Graduation Requirements

Select Either Master Programs or Doctorate Programs to find the Graduation Requirements for each degree program.

• Master Programs
• Doctoral Programs
• Education Specialist Programs

Masters Program

Masters of Accountancy (M.Acc.)

• Accounting

1. Students must complete an application for graduation one semester prior to their expected graduation date.
2. A 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale is required for graduation. No grade below a “C” will be credited toward the degree.
3. The maximum time allowed for completion of the master’s degree is seven calendar years. All requirements for the MAcc degree must be completed within the seven-year period beginning with the student’s first term of enrollment in a graduate course (i.e., a 7000 level course).

Masters of Arts (M.A.)

• English 

1. Students must complete an application for graduation one semester prior to their expected graduation date.
2. A 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) is required for graduation. No grade below a “C” will be credited toward the degree.
3. Students must successfully complete comprehensive written and oral examinations, or the thesis and oral defense.

Thesis Option

A Master’s thesis in English should be a work of 50 or more pages demonstrating competent and substantial research coupled with an innovative approach to the subject matter. The thesis will be directed by a faculty member and a committee of two other faculty members (one of whom must be from a department outside English). Once the thesis has been submitted, students will have an oral defense covering both the thesis

Non-Thesis Option—Comprehensive Examination

Students will develop, in consultation with their committee, a reading list in a specialized area. This list should consist of approximately six to eight primary and secondary works, excluding material that students have already studied in their classes. Students will then take a two-hour written examination over this reading list and a follow oral examination over that written test and their coursework. These examinations should be taken before or immediately after the final semester. Students following this option must complete 36 hours of coursework.

T-5 Certification

Students wishing to obtain T-5 certification may do so after the completion of the M.A. program, provided they have a T-4 certificate and complete the professional education courses required for T-5 certification by the State Department of Education.

***Students seeking the M.A. in English as a second master’s degree must satisfy all the requirements for the Master of Arts in English.

• English Studies for Language Arts Teachers

1. Students must complete an application for graduation one semester prior to their expected graduation date;
2. A 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) is required for graduation.  No grade below a "C" will be credit toward the degree.
3. The Comprehensive exam is the final component of the MAESLAT program and is required for completion of the MAESLAT degree.  The exam consists of a four-hour written component and a one-hour oral component.  The examination should be taken during or immediately after the final semester of coursework.  If the student does not pass the exam on the second attempt, the student will not be awarded the degree.  Further details on the Comprehensive Examination are located here:  https://www.valdosta.edu/english/programs/ma-language-arts/comprehensive-exam.php.
4. Students seeking the M.A. in English Studies as a second master’s degree must satisfy all the requirements for the Master of Arts in English Studies.
5. Students wishing to obtain T-5 certification may do so after the completion of the MAESLAT. program, provided they have a T-4 certificate and complete the professional education courses required for T-5 certification by the State Department of Education.

• History

1. Students must complete an application for graduation one semester prior to their expected graduation date.

2. Students must have a 3.0 cumulative graduate grade-point average. No grade below a "C" will be credited toward the degree.

3. Thesis and non-thesis option students must pass a comprehensive written and oral examination.

4. Thesis and non-thesis option students must pass a reading knowledge examination in a foreign language

5. In the thesis-option, a grade of "B" or better in a fourth sequence course in a foreign language may be accepted in lieu of a reading examination.

6. In the non-thesis option program, a grade of "B" or better in a third sequence course in a foreign language may be accepted in lieu of a reading knowledge examination.

Master of Arts in Communication (M.A.C.)

• Communication Arts

1. Students must complete an application for graduation one semester prior to their expected graduation date;

2. A 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) is required for graduation. No grade below a “C” will be credited toward the degree.

  Students must successfully complete comprehensive examinations (if they select the non-thesis option) or successfully complete their thesis.

Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.)

• Business Administration

1. Students must complete an application for graduation one semester prior to their expected graduation date;
2. A 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) is required for graduation. No grade below a “C” will be credited toward the degree.

• Web Business Administration

1. Students must complete an application for graduation one semester prior to their expected graduation date;
2. A 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) is required for graduation. No grade below a “C” will be credited toward the degree.

Master of Education (M.Ed.)

• Adult and Career Education: Workforce Education

1. Candidates must apply for graduation at least one semester before anticipated graduation date.

2. A 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) is required for graduation. No grade below a “C” will be credited toward the degree.

