlines for Domestic and International Students

Domestic and Internationals students are required to complete and submit all the application requirements before the deadlines listed below:  

• Spring ( January  - April ): November 15
• Summer (May  - July ): June 1
• Fall (August  - December ): July 30

​​Some departments may have different deadlines. Please click here to search for your program deadlines.

Eligibility Requirements

These are the eligibility requirements as stated by the School of Graduate Studies

Graduate Certificate Programs

To qualify for regular admission to a Graduate Certificate program, students must meet the minimum eligibility requirements as stated in the Master’s degree section below, in addition to fulfilling the general admission requirements.

Master’s Degree Programs

MA, MArch, MAT, MBA, MMus, MS, MSA, MSMLS, MSW, MSCID, MIDA, MPH

To qualify for regular admission to the master’s-degree programs governed by the School of Graduate Studies as listed above, students must meet the following minimum academic standards in addition to the appropriate admission requirements.

• Hold a four-year baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited American university or senior college, or its equivalent from a comparably recognized institution outside the U.S. Accreditation must be from an accrediting body recognized by the US Department of Education or schools outside of the US must have government recognition in the country of origin or by the Adventist Accrediting Association. Degrees or work received from institutions generally considered to be diploma/degree mills are not evidence of prior academic work.
• Demonstrate adequate undergraduate preparation in the proposed field of graduate study and in general education. This will be evaluated by the respective schools and departments that designate subject-matter preparation. Consult the specific school and departmental requirements.
• Indicate ability to handle master’s-level work in the language of instruction. See English Proficiency Requirement section for more information.  
• Show evidence of ability to carry advanced study as listed below. Some specific programs require a higher GPA for admission—consult department/program requirements in other sections of this bulletin.
• Satisfy one of the criteria below:
  • Have an overall GPA of at least 2.60 in undergraduate courses.
  • Have a GPA of at least 2.75 on last 50% of undergraduate courses.
  • Have a graduate GPA of at least 3.00 on 8 semester credits or more earned in courses graded A–F.
  • Hold a previous master’s degree.

Doctoral and Advanced Degrees

Educational Specialist (EdS), Doctor of Education (EdD), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Doctor of Theology (ThD), Doctor of Missiology (DMiss), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

To qualify for regular admission to a specialist or doctoral program, students must meet the following minimum academic standards in addition to fulfilling the general admission requirements.

• Hold a baccalaureate degree or master’s degree in an area appropriate to the major emphasis of the specialist or doctoral program from a regionally accredited American university or senior college, or its equivalent from a comparably, recognized institution outside the U.S. Accreditation must be from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or schools outside of the U.S. must have government recognition in the country of origin or by the Adventist Accrediting Association. Degrees or work received from institutions generally considered to be diploma/degree
  mills are not evidence of prior academic work.
• Evidence of adequate preparation for doctoral-level graduate work. Applicants who have completed at least 16 semester credits of graduate work must have a least a graduate GPA of 3.0. Applicants to the School Psychology program may see the program admission requirements.
• Provide evidence of adequate preparation in the proposed field of graduate study and in general education. This will be evaluated by the respective schools and departments that designate subject-matter preparation.
• Show evidence of the ability to handle specialist- or doctoral-level work in the language of instruction.   See English Proficiency Requirement section for more information.  

Physical Therapy Degrees and Programs

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (t-DPT), Doctor of Science in Physical Therapy (DScPT), Orthopedic Clinical Residency Program

Professional degrees in the School of Rehabilitation Sciences operate under the supervision of the Physical Therapy Professional Degree Council. This council has delegated authority to act as the Courses and Curriculum Committee for all Physical Therapy programs. The Physical Therapy Professional Degree Council formulates and approves general education requirements after consultation with the General Education Committee and develops academic, department, financial and other policies of its programs. See the School of Rehabilitation Sciences  section of this bulletin for academic standards for these degrees and programs. 

Theological Seminary Professional Ministerial Degrees

Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry(MAPM), Master of Arts in Youth and Young Adult Ministry(MAYYAM), Master of Divinity(MDiv), Doctoral of Ministry(DMin)

Professional degrees in the Theological Seminary are not under the supervision of the School of Graduate Studies.  See the Theological Seminary  section for academic standards for these degrees.

Admission Requirements

Degree Requirements for Admissions into Graduate Programs

An earned degree is one of the requirements for admissions into a graduate program. Following is the degree requirement for admissions into Andrews University graduate programs:

1. Programs may admit students into doctoral programs on the basis of a bachelor’s degree. An applicant with a discipline specific bachelor’s degree may be admitted into a corresponding doctoral program. Students in these programs may earn an advanced degree en route to the doctoral program. (For example, currently, applicants with a bachelor’s in psychology may be admitted into the PhD in Counseling Psychology). Normally, a student admitted into a doctoral program with a bachelor’s degree needs a minimum of 90 graduate credits for the doctoral degree.

2. Programs may admit students into doctoral programs on the basis of a master’s degree. Applicants with a masters may be admitted into a doctoral program; however, the credits from the master’s program shall not be transferred into the doctoral program. Only credits that do not apply to the master’s degree are applicable to the doctoral degree requirements and normally, a student needs a minimum of 60 post-masters credits for the doctoral degree.*

3. Programs may admit students into master’s programs on the basis of a bachelor’s degree or another master’s degree. Normally, a student needs a minimum of 30 graduate credits for the degree.

*professional doctorates, such as, the DMISS, DNP, DPT, DScPT, and T-DPT may require fewer post master’s credits. 

These are the minimum admission requirements based on each degree level; however, note that each graduate program may have unique admission requirements.  Also, international students will need to submit additional requirements:

1. Graduate Certificate Requirements (Communication, Leadership, Religious Education, Educational Leadership, Campus Spiritual Leadership)

• Statement of Purpose - At least 500 words.
• Professional History or Resume - Information about your employment, research, or special projects.
• Recommendations - Two professional or academic recommendations are required. 
• Official Transcripts - From institutions where all post-secondary coursework was taken.  Official transcripts must be sent directly from your school to The Office of Graduate Enrollment Management at Andrews University. These documents may also be delivered in a sealed envelope with the issuing school’s seal.

2. Master Level requirements (MA, MArch, MAT, MBA, MMus, MPH, MS, MSA, MSMLS, MSW, MSCID, MIDA)

• Statement of Purpose - At least 500 words.
• Professional History or Resume - Information about your employment, research, or special projects.
• Recommendations - Two professional or academic recommendations are required. 
• Official Transcripts - From institutions where all post-secondary coursework was taken.  Official transcripts must be sent directly from your school to The Office of Graduate Enrollment Management at Andrews University. These documents may also be delivered in a sealed envelope with the issuing school’s seal.
• Standardized Test - Most programs require the GRE (Graduate Records Exam) or GMAT (Graduate Management Aptitude Test) exam. This exam must be taken within five years prior to admission. Visit this link to see a full list of the programs that require these tests.

