Graduate School: Academic Requirements

The academic regulations listed in the University Bulletin also apply to the graduate students with the following modifications:

• No student may register for more than 12 credit hours in a semester or for more than 9 credit hours during the summer session without the consent of the associate provost and the program director.
  • A grade of 'C' is the lowest grade that carries with it graduate credit. Courses receiving lower grades will not carry graduate credit, but will be included in the students cumulative G.P.A., which is calculated according to the point system described in the University Academic Regulations (IV. Grades and Credits).
  • Only courses in which a grade lower than 'C' has been received may be repeated at the University of Portland for academic credit. In such cases the new grade and credit will replace the original in the calculation of G.P.A.; however both courses and grades will remain on the permanent record, with the original course denoted by the symbol 'RP' (Repeat).
• Students who receive an 'IP' (In Progress) in Thesis 599 or a graduate course are expected to comply with the academic regulation that the work be completed within one year. However, in exceptional cases the associate provost may, upon recommendation of the graduate program director, extend the period of time which students have to complete their thesis or the course and receive a grade.
• No course or practicum numbered above 499 may be taken on a "Pass/No Pass" basis for hours required toward an advanced degree except Thesis 599.
• Students may not use credits obtained by challenge or advanced placement toward the hours required for an advanced degree.
• Thirty credit hours of courses numbered 500 and above are the minimum requirements for a master's degree. (Consult the individual programs for the precise requirements as some programs require more than 30 hours.)
• A G.P.A. of 3.0 is required in graduate courses for an advanced degree.
• A student must maintain a G.P.A. of 3.0 to remain in good standing. A student who is not in good standing will be given specific conditions by the program director. If these conditions are not fulfilled, the student will be dismissed from the Graduate School by the associate provost.
• Master's degrees requiring 30 to 36 credit hours must be completed within a period of five years. Master's degrees requiring 37 or more credit hours must be completed within a period of six years.
• A student who expects to receive a degree at the end of a semester or the summer session must apply for the degree within the time limits set by the registrar.
• Unless excused by the associate provost, the candidate for a master's degree is expected to attend commencement exercises at which the degree is conferred.