2024-2025 Graduate Catalog 
    
    Dec 03, 2024  
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2024-2025 Graduate Catalog

Graduate Admission Procedures and Requirements

General Requirements

Anyone with a bachelor’s degree wishing to take courses for graduate credit, whether or not he/she wishes to become a candidate for a degree, must make formal application for admission to graduate study. Admission to graduate study does not make a student a candidate for a graduate degree. Only persons who have received a letter of admission from the Dean of Graduate Studies may enroll in graduate courses. Individuals who were admitted to graduate study but did not matriculate must submit a new application and meet admission requirements in effect for the term they wish to enroll. An applicant may be admitted at the beginning of any semester. Early application is encouraged. For a guaranteed decision on admission, completed application packets must be received in the Graduate Studies Office 28 days prior to the first day of the semester for which admission is requested with the exception of Graduate Counseling Applications which must be completed 90 days prior to the first day of the Fall semester for Fall admission and 90 days prior to the Spring semester for Spring admission. A completed application packet consists of application for admission, application fee, and all supporting documentation (i.e., transcripts, test scores, letters of reference, resume, essay, teaching license, etc.) required for the graduate program and admission level requested. All documents used for admission purposes become the property of The University of Tennessee at Martin and will not be returned. Students have the right to review their individual files.

Admission requirements for the graduate programs in Agriculture and Natural Resources, Family and Consumer Sciences, Business, Education, and Strategic Communications can be found on the following pages.

Re-Enrollment

Students who were previously enrolled as graduate students at UT Martin but have not been enrolled for one semester (excluding summer) must submit an updated application form.

Procedures for Admission

  1. Apply online at www.utm.edu or obtain an application for admission from the Graduate Studies Office, The University of Tennessee at Martin, 554 University Street, 227 Administration Building, Martin, TN 38238.
  2. Submit the online application (or completed paper application) with payment of the $40 non-refundable application fee (additional $100 processing fee for foreign students).
  3. Request the registrar of the institution conferring the bachelor’s degree to send one official transcript to the Graduate Studies Office.
  4. Request that official scores of the appropriate qualifying examination as required by the intended graduate program be sent directly to the Graduate Studies Office by the testing agency.
  5. International students must also follow the special instructions detailed in the International Students section of this catalog.

A decision on admission cannot be made until all procedures have been completed and official documents have been received. Applicants who have not been admitted may not register for classes.

Each applicant is responsible for arranging to take the appropriate qualifying examination as required and for requesting the transmission of scores directly to the Graduate Studies Office from the appropriate testing agency.

Computer-based testing is available for the GRE General and GMAT. Contact the UT Martin Testing Center (731-881-7727) for registration information.

Graduate Academic Fresh Start 

Graduate students applying for a graduate degree at UT Martin who have previous graduate coursework that exceeds 6 years may obtain entrance through the Academic Fresh Start policy.

Calculation of Cumulative Grade Point Average

Specifically, Academic Fresh Start affects grades of D or F for courses taken prior to entrance as follows:

  • Any grades of D or F will not be counted toward cumulative GPA for Academic Standing
  • Any grades of D or F will not be counted toward cumulative GPA for Graduation.

Degree Requirements

Specifically, Academic Fresh Start affects grades of D or F for courses taken prior to entrance as follows:

  • Any grades of D or F for any previous courses will not count as credit toward graduation.
  • Students must select a graduation catalog in existence at the time of or after the year in which Academic Fresh Start was granted.

Transcript

  • Courses and grades on transcript - includes all previous courses and grades on the transcript. Any courses and grades of D or F that are not counted for Academic Standing or Graduation will still appear on the student’s official transcript.  Please note: Prior grades of D and F will be printed on the transcript, but they will have a designation of “E” next to them to denote that they are excluded from UT Martin GPA calculation. 

To be considered for admission to UT Martin Graduate Programs or Academic Fresh Start, the student must:

  • Meet the requirements for admission to their respective graduate program
  • Meet the requirements for Graduate Academic Fresh Start
  • Submit a written request for Graduate Academic Fresh Start to the Dean of Graduate Studies prior to the term for which admission/readmission is requested

Students who transfer directly to UT Martin after attending another college or university within the last six years will still be eligible if they were granted a “Fresh Start” from the transferring institution. The policy will apply to grades received prior to the fresh start granted by the transferring institution.

Students can be admitted with Graduate Academic Fresh Start only one time, and once granted, Academic Fresh Start cannot be cancelled.

