BACKGROUND

The Texas A&M University System Board of Directors approved graduate degree programs at the master's level for Tarleton State University on November 26, 1969. Meeting in special session at College Station, the Coordinating Board of the Texas College and University Systems granted approval on December 4, 1969, for three initial master's-level programs, setting the Fall Semester of 1971 as the effective date of graduate course offerings for the programs.

Approved programs include the Master of Arts, Master of Science, Master of Business Administration, and Master of Education.
 
 

GOALS

The mission of the College of Graduate Studies is to promote excellence in graduate education through teaching, research, and service. The College of Graduate Studies, in conjunction with the Graduate Council, accomplishes its mission through the planning and development of policy and procedures related to graduate education; the recruitment, admission, and retention of qualified students; and by providing support and coordination of high quality course offerings and degree programs.

The aims of the College of Graduate Studies are to:

1. increase the professional competence of students in their chosen fields;

2. train students in analytical methodology; and

3. provide advanced training in academic disciplines.
 
 

ADMINISTRATION

Administration of the College of Graduate Studies is the responsibility of the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies. For assistance in establishing policies concerning the graduate school, a Graduate Council is appointed by the President of the University. The Dean of the College of Graduate Studies is chair of the Graduate Council and has the authority to act for the administration and the Council within limits of policy.

GRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAMS

Tarleton State University offers the Master of Education degree with majors in Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Educational Administration, Physical Education, and Guidance and Counseling; the Master of Arts degree with major fields in English, History, and Political Science; the Master of Science degree with major fields in Agriculture, Agricultural Education, Biology, Environmental Science, and Mathematics; and the Master of Business Administration degree with a major in General Business and supporting work in allied fields.

Admission policies, program requirements, and comprehensive examination procedures for each of these graduate degree programs are specifically described within the appropriate departmental sections that follow.
 

COLLEGE/DEPARTMENT	MAJOR	DEGREE
College of Graduate Studies	Liberal Studies	MS
College of Agriculture & Technology
Department of Agribusiness, Agronomy,
Horticulture, & Range Management	Agriculture	MS
Department of Agricultural
Services & Development	Agricultural Education	MS
Department of Animal Sciences	Agriculture	MS
College of Business Administration	Business Administration	MBA
Department of Business Systems	Information Systems	MS
Department of Management,
Marketing, & Administrative Systems	Human Resource
	Management	MS
	Management	MS
College of Education
Department of Curriculum
& Instruction	Elementary Education	MEd
	Secondary Education	MEd
Department of Educational
Administration, Counseling,
& Psychology	Guidance & Counseling	MEd
	Educational Administration	MEd
	Counseling Psychology	MS
	Educational Psychology	MS
Department of Health &
Physical Education	Physical Education	MEd
College of Liberal & Fine Arts
Department of Social Work,
Sociology, & Criminal Justice	Criminal Justice	MCJ
Department of English & Languages	English	MA
Department of Social Sciences	History	MA
	Political Science	MA, MS
College of Science & Technology
Department of Biological Sciences	Biology	MS
Department of Chemistry & Geosciences	Environmental Science	MS
Department of Mathematics, Physics,
&Engineering	Mathematics	MS

 

GENERAL GRADUATE ADMISSIONS

Admission to College of Graduate Studies

Admission to the College of Graduate Studies is administered for the Graduate Council by the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies. Applicants seeking admission to the College of Graduate Studies must present credentials indicating they possess the ability to pursue graduate work successfully.

Categories of Admission

Enrollment in the College of Graduate Studies requires that students obtain the following:

1. admission to a graduate degree program,

2. admission to a professional (graduate) teacher certificate program, or

3. provisional admission for undergraduates

Degree-seeking students are granted either full (unconditional) admission or conditional admission.

1. ADMISSION TO A MASTER'S DEGREE PROGRAM

Full Admission. Admission to any graduate degree program is granted by the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies upon recommendation of the department of proposed study. Full admission is awarded to applicants who meet the following requirements:

Students entering on conditional admission must satisfy all conditions stipulated by the major department, including completion of a minimum of nine semester hours of graduate course work with a GPA of 3.0 or more and with no grade lower than B, before full admission will be granted. Upon completion of the conditions of admission to a graduate degree program, a student must be recommended by the department for full admission.

Applicants who for reasons beyond their control cannot provide all documents required for admission to a degree program by the time of initial enrollment may be considered for conditional admission.

2. ADMISSION TO A PROFESSIONAL TEACHER CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

Professional teacher certificate programs are open only to graduate students. Some of the programs do not require the completion of a master’s degree.

Admission to a professional teacher certificate program is granted upon the recommendation of the head of the department in which the program is offered and the submission of a certificate plan approved by the University Teacher Certification Officer.

Non-degree students are not required to submit scores on the GRE or the GMAT. However, official transcript(s) that indicate the conferral of the bachelor's degree and good standing at the last college attended are required.

3. PROVISIONAL ADMISSION FOR UNDERGRADUATES

An undergraduate at Tarleton may be considered for admission to the College of Graduate Studies provided that the student

1. is within 12 hours of graduation;

2. is recommended by his/her major department; and

3. has obtained a minimum GPA of 3.0 on the last 60 hours of undergraduate course work.

Note: No graduate course work may be counted toward an undergraduate degree.

Admission as a Post-Baccalaureate Student

An applicant who does not wish to pursue a graduate degree or graduate-level teacher certification program but who has earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. institution and who is in good standing at the last school attended may apply for admission as a post-baccalaureate student. These applications are received and processed in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

Post-baccalaureate students are subject to all requirements and regulations that apply to undergraduates. They must meet the academic progress standards applicable to undergraduates and are subject to the same probation/suspension policies.

An applicant who matriculates as a post-baccalaureate student has no assurance that work completed while in this classification will be applicable to graduate degree requirements, should he or she subsequently gain admission to a graduate degree program. Ordinarily, credits earned as a post-baccalaureate student will not be counted toward a graduate degree. The use of such credits requires the approval of the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies.

International Students' Admission

Admission of international students to graduate programs will be based upon holding a valid bachelor's-level degree from an accredited college or university. The quality of the applicant's secondary or college-level work is judged from the grades, class attained, or rank achieved in class. A processing fee of $100 (US) and an application fee of $25, both nonrefundable and payable by money order or bank cashier’s check, must accompany each international transcript submitted for analysis. The student is responsible for providing a translation and evaluation of his/her foreign credentials. Any questions about this requirement should be directed to the Office of Graduate Studies.

In addition to the undergraduate grade requirement and an acceptable score on the GRE or GMAT,* evidence of proficiency in the English language must be presented before an international student will be allowed to enroll in courses that can be used for a graduate degree. A score of 550 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) administered by the Educational Testing Service would meet this requirement. Additionally, upon the recommendation of the prospective student's major department, he/she may be required to enroll in specific undergraduate English courses to prepare for demonstration of English proficiency.

The student must have a reliable sponsor in the United States. The sponsor may be the embassy of the student's native country, a company, a consular official, or any responsible individual. Prior to enrollment, a letter must be on file from the sponsor advising the University that he/she is assuming responsibility for this student, should the student have financial or personal problems that have a bearing on the University.

International applicants must submit two passport-style photos taken within six months of application. Additionally, the Department of Immigration and Naturalization requires that all students have medical insurance with coverage in the United States. Students may wish to purchase insurance through the University upon arrival.

All application materials must be sent to the Office of International Academic Programs. Applications cannot be processed and an I-20 cannot be issued until all materials are received.

* International applicants may be granted conditional admission to the graduate program without GRE or GMAT scores, but they must complete the GRE or GMAT during their first semester at Tarleton State University.
 
 

ENROLLMENT IN GRADUATE COURSES

Graduate Advisor and Student's Advisory Committee

The graduate advisor, designated by a department, assists students in planning their initial course work prior to granting of full admission. Before seeking enrollment in any course that might be applied toward a master's degree, students must consult their advisors. A temporary advisor will be available to those enrolling for the first time in an off-campus course.

After receiving admission to the College of Graduate Studies and enrolling for graduate courses, the student should consult with the graduate advisor concerning appointment of an advisory committee. The advisory committee is responsible for guiding and directing the student's entire academic program, which includes initiating all academic actions concerning the student, developing the degree plan, and administering the comprehensive testing prior to conferral of the master's degree. Moreover, the advisory committee as a group and as individual members are responsible for counseling the student on academic matters, and in the case of academic deficiency, initiating recommendations to the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies.