3. Professional Master level requirements (MDiv, MAPM, MAYYAM)

• Statement of Purpose - At least 500 words for MAPM and MAYYAM. The MDiv program requires additional questions.
• Professional History or Resume - Information about your employment, research, or special projects only required for MAPM and MAYYAM.
• Recommendations - Three specific recommendations are required. Visit the appropriate program for more details.
• Official Transcripts - From institutions where all post-secondary coursework was taken.  Official transcripts must be sent directly from your school to The Office of Graduate Enrollment Management at Andrews University. These documents may also be delivered in a sealed envelope with the issuing school’s seal.
• 16 PF test - Complete the Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire as directed. Students in the MAPM Spanish track, do not need to complete this test. 

4. Doctoral Level requirements (EdS, EdD, PhD, ThD, t-DPT, DsCPT, DMin, DMIss, DNP, DPT)

• Statement of Purpose - At least 500 words. Each program may require specific questions.Visit the appropriate program for more details.
• Professional History or Resume - Information about your employment, research, or special projects.
• Recommendations - Three professional or academic recommendations are required.Visit the appropriate program for more details.
• Official Transcripts - From institutions where all post-secondary coursework was taken.  Official transcripts must be sent directly from your school to The Office of Graduate Enrollment Management at Andrews University. These documents may also be delivered in a sealed envelope with the issuing school’s seal.
• Research Paper - Most programs require submission of a research paper that showcases your best writing work.
• GRE (Graduate Records Exam) exam - Most programs require this test. It must be taken within five years prior to admission. Visit this link to see a full list of the programs that require this test.
• Applicants for the DPT Program must apply through the Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service (PTCAS).  For more information, see the School of Rehabilitation Sciences  section of this bulletin.

5.  Post-Doctoral Certificate requirements (Leadership) 

• Statement of Purpose - At least 500 words.
• Professional History or Resume - Information about your employment, research, or special projects.
• Recommendations - Two professional or academic recommendations are required.
• GRE (Graduate Records Exam) exam - This exam must be taken within five years prior to admission.

International Students

In addition to fulfilling the regular admission requirements, international students need to submit additional documents in order to complete their graduate application.

Additional Admission Requirements

• Transcripts:

• Domestic and International prospective students who graduated from an educational institution in the U.S. must upload unofficial transcripts directly in the Graduate Application system during the application process. Official final transcripts will be required only after admission decision.

• Domestic and International prospective students who graduated from an educational institution outside the U.S. and are applying to an on campus or online program must provide a WES International Credential Advantage Package (WES ICAP) which includes verified copies of official transcripts. An unofficial copy of the WES ICAP may be uploaded in the Graduate Application system during the application process. The official document will be required after admission decision.

• Domestic and International prospective students who graduated from an educational institution outside the U.S. and are applying to an overseas or U.S extension program must upload unofficial original language and literal English translation of the transcripts in the Graduate Application system during the application process. A copy of a diploma may be also required. Official final transcripts will be required only after admission decision.

• English Proficiency: International students must demonstrate their proficiency in English. See English Proficiency Requirement section for more information.

• Bachelor’s degree diploma: A copy of the literal English translation of the diploma, along with the original-language document may be sent by email.  The copy of the diploma is not needed if the transcripts come through an approved credential evaluation agency (WES, AAACRAO, ECE) listing the graduation date. 
• Secondary documents: A copy of these secondary documents may be required where applicable:
  • Baccalaureate for the French System
  • Abitur Diploma for the German System
  • A-level results for the British system

Special Requirements

International students who wish to become full time students (F1 visa) must obtain an I-20 form before applying for a visa. The requirements for obtaining and I-20 form are:

• Academic acceptance
• Payment of $3,000 advance deposit (not required for Mexico or Canada)
• Submit the Estimated Budget Sheet form
• Notarized affidavit of support for all personal funds and/or sponsorships
• Bank documentation for the previous 12 months
• A full semester payment in advance is required for citizens of Kenya and Ethiopia
• A full semester payment in advance is required for students in the Master’s of Divinity program

Please visit the Office of International Student Services for more information. 

Full-Time Status

International students must retain their status as full-time students as required by the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS).  They must enroll for a minimum of 8 credits each semester (MDiv minimum is 9 semester credits) while in the U.S. They may also work on a part-time basis only on campus and if satisfactory academic performance is maintained and such work is allowed by the INS.  School of Education (College of Education & International Services) students should visit Full-time Status .   

English Proficiency Requirements

English is the language of communication and instruction for all programs on the Michigan campus and at most sites across the United States or Canada.  All students whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in English to succeed in this academic setting.

Minimum scores required

The following programs require a higher English test score. Please visit the appropriate links in order to learn more:

• MA Communication      
• MA English      
• Seminary Programs
• MA TESOL  
• DPT Physical Therapy       

Guidelines

• These tests must be taken within two years prior to enrollment.
• Applicants may not be required to fulfill the English language requirement if one of the following takes place from an educational institution where English is the language of communication and  instruction: 
  • Completion of education from at least the ninth through the twelfth grade and a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Completion of a bachelor’s degree (BA or BS) and diploma from an undergraduate college or university.
  • Completion of a graduate degree.

• Students who score below these levels may complete the language requirements by enrolling in Intensive English Program courses (ENSL) on the Andrews University campus and passing the Exit Exam for English as a Second/Foreign Language. 

  • The ENSL course work for a student program is formulated on the basis of the results of MELAB (Michigan English Language Assessment Battery), TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), IELTS (International English Language Testing System),  or PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English)  and placement test results, and the student’s course load is adjusted accordingly. Some students may be required to take English language studies until English language skills are at an acceptable level. Students who need to take ENSL courses will need to budget for additional costs.

  •  Students with a score on the TOEFL ITP (paper-based) of 500-549 (or the equivalent on any of the four other exams) may be eligible for the Language Bridge Program which allows students to take a limited number of degree program courses while completing language proficiency requirements in Intensive English Program courses.  Students in the Language Bridge Program must demonstrate language proficiency within three semesters in order to continue in the degree program.  Not all degree programs allow students to participate in the Language Bridge program.  Please contact the Center for Intensive English Programs (CIEP) for additional information.  Degree programs with higher admissions requirements will also have higher requirements for participation in the Language Bridge Programs.  

    The Counseling & Testing Center in Bell Hall offers the Internet-based TOEFL and MELAB by appointment. The Center for Intensive English in the College of Arts & Sciences offers the Institutional paper-based TOEFL (ITP).

Required Tests

GRE and GMAT 

Students are expected to take the GRE General Test or GMAT exam prior to admission.  To learn if your program required the GRE or GMAT, please review the admission requirements of your program of interest. 