International Students

International applicants seeking admission to graduate programs must furnish the following in addition to all other entrance requirements:

  1. a completed, signed application including an accurate chronological outline of all previous education.
  2. official university transcript(s) with certified translations if the records are in a language other than English. Transcripts must include descriptive titles of courses, credit hours for each subject and grades received to earn credit.
  3. a non-refundable payment of $130 ($30 application fee and $100 processing fee).
  4. official minimum TOEFL score of at least 525 (UT Martin’s institutional paper test only) or IBT of 71 (internet based), or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.5 is required, unless the applicant’s native language is English or the applicant has earned a baccalaureate or higher-level degree within the past three years from an accredited institution in the United States.
  5. a bank letter or other papers of financial support. Financial aid is not available for international students.
  6. applicant’s immunization record translated into English.
  7. a completed Transfer Clearance Form (for applicants who are transferring from other institutions in the United States).

Information and forms needed for application to The University of Tennessee at Martin may be obtained online at www.utm.edu/international or by emailing international@utm.edu.

All required documents should be turned into Center for International Student Services (125C Gooch Hall) well in advance of the semester in which the applicant plans to enroll to allow forwarding of the completed application to the Graduate Studies Office by the application deadline (twenty-eight days prior to the first day of the semester).  An accepted applicant will be issued a letter of admission and an I-20 form, which will be necessary to obtain a student visa.  Students must appear on campus no later than the date specified on the I-20 form. 

Only one I-20 will be issued for each admission.  If the student does not enroll for the specified term the I-20 will be canceled and the student will need to contact International Admissions to defer their enrollment and be issued a new I-20.

An international student whose use of the English language appears to be inadequate after he/she arrives at the university will be required to take an English proficiency examination. If the student cannot pass this examination, he/she will be required to enroll in a course in English for foreign students.

Types of Admission

All applicants must have an earned bachelor’s degree. (Exceptions: see catalog sections entitled Second Master’s Degree, and Seniors Taking Graduate Coursework.) Applicants must meet the university requirements for admission as either degree-seeking or non-degree graduate students. They must also meet the admission requirements for the college in which they intend to pursue graduate work, which may exceed the university’s minimum requirements.

Degree Seeking

This admission is for applicants who want to obtain a master’s degree from UT Martin. Degree-seeking applicants who do not already have an advanced degree must meet the minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) and qualifying examination requirements specified below for the unconditional, conditional, or unclassified category.

Early

Early unconditional admission is available to a degree-seeking applicant who is currently enrolled in the final semester for a baccalaureate degree at a university/college in the U.S. The Graduate Studies Office must have received official qualifying exam score(s) which equal or exceed the minimum requirement, current official transcript from the institution currently being attended and one official transcript from any other colleges/universities attended previously. The applicant must also meet the requirements for unconditional admission to the intended graduate degree program, which may exceed the university’s minimum requirements.

If the applicant meets the admission requirements for unconditional admission, an early admission letter will be sent. A final official transcript must be received within the first semester of the student’s graduate enrollment.

Unconditional

Unconditional admission requires at least a 2.50 cumulative grade point average (GPA) on all work attempted prior to completion of the baccalaureate degree (4.00 scale) from an accredited institution and an acceptable graduate qualifying examination score as required by the program in which they intend to enroll, which may vary depending on the applicant’s GPA, as specified in the admission requirements of the college in which the student intends to pursue graduate work.

Conditional

Applicants may be granted conditional admission status subject to the following conditions.

  1. They must meet the specified minimum graduate qualifying examination score requirement for the graduate degree program in which they intend to enroll.
  2. They must meet one of the following minimal GPA requirements on a 4.00 scale (GPA requirement is waived if applicant graduated at least five years before the semester for which admission is being requested):
    1. Cum GPA-a 2.50 cumulative GPA on all work attempted prior to completion of the baccalaureate degree, or
    2. SrYr GPA-a 3.00 GPA on the last 30 semester hours attempted in the baccalaureate degree (all work will be computed for the number of semesters necessary to total the last 30 semester hours), or
    3. a 3.00 GPA on the SrYr plus any post-baccalaureate upper-division and/or graduate courses. (Any courses included in the SrYr calculation may be repeated to raise the GPA to 3.00.)

Applicants admitted as conditional students:

  1. may take at most four graduate courses for only 8-15 hours of graduate coursework as a conditional student, including any hours attempted as an unclassified student in the same degree program.
  2. must maintain a 3.00 Cum GPA and must earn at least a 3.00 Cum GPA for the 8-15 hours before they can move to unconditional status. If the 3.00 Cum GPA is maintained the move to unconditional status occurs automatically at the conclusion of the semester in which 8 hours of graduate course work is completed successfully.