3. Candidates are required to successfully complete an approved “capstone experience” as required in each option.

4. Effective Fall 2013: Master's candidates must earn a "satisfactory" evaluation in the Comprehensive Examination option of the "capstone" in no more than two attempts.  The maximum time between a first and second attempt is the following Fall or Spring semester after the first attempt.  If the Comprehensive Examination is not passed after two attempts, the candidate will be dismissed from the program. 

• Adult and Career Education: Career and Technical Education

1. Candidates must apply for graduation at least one semester before anticipated graduation date.
2. A 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) is required for graduation. No grade below a “C” will be credited toward the degree.
3. Candidates are required to successfully complete an approved “capstone experience” as required in each option.

• Adult and Career Education: Business Education and Information Technology

1. Candidates must apply for graduation at least one semester before anticipated graduation date.

2. A 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) is required for graduation. No grade below a “C” will be credited toward the degree.

3. Candidates are required to successfully complete an approved “capstone experience” as required in each option.

• Communication Sciences and Disorders

• Students must complete an application for graduation two  semesters prior to their expected graduation date.

• A 3.0 cumulative institutional grade point average (GPA) is required for graduation.  No grade below a “C” will be credited toward the degree.

• Students earning a final grade of "C" in a course must successfully complete a remediation plan with the instructor or retake the course.

• Students are required to successfully complete a summative assessment during both semesters of their off-campus practicum. 

• Students must take the Praxis II Speech Language Pathology Exam prior to graduation and must submit scores through Educational Testing Service (ETS) to VSU AND email a copy of their score/exam date to csd@valdosta.edu (whether they passed or not).

• Deaf Education 5th Year

• A 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) is required for graduation. No grade below a “C” will be credited toward the degree.

• Students must submit an application for graduation one semester prior to their expected graduation date.

• Students will successfully complete an electronic portfolio.

• Students will successfully complete the College of Education Advanced Teacher Self-Assessment Instrument

• Students must take the GACE ContentTests:  Special Education Deaf Education Test I (085) and Test II (086

• Educational Leadership: Tier I P-12 Leadership

  1. A candidate must complete an application for graduation one semester prior to their expected graduation date
  2. Maintain a 3.0 GPA for all course work; courses with a grade of D or below will not be applied
  3. Complete the required 30-hour program of study
  4. Submit all field experience activities in fulfillment of LEAD 7920 & 7930
  5. Attempt the GACE (Test 311) in Educational Leadership. (NOTE: The GACE Test 311 is not required for out-of-state M.Ed. candidates unless they are seeking to acquire a Georgia Professional Educator Certificate)

• Elementary Education

1. Candidates must complete an application for graduation one semester prior to their expected graduation date.

2. A 3.0 cumulative institutional grade point average (GPA) is required for graduation. No grade below a “C” will be credited toward the degree.

3. Candidates are required to successfully complete an electronic portfolio.

• Educational Leadership: Higher Education

1. A candidate must complete an application for graduation one semester prior to their expected graduation date.

2. A candidate must have a GPA of 3.00 or above on all graduate coursework. No grade below a “C” will be credited toward the degree.

3. A candidate in the Higher Education Leadership program will successfully complete a professional portfolio.

• Health and Physical Education

1. A 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) is required for graduation. No grade below a “C” will be credited toward the degree.

2. Students must submit an application for graduation one semester prior to their expected graduation date.

3. Students will complete the College of Education Advanced Teacher Self-Assessment Instrument.

4. Students will complete an advanced portfolio.

• Instructional Technology: Library Media

1. A candidate must complete an application for graduation one semester prior to their expected graduation date.

2. A candidate must have a GPA of 3.00 or above on all graduate coursework. No grade below a “C” will be credited toward the degree.

3. A candidate in the Instructional Technology - Library Media program will successfully complete a electronic portfolio.

• Instructional Technology: Technology Applications 

1. A candidate must complete an application for graduation one semester prior to their expected graduation date.

2. A candidate must have a GPA of 3.00 or above on all graduate coursework. No grade below a “C” will be credited toward the degree.

3. A candidate in the Instructional Technology - Technology Applications program will successfully complete a 100-hour internship course.

• Middle Grades Education

1. A 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) is required for graduation. No grade below a “C” will be credited toward the degree.

2. Candidates must submit an application for graduation at least one semester prior to their expected graduation date.

3. Candidates will successfully complete the Dewar College of Education Advanced Teacher Self-Assessment Instrument.

4. Candidates will successfully complete an advanced portfolio.

•  Counselor Education

1. Candidates must complete an application for graduation one semester prior to their expected graduation date;

2. A 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) is required for graduation. No grade below a “C” will be credited toward the degree.