Minimum GRE Scores

Applicants are expected to meet the GRE requirement before admission into the program. The Table below provides a breakdown of the proposed minimum scores – programs may establish higher minimum scores. Students who meet the minimum required scores may be admitted on regular status. Students who do not meet the minimum required scores may be admitted provisionally with explicit documentation (such as identified courses, GRE class, etc.) of how the provisions shall be met.

The GRE is not required for all programs. To learn if you program required the GRE, please review the admission requirements of your program of interest.

Guidelines 

• Exams are to be taken no more than five years before the date of admission.
• The Andrews University code of 1030 must be used when requesting GRE scores form Educational Testing Services www.ets.org/gre
• The Andrews University code of VVG-G6-19 must be used when requesting GMAT, scores from www.mba.com.
• The Prueba de Admission a Estudios de Postgrado (PAEP) may be substituted for the GRE as an entrance requirement for any cohort taught in Spanish.
• The GRE scores may be waived for master’s applicants who have graduated with a previous United States master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, or a United States master’s degree equivalency from an accredited or government recognized institution outside of the U.S.
• Most Masters, EdD, PhD, ThD programs and the EdS School Psychology require general GRE test scores prior to admission. In cases of extreme hardship students applying to the EdS School Psychology program may contact the Department of Graduate Psychology & Counseling for an exception to this policy.

• Admission GMAT requirements can be obtained by one of the following:

1. Attain formula score of 1,000 points, calculated by taking the undergraduate cumulative GPA X 200+GMAT score≥1,000

OR

2. Five years of documented and approved work experience and earned a grade of at least of B- in statistics and a grade of at least B- in pre-calculus algebra,

OR

3. On-campus Andrews University undergraduate business students with a cumulative GPA = or > 3.0 and earned a grade of at least a B- in statistics and a grade of at least B- in pre-calculus algebra.

• See Andrews Graduate Scholarship to learn about the GRE or GMAT Scholarship.

Andrews Graduate Scholarship

The Graduate Scholarship is a tuition reduction percentage, based on the GRE or GMAT scores and admission GPA. Please visit Financial Information  section and the program page for more information.

Refusal or Annulment of Admission

Applicants may be refused admission

• When they do not meet the admission standards
• When they submit documents found to be falsified

Admission status may be cancelled or annulled

• When students do not meet the conditions specified for continuing enrollment
• When the admission status was based on documents later found to be falsified.

Admission Enrollment Categories

Students are admitted and enrolled under one of the following categories:

Regular Status.  Students are admitted on a regular basis when they meet the:

• General admission requirements
• Minimum academic standards for graduate programs at Andrews University
• Specific admission requirements of the departments/programs in which they plan to enroll. 

Provisional Status.  Students who fail to meet one or more of the requirements for regular admission may be admitted on provisional status. This can be done if the appropriate dean, department chair, or graduate program coordinator believes the student has the ability to be successful in the desired program.
At the time the provisional admission is granted, the student’s deficiency is noted. A plan and a deadline to remove the deficiency is made clear.  Deficiencies must be met and the regular status must be granted by the time the student completes 50% of the total requirements for graduate certificate and master’s programs or 16 credits for EdS and doctoral programs. Students who fail to meet these requirements are dropped from the program in which they had provisional admission.
Students enrolled on provisional status may not:

• register for thesis or independent study
• request advancement to degree candidacy
• take comprehensive examinations.

Guest Student

Guest student is for students holding a U.S. bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by a validated accreditation body or its equivalent outside the U.S. The Guest Student status is especially designed to allow the enrollment of qualified students in special classes including workshops and guest students from other universities. Guest Student is a temporary enrollment designation, not an admission category.

Guest Student Status is for:

• Applicants who have no intention of earning a graduate degree from Andrews University.
• Graduate students who are not enrolled at Andrews University and who wish to take classes as guest students.
• Students who have applied for admission to a graduate program but, for some reason, the application has not yet been completely processed. In such cases, Guest Student status is available for one semester only.

Guidelines

• Enrollment on Guest Student status does not guarantee or imply future admission to a degree program.
• Normally, transcripts are not required for Guest Student enrollment.
• Guest Student enrollment must be requested each semester that the student wishes to enroll in a course.
• Courses taken on Guest Student status generally do not count toward a graduate degree. However, after the student has been accepted into a graduate program: up to 8 credits, 15 credits in some Theological Seminary programs, and up to 50% of the graduate certificate programs may be applied by petition.
• Petition requests should be filed during the first semester the student is enrolled in the graduate program. Petitions are evaluated on an individual basis and they are not automatically approved.
• Students registered on Guest Student status cannot have dual enrollment.  If the student applies simultaneously for a graduate program, the department and school will notify the student in writing of their admission decision.

Dual Enrollment/Dual Degree Statuses

Dual Enrollment is associated with a student concurrently enrolled in classes at two different levels (for example undergraduate/graduate or high school/college).

Dual Enrollment is available to Undergraduate students who want to earn graduate credits while finishing their undergraduate degree and/or high-school students who want to earn college credits while completing the high school diploma. See the undergraduate and graduate dual degree enrollment sections of the Bulletin to learn more. 

A. Undergraduate and Graduate Dual Enrollment

In order to qualify for graduate and undergraduate dual-enrollment status the student must work with their financial aid advisor because their dual enrollment status may affect their financial aid package. Undergraduate credits earned toward the baccalaureate degree may not be used towards the graduate program. The GPA on undergraduate credits does not count toward the graduate GPA.

 Additionally, they must satisfy or abide by the following requirements:

• The student must be within 12 credits of completing an Andrews University undergraduate degree
• The student must complete the dual enrollment form
• The student may normally take no more than 16 credits combined graduate and undergraduate each semester

B. Professional Undergraduate/Graduate Accelerated Degrees   

Departments may establish undergraduate/graduate dual degree programs (3+2 or 4+1) in order to facilitate completion of both the bachelor’s degree and the master’s degree in 5 years.  These dual degree programs may require sequential conferral of the bachelor’s degree first, followed by the master’s degree (called sequential conferral), or they may require concurrent conferral of the bachelor’s and master’s degree at the same time (called concurrent conferral).