Campus and Off-Campus Enrollment

Graduate courses are offered on the Tarleton State University campus in Stephenville, at the System Center in Killeen, and in certain off-campus locations approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Permanent records differentiate between on-campus and off-campus offerings. A minimum requirement of all graduate degree programs except the MBA program at Fort Hood is that one-third of the credits applied to the degree be completed on campus or at the System Center.

Academic Load

The maximum load for a full-time graduate student is 16 semester hours in the fall or spring semester and 6 semester hours in each summer session. The minimum load to be considered a full-time graduate student is 9 semester hours in the fall and spring and 6 semester hours in each summer session. Exceptions to load limits require the approval of the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies upon written recommendation of the student's graduate advisor and department head.
 
 

GRADUATE STUDENT PERFORMANCE

Every student enrolled in the College of Graduate Students is required to maintain a high level of performance and comply fully with the policies of the institution. The College of Graduate Studies reserves the right to suspend any graduate student who does not maintain satisfactory academic standing or fails to conform to University regulations.

Students who have achieved full admission to a graduate degree program are expected to maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA on work completed at Tarleton. If in a particular semester a student's overall GPA falls below the minimum, he/she will be given notice of unsatisfactory academic performance. The student must attain a 3.0 overall GPA during her or his next period of enrollment; failure to do so will result in suspension for one long semester or both summer terms. At the end of any grading period, if a student's overall GPA falls below 2.0 he/she will be automatically suspended.

Students who have been admitted conditionally to a degree program must meet the requirements stipulated for attaining full admission status. Conditions may require GPAs greater than 3.0. If requirements are not met, conditional admission will be rescinded, and any further enrollment will be allowed only as a post-baccalaureate student.

Post-baccalaureate students are subject to the academic progress policies applicable to undergraduates at Tarleton State University. Academic deficiencies of students in this category will be calculated according to the current undergraduate probation/suspension policy.

Graduate students who are suspended must apply to the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies for reinstatement. After review of the case, the Dean will make a recommendation to the Graduate Council for action. An appeal of the decision of the Graduate Council may be made to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs who shall render final judgment.

Grading System

Graduate degree credit is allowed only for A, B, and C grades. A GPA of B (3.0) is required:

1. for all courses included in a degree plan;

2. for all the courses comprising the major field; and

3. for the courses comprising the minor field, if one is selected.

Courses taken at Tarleton may not be repeated at another institution for degree credit. If a course is repeated at Tarleton, the better grade in the course shall be counted in computing the student's grade point average.

The grading system for graduate students is:

A-Excellent, 4 grade points per semester hour

B-Good, 3 grade points per semester hour

C-Fair, 2 grade points per semester hour

D-Passing, 1 grade point per semester hour

F-Failing

I-In Progress (for thesis course only)

K-Incomplete

S-Satisfactory (for thesis course only)

W-Withdrawal from course, no grade designated

The grade K shall be recorded for a student only in case of extraordinary circumstances. This entry is used only in such cases after the instructor and his/her department head have concurred that the incomplete entry is justified. A grade of K must be made up by the end of the next semester and in all cases before registering for the next sequential course. If this grade is not made up within the prescribed time limit, it automatically becomes an F.

Internships in Education 5953, 5963, and 5993 not completed during the first semester of registration will receive a letter grade of K (incomplete). Reregistration will be permitted for the following semester, at which time a letter grade will be awarded upon satisfactory completion of the required work. If the work is not completed during the subsequent semester, the previous semester's NC will become a part of the transcript, and a letter of F will be placed on the transcript for the subsequent semester's work.

Thesis Credit. Students who pursue a thesis are required to enroll each semester in at least one thesis course until the thesis is completed. Those who make satisfactory progress will be given the grade of I. Once the thesis has been approved and accepted, the final six semester hours of thesis will be assigned the grade of S. The thesis grade of S is not included in the GPA calculation for the degree major or minor.

Completion Time Limit

Course credits more than six years old may not be counted for a degree. Credits are considered to be earned when they are recorded on the official transcript.
 
 

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MASTER'S DEGREE

Semester Hour Minimum

The candidate must earn graduate credit amounting to a minimum of 36 semester hours. At least two-thirds must be in courses numbered 5000 or above.

Utilization of Undergraduate Courses for Graduate Credit

Courses at the 3000- and 4000-level may be counted toward the degree upon recommendation of the student's advisor and approval of the chairman in the department in which the course is offered and the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies. Students taking such courses for graduate credit will be expected to complete course requirements different from those ordinarily included for undergraduates.

Limitations on Transfer and Correspondence Courses

Upon the recommendation of the advisory committee and the head of the major department and the approval of the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies, the University may accept as much as 12 hours of graduate work completed at another regionally accredited institution. Course work in which no formal grades are given or in which grades other than letter grades (A, B, C, etc.) are given (for example CR, P, S, U, etc.) is not accepted for transfer credit. Credit for course work submitted for transfer from any college or university must be shown in semester credit hours or equated to semester credit hours.

Courses that have been applied or counted toward a completed degree program cannot be transferred into a Tarleton master’s degree program. Also, courses accepted in transfer must have been completed within six years of the time that the student will complete his/her graduate degree program at Tarleton.

No academic work completed by correspondence may be applied to graduate degree programs.

Admission to Candidacy for a Master's Degree

Full admission to graduate study is a prerequisite to admission to candidacy for the Master's degree. A graduate student may be admitted to candidacy when his or her advisory committee files an approved degree plan accompanied by the student's application for candidacy. The advisory committee will not file a degree plan until the student has completed at least 12 semester hours of graduate credit with an overall B (3.0) GPA.
 
 

Degree Plan

A graduate student's degree plan includes those courses listed for degree credit on the official degree plan form. All courses on the approved degree plan must be completed with a satisfactory grade to meet requirements for the degree. Changes in an approved degree plan can be made by recommendation to the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies by the student's complete advisory committee and head of his or her major department.

Courses listed for graduate credit on the approved degree plan in which the student has received a final grade may not normally be removed from the degree plan, although courses acceptable for graduate credit may be added. Exceptions to this policy must be approved by the student's advisory committee, head of his or her major department, and the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies.

Degree Major

All degrees require a minimum of 18 semester hours to be completed in the student's major field. At least 12 hours must be 5000-level courses.

The graduate major requires an undergraduate background of at least 24 semester hours, including 12 advanced hours. However, graduate students who have taken 18 hours of advanced undergraduate education courses as a prerequisite for a teaching certificate may be admitted to a Master of Education degree program. Students choosing the Political Science concentration for the MA may be admitted with a baccalaureate degree in any social science or valid bachelor's-level degree and one year's experience in the public service field.

Degree Minor

A student may declare a minor of 12 hours in a second field. It is possible for anyone with an established major to take a minor in any department that offers 6 hours of graduate courses and 6 hours of upper-level undergraduate courses. If a minor is declared, one-half of the minor courses must be at the 5000 level.

Research and Practicum Requirement

All students seeking a master's degree must have credit for an approved research course. Those seeking a MA or MS degree without thesis and who have not been granted a teaching certificate or do not have substantial teaching experience must have a minimum of 3 semester hours of professional internship or teaching practicum. Credit in the practicum may be required of persons preparing for college teaching or public service or changing teaching areas from their certification or experience areas. It is suggested that students with special needs fulfill more than the minimum requirements.

Thesis

Not every graduate program at Tarleton requires a thesis for completion of a master's degree. The Master of Arts, Master of Science, and some majors in the Master of Education degree provide a thesis option.

Students must have full admission to a degree program and the permission of the department head to enroll in thesis. A thesis will not be accepted unless a student has completed a minimum of six semester hours of thesis course work (5883). The Thesis Manual, which contains details regarding the preparation and submission of a thesis for approval, is available in the Graduate Office. Students who plan to pursue a thesis should obtain a copy of this manual early in their graduate programs.

The Comprehensive Examination

Candidates for any of the master's degrees at Tarleton must satisfactorily pass a comprehensive examination. A graduate student must be admitted to candidacy for a degree before he/she will be allowed to take the comprehensive examination.

The policies and procedures for the comprehensive examinations are available in the office of the department head of the student's major field of study. Early in their degree program students should review the requirements for taking the examination. Some departments require both oral and written examinations, which must be scheduled early in the semester in which they are to be administered.

The oral examination, when required, is conducted by the student's advisory committee. A representative of the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies will be invited to participate in this examination.