3. Candidates will successfully pass the Comprehensive Professional Counseling Examination.

4. Candidates will complete a comprehensive developmental school counseling program portfolio.

5. Candidates earning an M.Ed. degree in school counseling must take the GACE Content Tests in School Counseling prior to graduation.

• Secondary Education

1. Students must complete an application for graduation two semesters prior to their expected graduation date.

2. A 3.0 cumulative institutional grade point average (GPA) is required for graduation.  No grade below a “C” will be credited toward the degree.

3. Students are required to successfully complete an electronic portfolio.

Master of Library and Information Sciences (M.L.I.S.)

• Library and Information Sciences

1. Students must complete an application for graduation one semester prior to their expected graduation date.

2. A 3.0 cumulative institutional grade point average (GPA) is required for graduation. No grade below a “C” will be credited toward the degree.

3. Students must successfully complete  the capstone course, MLIS 7800 which is taken during the final semester.

Master of Music Performance (M.M.P.)

• Music Performance

1. Students must complete an application for graduation one semester prior to their expected graduation date;

2. A 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) is required for graduation. No grade below a “C” will be credited toward the degree

3. Before receiving the Master of Music in Performance degree, students must perform a graduate recital or recitals. The graduate recital or recitals represent a culmination and application of applied study, pedagogy, music history, research, and analysis. An assessment of satisfactory on the recital or recitals is required for successful completion of the degree program.  The faculty committee will hear the entire proposed recital from 7 to 14 days before the performance date in a formal recital hearing and will approve or disapprove the public performance. If memorization is required for the recital, the hearing must also be memorized.

4. Collaborative piano requires three graduate recitals–one vocal, one instrumental, and a third for which the content will be determined by the applied teacher. The graduate recital or recitals must be at least 60 minutes in length and must be approved by a faculty committee appointed by the Graduate Coordinator.

5. In the area of conducting, the student recital is replaced by a juried ensemble rehearsal or a conducting appearance with an appropriate University ensemble. The nature of the final examination at the end of each semester will be determined by the conducting area. The graduate recital is replaced by (1) an ensemble recital of 60 minutes approved by the principal professor, including the recruitment and organization of the ensemble, (2) performance assignments, and (3) a conducting appearance with an appropriate University ensemble on a regularly scheduled concert

6. Students must pass a comprehensive examination. The comprehensive examination consists of written and oral portions, both of which must be completed to the satisfaction of an examination committee. This examination, which is taken during or after the last term of coursework, determines achievement in written and oral communication skills related to pedagogy, music history and analysis, literature, and research methodology. A description of the procedure for the administration of the comprehensive examination is available in the Music Department.

Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.)

• Public Administration

1. Students must complete an application for graduation one semester prior to their expected graduation date
2. A 3.0 cumulative institutional grade point average (GPA) is required for graduation. No grade below a "C" will be credited toward the degree.
3. Students must successfully complete PADM 721 and PADM 7900, which must be taken by students during their final semester of coursework. These courses serve as the exit requirement for the MPA program.

Master of Science (M.S.)

• Biology

1. Students must complete an application for graduation one semester prior to their expected graduation date.

2. A 3.0 cumulative institutional grade point average (GPA) is required for graduation.

3. No grade below a “C” will be credited toward the degree.

4. Students must successfully complete a competency exam covering biology, general subject areas, course work, and specific areas of research to achieve candidate status for degree and graduation. Exams may consist of written and oral questions developed and administered by the thesis committee. Students not successfully passing competency exams may, at the thesis committee’s discretion, be re-examined after completion of appropriate remedial work as determined by the thesis committee.

5. Students are required to design, conduct, write, and defend a formal research thesis in their chosen area of study in order to graduate with the Master of Science degree with a major in biology.

Thesis

A master’s thesis in biology should be a written work suitable to a relevant, professional sub-discipline of biology demonstrating competent and substantial research coupled with an innovative approach to the subject matter. The thesis will be directed by a faculty member and a committee of at least two other faculty members (at least one of whom must be from outside the Department of Biology). Once the thesis has been submitted, students will have an oral defense covering both the thesis and their coursework. Students must complete a minimum of 30 hours of coursework and 6 hours of thesis credit.