1. Students apply for the dual-degree program through the department.
   • Department establishes minimum standards for acceptance.
   • A minimum of 3.0 undergraduate GPA is required (department may establish higher standards).
   • Upon acceptance, students may take 500-level courses which have a “swing” course designation, upon reaching senior status.
2. Students remain with undergraduate status, and receive undergraduate financial aid for all coursework, until conferral of the bachelor’s degree (if sequential conferral), or until a minimum of 124 credits applying towards the program have been completed (if concurrent conferral).
   • The 500-level courses taken as an undergraduate student may apply towards both the undergraduate degree and the graduate degree.
   • A minimum of 50% of the graduate program credits must be taken after achieving graduate status.
   • Students who withdraw from a concurrent degree program subsequent to being advanced to graduate status will be returned to undergraduate status until the undergraduate degree requirements are met.
3. In order to complete both degrees, students must complete a total of 154 semester credits, of which a minimum of 30 credits must be 500-level or above (programs may set higher credit standards).
4. Upon conferral of the graduate degree, a statement will appear on the student’s completed transcript to the effect that “500 level courses taken as an undergraduate have been applied to the graduate degree.”

C. Dual Degree Programs

The Dual Degree Status is a formal arrangement between Andrews University and another institution(s) and/or between two Andrews University departments or programs that allow credit from certain courses to be applied to both degrees. This arrangement provides a range of benefits to the institution and to participating students, including:

• Enhancing the educational and research opportunities within the university’s undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs;
• Attracting to the university high-achieving and highly motivated students interested in interdisciplinary perspectives;
• Allowing students to complete two degrees in less time than it would normally take to complete each degree separately, thus saving money;
• Providing students with complementary preparation that makes them marketable for a variety of career opportunities;
• Facilitating programmatic and interdisciplinary interaction across programs, departments, schools, and other institutions.

The limitations on the credits taken are the following:

The student must satisfy the GPA requirements and program expectations of both programs. The dual degree agreement will determine how many credits will be shared between the two degrees. Students must meet the minimum requirements for total credits taken at Andrews University for each degree. The same provisions for normal course loads at the graduate level apply, as for all graduate programs.

Requirements:

Andrews University accelerated graduate/graduate dual degree program permits graduate students to pursue two graduate degrees based on an established Andrews University dual degree agreement. Both degrees are to be awarded at the same graduation ceremony. In cases where a student decides not to continue with the dual degree the curriculum for the individual degree they are pursuing will apply. In order to qualify for the dual graduate degree status the student must satisfy or abide by the following:

• Be accepted on regular or provisional status into the two appropriate graduate programs

• Students who have been accepted into the M.Div. program, but who do not qualify for admission into a Master’s degree program because of a non-accredited degree and/or insufficient college GPA may be able to pursue one of the M.Div./Master’s dual degree programs under the following circumstances.
  • The student must satisfactorily complete the first year of the M.Div. program with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.
  • The student must receive a recommendation from the M.Div. advisor indicating their suitability for pursuing the dual degree program.
  • The student must apply for and receive acceptance into the master’s degree program subsequent to completion of the first year in the M.Div. program.
• As part of the articulation agreement, the graduate programs shall limit the number of credits that overlap between the two degrees and establish the number of credits that are unique to each degree.
• Current examples include MSW/M.Div., M.Div./MPH, M.Div./MSCID, MSCID/MYYAM, etc. Students in Graduate Dual Degree Programs shall be admitted concurrently in each degree program. Dual degrees shall therefore be awarded at the same time.

Special Types of Admission

Enrollment of Guest Students.  Students who are enrolled in a graduate school of another college or university may enroll for courses in the graduate programs of Andrews University under the Guest Student status.
Application forms for Guest Student admission are available at the Office of Graduate Enrollment Management.

Admission to a second Graduate Degree Program.  Students who have completed one graduate degree may apply to be accepted into another graduate degree program at the same level if they meet all department requirements for admission to such a degree program.  The proposed course of study may not be within the same major field and may not be similar to a degree previously completed.  The usual regulations and limits with respect to transfer credit apply when taking a second graduate degree.  (See Transfer Credits).

Admission - Resident Scholars.  Scholars who have attained doctoral status or the equivalent from a recognized university, and other recognized scholars who wish to continue study and research in special fields, may use the library facilities as guests of the university.  Applications must be made to the appropriate dean or graduate program coordinator.  Such privileges are granted upon recommendation of the department in which the work will be done.  Formal courses may be attended with permission of the instructor.  No official record is made of the work done.  If credit is desired, regular enrollment is required.

Readmission of Students After Cancellation.  Students whose previous admission to a graduate degree program at Andrews University was canceled because of academic and/or conduct reasons may reapply for admission after a reasonable period of time has passed.  Under no circumstances are such students readmitted into a graduate program before at least one academic year has passed.

The reasons for the cancellation of the student’s admission status, a statement of intent, a report of subsequent rehabilitation, and a record of improved scholarship and/or conduct at another institution are all factors that are taken into account when the student reapplies for admission.  The decision to approve such a reapplication for admission, as well as the status of such a student, is made by a special admissions committee composed of appropriate administrative and faculty representatives.

Graduate Academic Information

Academic Credit and Course Loads

The course load is expressed in semester credits. A semester credit represents a class with one 50-minute class period or equivalent each week for one semester. Thus, a 3-credit class ordinarily meets three periods (150 minutes) each week and requires additional appropriate time for class preparation.

Course Loads. The normal full-time graduate course load is 8–12 credits each semester (9–16 credits for MDiv students). Loads in excess of a full load must be approved by the advisor and the appropriate dean/graduate program coordinator before completing registration. Students may not take more than 16 credits during a regular semester or 16 credits during any combination of sessions offered during a single summer. Students engaged in part-time employment must talk with their advisors and adjust their course loads accordingly.

Credits for Workshops and Independent Study. Normally, master’s-degree students may accumulate up to 6 appropriate workshop/tour credits and up to 6 independent study credits toward a degree with a maximum of 9 credits combined. If workshops are taken during the semester breaks, the credits are counted as part of the class load for either the semester before the break or the semester following the break. Specialist or doctoral students in the School of Education (College of Education & International Services) or the SDA Theological Seminary should read the section in this bulletin that applies or the appropriate specialist or doctoral handbook for information about limits on workshops or independent study.

Residency Requirements

All PhD and ThD students must establish doctoral residency by enrolling in full-time doctoral course work at Andrews University three out of any four consecutive semesters. EdD students establish residency by enrolling full-time for any three out of nine consecutive semesters.

Students enrolled in the professional ministerial or religious education programs of the Theological Seminary  or in the College of Education & International Services  leadership program should read the appropriate section of this bulletin concerning residency requirements  and time limitations.

Active Status. Before advancement to candidacy, master’s degree students are considered to be on active status in a program if they enroll, for credit, for at least one semester during each academic year (summer-spring terms).

After advancement to candidacy a master’s degree student must maintain active status by being registered continuously for credit courses or non-credit continuation status.

• Non-credit continuation status includes research or program continuation.
• Non-credit research continuation includes project/thesis continuation, recital continuations, and/or comprehensive exam preparation.