Subject to the recommendation of the college’s graduate committee, courses taken as a non-degree student may be applied to the 8-15 hours limitation - if specified at the time conditional admission is granted. For M.B.A. and M.S.A.N.R. students, no courses offered for elective credit may be taken without the permission of the respective graduate coordinator/designee.

Unclassified

Applicants for degree-seeking status who meet the minimum GPA requirements for conditional admission but cannot provide a satisfactory official qualifying exam score may be granted unclassified admission. Unclassified students may enroll for one semester only and for a maximum of two graduate courses. They must achieve a 3.00 Cum GPA. Exception: Unclassified admission is not available for Business graduate students.

Continued enrollment as a degree-seeking student after the initial semester is subject to satisfactory completion of the requirements for conditional or unconditional admission in place when the student desires to re-enroll. If the student cannot satisfy the minimum conditional admission requirements, future enrollment must be in the non-degree category. The student must sign a form acknowledging this change in admission status.

A maximum of 12 hours of graduate courses (with at least a B in each course) taken as an unclassified and/ or non-degree student may be applied toward a degree, subject to the six-year time limit for completion of a degree.

Second or Subsequent Master’s Degree

Applicants for admission to graduate study who have received an advanced degree from an accredited institution are subject to individual review by the appropriate graduate program coordinator/designee, the dean of the academic unit to which they seek admission and the dean of graduate studies. Admission can be either unconditional or conditional. Note: Applicants who already have a UT Martin master’s degree will automatically be accepted if applying for a degree offered by the same college as the earlier degree. Exception: All applicants for Counseling and Educational Leadership must be reviewed by the appropriate admission committee.

A student may obtain a second or subsequent master’s degree in any of the programs offered. A maximum of nine hours (from an accredited institution) applied toward the first (or prior) graduate degree may be applied toward the subsequent degree if approved by the college’s graduate committee within which the subsequent degree is earned. For any degree, up to nine (9) hours from a previous degree (or degrees) may be used; however, a course can only be applied toward an additional degree one time. Hours applied toward the subsequent degree must be approved by the college’s graduate committee within which the subsequent degree is being earned. A grade of at least a B must have been earned in courses allowed to count toward the subsequent degree and the course must be within six years of the graduation date for the subsequent degree.

An extension on the time limit for courses taken towards the first (or prior) degree will not be allowed. Courses from the prior degree not applied towards the subsequent degree but required by the subsequent degree may not be repeated. Students will take graduate electives approved by the adviser instead of repeating the required courses. The total hours for the subsequent degree will not be reduced and a subsequent comprehensive exam must be taken. For students seeking a subsequent degree, cumulative GPA for the subsequent degree is based on UT Martin coursework taken beginning with admission to the subsequent degree program (plus the hours attempted and quality points for any UT Martin courses taken prior to admission and used to satisfy requirements for the subsequent degree).

Note: The current M.S.Ed. with a Major in Teaching replaces the former M.S.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction; the M.S.Ed. with a Major in Counseling replaces the former M.S.Ed. in Educational Psychology & Guidance; the M.S.Ed. with a Major in Educational Leadership replaces the former M.S.Ed in Educational Administration and Supervision.

Non-Degree

In order to serve the educational needs of individuals who wish to undertake graduate study without pursuing a degree, an applicant with an earned degree may be admitted as non-degree if he/she meets one of the following requirements. (Exception: An applicant for Business can be admitted as non-degree only if he/she has earned a graduate degree in business.)

  1. Cumulative GPA: Cum GPA-at least a 2.50 cumulative GPA on all work attempted prior to completion of the baccalaureate degree (4.00 scale) or
  2. Senior Year GPA: SrYr GPA-at least a 3.00 GPA on the last 30 semester hours attempted in the baccalaureate degree (all work will be computed for the number of semesters necessary to total the last 30 semester hours) or
  3. Senior Year plus any Post-Baccalaureate Upper Division and/or Graduate Work: at least a 3.00 GPA on the SrYr plus any post-baccalaureate, upper-division and/or graduate courses (courses included in the SrYr calculation may be repeated to raise the GPA to 3.00) or
  4. Graduate Degree: completed graduate degree from an accredited institution.

Applicants in programs requiring graduate qualifying examinations for admission who do not meet any of the above GPA requirements must have the minimum graduate qualifying examination score and approval of the graduate committee in the intended major. Applicants in programs not requiring a graduate qualifying examination must meet one of the GPA requirements.