• Criminal Justice

1. Students must complete an application for graduation one semester prior to their expected graduation date.
2. Students must receive a grade of “B” or better in all core courses.
3. Students must have a 3.0 cumulative institutional grade point average (GPA). No grade below a “C” will be credited toward the degree.
4. MSCJ students are required to satisfactorily complete the core requirements and electives as outlined in the degree plan.
5. All students in the MSCJ program must also successfully complete a comprehensive examination requirement. This requirement may be satisfied by either the successful completion of a Thesis or of  an Area Paper. Students will select which of the two options to pursue. In either case, the Thesis or Area Paper will be written in accordance with established guidelines. A full description of the Area Paper is available from the departmental office. Specific requirements for the Thesis option are governed by the Graduate School.

• Marriage and Family Therapy

1. Students must complete an application for graduation at least one semester prior to their expected graduation date.
2. Students must successfully complete the curriculum which includes 42 semester hours of classroom instruction and 18 semester hours of supervised practice.
3. Students must demonstrate a 3.0 cumulative institutional grade-point average (GPA) for graduation. No grade below a 'C' will be credited toward the M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy degree.
4. Students must pass a comprehensive exam when most coursework has been completed.

• Psychology: Concentration in Industrial/Organizational Psychology

1. Students must complete an application for graduation one semester prior to their expected graduation date.
2. Students must have a  3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) is required for graduation. No grade below a “C” will be credited toward the degree.
3. Students are required to successfully complete a comprehensive electronic portfolio that requires the application of the knowledge gained in a series of courses. The portfolio will be assessed by a committee of faculty, using established criteria.

• Sociology

1. Students must complete an application for graduation one semester prior to their expected graduation date.
2. Students must have a 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA). No grade below a “C” will be credited toward the degree.
3. To receive a Master of Science degree with a major in sociology, students must successfully complete the core requirements and develop competence in an area of sociological practice, as outlined below.
4. Students must  pass a written comprehensive examination.
5. Students must fulfill the application of knowledge requirement, which is achieved by successfully completing six credit hours of SOCI 7800 Sociological Practice.

Master of Science in Nursing(M.S.N.)

• Nursing

1. Students must complete an application for graduation one semester prior to their expected graduation date.
2. Students must have a 3.0 cumulative institutional grade point average (GPA). No grade below a “C” will be credited toward the degree.
3. Students must successfully complete the comprehensive examination covering the areas of theory, research, the clinical focus, and the selected role.
4. Students must successfully complete a thesis or project.

Master of Social Work (M.S.W.)

• Social Work

1. Students must complete an application for graduation one semester prior to their expected graduation date.
2. Students must have a 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA). No grade below a “C” will be credited toward the degree.
3. Students (except advanced standing students) must complete 60 semester hours including 43 credit hours of required classroom instruction with a “B” average of 3.00 or higher, and 17 credit hours of field practicum with a grade of “Satisfactory.”
4. A portfolio is required as an exit examination.

Master of Arts for Teaching (M.A.T.)

• Middle Grades and Secondary Education

1. A 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) is required for graduation. No grade below a “C” will be credited toward the degree.

2. Candidates must submit an application for graduation at least one semester prior to their expected graduation date.

3. Candidates will successfully complete the Dewar College of Education Advanced Teacher Self-Assessment Instrument.

4. Candidates will successfully complete an advanced portfolio.

• Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education

1. A 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) is required for graduation. No grade below a “C” will be credited toward the degree.
2. Candidates must submit an application for graduation one semester prior to their expected graduation date.
3. Prior to recommendation for certification an applicant must pass the GACE Deaf Education Content Assessment.
4. Candidates will successfully complete a capstone applied research project.

• MAT Music Education

1. Students must complete an application for graduation one semester prior to their expected graduation date.
2. A 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) is required for graduation. No grade below a “C” will be credited toward the degree.
3. Any undergraduate curricular deficiencies must be completed prior to clinical practice.
4. Students will need to submit the edTPA portfolio meeting the minimum state of Georgia standards.
5. Students will need to attempt the appropriate GACE content exam to graduate and pass the exam for certification. 
6. Students will need to meet all the standards set forth by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) for the professional degree in Music Education. 

• MAT ESOL

1. Students must complete an application for graduation one semester prior to their expected graduation date;
2. A 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) is required for graduation.  No grade below a "C" will be credited toward the degree. 

• MAT FLED

1. Students must complete an application for graduation one semester prior to their expected graduation date;
2. A 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) is required for graduation.  No grade below a "C" will be credited toward the degree. 

• MAT Health and Physical Education

1. Students must complete an application for graduation one semester prior to their expected graduation date;
2. A 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) is required for graduation.  No grade below a "C" will be credited toward the degree. 