Students whose performance on the comprehensive examination is unsatisfactory may reschedule an examination at the next regular administration, or, at the discretion of the advisory committee and head of the department involved, at an earlier date. Unless departmental requirements are more limiting, students who attempt the comprehensive examination three times and are not successful will be dropped from the graduate program.

Candidates for a degree must complete the following, not later than the dates

specified in the University Calendar:

1. apply for the degree and

2. file a "Diploma Name Card" with the Registrar

To be considered for degree conferral, a candidate must be in good standing with the University. All contractual and financial obligations to the University must be satisfied.

The Master of Science degree with a major in Liberal Studies requires 36 semester hours of graduate study consisting of 12 courses. The student must meet academic requirements set by the university for a master of science degree and complete one or two areas of emphasis and elective courses. The area(s) of emphasis will be noted on the transcript. Twelve semester hours constitute an area of emphasis. The student should consult his/her academic advisor in developing the area(s) of emphasis. The academic advisor will also provide information about Tarleton’s requirements for degree completion, including the comprehensive examination.

The following courses will not be applied to this degree program: CNSL 5233, 5533; PSY 5053, 5813, 5843, 5953, 5963.

Core requirements: Hours

CIS 5013 3

PSY 5003 3

PSY 5013 3

Area of emphasis: 12

Approved electives or second area of emphasis 15
 
 

This degree, offered in the Department of Agriculture Services and Development, is specifically designed for those who have completed an undergraduate degree in Agricultural Services and Development. It may also be advantageous for those who have completed a bachelor of science degree in an agricultural discipline and who desire to complete the requirements for a teaching certificate and a master's degree simultaneously. Professional agriculturalists of numerous occupations may find the degree appealing because of the flexibility of taking courses in one or more disciplines that best meet the needs of the agricultural professional. The major objective is to increase the professional competence of teachers of agriculture, extension agents, and others pursuing professional agricultural careers.

Basic Degree Requirements

The degree offers students the option of a non-thesis or thesis program.

NON-THESIS. The typical curriculum for the non-thesis program comprises Agricultural Education 5983 (Philosophy, Interpretation and Application of Research) and 15-21 hours of courses from the following: Agricultural Education 5023, 5113, 5133, 5163, 5183, 5193, 5403, 5851, 5861, and 5993. Other courses

totaling 12-18 hours may be approved by the student's advisor, with a total number of 36 hours of course work required for the degree.

Research Requirement. Agricultural Education 5983 (Philosophy, Interpretation and Application of Research) is required of all candidates for the master's degree. A student may also take as many as 6 credit hours of Agricultural Education 586 (Problems) with approval of the student's advisor.

Comprehensive Examination General Policies. Agricultural Education graduate students must pass a written and an oral examination during the semester in which graduation is anticipated. A failed examination may be rescheduled with approval of committee.

THESIS. The typical curriculum for the thesis degree program involves an original research project under the direction of a graduate faculty member and the preparation of a thesis in addition to prescribed course work. The degree may have a major advantage for students who plan further graduate study at the PhD level. Generally, students complete 18-21 hours of courses in agricultural education in addition to supporting course work for a total of 36 hours.

Research Requirement. Agricultural Education 5983 (Philosophy, Interpretation and Application of Research), 5993 (Practicum, Field Problems,or Internship), and 6 hours credit of 5883 (thesis) are required of all candidates.

Comprehensive Examination. Upon completion of the thesis, a final oral examination is scheduled with the advisory committee. Major emphasis will be directed toward defense of the thesis, although the examination will also include course work materials.

The oral examination may be attempted once per regular semester or summer. If the oral examination performance is not acceptable on first attempt, the specific area(s) of weakness will be identified to the candidate so that corrective action (additional review or required course work) may be taken before the next attempt.
 
 

The Department of Animal Sciences and the Department of Agribusiness, Agronomy, Horticulture, and Range Management offer a Master of Science in Agriculture with two tracks: (1) the thesis track, which is research based, and (2) the non-thesis track. The purposes of these tracks differ somewhat according to the objectives, plans, and employment areas of individual students. The following provides general information concerning the two tracks. For more specific information contact either department.

All students are required to demonstrate to departmental graduate faculty acceptable proficiency in both oral and written English prior to preparation of a degree plan. Successful completion of remedial English courses may be required in instances of insufficient proficiency.

The MS (non-thesis track) may be attractive to certain full-time students and to part-time or commuting students who desire advanced course work to further qualify for certain types of public or agency employment or to enhance advancement opportunities in their present employment. It is a more general degree with course work flexibility to allow students to design a program emphasizing specialized interests in certain subject matter areas or one emphasizing broader-based advanced studies. General requirements include 36 semester hours of advanced course work in agriculture and supporting fields above the bachelor's degree.

The MS (thesis track) involves an original research project under the direction of a graduate faculty member and the preparation of a thesis in addition to prescribed course work. Generally, successful pursuit of this degree necessitates full-time and uninterrupted graduate enrollment. The degree may be considered terminal in individual cases, but a major advantage is the preparation and background provided to pursue further graduate study to the PhD level. Also, for certain types of employment with agencies and corporations, the experience gained in research methodology and technical writing is invaluable in enhancing and broadening one's employment and advancement opportunities.

The Department of Agribusiness, Agronomy, Horticulture, and Range Management collaborates with the College of Business Administration, offering a concentration in Agribusiness Management for students pursuing the Master of Business Administration degree. For additional information, contact the MBA Director in the College of Business Administration.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the MS in Agriculture (non-thesis track) program is contingent upon application to and acceptance by the College of Graduate Studies. Upon meeting general requirements including acceptable scores on the Aptitude Test of the GRE, a student holding a bachelor's degree in agriculture normally can begin the 36-hour program. Prospective students with a bachelor's degree in non-agricultural fields are usually required to complete, as a minimum, 24 hours of undergraduate leveling courses (12 upper level hours in agriculture). In addition, 4 hours of biology and 4 hours of chemistry (prerequisites for upper-level agriculture courses) are required. During the completion of prerequisites and leveling courses, the student is designated as "special student-undergraduate leveling courses only."

General requirements and procedures for admission to an MS in agriculture (thesis) are similar to the MS (non-thesis). Because of the research emphasis in the MS (thesis), however, additional background courses or additional undergraduate leveling work may be required upon acceptance and admission. In addition to the general agricultural background as required for the MS (non-thesis), certain prerequisites (e.g., in chemistry, biology, statistics, biochemistry, economics, business) may be necessary on an individual basis to complement the student's thesis program.

Advisement and Committee's Role

MS (non-thesis track). Upon approval for admission by the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies, the major department notifies the MS (non-thesis) student of assignment to an "interim advisor" who counsels the student in early course work and tentative program direction. As soon as possible thereafter, and normally prior to completion of more than 12 hours, the student selects, with assistance of the interim advisor, an advisory committee, which then assumes the advisory role. When full admission is achieved, the student is responsible for preparing and securing committee approval of a formal degree plan and submitting the degree plan with an application for candidacy for the master's degree to the Graduate Dean.

MS (thesis track). Prior to or immediately upon acceptance for graduate study by the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies and the student's declaration of intent to pursue an MS (thesis) program, the student must consult with his or her major department's graduate faculty concerning potential research projects and thesis topics. Because of the close interaction and cooperation required between the student and the graduate faculty advisor, pursuit of the MS (thesis) degree must be arranged in advance. Upon agreement between the student and his/her major advisor, a research topic is selected and determinations are made as to a program of study, background courses, and the composition and appointment of the advisory committee. During the first semester of enrollment or before the completion of 12 semester hours' credit, a formal degree plan and thesis proposal are submitted to the advisory committee for approval and submission through appropriate channels.

Curriculum

MS (non-thesis track). Of the 36-hour MS (non-thesis) requirement, a minimum of 18 hours of courses offered by the above departments is required for a major in Agriculture. A 12-hour minor may be chosen in another field but is not required. Two-thirds (24 hours) of the total 36 hours must be 5000-level courses. At least one-half of all hours in a 12-hour minor must be 5000-level. A rigid, standard curriculum required of all students is not imposed; instead, the graduate curriculum is individually planned within certain guidelines by each student and approved by the advisory committee and the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies.