Non-degree students must meet all course prerequisites and receive permission to register for the course from the appropriate graduate coordinator/designee.

If a non-degree student later wishes to pursue a degree, the student must satisfy each of the following requirements:

  1. meet the college’s graduate qualifying examination minimum score, if required
  2. receive approval of the college’s graduate committee
  3. have a bachelor’s degree with one of the following GPAs
    1. Cumulative GPA: 2.50 Cum GPA (2.75 for unconditional admission in Agriculture and Natural Resources; 2.70 for unconditional admission in Education), or
    2. Senior Year GPA: 3.00 SrYr GPA, or
    3. Senior Year plus any Post-Baccalaureate Upper Division and/or Graduate Work: 3.00 GPA on the SrYr plus any post-baccalaureate upper division and/or graduate courses. (Any courses included in the SrYr calculation may be repeated to raise the GPA to 3.00.)
  4. maintain a 3.00 Cum GPA in graduate work attempted at UT Martin.

Upon admission to a graduate degree program, a maximum of 12 hours of graduate courses (with at least a B in each course) earned as a non-degree and/or unclassified student may be accepted in a degree program. If a student is admitted into a degree program from non-degree status, the date of the earliest course approved for graduate credit will be used as the beginning of the six-year time limit toward completion. Exception: Credit earned as non-degree may not be accepted toward a graduate Business degree.

Transient Students

A student who has been admitted to a master’s degree program at another institution (whether matriculated or not) and who wishes to take courses for transfer to that institution may be admitted as a transient student upon receipt of an application for admission, application fee and an official letter from that institution verifying that the student is enrolled in a graduate degree program and is in good academic standing.

The transient classification is valid for one semester only. Enrollment as a transient student in any subsequent semester requires reapplication (no additional application fee required) and an official letter from the applicant’s degree-granting institution affirming that the student is enrolled in a graduate degree program and remains in good standing. A maximum of 12 UT Martin graduate semester hours may be accumulated while enrolled as a transient student.

Seniors Taking Graduate Coursework

A senior at The University of Tennessee at Martin who needs less than 30 semester hours to complete the requirements for a bachelor’s degree and has at least a B (3.00) cumulative average, may take sufficient work for graduate credit to make a combined total of undergraduate and graduate credit hours of not more than 15 per semester, subject to the approval of the dean of graduate studies. Business courses may be taken only if a student meets all undergraduate prerequisite course requirements.

Approval must be obtained through the Graduate Studies Office each semester at registration. Eligible seniors may take no more than a cumulative total of nine semester hours of graduate credit. Students wishing to apply graduate courses taken as a senior toward a master’s degree program should consult the appropriate graduate program coordinator/designee before registering for the courses.

The student must complete a graduate application for admission and pay the application fee.

Graduate Students Taking Graduate Courses in Other Graduate Programs

Students admitted to graduate degree programs at The University of Tennessee at Martin may, under certain conditions, choose graduate elective hours from courses designed primarily for another degree program. In order to enroll in a course offered primarily for another degree program, the student must have (1) prerequisites for the course offered, (2) been recommended by the graduate degree coordinator/designee of the student’s degree program and (3) been accepted by the graduate degree coordinator/designee of the program offering the course.

Auditors

Students may audit courses subject to the approval of the adviser and the instructor whose class is visited. Students should be aware that if they do not meet the prerequisites for a course they wish to audit and the program in which the course is offered, the instructor will decide whether or not the student can audit the course. Instructors have the authority to drop a student who is auditing if the student does not satisfy the requirements as outlined by the instructor when permission is granted to audit a course. Auditors may take part in lab or field work only by permission of the instructor, consistent with departmental policy.

Special Fee Policy for Totally Disabled and/or Senior Citizens

For information concerning the special fee policy for totally disabled and/or senior citizens who wish to enroll in courses for credit or non-credit, contact the Office of Academic Records (731-881-7050).

Faculty Members and Staff

Faculty and staff employed by The University of Tennessee at Martin may apply for admission to graduate study in order to enroll in graduate level courses. Because of the demands required of graduate level courses and potential for conflict of interest, faculty and staff must demonstrate their enrollment in graduate courses will not adversely affect their job responsibilities or create a conflict of interest. The employee’s supervisor, the dean of their respective program, the dean of graduate school, and the provost shall approve all applications for full time faculty and staff to enroll in graduate courses while employed by the university. However, any member of the UT Martin central administration above the position of director may not be admitted.