When not enrolled in the above, non-credit program continuation is used to maintain access to University services, e.g.: library services (including online database), ITS resources (including e-mail), faculty advising, and research supervision for graduate students taking their programs on the main campus (Berrien Springs). Program continuation carries a fee (See Continuation Fee  in Financial Information).

Specialist and doctoral students who have completed their coursework and have registered for all their dissertation credit must maintain active status. Active status may be achieved by registering for non-credit continuation courses such as Program Continuation, Comprehensive Exam Preparation, Project Preparation and Dissertation Continuation.

The special needs of graduate students in extension and affiliation programs will be addressed in the agreements and procedures established for each site and/or degree program.

Governing Bulletin

Normally, students meet the requirements of the bulletin in force when they begin their graduate program. As long as they remain on active status, students may elect to meet the requirements of any bulletin in force during their graduate program. The graduate program begins at the beginning of the term in which the student first registers for classes after he/she has been admitted.

When active status is broken, the student must follow the bulletin in force when active status is reestablished.

Time Limits on Graduate Degrees

Time Limits on Graduate Certificate Programs. Each program will specify a time limit for completion of the certificate. However, this may not exceed five (5) years from the first registration.

Time Limits on the Master’s Degree. Normally, a student must complete the requirements for a master’s degree within six calendar years from the beginning of the first semester of class work regardless of admission classification.

• No course taken earlier than six calendar years before a student’s graduation year may normally be applied to the degree without appropriate updating.
• A petition for a one-year extension of time may be granted by the dean of the School of Graduate Studies upon the recommendation of the student’s advisor and the dean/ graduate program coordinator of the school/college.
• If the semester in which the student originally expects to graduate is delayed past the time limit and no extension is granted, the courses taken prior to the six-year limit no longer apply to the degree or qualify to be updated. The student may be required to take additional courses.
• Grades from all graduate courses taken at Andrews University, including those more than six years old, and those taken on a PTC basis, are used in computing the final GPA.
• School of Education (College of Education & International Services) students should visit Time Limits, in Doctoral Degrees (EdD/PhD)  section for more information.

Time Limits on the Specialist Degree. A student must complete the requirements for a specialist degree within six calendar years from the beginning of the first semester of class work regardless of admission classification.

Time Limits on Doctoral Degrees. Whereas the doctoral degree is the highest academic degree possible and therefore requires stellar academic preparation and integrity; and whereas the program faculty are the gatekeepers of academic integrity, this policy on Time Limits on Doctoral Degrees provides program faculty with a framework for ensuring academic integrity.

All doctoral course work and the comprehensive examinations must be completed within six years from the initial registration after acceptance into the doctoral program. The student must complete the dissertation within a period of five years after passing the comprehensive examinations. Further, all requirements must be met within a total of ten years (seven years for the Department of Graduate Psychology & Counseling and the Department of Leadership). A petition for an extension of time may be granted by the School of Graduate Studies upon the recommendation of the dean, and after action by the appropriate school/college committee.

Ordinarily, a student may be granted a maximum of two one-year extensions. Failure to successfully complete the degree by the end of the extensions granted shall result in dismissal from the University. The following will be considered when reviewing a request for a one-year extension:

• The student’s documenting the extenuating circumstances that merit a time extension,
• Continuous enrollment in dissertation credits or zero-credit dissertation continuation,
• A petition with the appropriate signatures explicitly describing the amount of work left to be done for the degree and the month and year the student plans to defend the dissertation.

The documents in support of the petition shall include:

1. a copy of the student’s updated course of study, with projected graduation date, documenting which courses will fall outside the time limit based on the projected graduation date;
2. a letter demonstrating how the student has remained current in the specified content area (i.e., publications, seminars, conferences, independent readings, professional development courses, tutorials, coursework from other institutions, college level teaching assignments, additional job responsibilities, etc.);
3. any additional documentation or support for the student’s request.

Inactive Status. Throughout the doctoral program, the student is expected to make progress and to keep in contact with the department. If one year passes without progress and without approval from the student’s advisor, the student is put on inactive status and must apply to be reactivated. Students in the Department of Graduate Psychology & Counseling and the Department of Leadership should visit Time Limits, in Doctoral Degrees (EdD/PhD)  section for more information.

Students must comply with the Bulletin in effect when the reactivation is approved. Course work taken previously may apply by petition, subject to the normal time limits and GPA standards. The cumulative GPA from all courses taken, including any that
may not apply to the new program, is used to compute the GPA requirements for satisfactory progress and completion of the degree.

Updating Courses

Updating Master’s Degree Courses. Students working towards a master’s degree may update some outdated course work. However, graduate classes in the School of Business Administration and computer courses in the College of Technology may not be updated. Those courses that may be updated are subject to the following policies:

• No more than 25% of the total program credits from courses 6–10 years old may be updated. No work over 10 calendar years old, calculated from the graduation year, may be updated.
• Not all courses between 6 and 10 years old may be updated. Each course must be approved by the department.
• No course work with a grade below a B (3.00) may be updated.
• Outdated work done elsewhere cannot be updated at Andrews University.
• Independent study, workshops, and directed readings cannot be updated.
• The requirements for updating are specified by the department on a course-by-course basis.
• Written evidence of the updating must be approved by the department chair and the appropriate dean or graduate program coordinator.
• Updating a course does not change the grade in the course used in computing the GPA.
• The updating fee is 20% of regular graduate tuition.

Academic Standards

Students enrolled in graduate programs governed by the School of Graduate Studies should note the following standards of scholarship. Students enrolled in Physical Therapy, the Theological Seminary professional ministerial programs or in the School of Education (College of Education & International Services) EdS, EdD, and PhD programs should read the requirements for their specific programs in the appropriate sections of this bulletin.

Minimum Standards of Scholarship. Candidates for graduate degrees must satisfactorily fulfill the course of study for the degree program they select subject to these standards:

• A minimum GPA of 3.00 (4.00 system) is required in those courses that apply to the degree.
• No course with a grade of D or F (or U) may count toward a graduate degree. Some departments may require a higher satisfactory grade in certain courses.
• If a student receives an unsatisfactory grade as defined above, the course may be repeated once. The credits and quality points earned in the most recent course will be used to calculate the GPA.
• Credit by examination is not accepted toward a graduate degree.
• Candidates for a master’s degree must pass comprehensive examinations and/or formally defend a master’s thesis or an acceptable alternative for a particular program as approved by the Graduate Council. Candidates for specialist and doctoral degrees must pass comprehensive examinations. Doctoral degree candidates must complete and formally defend a dissertation. Clinical doctoral degrees must complete a capstone project.

