Graduation Guidelines and Procedures

Graduation Requirements--Master's

1. Complete a Graduate Transfer Credit Approval form within the first semester following admission to a program that identifies the transfer credit awarded and specifies any special requirements.
2. Complete the total number of semester credit hours and other requirements of the degree plan (including transfer credit) within a six-year period. Courses completed on a credit-granting basis (CR) may not be applied toward a graduate degree without approval of the graduate coordinator or the appropriate department chair.
3. Earn a “C” or better in all courses applied to the degree.
4. Earn a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher on all work counted toward the degree.
5. Pass the appropriate comprehensive examination(s) if required for the program.
6. Submit an approved thesis if required. See Thesis in this section.
7. Pay the non-refundable graduation fee in the Cashier’s Office.
8. Take the receipt to the Enrollment Services Center and exchange it for an Application for Graduation.
9. Complete the Application for Graduation form and return it to the Enrollment Services Center.

Application for Graduation Deadlines

In order to facilitate a timely pre-graduation review of their graduation eligibility, all students are highly encouraged to apply prior to the Priority Filing Date for their term of graduation, as listed below.

Priority Filing Dates:

Students must file for graduation no later than the Final Filing Deadline, as listed below:

Final Filing Deadlines:

*Summer graduates must participate in the following Fall commencement ceremony, and are automatically included in the program. Early participation in the preceding Spring ceremony is not permitted.

Students will receive updates on the status of their Application for Graduation from the department of their major field of study. Updates about the commencement ceremonies will distributed by the Office of the Registrar.

Verification of Degree

A degree will not be granted until all requirements have been verified. All incomplete grades, required transcripts from other institutions, required examinations, and other evidence of outstanding requirements must be verified within 30 days following the final day of the graduation term. If the requirements have not been verified by this date, graduation will be denied and the student must refile for graduation subject to the filing for graduation guidelines.

Time Limitation

Degree requirements for all master's programs at UT Tyler must be completed within a six-year period. Graduate credit transferred from another institution must meet the limitations imposed by each degree program. Exceptions to the six-year time limitation must be approved by the academic advisor, graduate coordinator for the college, and the University’s Coordinator of Graduate Studies.