All candidates are required to take a graduate-level research course selected from a discipline area most appropriate to their interest and approved by the committee. A curriculum summary and guideline for the MS in Agriculture (non-thesis) includes the following:

Agriculture sciences (major) 21-33 hours

Supporting fields (may include a 12-hour minor) 0-12 hours

Required research course 3 hours

(May be a part of a major or support field depending

upon discipline emphasized in MS program)

36 hour minimum

MS (thesis). Minimum requirements for this track are 36 hours above the BS, excluding any required leveling or background courses. The thesis and associated research may be counted as six hours toward the total. Of the remaining 30 hours, a minimum of 18 hours must be in the major. No more than one-third of the major hours may be approved upper-level undergraduate courses. A 12-hour minor in another field may be chosen but is not required. If a minor is declared, no more than one-half of the hours may be approved upper-level undergraduate courses. Of the total 36-hour minimum requirement, no more than one-third may be undergraduate level.

Because of the diversity of agricultural specialties, the student and advisory committee are given discretionary latitude in developing the specific course of study to allow desired specialization in major and minor courses. A typical program of study is as follows:

Agriculture sciences 14-26 hours

Agriculture 5851 1-3 hours

Agriculture 5886 (Thesis) 6 hours

Supporting fields (may include a 12-hour minor) 0-12 hours

Approved research course 3 hours

(Selected from discipline most appropriate to research)

36 hour minimum

Comprehensive Examinations

The comprehensive examination for the MS (non-thesis) consists of a written examination. An oral examination may be required of any candidate with a marginal performance on the written examination. Instructors of degree plan courses and committee members are invited to submit questions for these examinations. Upon admission to candidacy, the student and committee schedule the examinations in order that they will be completed at least 20 class days prior to final exams during the long semesters or at least 10 days prior to final exams in summer sessions. Students must be enrolled during the semester in which the examinations are taken.

Both written and oral examinations may be attempted once per regular semester or summer. If either the written or oral component is not successfully completed on first attempt, the specific area(s) of weakness will be identified to the candidate so that corrective action (additional review or required course work) may be taken before the next attempt. If a second attempt is unsuccessful, the candidate will be required to complete a minimum of 12 hours of specified course work with a B average before scheduling a third attempt. A maximum of three attempts is allowed.

For the MS (thesis) candidate, upon completion and acceptance of the thesis, a final oral examination is scheduled with the advisory committee. Major emphasis will be directed toward defense of the thesis, although the examination will also include course work materials.

The oral examination may be attempted once per regular semester or summer. If the oral examination performance is not acceptable on first attempt, the specific area(s) of weakness will be identified to the candidate so that corrective action (additional review or required course work) may be taken before the next attempt. If a second attempt is unsuccessful, the candidate is required to complete a minimum of 12 hours of specified course work with a B average before scheduling a third attempt. A maximum of three attempts is allowed.

Graduate degree programs offered in the College of Business Administration are the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Science in Information Systems, Master of Science in Human Resource Management, and Master of Science in Management.

Policies that apply to all these degree programs are described in this section of the catalog; requirements that apply to a specific program are described below.

Admission Requirements

To be granted full admission, the applicant must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. institution or the equivalent from a foreign institution with a grade point average of at least 3.0 on the last 60 hours of credit completed. The applicant must also have submitted GRE or GMAT scores and have satisfied applicable program prerequisites. An applicant who is not qualified for full admission may be granted conditional admission. Conditional admission will not be granted to an applicant whose GPA is less than 2.5 on the last 60 hours of credit completed. A student who is conditionally admitted must satisfy all conditions before receiving full admission.

Transfer Credit

Upon the recommendation of the department head or the MBA Director and the Dean of the College of Business Administration, and with the approval of the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies, a student may transfer as much as 12 hours of graduate work completed at another regionally accredited institution. Normally students are counseled not to transfer core courses. Because students will take the comprehensive exam from Tarleton professors, they should take the core courses at Tarleton.

Course work in which no formal grades are given (for example, CR, P, S, U, etc.) is not accepted for transfer credit. Credit for course work submitted for transfer from any college or university must be shown in semester credit hours or equated to semester credit hours. No academic work completed by correspondence may be applied to graduate degree programs.

GPA Requirements

Graduate students are expected to maintain a minimum of 3.0 GPA at all times in the program. Should a student earn a grade below C in a graduate course or fall below an overall GPA of 3.0, that student may be placed in a conditional admission status and may be advised to repeat a course, reduce course load, or take some other corrective action until the deficiency is removed. Students are expected to remove deficiencies as specified by the terms of their conditional admission status and may be suspended from the program if the deficiency is not corrected within the time allowed.

Research Requirement

Each of the graduate programs offered in the College of Business Administration is a 36-hour, non-thesis program. Research may be required as a part of graduate course work, but a separate thesis is not a degree requirement.

Graduate Course Offerings & Degree Requirements

Tarleton’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) program is offered in Stephenville, on Fort Hood, and at the Tarleton University System Center – Central Texas.

The MBA program is designed to provide opportunities that develop the student’s leadership and interpersonal relations skills. MBA courses emphasize effective decision-making skills based on critical thinking and quantitative abilities. Students are given opportunities to make decisions based upon critical evaluations of real-life situations. Upon graduation, the student will be able to apply the skills obtained in an administrative setting. Graduate faculty members strive to prepare MBA students for current career opportunities and for competing effectively in the global arena of business.

Program Administration

The MBA program is administered by the MBA Director, who implements the policies of the University, Graduate Council, and College of Business Administration and works under the Dean's direction. The Dean of the College of Business Administration establishes policies governing the MBA program and is responsible for maintaining consistent operations and standards in the program. All questions of policies, appeals, and petitions regarding the operation of the MBA program are directed to the Dean of the College of Business Administration and are submitted through the MBA Director or a College of Business Administration department head.

Basic Degree Requirements

Admission to the MBA program requires that transcripts be evaluated in terms of preparatory background in specific areas. Students must meet the following minimum preparation requirements to begin graduate-level course work in business:

6 hours of economics (Macro & Micro)

6-8 hours of accounting (2 courses)

3 hours in finance principles

3 hours of statistics

In addition to these requirements, students must demonstrate acceptable competency in use of word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation software, and the Internet.

Any deficiencies in leveling requirements must be made up prior to: (1) enrollment in graduate courses an area of deficiency, (2) obtaining full admission status, and (3) completion of the first 12 hours of graduate credit.

Courses taken without prior approval of the MBA Director may not be accepted toward completion of the MBA requirements as specified on the student's degree plan. An approval form must be completed prior to enrolling in a problems course. Students may, with the approval of the MBA Director, apply a maximum of two problem courses to their degree plan.
 
 

Degree Program

The MBA degree program requires completion of a minimum of 36 hours of graduate-level course work and a minimum 3.0 GPA with no grade below a C. A core of 7 courses (21 hours) is the standard requirement for all MBA candidates. This core is made up of the following courses:

ACC 5033; CIS 5153 or 5113; FIN 5073; G B 5883;* G B 5983; MGMT 5013, 5033, or 5053; MKTG 5093

MBA students are required to achieve a GPA of at least 3.0 on the core courses.

* Please note: to be eligible to enroll in G B 5883, a student must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in each of the other core courses.

Exceptions to this core may be made in individual cases upon recommendation from the MBA Director with final approval by the Dean of the College of Business Administration. The remaining 15 hours (5 courses) will be selected based on the advisement of each student in order to consider individual needs and preferences as well as scheduling and other problems. A student may choose to use elective courses to complete a concentration in a given area. Information about approved concentrations may be obtained from the student’s academic advisor.

The MBA candidate will be advised on a degree plan beginning with the first semester of enrollment at Tarleton. After the student has obtained full admission to the graduate program, a final official degree plan will be prepared and filed the semester in which the student will have completed 24 hours of graduate course work. The degree plan will be initiated at the request of the student. Students may petition changes in this degree plan at a later date, but these changes must be approved by the MBA Director and the Dean of Graduate Studies.

Comprehensive Examination

To be eligible to sit for the MBA comprehensive examination, the student must be admitted to candidacy for the master's degree. The student must also be in good standing with the University and the College of Graduate Studies and have a GPA of 3.0 or better in the MBA core courses.

The MBA comprehensive examination requirement will be met by earning an evaluation of satisfactory on a written comprehensive case analysis completed while enrolled in G B 5883. The case analysis will be evaluated on a "blind" review basis by a standing committee of graduate faculty from the College of Business Administration. There will be one faculty member from each discipline represented in the MBA core curriculum. The committee will grade the students' examinations on a pass/fail basis.

A student who receives a grade of fail or unsatisfactory on the examination will be eligible to retake the written examination the following semester. Students needing to retake the examination are advised to audit G B 5883 as part of their preparation for the exam. Students who fail the exam a second time will be required to meet with their graduate advisor, who will identify additional course work to be completed before taking the exam a third time. Any student failing the comprehensive examination three times will be dropped from the MBA program. The materials that are evaluated to determine students’ grades on the comprehensive examination will not be included in determining their grades in G B 5883.