Admission Requirements for the Department of Agriculture, Geosciences, and Natural Resources

Applicants may be admitted as degree seeking (Unconditional, Conditional, or Unclassified) or non-degree as listed below. Degree-seeking applicants must meet the university requirements listed above under Types of Admission.

Students must have satisfactorily completed prerequisites to advanced courses in the selected areas in agriculture and natural resources. Graduates of curricula other than agriculture and natural resources may have acquired sufficient backgrounds in related science and may be accepted for admission. Each applicant’s request for admission to the program and to specific courses will be evaluated for the need for undergraduate prerequisites. In addition to the requirements below, all applicants for admission must submit a statement of purpose for pursuing graduate studies, a current resume outlining work experience and training, all college transcripts, and at least two letters of reference from a professor or work supervisor. Students wishing to complete a thesis in the MSANR program must take the General Graduate Record Exam (GRE) with a writing score of at least 3.5. Students wishing to complete the non-thesis are not required to take the GRE. Changing from the non-thesis option to the thesis option does require completing the GRE.

Additional requirements for unconditional and conditional admission appear below.

  1. Unconditional Admission
    1. Cum GPA of at least 2.75 AND
    2. Applicant must have earned a B.S. degree in agriculture, natural resources management, park and recreation administration, wildlife science, or business (for Agribusiness and Risk Management concentration only) from an accredited institution AND
    3. Applicant must have a positive review from the Master of Science in Agriculture and Natural Resources (M.S.A.N.R.) Graduate Admission Committee.
  2. Conditional Admission
    1. Applicant must have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution AND
    2. Applicant must have a positive review from the M.S.A.N.R. Graduate Admission Committee. The committee review includes (a) applicant’s academic record with particular attention to the last two years of undergraduate work and previous graduate studies; (b) quality of work experience and other activities that demonstrate potential for leadership as demonstrated through a current resume; (c) at least two recommendation letters from professors and work supervisors; and  (d) statement of purpose for pursuing graduate work.
      The admission decision is based on all factors that make up the total application; however admission preference will be given to applicants with a B.S. degree in agriculture, natural  resources management, park and recreation administration, wildlife science, business (for Agribusiness and Risk Management concentration only), or a related field.
  3. Unclassified or Non-Degree Admission
    Applicants who do not meet requirements for either unconditional or conditional admission may be eligible for unclassified or non-degree admission and must submit all required admission materials.
    See university requirements listed in Types of Admission.

 

Admission Requirements for the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences

Applicants may be admitted as degree seeking (Unconditional or Conditional), Unclassified or Non-Degree based on requirements listed below. Degree-seeking applicants must meet the university requirements as described above in Types of Admission.

Students must have satisfactorily completed prerequisites to advanced courses in the selected areas in family and consumer sciences. Graduates of curricula other than family and consumer sciences may have acquired sufficient backgrounds in related disciplines and may be accepted. Each applicant’s request for admission to the program and to specific courses will be evaluated for the need for undergraduate prerequisites.

Admission Requirements for the General Family and Consumer Sciences Concentration

  1. Unconditional Admission
    Unconditional admission requires at least a 2.75 cumulative grade point average (GPA) on all work attempted prior to completion of the baccalaureate degree (on a 4.00 scale). Applicants must also submit at least two letters of recommendation addressing their potential for academic success in post-graduate study. The graduate program coordinator will review letters of recommendation and all academic transcripts to ensure appropriate prerequisites have been completed.
  2. Conditional Admission
    Applicants may be granted Conditional admission if they achieve at least a 2.50 cumulative GPA (on a 4.00 scale) on all work attempted prior to completion of the baccalaureate degree, OR a 3.00 GPA on the last 30 semester hours attempted in the baccalaureate degree, OR a 3.00 GPA on the last 30 semester hours of baccalaureate coursework plus any post-baccalaureate upper-division and/or graduate courses. Applicants must also undergo a review of transcripts and submit at least two letters of recommendation addressing their potential for success in post-graduate study. Additional information on Conditional admission is found above in Types of Admission.
  3. Unclassified or Non-Degree Admission
    Applicants who meet the minimum GPA requirements degree seeking admission status but do not qualify due to insufficient prerequisite coursework or unsatisfactory/missing letters of recommendation may be eligible for Unclassified or Non-Degree admission. Additional information on these admission classifications is found above in Types of Admission.