Education Specialist Programs

• Coaching Pedagogy in Physical Education

1. Students must complete an application for graduation one semester prior to their expected graduation date;
2.  A 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) is required for graduation. No grade below a “C” will be credited toward the degree.
3.  For other graduation requirements, please consult the KSPE Department (229.333.7161) 

•  Education Specialist: Tier II Performance-Based

1. Students must complete an application for graduation one semester prior to their expected graduation date;
2. A 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) is required for graduation. No grade below a “C” will be credited toward the degree.
3. Students will successfully complete an Advanced Inventory of Leadership Experiences
4. A Performance Assessment for School Leaders (PASL) must be attempted for program completion. NOTE: The PASL is not required for out-of-state Ed.s candidates unless they currently hold or wish to acquite a Georgia Professional Educator Certificate.

• Instructional Technology

1. Students must complete an application for graduation one semester prior to their expected graduation date;
2. A 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) is required for graduation. No grade below a “C” will be credited toward the degree.
3. Students will successfully complete and Advanced Inventory of Leadership Experiences

• School Counseling

1. Candidates must complete an application for graduation one semester prior to their expected graduation date;
2. A 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) is required for graduation. No grade below a “C” will be credited toward the degree.
3. Completion of satisfactory portfolio.

• Teacher Leadership

1. Students must attempt the GACE Content Assessment (Test 311) to graduate with a Tier I concentration and must pass the test to become certified in Educational Leadership Tier I. Students must pass the Teacher Leadership GACE Content Assessment (Test 313) within one year of program completion for their Teacher Leadership field to convert from temporary to renewable.
2. Students must have intensive support by a mentor experienced in instructional leadership.
3. Students must have an Individualized Growth Plan (IGP) developed and utilized collaboratively by the student and school mentor to achieve the student’s IGP goals.
4. Students must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and dispositions required for entry level educational leaders by demonstrating performance proficiency in the Georgia Educational Leadership Standards if seeking the Educational Leadership Tier I certification field.
5. Students will be dismissed from the Graduate School if they accumulate three or more academic deficiency points unless otherwise indicated by individual program policy. A grade of “C” (although it may be credited toward a degree) equals one deficiency point. A grade of “D,” “WF” or “F,” or “U” (none of which will be credited toward a degree) equals two deficiency points unless otherwise indicated by individual program policy.
6. For students seeking Tier I certification, no post master's work will be accepted. Only transfer credit can be awarded for candidates working toward the Ed.S Teacher Leadership degree only. For teacher leadership, no more than 9 semester hours of post-master’s academic work may be transferred from another institution into the program. Transfer credit will be evaluated after admission by the department upon entry.
7. The maximum time allowed for completion of the education specialist degree is seven calendar years. No work completed more than seven years prior to degree completion will be accepted toward the degree.
8. To graduate from this program, a student must have a minimum cumulative institutional graduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

 

Doctoral Programs

Doctor of Education(Ed.D.)

• Adult and Career Education

1.  A student must successfully complete, defend and submit a dissertation; 
2. A student must successfully complete a written comprehensive examination before being permitted to enroll in dissertation courses;
3.  Prepare a manuscript for publication; 
4. Maintain a GPA of 3.25 or above on all doctoral coursework; 
5. Apply for graduation at least one semester before anticipated graduation date.

• Curriculum and Instruction

1.  A candidate must successfully complete, defend and submit a dissertation.
2.  A candidate must successfully complete a written comprehensive examination before admission to candidacy.
3.  A candidate must have a GPA of 3.25 or above on all doctoral coursework.
4.  A candidate must complete an application for graduation one semester prior to their expected graduation date.

• Leadership

1. A candidate must successfully complete, defend and submit a dissertation.
2.  A candidate must successfully complete a written comprehensive examination before admission to candidacy.
3. A candidate must have a GPA of 3.25 or above on all doctoral coursework.
4.  A candidate must complete an application for graduation one semester prior to their expected graduation date.

Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology (SLPD)

1. A candidate must successfully complete, defend and submit a dissertation.
2. A candidate must successfully complete a written comprehensive examination before admission to candidacy.
3. A candidate must have a GPA of 3.25 or above on all doctoral coursework.
4. A candidate must complete an application for graduation one semester prior to their expected graduation date.

Doctor of Public Administration (D.P.A.)

• Public Administration

1.  Students must complete an application for graduation one semester prior to their expected graduation date.
2.  A 3.0 cumulative institutional grade point average (GPA) is required for graduation. 
3. No grade below a “C” will be credited toward the degree. 
4. Students must successfully complete the PADM 9990 Capstone Seminar and the PADM 9999 Final Project/Organizational Analysis.