MS Information Systems Curriculum

The MS, Information Systems program is a nonthesis program requiring at least 36 hours of graduate credit. Undergraduate courses (3000- and 4000-level) may not be counted for graduate credit. The program includes 21 hours of required courses and at least 5 elective courses.

Core requirements and required courses: Hours

CIS 5013 3

CIS 5203 3

CIS 5183 3

CIS 5033 3

CIS 5113 3

CIS 5043 3

CIS 5163 3

The student must also complete at least 9 hours selected from the following courses:

CIS 5073, 5193, 5763, 5783, 5913, 5953, 5903 and at least 6 hours selected from CIS, HRM, PSY, MGMT.

Comprehensive Examination

A student must satisfactorily complete the comprehensive exam before receiving the MS, Information Systems degree. The student’s academic advisor should be contacted for information about comprehensive examination requirements and policies.
 
 

Program Prerequisites (Leveling requirements)*

Business Statistics, 3 hours

Principles of Management, 3 hours, or appropriate work experience

Program prerequisites must be satisfied by the time a student completes 12 hours of graduate credit in the program.

^* Leveling requirements may be satisfied by taking undergraduate courses, CLEP tests, or DANTES tests. Work experience must be evaluated by the graduate advisor in the HRM program.
 
 

MS, HRM Curriculum

Core requirements Hours

CIS 5013 or 5113 3

G B 5983 3

HRM 5003 3

HRM 5073 3

HRM 5953 3

HRM 5083 3

Electives 18

Each student must complete at least 6 electives (18 hours). Four electives must be taken in a specific area or concentration. Concentrations for this degree are available in Human Resource Management Functions, Information Systems, Business, Management and Leadership, and Training and Development. Additional information about requirements for a concentration is available from the student’s academic advisor.

Comprehensive Examination

A student in the MS, HRM program is required to pass a comprehensive examination before receiving his/her degree. Information about the comprehensive examination requirement is available from the student’s academic advisor.

The Master of Science, Management program (MS Management) is designed for students who have management experience in public or private organizations and who wish to sharpen their management skills. The program focuses on management and leadership skills that can be applied in any organizational setting, regardless of the functional area in which the leader works. Students gain knowledge and skills that are applicable in business, the military, government organizations, and private not-for- profit organizations.

Program Prerequisites (Leveling requirements)

Business statistics, 3 hours

Principles of management, 3 hours, or appropriate work experience as a manager

Leveling requirements may be met by taking undergraduate courses, CLEP tests, or DANTES tests. In addition to these specific course requirements, students must demonstrate acceptable skills in the use of word processing, spread sheet, database, and presentation software, and the Internet. A student’s transcript will be evaluated to determine any leveling requirements yet to be satisfied. Leveling requirements must be satisfied by the time a student completes 12 hours of graduate credit in the MS, Management program.
 
 

Course Requirements

Core courses

CIS 5113

G B 5983

MGMT 5033

MGMT 5083

12 hours selected from following courses:

HRM 5003; MGMT 5013, 5023, 5043, 5053, 5063,

5683, 5853, 5863

Electives, 12 hours

A student may choose to use these electives to complete a concentration in a specific area. Concentrations for this degree are available in Economics and Finance, Human Resource Management Functions, Information Systems, Business, and Training and Development. Additional information about requirements for a concentration is available from a student’s academic advisor.

Comprehensive Examination

Students in the MS, Management program are required to pass a comprehensive examination before receiving their degrees. Students will be required to demonstrate their understanding of management and leadership by evaluating cases depicting management and leadership situations.

The Department of Curriculum and Instruction offers the Master of Education with two majors: Elementary Education and Secondary Education. These degree programs are designed to help educators improve their competencies in their respective fields. Options are also available for Generic Special Education, Gifted and Talented Certification, and Reading Specialist Professional Certification. A new Teacher Leadership emphasis has been developed to meet changing requirements for continued professional development. Degree programs are designed to assist educators in developing new skills and in-depth knowledge, which are requisites for assuming roles of increased responsibility and leadership.

Basic Procedures

Graduate advisors have been designated in each of the major program areas to assist new students and those for whom graduate committees have not been appointed. The graduate committee chair, when selected, will assist the student in developing a degree plan and, along with the committee members, will assume the responsibility for preparing the student for the comprehensive examinations.

To receive full admission to a degree program offered in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, an applicant must meet all standards established by the College of Graduate Studies and all departmental program requirements and be recommended by the graduate advisor or the program admissions committee.

Students who meet the general requirements for conditional admission and are recommended by the Department will be permitted to pursue one of the major areas in the department. Typically, the student admitted on a conditional basis will be required to complete 12 semester hours including EDU 5983 with a 3.25 GPA.

To remain in good standing, students who have full admission status are expected to maintain a 3.0 GPA. Students whose GPA does not meet the minimum may not enroll for additional work without special permission from the department head.

Consideration for accepting transfer credits will be given only after a student has full admission to graduate study. Credits transferred from an approved institution must meet the guidelines outlined in Limitations on Transfer and Correspondence Courses in General Requirements for the Master's Degree.
 
 

Comprehensive Examination –

Master of Education Degree in Secondary Education

The following comprehensive examination procedures apply to students seeking the MEd in Secondary Education.

ADMINISTRATION AND APPLICATION DATES. Examinations will be administered three times per year. Examinees must have filed a degree plan and complete an application to be eligible to take the comprehensive exam according to the schedule that follows:

Test Dates Application Deadlines

Second Saturday in April March 1

Second Saturday in July June 5

Second Saturday in November October 1

No examination will be administered other than on a regularly scheduled administration date without permission from the graduate advisor, the department head and the Graduate Dean.

Comprehensive examinations will be composed of objective and essay sections. A student must receive a satisfactory grade on each section.

SECTION ONE. This section consists of multiple-choice questions that address (1) the degree major core courses, and (2) foundation courses (Human Development, Educational Sociology, and Educational Research).

This test is primarily designed to test knowledge and comprehension levels and higher cognitive levels.

SECTION TWO. This section of the examination is designed to assess higher-order thinking skills. It consists of four essay questions. Two questions are submitted by the chair of the committee, and each committee member submits one question.

GRADING PROCEDURES. Section One is computer graded and a student is expected to satisfactorily answer a specific number of questions.

The essay questions are graded on a pass/fail basis. One point will be awarded for each question answered correctly. To pass this section, a student must receive at least three out of four possible points. The committee chair may award up to two points and committee members one point each.

Oral examinations may be required of any candidate with a marginal performance on this section. If a test paper contains grammar and/or composition errors, the student may be asked to repeat the examination.

RETAKE POLICY. If an examinee fails either section of the examination, he/she may retake the failed section(s) at the next regular administration date. No one may retake any section of the examination more than two times without authorization from the department head and Graduate Dean.

OTHER PROVISIONS. Blue books, furnished by the department, are required for all essay questions. Examinees will be required to purchase blue books at the door on the day of the test.

Comprehensive Examination –

Master of Education Degree in Elementary Education

The purpose of the comprehensive examination in the Master of Education Degree in Elementary Education is for the student to demonstrate the proficiencies established for the program and to apply the concepts and knowledge acquired throughout the course of study. The comprehensive examination in this program will consist of a major field-based project or action research design which is approved by the student's graduate committee. This field-based project or action research will encompass both the proficiencies for the program and the courses taken by the student and may be started in a course but is over and above any specific course requirement.

Results of the field-based project or action research will be presented to the education faculty/educational community orally, with accompanying written report of the project or field-based research presented to the student's graduate committee. The written and oral presentations must be completed at a satisfactory level determined by the student's committee for the student to meet the graduation requirement of completion of the comprehensive examination. The performance rubrics will be provided by the student's committee chair. The dates for both application for the comprehensive examination and for completion of both oral and written portions are the same as MEd in Secondary Education.
 
 

MASTER OF EDUCATION IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION

The Master of Education in Elementary Education is a 36 hour program which is designed to provide professional development and enrichment for the elementary school teacher. Professional certification or an endorsement in Reading, Special Education, Early Childhood, English as a Second Language, Gifted and Talented, or Supervision may be obtained along with the Master of Education in Elementary Education. Additional course work may be required to meet both degree and certification requirements. Special support courses have been designated for persons wishing to serve as instructional leaders in the classroom. A thesis option is available.