DG—Deferred Grade. A DG may be given in certain courses recognized to be of such a nature that all the requirements are not likely to be completed within one semester. It may be given for tours, field/clinical experiences, internships, projects, intensives, comprehensive exams, independent study courses, courses requiring research such as theses and dissertations, and undergraduate upper division courses where mastery learning is required. The Office of Academic Records records a DG for the above listed courses previously recommended by a department and approved by the dean of the appropriate school and/or graduate program committee.
An instructor may designate a time limit for a given course or a specific situation for the DG to be changed to a letter grade. All DGs are required to be cleared before a student can graduate, unless they are DGs earned in another currently enrolled degree. An instructor may change the DG to a letter grade (A-F), S/U or DN as appropriate.

Standards for Progression. In addition to the following standards, master’s, specialist, and doctoral students should consult the appropriate section of this bulletin and their respective handbook.

• The cumulative GPA must be at least 3.00 calculated using all graduate work taken at Andrews University including courses taken for other degrees, courses taken prior to the time limits for degrees, and courses taken PTC. Exceptions to this standard must be recommended by the dean/graduate program coordinator and approved by the dean of the School of Graduate Studies.
• A student whose cumulative GPA drops below 3.00 in any given semester is placed on academic probation. Such a student must work with the advisor to develop a schedule of courses that ensures the student will raise his/her cumulative GPA above the required 3.00 in a timely manner—normally, the following semester. The dean/graduate program coordinator of the school/college must approve such a plan. A student who does not meet such a plan may not continue except by the recommendation of the dean/graduate program coordinator
  and approval by the dean of the School of Graduate Studies.
• Normally, students who accumulate more than 12 semester credits below B- (including U) are not allowed to continue. Petitions for exceptions must include a plan to maintain the required GPA for the degree and be approved by the appropriate dean/graduate program coordinator of the college/school and the dean of the School of Graduate Studies.
• Students who have been accepted provisionally to a degree program must meet the planned schedule for removing any deficiencies or earning a minimum GPA.
  • English-language deficiencies must be met by the time the student has completed no more than 50% of his/her course work for a master’s or specialist degree or 25% of his/her course work for a doctoral degree.
  • Undergraduate deficiencies should be met by the time the master’s degree student has completed no more than 50% of his/her course work. Doctoral students should take care of background deficiencies before starting on required doctoral course work.
  • A minimum GPA equal to the GPA requirements for graduation from the program must be met by the time the student has completed 9 graduate credits.
  • A student who does not meet this schedule is not allowed to continue except by the recommendation of the dean/ graduate program coordinator and approval by the dean of the School of Graduate Studies.
• Students on academic probation or provisional status may not:
  • Register for thesis, dissertation, or independent study (or workshop credit for doctoral students)
  • Register for project credit except by permission from the dean/graduate program coordinator of the college/school
  • Advance to degree candidacy or take comprehensive examinations.

Awarding Degrees for Graduate Programs

General Minimum Requirements for a Master’s Degree
(MA, MAT, MBA, MMus, MS, MSA, MSMLS, MSW, MIDA, MSCID)

While additional specific departmental requirements are described under each degree in later sections of this bulletin, the general minimum requirements for awarding master’s degrees include the following:

• A student must satisfactorily fulfill a schedule of studies approved by the student’s advisor and the graduate program coordinator or dean of the appropriate school.
  • The number of credits to be completed depends on the minimum requirements for the degree.
  • The student’s schedule of studies must include at least one-half of the required minimum credits in course work numbered 500 and above. Exceptions are made where a course of study specifically outlined in this bulletin makes provision for an adjustment to the required number of credits numbered 500 and above.

• The student must submit evidence of competence in conducting investigation in his/her field of study. A student may fulfill his requirement by one of the following, depending on the particular degree program:
  • A thesis
  • Written reports of one or two research projects
  • Research methods or other appropriate course work.

• Where required, and only after a student has been advanced to degree candidacy, he/she must successfully complete general written and/or oral comprehensive examination(s) as prescribed by the student’s major department. Usually this is done within the last semester of a student’s program.
   
• In general, no foreign language is required. In cases where an individual student’s program requires a reading knowledge of a foreign language, the student must demonstrate competence in the language, normally by examination, before receiving advancement-to-degree candidacy. The department prescribes the appropriate method of demonstrating competence. A student’s advisor or supervising committee informs the student regarding the foreign language required for his/her course of study.
   

General Minimum Requirements for the Educational Specialist Degree (EdS)

Consult “Educational Specialist Degree ,” of this bulletin and the School of Education Handbook for Educational Specialist Students for information on degree procedures.

General Minimum Requirements for the Clinical Doctorate Degrees (DPT, t-DPT, DScPT)

Consult School of Rehabilitation Sciences  section of this bulletin and the Physical Therapy Student Handbook for information on degree requirements. Students must comply with all degree requirements listed in the bulletin and applicable handbook.

General Minimum Requirements for Doctoral Degrees (EdD, PhD, ThD)

Doctoral programs include a master’s degree or equivalent as a prerequisite. The Leadership and Counseling Psychology programs in the School of Education (College of Education & International Services) allow selected students to be admitted with a bachelor’s degree.

• Each program shall include post-master’s doctoral course work approved by the school and the student’s advisor.

1. A minimum of two years of doctoral study is required.
2. At least two-thirds of the required doctoral course work must be in courses graded with an A–F grading scheme.
3. A minimum of 32 credits of the doctoral course work must be taken in residence at Andrews University. A portion of an EdS that is completed elsewhere may apply to this minimum residence requirement as defined by the school.
4. The minimum number of dissertation credits required is 16.

• Written and/or oral comprehensive examinations are required of all doctoral students, normally after all course work has been completed.
• The doctoral student must demonstrate competence in conducting research in his/her field of study by completing an approved dissertation.

General Minimum Requirements for Theological Seminary Professional Ministerial Degrees. The requirements for ministerial degrees may be found in the Theological Seminary section of this bulletin.

Transfer Credits

Credit for prior learning (CPL) credits on transcripts are not articulated. Students may present the original documentation (transcripts, certifications, portfolios, etc.) to their academic or program advisor and the Prior Learning Coordinator for evaluation in accordance with Andrews University CPL policies and procedures.

Transferring Credits from Another Institution into the Graduate Certificate Program. Credits from other institutions will not transfer into a graduate certificate program.

Transferring Master’s Degree Credits from Another Graduate School. Graduate credits taken at another accredited/recognized institution less than six calendar years before the expected graduation year may be transferred and applied toward a master’s degree at Andrews University subject to the following conditions:

• The grade earned in each course accepted for transfer is at least a B (3.00).
• The courses can be applied toward a comparable degree at the institution where the credit was earned.
• The courses meet similar requirements or electives within the master’s program at Andrews University.
• The Andrews University credits taken toward the master’s degree constitute at least 80% of the requirements for the degree.
• Grades earned in transfer courses are not included in the computation of the GPA.Courses to be taken at another university and transferred to Andrews after a student is enrolled in an Andrews’ graduate program must be approved by petition before being taken.
• Such transfer courses are identified and approved by the dean/ graduate program coordinator within the first semester of the student’s residence.
• An official transcript listing transfer credits is on file in the Office of Academic Records. Credits received from institutions generally considered to be diploma/degree mills are not eligible to be transferred into a degree program.

