Program Policies for Master's Degrees
Admissions
Two classifications of graduate candidates are recognized:
- Degree-seeking graduate candidates are those accepted into a specific graduate program. Based on the determination of suitability made by graduate program directors/coordinators, up to six approved graduate credit hours (maximum) may be transferred from another accredited institution. No course with a grade below a "B" will be considered for transfer.
- Endorsement seeking or licensure only candidates are those who do not wish to pursue a graduate degree at Trevecca.
General requirements for admission to master of education degree programs are required of all applicants. These requirements are:
- Evidence of a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university with minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) on all credit earned. Submit two copies of official transcripts; transcripts marked "Issued to Student" are not recognized as official transcripts. Official transcripts must be mailed directly from the University granting the baccalaureate degree. Transcripts should be mailed to: Trevecca Nazarene University, School of Graduate and Continuing Studies, 333 Murfreesboro Road, Nashville, TN 37210.
- Evidence of passing scores on required exams:
- Miller Analogies Test or Graduate Record Examination
- International Candidates: TOEFL scores (550 paper version, 213 computer version) in addition to those listed above
- Acceptable references
- Record of immunizations as described in the general section of this graduate supplement
- A successful interview and writing sample
- Teaching Experience:
- Educational Leadership: must have verification of at least three years of successful teaching experience at the time of admission
- Some programs may require a technology pre-assessment, additional written requirements, and verification of a current teaching license.
- The official degree conferral dates for the University are: August 15, December 31, and the May graduation date.
Additional requirements will be identified in the program specific sections of this catalog supplement or in assessment system information provided when beginning the program.
The number of transfer credits that will be accepted is in the Admission section in the general section of this catalog.
Appeal Procedure
Candidates who have questions concerning action taken by the School of Education and faculty have the right to appeal through the established due process procedure. An appeal must be in writing and follow the protocol listed below. If a decision is not acceptable to the candidate at any point, the appeal must be made in writing within 15 days to the next level. All appeals originate with the Dean of the School of Education.
- Dean of the School of Education
- Director's Council
The decision of the Director's Council is final.
Academic Load
Typically, graduate candidates at the master's level take six hours during the fall and spring semesters. During the summer semester, it may be appropriate to register for up to 12 hours. Master's programs for non-teaching professionals may vary in course load per semester. To receive financial aid, candidates must be enrolled for a minimum of three (3) semester hours. Six hours is considered a full-time load during the academic calendar year.
Academic Standing and Probation/Suspension
Regardless of the load carried per semester, each candidate must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (B) to remain in good standing. If the cumulative GPA falls below 3.0, the candidate will be declared on academic probation for the following semester. Upon regaining the required cumulative average (3.0), the candidate will be in good standing. However, if the candidate does not meet the cumulative average of 3.0 during the probationary semester, he/she will be declared on academic suspension for the subsequent semester and until reinstated by the School of Education: Licensure Committee or Directors’ Council.
Advising
Because Trevecca’s graduate programs are non-traditional and have standardized curricula, advising, though significant, does not follow the traditional pattern. All candidates begin with a group that takes the same classes on the same schedule. The only exceptions are non-degree seeking candidates, candidates who have earned transfer credit, or the occasional candidate whose program is interrupted.
The University maintains communication with candidates through their Trevecca email account.
The primary responsibilities of the advisor(s) are to:
- Evaluate transfer credit (official transcripts must be on file at the University).
- Answer questions related to the Program of Study, a standardized set of courses for each degree program.
- Counsel candidates regarding any grade below B.
- Encourage candidates throughout the program.
Background Checks and Liability Insurance
In order to participate in field experiences and clinical practice (student teaching), candidates will be directed to contact (at their own expense) the appropriate vendor to undergo a background check which includes fingerprinting. A disruption in participation in any program requires an additional background check. Candidates must notify the University representative prior to registering for additional classes.
Initial licensure candidates are required to show proof of current professional liability insurance. This may be obtained by joining a professional educational organization or through another insurance carrier of the candidate's choice.
Candidacy for the Master's Degree
To be admitted to candidacy for the master's degree, the candidate must have successfully completed the first 12 semester hours of the program, have submitted a candidacy form, and be recommended by the Dean after faculty review of candidate's file including dispositions, class attendance, and successful completion of key assessments. The candidacy forms are provided by the Office of the School of Education.
Program Completers
To be considered graduate program completers, candidates who are in graduate programs leading to endorsement, licensure, or non-licensure must meet all of the following criteria:
- Completion of all coursework and key assessments:
- No credits earned with a grade below a B- will be accepted for graduation requirements.
- Any credits earned with a grade of C+, C, or C- must be retaken during the regular schedule of courses resulting in a delay of graduation.
- Any credits earned with a grade of D or F in any class will result in immediate disenrollment from the University regardless of the cumulative GPA.
- Completion of clinical practice (student teaching) or Alternative Licensure Seminar requirements (including required time as a teacher of record);
- Completion of all required state assessments and scores sent to Trevecca; and
- Completion of the final e-portfolio assessment and other exit requirements (program assessment, etc.).
Licensure Requirements
In order to be recommended for licensure, candidates must complete all requirements to become a program completer and submit the required licensure paperwork.