The Master of Education Degree in Elementary Education consists of:

Courses Semester Hours

EDU 5023 Educational Sociology 3

PSY 5043 Human Development 3

EDU 5983 Techniques of Research 3

EDU 5123 Seminar in Teaching Language Arts and Social Studies 3

EDU 5223 Teaching Math and Science in Elementary School 3

EDU 5383 Curriculum Design and Implementation 3

either RDG 5733 Foundations of Reading

or RDG 5723 Language Arts for Today's Learner 3

Recommended but not required:

EDSP5053 Introduction to Exceptional Learners 3

EDU 5933 Internship in Elementary Teaching 3

Support courses To be selected jointly by student and Elementary

Education advisor 9 to 15

Total 36

To obtain a professional certification or endorsement with the Master of Education in Elementary Education, see those sections.

MASTER OF EDUCATION IN SECONDARY EDUCATION

The Master of Education in Secondary Education is a 36-hour program which is designed to provide secondary teachers with advanced professional development in either pedagogy and subject matter or teacher leadership.

Professional certification or an endorsement in Reading. Generic Special Education, English as a Second Language, Gifted and Talented, or Supervision may be obtained along with the Master of Education in Secondary Education. Additional course work may be required to meet both degree and certification requirements.

A thesis option is available.

Degree Requirements/Courses Semester Hours

Total 36

The following four courses are required of all

Master of Education in Secondary Education candidates: 12 hours

EDU 5023 Educational Sociology

PSY 5043 Human Development

EDU 5383 Curriculum Design and Implementation

EDU 5983 Techniques of Research

The emphasis in Education or Subject Matter requires an additional 12 hours of course work in an academic discipline or curriculum content area for which the student has at least 12 hours of undergraduate preparation. An additional 12 hours of support courses will be selected jointly by the candidate and the Secondary Education advisor. Each student’s degree program must include a minimum of 18 hours in Education course work.
 
 

To select the Teacher Leader emphasis, the following courses are to be added to the list of required courses:

EDAD 5073 Programs and Procedures in Supervision 12 hours

EDAD 5163 Instructional Leadership

EDAD 5393 Processes in Educational Leadership

EDU 5453 Advanced Instructional Strategies

To obtain an Early Childhood endorsement along with the degree, the following courses must be taken:

EDU 3943* Curriculum and Methods of Kindergarten 12 hours

Instruction

EDU 4043* Facilities and Materials of Kindergarten

Instruction

H S 3003* Child Development

H S 3053* Management of a Licensed Child Care Program

* To be taken for graduate credit

To obtain an English as a Second Language endorsement along with the degree, the following courses must be taken:

ENGL 3203 English Grammars 12 hours

ENGL 3703 An Introduction to Linguistics

EDU 5863 Special Problems (Topic: Methods of

Teaching English as a Second Language)

PSY 3203* Psycholinguistics

* May be taken for graduate credit

To obtain an endorsement in Gifted and Talented along with the degree, the following courses must be taken:

EDU 5603 The Gifted Learner 15 hours

EDU 5623 Creativity in the Classroom

EDU 5643 Curriculum and Material Developed for

the Gifted Learner

EDU 5663 Instruction and Evaluation Methods for

the Gifted Learner

EDU 5693 Practicum in Gifted Education
 
 

The Delivery System in Generic Special Education is a post-baccalaureate program that will certify one to teach Special Education. Nine hours of the program are delivered at the undergraduate level, and these courses may be completed prior to admission to the College of Graduate Studies. Requirements include the following courses:

Semester Hours

Total 24

EDSP 3613 Survey of Exceptional Children

or EDSP 5053 Introduction to Exceptional Learners

EDSP 3623 Assessment of Exceptional Learners

RDG 3843 Assessment and Instruction of Reading

EDU 5043 Human Development

EDSP 5253 Appraisal of Exceptional Learners

EDSP 4653 Classroom Management for Exceptional Learners

EDSP 5273 Teaching Students with Severe to Profound Disabilities

The Professional Reading Specialist Certificate is an all-level certificate that prepares previously-certified teachers to teach chapter reading, elementary reading, secondary reading, and college reading. It also prepares teachers to assist with the development of the district language arts curriculum.

Graduate Reading Core Total: 12 hours

RDG 5733 Foundations of Reading

or RDG 5723 Language Arts for Today’s Learner

RDG 5743 Reading Resources and Materials

RDG 5753 Reading Research and Assessment

RDG 5763 Organization and Administration of Reading Programs

Resource Area Total: 6 hours

EDU 5023 Educational Sociology

Plus 3 hours from ENGL 3203, ENGL 3703, PSY 3203

Education Courses for Holders of Secondary Certificates Total: 6 hours

EDU 5383 Curriculum Design and Implementation

EDU 5453* Advanced Instructional Strategies

EDU 5123* Seminar in Teaching Language Arts and Social Studies

EDU 5223* Teaching Math and Science in the Elementary School

PSY 5043* Human Growth and Development

EDSP 5053* Introduction to Exceptional Learners

Education Courses for Holders of Elementary Certificates Total: 6 hours

EDU 5383 Curriculum Design and Implementation

EDU 5453* Advanced Instructional Strategies

PSY 5043* Human Growth and Development

EDSP 5053* Introduction to Exceptional Learners

RDG 5723* Language Arts for Today’s Learner

* Students take only one of these courses.

Prerequisite: Prior to being recommended for the Professional Reading Certificate, the candidate must have a valid Texas teaching certificate, three years of teaching experience, and a Master's degree. Many teachers work on the Reading Specialist Certificate and the M Ed degree concurrently.
 
 

EDSP 5053 Introduction to Exceptional Learners

P ED 5283 or 3803 Adaptive Physical Education

EDSP 3623 Assessment of Exceptional Learners

or EDSP 4653 Classroom Management for Exceptional Learners

EDSP 5293 Assessing Cognitive Abilities of Exceptional Learners

CNSL 5233 Standardized Tests and Measurements

or PSY 5813 Assessment and Evaluation Fundamentals

RDG 5753 Reading Research and Assessment

PSY 5043 Human Development

EDU 5023 Educational Sociology

PSY 3033 Educational Psychology

PSY 5033 Theories of Learning

EDSP 5253 Appraisal of Exceptional Learners

EDSP 5273 Teaching Students with Severe to Profound Disabilities

EDSP 5993 Internship for Educational Diagnosticians

* Additional requirements may be added for the M Ed. Certification requires a minimum of three years of public school teaching experience and the master’s degree.

Certificate Requirements Semester Hours

Total 30

A. Provisional Elementary Certificate

B. Three years' teaching experience

C. Thirty semester hours of graduate-level courses from the following areas:

Academic Specialization 12

EDU 5023 Educational Sociology

Nine semester hours from a subject or combination of subjects

included in the public school curriculum in which the individual

has at least 18 hours in an approved undergraduate program for

elementary teachers.

Resource Area 6

EDU 5223 Teaching Math and Science in the Elementary

School

RDG 5753 Reading Research and Assessment

EDU 5123 Seminar in Teaching Language Arts and Social Studies

RDG 5733 Foundations of Reading

or Advanced or graduate-level courses chosen to extend the applicant's

preparation in a subject matter field or fields supporting his or her

elementary teaching objective.

Professional Development 6

Electives 6

(Six additional hours in professional education acceptable for

graduate credit)
 
 

PROFESSIONAL HIGH SCHOOL CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

Certificate Requirements Semester Hours

Total 30

A. Texas Provisional Junior High School or High School Certificate

B. Three years' teaching experience

C. Thirty semester hours of graduate-level courses from

the following areas:

Academic Specialization 12

Twelve semester hours in a subject taught in Texas Public Schools

in which the individual has at least 24 semester hours undergraduate

credit in a program for secondary teachers. These courses are to be

selected from those listed as approved academic specializations.

Agricultural Education Government

Biology History

Chemistry Mathematics

Economics Physical Education

English

Resource Area 6

EDU 5023 Educational Sociology

Plus three semester hours from courses other than the academic specialization

Professional Development 6

Electives 6

Six additional semester hours in specialization, professional

development, resource area, or any combination thereof.
 
 

Professional teacher certification for persons who meet the qualifications may be conferred after completion of prescribed work at this University. In some cases certification may be completed concurrently with a master’s degree program. Conferral of a degree, however, does not imply concurrent completion of either Provisional or Professional Texas Certificate requirements. Students who seek teacher certification must meet the requirements outlined in an approved certification plan prepared by the Teacher Certification Officer in the College of Education and Fine Arts.
 