Admission Requirements for the Dietetics Concentration

Admission to the Dietetics concentration is contingent upon a student being accepted to participate in the Dietetic Internship (DI), which is coordinated through the Dietetic Internship Centralized Application System (DICAS) and the DI director via a nationwide matching system. Applications are screened for selection on a competitive basis by committee. All applicants to this concentration must apply through DICAS as well as the UTM Graduate Studies office.

A.       Unconditional Admission

Unconditional admission requires at least a 3.00 cumulative GPA on all work attempted prior to completion of the baccalaureate degree (on a 4.00 scale). Applicants must also submit a verification statement showing completion of a didactic program in dietetics (DPD) and at least three letters of recommendation addressing their potential for academic success in post-graduate study (letters supplied to DICAS are sufficient). Transcripts must document recency of education in courses related to practice. If the undergraduate degree is more than five years old, then evidence of six semester hours of college coursework within the last five years is required; if the undergraduate degree is more than ten years old, then evidence of twelve credit hours of coursework within the last ten years is required.

The Dietetics concentration does not grant Conditional, Unclassified, or Non-Degree admission. However, exceptions to minimum requirements for Unconditional admission may be considered for acceptance into the program on a case-by-case basis. Students who are not accepted into the DI via the matching process may qualify for admission to the General Family and Consumer Sciences concentration, where they can pursue relevant coursework and then re-apply for the internship at a later time.

Admission Requirements for the College of Education, Health, and Behavioral Sciences

Proficiency Assessment/Examination

A proficiency assessment/examination measures the level of knowledge a student has in a specific body of knowledge. By completing a proficiency assessment/examination, a student may earn course credits and apply them toward a master’s degree. A maximum of one-fourth of the total credit hours in a master’s degree program may be earned by this method, subject to approval by the student’s graduate committee [Not to exceed 12 hours]. A proficiency assessment/examination may be given in academic courses offered for graduate credit. Applications for proficiency assessment/examination can be obtained by contacting the graduate studies office.

• Students should check with the department offering the course on the availability of proficiency assessment/examination and check with their advisor to determine if their own program allows coursework completed by
proficiency assessment/examination to be applied towards the master’s degree program of study.
• A student must be admitted to graduate study.
• The request for assessment/examination must be approved by the graduate coordinator for the student’s degree program.
• The student applying for this privilege must present evidence to the coordinator that he/she has the knowledge and abilities expected of graduate students who have taken the same course.
• A fee must be paid per course in which credit is awarded.
• Students must earn 80% on the proficiency assessment/examination to receive graduate credit.
• Proficiency assessments/examinations may not be used to raise the grade or change the credit in a course previously completed, nor may such an assessment be repeated.
• Proficiency assessments/examinations taken at other institutions are not transferable.

Admission Requirements for the Department of Behavioral Sciences

Unconditional Admission

  • Hold a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or related field from a regionally accredited college or university
  • Have at least a 2.75 cumulative baccalaureate grade point average (GPA) or 3.00 cumulative graduate GPA on at least 12 hours of graduate credit from a regionally accredited college or university (4.00 scale)
  • Provide a letter of application describing professional goals and how the MSCJ would contribute to the achievement of those goals
  • Have a positive review from the Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ) Graduate Committee

Conditional Admission

  • Hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
  • Have at least a 2.50 cumulative or 3.00 senior-year (last 30 hours) baccalaureate grade point average (GPA) from a regionally accredited college or university (4.00 scale)
  • Provide a letter of application and written statement of professional goals, how the MSCJ would contribute to the achievement of those goals, and the student’s strategy for successful academic performance.
  • Have a positive review from the Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ) Graduate Committee. In addition to the criteria above, the committee may consider (a) the applicant’s academic record with particular detail to the last two years of undergraduate work and previous graduate study, recommendation letters from professors or work supervisors, and quality of work experience and other activities that demonstrate the potential for leadership as demonstrated through a current resume.

Applicants admitted as conditional students may take at most four graduate courses for only 8-15 hours of graduate coursework as a conditional student, including any hours attempted as an unclassified student in the same degree program. Conditional students maintaining the requisite 3.00 Cum GPA and earning at least a 3.00 Cum GPA for the 8-15 hours before they can move to unconditional status must complete at least three graduate courses before the move to unconditional status occurs.

 

Admission Requirements for the Department of Educational Studies

Applicants may be admitted as degree seeking (Unconditional or Conditional) or non-degree as listed below. Degree-seeking applicants must meet the university requirements listed above under Types of Admission and have received licensure to teach (Major in Teaching-Curriculum and Instruction; Major in Instructional Leadership) and must meet the minimal graduate qualifying GPA.

