Additional Program Information
Degree Requirements
Each candidate for a degree or certificate must have completed all coursework and program requirements. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in all courses applicable to the degree is required for both good academic standing and degree conferral The words “With Distinction” will appear on the diploma and transcript of any student who completes their degree with a GPA of at least 3.75. Once the degree is conferred, the academic record is finalized and cannot be changed.
Psychology Degree Requirements
A 3.0 cumulative GPA is required and successful completion of either 36 graduate credits including PSYN 709 Master Thesis Supervision or a written comprehensive examination.
Capstone Requirement
Students may choose twelve (12) elective credits and a comprehensive exam OR six (6) elective credits and PSYN 709 Master Thesis Supervision .
After completing 27 credits, including all of the program’s required courses, students may make arrangements to complete their capstone requirement.
Students electing to conduct the thesis project must register for PSYN 709 Master Thesis Supervision and select a faculty member to serve as their thesis mentor. Students electing to take the comprehensive examination should notify the Program Director of their intention to take the comprehensive exam at the beginning of their final semester.
Capstone Advisement
It is expected that Capstone students shall make satisfactory progress with their program’s culminating activity. After the student registers for all sections of their Capstone requirement, they will be given one subsequent term to complete their work.
The Maintaining Matriculation registration must be completed for this subsequent term if no other courses are taken. After this period, a Capstone Continuation fee (equal to the cost of one graduate credit) will be charged for each additional term required to complete the project. Students can only register for Capstone Continuation for two terms. A student’s degree will not be released until all Maintenance of Matriculation and Capstone Continuation registration and fees are recorded appropriately on a student’s record.
Course Load
Students must consult with the program director regarding required courses and electives for the psychology program. Full-time students may register for up to 12 credits per semester without special permission. Part-time students may register for either three or six credits per semester. 9 credits is considered full-time on the graduate level.
Transfer Credits
Graduate courses taken at other institutions prior to admission at Mercy College may, if pertinent to the plan of study, be credited to the graduate degree. Permission to transfer credits must be requested in writing at the time of admission and official transcripts and course descriptions must be submitted to the school dean for evaluation. Transfer credit will be granted only for courses taken in the five-year period prior to acceptance in the Mercy College program and for courses in which the student earned a grade of B or above. Students may request transfer credit for up to six credits. Course with a grade of B- are not acceptable for transfer.
Maintenance of Matriculation
It is expected that students will fulfill the requirements for their graduate degree by registering over successive sessions. Registration is accomplished by either enrolling in classes or maintaining matriculation.
The Maintaining Matriculation fee is $100 per session and is processed as a registration. Students who have not maintained matriculation and wish to return to their program within one year after their last course registration will be charged the Maintenance of Matriculation fee of $100 for each missed session. Maintenance of matriculation without attending classes is limited to one year. Activated U.S. Military Reservists are not required to pay the Maintenance of Matriculation fee.
Students must register for PSYN 899 Maintenance of Matriculation in order to continue work toward their degree in semesters when they are not registered for classes.
Maintenance of Good Academic Standing
A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in all courses applicable to the degree is required for both good academic standing and degree conferral. A student admitted as a Special Matriculant is required to achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 after completion of six credits. Please note, certain graduate programs may have more stringent program policies. Please check the specific program regulations. Grades are subject to review by the faculty advisor and program director at the end of each term. If the academic average falls below 3.0, the student will be placed on academic probation.
Academic Probation
A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in all courses applicable to the degree is required for both good academic standing and degree conferral. All students who have a cumulative GPA below 3.0 will be placed on academic probation. If a student will not be able to achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 within a reasonable time, the student may be subject to dismissal from the academic program of study. If a student receives a grade of F or FW in any course, the student will be subject to dismissal from the program. For all students on probation, future registrations must be reviewed and approved by the Academic Unit Head of the student’s program or graduate Associate Dean.
In all subsequent terms in which the student is on probation, the student is required to achieve a term GPA of 3.0 or higher. If the 3.0 or higher is not achieved the student will be dismissed. Students who receive a grade of less than B may be required to repeat the course.
Time Limit
Requirements for the Master in Psychology must be completed within five years from the date of the candidate’s admission (exclusive of time spent in the Armed Forces). Exceptions will be made only if a student requests an extension of time in writing and in advance and receives the approval of the director.
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