 

The Department of Educational Administration, Counseling, and Psychology offers the Master of Education degree with two majors: Educational Administration and Guidance and Counseling. These degree options are designed to help students improve their competencies in their respective fields by developing new skills and in-depth knowledge, which are requisites for assuming roles of increased responsibility and leadership.

Basic Procedures

Graduate advisors are designated in each of the two major program areas to assist new students and those for whom graduate committees have not been appointed. The graduate committee chair, when appointed, assists the student in developing a degree plan and, along with the committee members, assumes the responsibility for preparing the student for the comprehensive examinations.

To receive full admission to any degree program offered in the Department of Educational Administration, Counseling, and Psychology, an applicant must meet all standards established by the College of Graduate Studies and all departmental program requirements and be recommended by the graduate advisor, committee chair, or the program admissions committee.

Students who meet the general requirements for conditional admission and are recommended by the Department for full admission will be permitted to pursue one of the major areas in the department. Typically, the student admitted on a conditional basis will be required to complete 12 semester hours including EDU 5983 with a 3.25 GPA.

To remain in good standing, students who have full admission status are expected to maintain a 3.0 GPA. Students whose GPA does not meet the minimum may not enroll for additional work without special permission from the department head.

Consideration for accepting transfer credits will be given only after a student has full admission to graduate study. Credits transferred from an approved institution must meet the guidelines outlined in Limitations on Transfer and Correspondence Courses in General Requirements for the Master's Degree.

Comprehensive Examination

The following comprehensive examination procedures apply to the majors offered in the Department of Educational Administration, Counseling, and Psychology.

ADMINISTRATION AND APPLICATION DATES. Examinations will be administered three times per year. Examinees must have filed a degree plan and complete an application to be eligible to take the comprehensive exam according to the schedule that follows.

Test Dates Application Deadlines

Second Saturday in April March 1

Second Saturday in July June 5

Second Saturday in November October 1

No examination will be administered other than on a regularly scheduled administration date without permission from the graduate advisor, the department head, and the Graduate Dean.

Comprehensive examinations will be composed of objective and essay sections. A student must receive a satisfactory grade on each section.

PROCEDURES FOR EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION

SECTION ONE. This section consists of multiple-choice questions that address (1) the degree major core courses, and (2) foundation courses (Human Development, Educational Sociology, and Educational Research). This section is designed to test a student’s knowledge and understanding of content and concepts in the field of study.

SECTION TWO. This section of the examination is designed to assess higher-order thinking skills. It consists of four essay questions. Two questions are submitted by the chair of the committee, and each committee member submits one question.

GRADING PROCEDURES. Section One is computer graded and a student is expected to satisfactorily answer a specific number of questions.

The essay questions are graded on a pass/fail basis. One point will be awarded for each question answered correctly. To pass this section, a student must receive at least three out of four possible points. The committee chair may award up to two points and committee members one point each.

Oral examinations may be required of any candidate with a marginal performance on this section. If a test paper contains grammar and/or composition errors, the student may be asked to repeat the examination.

PROCEDURES FOR GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING

SECTION ONE. Each committee member will grade the essay questions that he/she submitted for the exam. A committee member may choose to read a student’s response to all four questions.

Each of the exam questions will be graded on a 25 point scale. All four questions must be attempted. To pass this section, a student must receive at least 70 out of the possible 100 points. Points may be subtracted from an essay because of content deficiencies, grammar, or composition errors.

SECTION TWO. This section of the comprehensive examination consists of a computer-graded, 100-question multiple choice examination over the course content of required courses. Each question is worth one point, and the student is expected to attain a score of at least 70 points.

RETAKE POLICY. If an examinee fails either section of the examination, he/she may retake the failed section(s) at the next regular administration date. No one may retake any section of the examination more than two times without authorization from the department head and Graduate Dean.

OTHER PROVISIONS. Blue books, furnished by the department, are required for all essay questions. Examinees will be required to purchase blue books at the door on the day of the test.
 
 

The Educational Administration programs at Tarleton State University are designed to prepare effective education leaders. Requirements for the master's degree (36 semester hours), the Principal’s Certificate (45 semester hours), and the Superintendent's Certificate (66 semester hours) reflect the significant changes that occur in society, schools, and the nature of school administration.

Tarleton's Master of Education degree in Educational Administration and the accompanying certification programs are designed to prepare administrators for a variety of roles and responsibilities. The Principal’s Certificate qualifies one to hold all administrative positions in the school, including the principalship and central office positions, with the exception of the superintendency. The Superintendent's Certificate qualifies one to become a superintendent, and the Supervisor's Certificate prepares one to become a curriculum supervisor, department head, or lead teacher. The programs are designed to support the continuing professional development of career-oriented individuals and help them to be knowledgeable, up-to-date decision makers, capable of providing leadership to the district, campus, and community.

Admission to Administration Programs

Admission procedures for the Master of Education Degree in Educational Administration include the following steps:

Typical Curriculum

Following is the typical curriculum for the Master of Education Degree in Educational Administration. Added to the degree are the course requirements for the Principal’s Certificate and the Superintendent's Certificate.

1. The following courses or the equivalent as approved by the advisor:

EDU 5023 Educational Sociology

PSY 5043 Human Development

EDU 5983 Techniques of Research

EDU 5383 Curriculum Design and Implementation

2. EDAD 5003 Foundations of Educational Administration

3. Three hours of electives not in the educational administration core and as approved by an advisor

Educational Administration core

EDAD 5073

EDAD 5083

EDAD 5093

EDAD 5153

EDAD 5163

EDAD 5393

Additional Requirements for the Principal’s Certificate

1. Internship (EDAD 5993) 3 semester hours

2. Electives 6 semester hours

Alternative Certification

The New Century Educational Leadership Program (NCELP) is an alternative Principal certification program. Its purpose is to prepare highly qualified individuals to serve as public school administrators in Texas. NCELP is not designed to replace or detract from the traditional certification program at Tarleton or any other university. NCELP is a collaborative administrator program between Tarleton State University and public school districts in Texas.

NCELP is designed for persons who have completed a baccalaureate degree or higher, who have a record of exemplary academic achievement and/or work experience, and who have demonstrated leadership qualities. Certification is earned through a combination of intensive summer course work and monthly seminars coupled with a paid, two-year internship in an administrative position with a public school. The internship is jointly sponsored and supervised by Tarleton State University and the participating school district. Interns develop professional administrative skills and values through the combination of University classes and practical administrative experiences.

Through NCELP, interns earn a Master of Education in Educational Administration and a Principal certificate that enables the intern to accept administrative positions in Texas public schools.

NCELP Entry Requirements

Grade point requirements for entering the NCELP program are more stringent than those of most other administrator education programs. NCELP applicants must present a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution with an overall GPA of at least 3.0. Further, applicants with bachelor’s degrees must present evidence of at least five years of successful experience in a position with leadership responsibilities. Applicants with graduate degrees must present evidence of at least three years of such experience.

In addition, applicants must successfully complete an intensive screening process that includes a formal presentation and input from public school administrators familiar with the applicant.

Concurrent to applying for admission to NCELP. applicants must also apply for admission to the College of Graduate Studies at Tarleton. An acceptable score on the general test of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is required by Tarleton for admission to graduate school.

The applicant must secure a position in a public school in Texas in which he/she executes administrative responsibilities during at least 60% of his/her duty hours. After initial screening and acceptance by the University, services of the University Placement Office are available to applicants to assist in obtaining placement for their internship.

Additional requirements also apply to NCELP applicants. Persons interested in applying for the program should contact the NCELP Director in the E.J. Howell Building Room 105 or by phone at (254) 968-9948.

Additional Requirements for the Superintendent's Certificate

Requirements/Courses Semester Hours

Total 66

EDAD 5173 Public School Finance and Fiscal Management

EDAD 5183 Administrative Law and Personnel Administration

EDAD 5193 The School Superintendency

EDAD 5203 Operations Management in Public School Systems

EDAD 5353 Educational Planning and Facility Development

EDAD 5363 Instructional Development and School Improvement

EDAD 5973 Internship for the Superintendent

Additional hours above Principal’s Certificate for the

Superintendents' Certificate 21

Tarleton State University has entered into a partnership with Texas A&M University – Commerce in the delivery of a joint doctoral program in educational administration. The degree is awarded by Texas A&M University – Commerce, but a significant amount of the course work may be taken at the Tarleton campus, and Tarleton faculty are active members in the delivery of the program.
 
