Graduate Policies: Courses & Grades
Minimum GPA
A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in courses applied to a degree program is required. Grades of C or better are accepted for most master’s degree programs; however, some programs have more stringent grade requirements. Doctoral minimum grade is B-. Courses applied to a graduate degree may not be taken pass/fail.
Probation
A student whose cumulative GPA falls below 3.0 or who receives a grade lower than a C will be placed on academic probation by the CLAS graduate dean. In the semester following placement on probation, the student’s course work GPA must be at least 3.0 in courses applicable to the degree, and all grades at or above a B, or the student will be suspended. At the end of two semesters after being placed on probation, the student must raise his/her cumulative GPA to 3.0 or he/she will be suspended. A student may petition the CLAS graduate dean for an extension of the probationary period in extenuating circumstances.
INCOMPLETE GRADES
When a student has special circumstances that make it impossible to complete course assignments, faculty members have discretion to award an incomplete grade, IW or IF. Incomplete grades are not awarded for poor academic performance or as a way of extending assignment deadlines. While not required, a CLAS course completion agreement form (available from the CLAS Advising Office) is strongly suggested when faculty and student agree on an incomplete grade.
To be eligible for an incomplete grade, students must:
- have successfully completed 75 percent of the course
- have special circumstances (verification may be required) that preclude the student from attending class and completing graded assignments
- make arrangements to complete missing assignments with the original instructor
Continuing and Professional Education Credits
Students may use courses offered through continuing and professional education programs in individual schools and colleges in the pursuit of graduate study only if they obtain proper academic approval from the graduate program.
Independent Study Credits
Graduate students may take up to a total of 9 independent study credits under the direct supervision of a faculty member and with the approval of the CLAS graduate dean. However, it is important that students check with their programs concerning the maximum number of independent study credit hours that may count toward their degree, as this number may vary. The minimum UCD GPA required to register for independent study credits is 3.0, and students must be admitted to a CLAS degree program. Each independent study project may be taken for 1-3 credits. Students use the special processing form to outline the project and how the grade is determined, which then must be approved by the supervising faculty member and CLAS graduate dean.
Internship Credits
Graduate-level internship credit may be earned in some programs. Students must be admitted to a CLAS degree program, have completed a minimum of 6 semester hours, and have a minimum 3.0 GPA. A maximum of 6 hours of internship credit is allowed, except where specified by the program (i.e., nonthesis clinical psychology)