Seminary professional degree programs have transfer limitations unique to each program. See the appropriate section of this bulletin for details.

Transferring Credit from an Andrews Graduate Certificate Program to Another Program. All credits in an Andrews University graduate certificate program are eligible for transfer into a graduate degree program subject to approval by the program faculty and the school dean if taken within the established time limits for the degree.

Transferring Master’s Degree Credits from Another Andrews Program. Graduate courses taken at Andrews University as part of another graduate degree may be transferred subject to the following conditions:

• The grade earned in each course is at least a B (3.00) and the overall GPA at Andrews University is at least 3.00.
• The courses meet similar requirements or electives within the new master’s program.
• A minimum of 80% of the requirements for the master’s degree must be taken as Andrews University credits that are not applied towards any other Andrews University master’s degree.
• The grades earned in courses transferred from another master’s program at Andrews University are included in the computation of the GPA. Both the overall GPA and the GPA of the remaining courses taken for the master’s degree must meet the minimum required (3.00) for graduation.
• The credits to be transferred were taken fewer than six calendar years before the expected graduation year of the master’s program.

Seminary professional ministerial degree programs have special transfer limitations. See the appropriate section of this bulletin for details.

Transferring Specialist Degree Credits. Read the Educational Specialist  section of this bulletin or the School of Education Handbook for Educational Specialist Students.

Transferring Doctoral Degree Credits. Post-master’s transfer credit, if appropriate to the student’s program, may be accepted if (1) the credits were completed within the time limitations indicated in the appropriate section of this bulletin and (2) the transfer complies with the provisions in the School of Education and the Seminary Handbooks for doctoral students. A petition for transfer of credit is considered only after an official transcript for the course is received. Credits received from institutions generally considered to be diploma/degree mills are not eligible to be transferred into a degree program.

Exceptions. Exceptions to course-transfer regulations must be approved by the dean of the School of Graduate Studies on a standard petition form upon the recommendation of the dean/graduate program coordinator of the college/school. Any such exceptions will be considered individually in the light of the master’s requirements. Exceptions for whole programs must be voted by the Graduate Council but thereafter do not need individual approval on petitions.

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)

In addition to acceptance of transfer credits from accredited colleges and universities (see Transfer Credit section), some graduate programs approve credit for prior graduate-level learning earned through departmental placement and challenge exams, competency and portfolio assessments. As needed, other options may be reviewed by the Graduate Admissions and Academic Policy Committee.

In order for credit to be assessed and articulated:

1. The student has matriculated and is in good and regular standing at the time CPL is requested.
2. The total of credits awarded for prior learning, excluding credits transferred from accredited institutions, and practicum and ex/internships recognized by the program, will not exceed 6 graduate credits.
3. The total of all credit awarded for prior learning and transfer credits will not exceed 20% of the credits required for the graduate program to which the student is admitted.
4. No form of CPL will be approved to replace grades earned through Andrews University.

Students should discuss any prior graduate-level learning independent of transfer credits with their academic or program advisor and the Prior Learning Coordinator in their first semester. All forms of credit for prior learning are evaluated on a pass/fail scale, with transcript record of passing grades only.

Advanced Placement. Graduate credits earned through undergraduate dual enrollment opportunities will be subject to the policies outline in the Transfer and Dual Enrollment/Dual Degree Status sections of this bulletin.

Departmental Placement and Challenge Exams. In some programs, challenge or performance exams can be arranged to waive requirements, place into courses (meet prerequisites), or earn credits meeting program requirements. Departmentally-constructed tests may be written, oral or skill assessments, or external exams administered by the department for internal evaluation.

Validation of Non-traditional Learning. Professional certifications or performance exams may be evaluated for alignment to graduate course outcomes.  Some transfer credits from unaccredited entities not recognized by ACE may be approved upon review by the department offering similar courses.

Portfolio Assessment. In some graduate programs, CPL may be validated and granted through the Andrews graduate portfolio process, with pre-approval from the student’s program director and the Prior Learning Coordinator.  Students must complete at least one semester in an Andrews graduate program before portfolio submission will be approved. Visit the Portfolio Assessment webpages for procedural information.

NOTE: Any competency-based graduate programs using portfolios to document both prior and current learning are subject to program-specific portfolio guidelines. See program requirements for details.

Visit the Credit for Prior Learning webpage for more information.

Student Supervisory Committees

Master’s Degree Committees. A student’s project supervisory committee normally consists of a minimum of two members nominated by the department chair/program director/area coordinator in consultation with the student and appointed by the appropriate dean or graduate program coordinator. For a master’s thesis, the committee consists of the thesis advisor and normally two other members. Exception: For an interdisciplinary master’s degree, a committee is appointed before initial registration. All other master’s-degree student committees are appointed after some course work has been completed and before registration for thesis credits. Only rarely may a student’s committee be changed while study or research is still in progress. This may be done only in consultation with the appropriate dean or graduate program coordinator. The chair of the supervisory committee is the student’s chief advisor. The function of the committee is to guide the student in his/her research and writing of the project/thesis.

A student’s supervisory committee may be augmented with additional members for the oral defense of the thesis. These additional committee members have full voting rights.

The term of service of a student’s committee is deemed to have expired when a student has graduated or when registration has been terminated.

Doctoral Degree Committees. The dissertation committee shall consist of a minimum of three members, including the chair. Two of the three members, including the chair, shall be selected from among the current full time Andrews graduate faculty at the appropriate category with at least one member being from the school in which the student is enrolled. The third member may be from the Andrews graduate faculty at the appropriate category or a person outside the University whose record of scholarship is equivalent to that required of a member of the Andrews graduate faculty at the appropriate category. Additional persons may be added either from the Andrews graduate faculty or from outside the University where specialized expertise is needed with the approval of the School of Graduate Studies.

Comprehensive Examinations

Most master’s- and all specialist- and doctoral-degree candidates are required to take prescribed written and/or oral comprehensive examinations as required by the department.

Master’s-degree students are not permitted to sit for these examinations until they have been officially advanced to degree candidacy. EdS and doctoral students normally sit for comprehensive examinations after all course work is completed and after applying for degree candidacy. Candidacy is not granted to doctoral students until the comprehensive examinations have been passed.

See the appropriate sections of this bulletin and the School of Education Handbook for Doctoral Students, the School of Education Handbook for Educational Specialist Students; the Doctor of Physical Therapy Student Handbook, t-DPT/DScPT Student Handbook; or the Graduate Programs Manual for details about examinations for master’s, specialist, or doctoral students.