 

Admission

Admission to the joint doctoral program is a three-step process. Step 1 requires satisfactory admission to the A&M – Commerce graduate school. Students should consult with Tarleton faculty or the A&M – Commerce graduate school to obtain information about minimum requirements. Students who meet the requirements in Step 1 will submit a portfolio for review. This portfolio may be submitted to the respective departments at A&M – Commerce or Tarleton State University. Applicants satisfactorily completing Steps 1 and 2 will be invited for an interview, Step 3, with Tarleton and A&M – Commerce faculty. Interested students are encouraged to call the department for additional information on admission requirements.

Course Work

The program is a 60-semester-hour post-master’s program, or a 90-hour post-baccalaureate program. The programs require a 36-hour major in educational administration, of which 24 hours must be in prescribed courses that require doctoral standing. Additionally, students must complete 12 semester hours in research tools and a minimum of 12 semester hours in dissertation course work. The post-master’s program carries a 12-hour elective requirement, and the post-baccalaureate program carries a 30-hour minor with 18 hours of electives.

Program Sequence

Year 1 Hours

Foundations of Educational Administration 3

Governance of Educational Organizations 3

Elective, minor, or certification courses* 6

Advanced Organizational Behavior 3

Research Methods 3

Elective, minor, or certification course* 3

Psychological and Educational Statistics 3

Instructional Development and School Improvement* 3

Elective, minor, or certification course* 3

Year 2

Advanced Statistical Techniques 3

Educational Law and Policy Issues 3

Elective, minor, or certification courses* 6

Ethics and Philosophy* 3

Educational Program Evaluation of School Leaders 3

Elective, minor, or certification course* 3

Qualitative Research 3

Resident Seminar 3

Elective, minor, or certification course* 3

Year 3 and beyond

Educational Administration Dissertation 3

* These courses may be completed at Tarleton.

The Professional Counselor Program offers a program of study leading to the Master of Education degree with a major in Counseling. The degree enables graduates to be eligible for the Professional Counselor License (LPC). The program also enables students to pursue certification as a school counselor. Before school counseling certification can be granted, students must have accrued at least three years of teaching experience in public schools, grades K-12.

Any student pursuing a degree, certificate, or license in counseling must be admitted to the Professional Counselor Program. Applicants must meet both graduate school admission requirements and program admission requirements. Students pursuing school counseling certification must hold a valid permanent teacher’s certificate. Students who are not pursuing school counseling certification should have an undergraduate degree in a field related to counseling, such as psychology, social work, or sociology. If their undergraduate degree is in a field not closely related to counseling, these students may be required to take additional coursework.

Admission Guidelines

Note: The current admissions process is under review and will be changed effective Fall 2001.

The student must:

Spring Semester November 15

Summer Session April 15

Application and Admissions Process

An admissions committee consisting of the coordinator of the Professional Counselor Program and counseling faculty will convene once a semester to review applications.

1. The following factors contribute to the decision of the admissions committee:

a. graduate admission status

b. performance in graduate course work

The master’s degree with a major in counseling consists of 48 semester hours of study as follows:

Required CNSL courses (30 hours)

CNSL 5503 - Introduction to Counseling

CNSL 5513 - Career Counseling and Guidance

CNSL 5533 - Counseling Theories and Methods

CNSL 5543 - Group Procedures for Counselors

CNSL 5233 - Standardized Tests and Measurements

CNSL 5563 - Introduction to Family Counseling

CNSL 5573 - Methods and Practices of Counseling

CNSL 5913 - Ethical Foundations of Counseling

CNSL 5953 - Internship in Counseling I

CNSL 5963 - Internship in Counseling II

Required EDU and PSY courses (9 hours)

PSY 5043 - Human Growth and Development

Electives (9 hours)

Approved electives selected from CNSL, PSY, EDAD or EDU

Total: 48 hours

School Counseling Requirements

Students who pursue School Counseling Certification follow the same procedures for admission to the counseling program. A student who has a master’s degree and wants to pursue School Counseling Certification may be admitted as a special non-degree-seeking student. Alternatively, the student who already has a master’s degree may choose to seek the master’s degree with a major in counseling. No more than six hours of study completed as a special non-degree-seeking student may be applied to a second master’s degree program. A student who does not have a master’s degree must seek the degree concurrent with the certification.

Certificate Requirements

Required CNSL courses

CNSL 5503 - Introduction to Counseling

CNSL 5513 - Career Counseling and Guidance

CNSL 5533 - Counseling Theories and Methods

CNSL 5543 - Group Procedures for Counselors

CNSL 5233 - Standardized Tests and Measurements

CNSL 5563 - Introduction to Family Counseling

or EDU 5053 - Introduction to Exceptional Learners

or CNSL 5523 – Seminar in School Counseling

CNSL 5573 - Methods and Practices of Counseling

CNSL 5523 - Seminar in School Counseling

CNSL 5953 - Internship in Counseling I

CNSL 5963 - Internship in Counseling II

Required EDU and PSY courses

EDU 5023 - Educational Sociology

or PSY 5113 – Culture, Minority, and Gender Issues

PSY 5043 - Human Growth and Development

Total: 36 hours

The Department of Educational Administration, Counseling, and Psychology offers programs of study leading to the Master of Science degree in Counseling Psychology and Educational Psychology. The Master of Science in Counseling Psychology provides options in Counseling Psychology, Mental Health, Marriage and Family, and Addiction and Substance Abuse Counseling. These options enable graduates to be eligible for the Professional Counselor License (LPC). The Master of Science degree in Educational Psychology provides options for the Licensed Psychological Associate, Industrial/Organizational Psychology and Human Resources, and School Psychology.

Students wishing to pursue a master’s degree in Psychology must be admitted to the graduate Psychology program. Applicants must meet both graduate school admission requirements and program admission requirements. Students should have an undergraduate degree in Psychology or a related field such as social work, sociology, management, or human resources. A student whose undergraduate degree is in a field not closely related to Psychology may be required to take additional work.

Admission Guidelines

1. The student must be admitted to the College of Graduate Studies.

2. The student must meet admission requirements as specified in the Application for Admission to the Graduate Psychology program. Application forms may be obtained from the office of the Department of Educational Administration, Counseling, and Psychology in Stephenville or at the Tarleton University System Center in Killeen.

3. The student must return the completed application for admission and all documentation according to the following schedule:

Fall Semester July 15

Spring Semester November 15

Summer Session April 15

An admissions committee consisting of members of the graduate psychology faculty will convene once a semester to review applications and make recommendations for acceptance or rejection of individual applicants.

4. The following factors contribute to the decision of the admissions committee:

a. graduate admission status

b. performance in graduate course work

c. for some options, an essay regarding the student’s learning as a result of taking the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory 2 (MMPI-2) and having the test interpreted.

5. Students’ admission status will be reviewed continuously throughout their course of graduate study. Should a change in admission status be required, appropriate program procedures will be followed.

6. Additional information regarding informed consent and other program guidelines may be obtained from program advisors.

The Master of Science degree in Counseling Psychology consists of a core curriculum of 27 semester hours of study:

Core Requirements: Hours

PSY 5003, 5013 6

PSY 5043, 5813 6

PSY 5843, 5963 6

PSY 5063 3

CNSL 5533, 5583 6

Additional requirements for options:

Option A: Counseling Psychology (Total hours: 48)

Core requirements 27

PSY 5113 3

CPSY 5543 3

CNSL 5513 3

from CPSY 5103, 5153, PSY 5103 3

from CPSY 5113, 5123, 5183, 5243, 5563, PSY 5823 6

elective 3

Option B: Mental Health (Total hours: 60)

Core requirements 27

PSY 5053, 5113 6

PSY 5823, 5833 6

CPSY 5543, 5563 6

CNSL 5513 3

CPSY 5123 or EDU 5053 3

CPSY 5103 or 5153 3

PSY 5143 or 5803 3

CPSY 5113 or 5243 or 5943 3

Option C: Marriage and Family (Total hours: 48)

Core requirements 27

PSY 5053 3

CPSY 5563, 5093, 5103, 5203 12

CPSY 5103, 5203 6

CPSY 5243 3

PSY 5113 or CPSY 5113 3

Option D: Addiction and Substance Abuse Counseling (Total hours: 54)

Core requirements 27

PSY 5113, 5893 6

CPSY 5113, 5153, 5193, 5543, 5563, 5943 18

CNSL 5513 3

The Master of Science degree in Educational Psychology includes a core curriculum of 12 hours:

Core Requirements: Hours

PSY 5003, 5013, 5063, 5813 12

Requirements for options:

Option A: Licensed Psychological Associate (Tot