Graduate Academic Standing Policy: CAS

At the conclusion of each semester, the Graduate Academic Standing Committee reviews the records of graduate students failing to make satisfactory academic progress. The Committee may choose to take one of the following actions, or may take other actions specific to the noted deficiency in the student file. Written notification of all actions taken by the Committee is communicated to the student in a timely fashion.

Academic Warning:

• Two or more grades of I, L, or W in a given semester, or
• Any grade below B, with a cumulative GPA above 3.0

Probation:

• A semester GPA below 3.0, or
• A cumulative GPA below 3.0 for the first time

Note: Students are placed on probation with specific conditions to be met in the subsequent semester.

Dismissal:

• A cumulative GPA below 3.0 for any two semesters, or
• Violation of professional or ethical standards, or
• Failure to make satisfactory progress toward completion of the degree, or
• Failure to meet the conditions of probation

A student may appeal any decision in writing to the dean of the college within 30 days of receipt of the notice of action taken by the committee. The dean or designee will then make a final determination at the conclusion of a full investigation. (Please consult the published statements of individual graduate programs for any additional academic guidelines and policies regarding specific program requirements.)

Re-Admission to Suffolk University

Students re-entering after an absence of one year or more should request a special re-entry form from the Office of Graduate Admission.

Pass (“P”)/Fail (“F”) Option

Practica, internships, theses and designated field experiences are taken on a pass/fail basis. Exceptions to this policy are only at the discretion of the respective program directors.

A Pass (“P”) grade may be applied toward fulfilling degree credits, but will not be applied toward the cumulative grade point average.

Transfer Credit

In all cases, students should consult individual departments for the requirements of a particular program. Unless otherwise stated, the general rule is that a maximum of 6 graduate credits in the field of specialization from an accredited institution will be transferable toward a master’s degree at Suffolk University. A maximum of 24 graduate credits will be transferable toward a doctoral degree. Courses offered for transfer credit must have a minimum grade of “B,” must not have been part of another earned degree, and must be declared at the time of matriculation.

Students requesting transfer credit should see their respective program director and file such requests within the first semester of a graduate program at Suffolk University.

Residency Requirement

Students are required to complete a minimum of 30 graduate credit hours at Suffolk University.

Time to Completion

Degree requirements for all master's programs are normally completed within five years after the start of graduate work.