Note: A student may be admitted to the Curriculum and Instruction program for one semester with the proof that the recommendation for teaching licensure has been sent to the appropriate state department of education. At the end of the add period for that semester, a Graduate Hold on that student that will prevent registration for additional semesters until verification of the actual teaching license is received.

GPA Requirements Unless Otherwise Specified
Unconditional admission requires at least a 2.50 cumulative grade point average (GPA) on all work attempted prior to completion of the baccalaureate degree (4.00 scale) from an accredited institution.

Applicants may be granted conditional admission status subject to the following conditions.

  1. SrYr GPA a 3.00 GPA on the last 30 semester hours attempted in the baccalaureate degree (all work will be computed for the number of semesters necessary to total the last 30 semester hours), or
  2. A 3.00 GPA on the SrYr plus any post-baccalaureate upper-division and/or graduate courses. (Any courses included in the SrYr calculation may be repeated to raise the GPA to 3.00)

Applicants admitted as conditional students:

  1. May take at most four graduate courses for only 8-15 hours of graduate coursework as a conditional student, including any hours, attempted as an unclassified student in the same degree program.
  2. Must maintain a 3.00 Cum GPA and must earn at least a 3.00 Cum GPA for the 8-15 hours before they can move to unconditional status. If the 3.00 Cum GPA is maintained the move to unconditional status occurs automatically at the conclusion of the semester in which 8 hours of graduate course work is completed successfully.

Admission Requirements for a Major in Counseling

In addition to the above, all applicants for a Major in Counseling (degree-seeking, non-degree, or endorsement) must submit the following for review and recommendation from the Counseling Admission Board:

1. three letters of recommendation from school superintendents, principals, teachers, professors and/or employers. Each letter must provide clear evidence that addresses the candidate’s counseling skills and/ or potential which will enable the individual to become a counselor. Letters should be on letterhead or sent from a professional email address, and must be mailed by the reference directly to the Graduate Studies Office, 227 Administration Building, UT Martin, Martin, TN 38238.

2. a two-page typed essay that fully describes the candidate’s skills and experiences relevant to becoming a successful counselor. The candidate must also discuss the perceived personal abilities and attributes that will enable the counseling candidate to become a successful counselor.

3. a current resumé. The resumé needs to describe fully the candidate’s degrees and importantly, the person’s occupational experiences-particularly any counseling experiences obtained.

4. written acknowledgment of required participation in a 3-day on-campus residency. Students will be notified a semester in advance of their eligibility to participate. Students are responsible for all travel and lodging costs. The acknowledgement form can be obtained at http://www.utm.edu/departments/edgrad/ forms.php.

5. documentation of teaching experience provided by the applicant’s school system on appropriate letterhead. If applicant does not have teaching experience, Counseling 712 is required during the first semester of coursework. Applicants without teaching experience must submit a signed acknowledgment of this requirement. The “No Teaching Experience” form can be obtained at http://www.utm.edu/departments/edgrad/forms.php.

6. a completed background check acknowledgement form. The form can be obtained at http://www.utm. edu/departments/edgrad/forms.php.

For further details, contact the Coordinator/designee of Graduate Program in the College of Education, Health, and Behavioral Sciences.

Admission is dependent upon submission of these documents, a positive interview, and review by the Counseling Program Admission Committee in the College of Education, Health, and Behavioral Sciences.

Applicants who do not receive a positive recommendation from the Counseling Admission Board for admission to the UT Martin Counseling Program, and wish to appeal the decision, must do so within four weeks of the issuance of their denial notice/letter by the university’s Dean of Graduate Studies.

Admission Requirements for a Major in Educational Studies - Concentration in Instructional Leadership

In addition to GPA requirements, all applicants for Instructional Leadership (degree-seeking, non-degree, or endorsement) must also submit the following documents (items 1-8) for review and recommendation from the Instructional Leadership (EDLD) Program Admission Committee.

  1. Personal statement of prior experience in leading change. Provide documented evidence to support your claims. Please limit the response to two pages maximum.
  2. Current resumé.
  3. The Applicant Recommendation Form must be completed and submitted by principal/superintendent and/or former principal/superintendent. The form is available on the Education Graduate Program webpage (http://www.utm.edu/departments/edgrad/forms.php).
  4. Copy of current teaching license.
  5. Verification of education working experience. Two years of successful education working experience prior to starting the program are required.
  6. Signed complete copy of most recent performance appraisal by a state approved evaluation model or similar measure for the past two years.
  7. Two letters of recommendation addressing the candidate’s knowledge of effective leadership practices (I.E. prior experience leading change, fostering collaboration, or supporting growth and development of staff), leadership skills, and attitudes and dispositions.