Advancement To Degree Candidacy

Master’s Degree. During the semester before graduation,  a student must apply for advancement to degree candidacy. Forms are available at the office of the appropriate dean or graduate program coordinator. The forms should be completed by the student, approved by the advisor and the department chair, and returned to the office of the dean or graduate program coordinator.

• At the time a student files an application for advancement to degree candidacy, he/she must have:
  • Received regular admission status
  • Applied for graduation
  • Completed all curriculum and English-language deficiencies that may have existed
  • Demonstrated foreign-language proficiency where required.
• A student who has not completed the Advancement to Degree Candidacy form during the semester before graduation is not allowed to register for further course work until the advancement to degree candidacy forms have been filed with the appropriate dean or graduate program coordinator.
• After a student has been advanced to degree candidacy, he/she may then request to take the comprehensive examinations.
• An application form for the comprehensive examinations is sent to the student at the time of notification of advancement to degree candidacy.

Educational Specialist Degree. Read Educational Specialist section of this bulletin and the School of Education Handbook for Educational Specialist Students for information on degree procedures.

Doctoral Degree. The Application for Admission to Doctoral Candidacy form must be filed at least one month prior to the scheduled date of the comprehensive examination.

Approval for degree candidacy is granted when the student has

• Received regular admission status
• Completed all curriculum and English-language deficiencies that may have existed
• Demonstrated research tool proficiency, including foreign language when required
• Passed all comprehensive examinations
• Completed all other degree requirements except the dissertation.

Projects, Theses and Dissertations

Projects. The student who elects to complete a research project or projects as part of fulfilling the research requirement for the master’s degree or clinical doctorate reports it/them in conformity to the Andrews University Standards for Written Work. One copy of each report is submitted to the instructor under whose supervision it was prepared. It becomes the property of the department. Completed and signed approval forms for the project(s) must be filed in the Office of Academic Records no later than noon on Friday, one week before graduation, unless an earlier time is specified by the department. Some departments require approval of the project(s) before writing the comprehensive examinations. If students need time for project preparation beyond the semester(s) when regular project credits are accumulated, they may register for project continuation. Project continuation is a non-credit enrollment status that requires a small fee for each semester of registration.

Master’s Thesis. To fulfill the thesis option for the master’s degree, a student is required to write a thesis and successfully defend it in an oral examination at an officially designated time and place.

Doctoral Dissertation. For doctoral programs requiring a dissertation, the student is required to write and successfully defend a dissertation in an oral examination at an officially designated time and place.

Registration for Thesis Credits—Committee Guidance. When a master’s student is required or elects to write a thesis, he/she should register for it initially no later than one semester before the anticipated graduation date. The student may register for 2–6 thesis credits per semester with a maximum of 9 total credits for the thesis. The student is guided from the beginning of thesis preparation by a committee, normally consisting of two to three members, appointed before registering for thesis credits. The committee chair serves as thesis advisor.

Dissertation Credits—Committee Guidance. Doctoral students are required to register for a minimum of 16 dissertation credits. Students in the School of Education (College of Education & International Services) should consult the general requirements under Doctoral Degrees  and the Handbook for Doctoral Students for information regarding dissertation credits. Students in the Seminary should read the Academic Policies  in the Theological Seminary section of this bulletin. The doctoral committee is appointed following the guidelines of the appropriate section of this bulletin and the appropriate handbook for doctoral students.

Standards for Writing—Dissertation Office. The Dissertation Office contact information is: phone: 269-471-3276, e-mail: dissertationoffice@andrews.edu. The master’s thesis and doctoral dissertation must demonstrate the candidate’s capacity for original and independent work, include a critical evaluation of previous research, and emphasize new conclusions. The format of the thesis/dissertation also must conform to the guidelines found in the Andrews University Standards for Written Work.

When, in the opinion of the student and his/her full committee, the thesis/dissertation has been completed satisfactorily and a final draft has been submitted, the committee, by official action, declares it to be ready for the oral defense. Before a defense can take place, however, the candidate must submit the committee-approved thesis/dissertation to the Dissertation Office who checks it for conformity to the Andrews University Standards for Written Work. After it is approved, a date for the defense may be set in consultation with the chair of the department or the program director.

Defense of Thesis/Dissertation. The oral defense must be completed no later than four weeks before a candidate plans to graduate. A thesis/dissertation is approved if no more than one negative vote is given. An abstention is recorded as a negative vote. The department chair or program director is responsible for notifying the appropriate dean or graduate program coordinator of the outcome of the defense.

The decision of a student’s examining committee is recorded and signed on the appropriate form and submitted to the appropriate dean or graduate program coordinator. A copy is sent to the Office of Academic Records.

A committee chair usually assists a student by way of a check sheet to ensure the prescribed deadlines are met. The thesis/dissertation may be handed in at any time during the year, but the deadlines listed here determine the date of graduation.

After the defense. After the defense

• The student makes all corrections.
• As soon as possible, but no later than two weeks before graduation, the student submits a complete corrected copy of the thesis/dissertation to the School of Graduate Studies via the Dissertation Office for approval to duplicate. At that time any changes made after the defense should be pointed out.
• After the Dissertation Office gives approval to duplicate, the student has two options:
  Option 1. The Dissertation Office arranges for duplicating with Andrews University LithoTech, and the student’s account is billed for duplicating the copies that stay with the University. The School of Education (College of Education & International Services) requires four copies (two for the Library and two for its own use). The Seminary requires five copies (two for the Library and three for its own use). These copies do include one copy for the student’s dissertation chair. Master’s students are billed for only three copies: two for the Library and one for the School involved.
  Option 2. The student personally arranges for duplicating the required number of copies of the thesis or dissertation. These are delivered to the Dissertation Office.
• Doctoral students must submit a digital PDF file of their dissertation to (1) ProQuest/UMI and (2) the Dissertation Office (for inclusion in the James White Library catalog). Contact the Dissertation Office for assistance and forms.
• Master’s students must submit a digital PDF file of their thesis to the Dissertation Office for inclusion in the James White Library catalog. Contact the Dissertation Office for assistance and forms.
• At this point, the Dissertation Office submits the Notification of Thesis/Dissertation Completion form to the Office of Academic Records, and the thesis/dissertation process is complete.
• Strict adherence to the deadline of 10 days before graduation is essential or graduation is postponed.

Ordering Extra Copies. Students wanting to purchase additional bound copies identical to those kept at Andrews University must fill out mailing labels and customs declaration forms (when applicable). These are available from the Dissertation Office. Students are billed for photocopying and binding.

Grades for Thesis/Dissertation. The grade for a thesis/dissertation is S or U. A deferred grade (DG) is given while a thesis/dissertation is still being written or corrected.