Note: Letters of recommendation must be from anyone who is familiar with your education working experience.

Admission is dependent upon submission of these documents and a positive review by the Program Admission Committee in the College of Education, Health, and Behavioral Sciences.

Applicants who do not receive a positive recommendation from the Program Admission Committee for admission to the UT Martin Instructional Leadership Program, and wish to appeal the decision, must do so within four weeks of the issuance of their denial notice/letter by the university’s Dean of Graduate Studies.

Additional requirements for unconditional appear below.


Unconditional Admission
A minimum overall GPA of 2.75 from a completed baccalaureate of post-baccaleareate degree program or a GPA of 3.00 in the most recent sixty (60) credit hours earned at a regionally accredited higher education institution.

To serve the continuing education needs of local education agencies, students may enroll in Instructional Leadership courses and “non-degree” seeking students. Non-degree seeking students must meet all course prerequisites and receive permission to register for the course from the appropriate graduate coordinator/designee.

Undergraduate Prerequisite Courses for Students Majoring in Teaching Seeking Secondary 7-12 Initial Licensure

A transcript evaluation must be completed in order to determine undergraduate prerequisites needed to meet the specialty area content as required by the State Department of Education. Prerequisites may vary depending on the degree held by the individual seeking licensure. Contact the licensure officer in Education Student Services at 731-881-7126.

Criminal Background Check

All graduate students are required to apply for and successfully pass a criminal background check the semester prior to any field experience and/or internship course in which they plan to enroll. NOTE: Initial Licensure majors are required to complete the criminal background check as part of the admission to the Educator Preparation Program process. This will take place while enrolled in Teacher Education 780 or Teacher Education 730. Counseling majors are required to complete the criminal background check as part of the residency. In order to avoid problems once the semester has started, forms and procedures must be completed according to this policy. 

Admission Requirements for the Department of Health and Human Performance

Applicants may be admitted as degree seeking (Early, Unconditional or Conditional) or non-degree seeking and must meet the university requirements listed under types of admissions.

Admission Requirements:

A. Unconditional Admission

  1. Proof of undergraduate degree from an accredited four-year college or University, and
  2. Cumulative GPA of at least 2.7 on a 4.0 scale.
  3. Minimum of one year coaching experience, and
  4. Must have coaching access to a team or group of individuals by which to demonstrate course objectives, and
  5. Complete application packet, and
  6. Applicant must have a positive review from the Master of Sport Coaching and Performance Graduate Admission Committee.

B. Conditional Admission

  1. Proof of undergraduate degree from an accredited four-year college or University, and
  2. Cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
  3. Extensive playing experience, and
  4. Must have proof of sport coaching experience within the first two semesters, and
  5. Complete application packet
  6. Applicant must have a positive review from the Master of Sport Coaching and Performance Graduate Admission Committee.

C. Unclassified or Non-Degree Admission

Applicants who do not meet requirements for either unconditional or conditional admission may be eligible for unclassified or non-degree admission and must submit all required admission materials. See university requirements listed in Types of Admission.

D. Early Admission for UT Martin Undergraduate Seniors

Early admission is available to a degree-seeking Health and Human Performance (HHP) major who has completed all HHP core coursework and has at least a B (3.00) cumulative GPA in addition to the university requirement for admission. Students meeting this criteria will be allowed to take two courses prior to completing their baccalaureate degree. Students taking graduate and undergraduate course work together cannot exceed 15 total credit hours per semester.  Must have coaching access to a team or group of individuals by which to demonstrate course objectives.

Submit for Application:

  1. Official transcripts from each regionally accredited post-secondary institution attended.
  2. Three letters of recommendation;
    1. one (two for conditional admission) of which must come from an individual who can speak to your ability to handle graduate-level course work
    2. one of which must come from an individual who can speak to your qualifications for coaching, and
    3. one of which must come from an individual who can speak to your character.
  3. A two-to-four-page personal statement essay discussing your career goals, how the master’s degree will help you achieve those goals, and areas or competencies that you expect the program will help you to strengthen or develop.
  4. Current resume

Transfer Credit

The program will follow the graduate policy for transfer credit and accept up to 9 semester hours completed in other appropriate graduate programs at the University of Tennessee at Martin or regionally accredited universities. All candidate requests to apply transfer credit toward the degree requirements must be requested through the candidate’s advisor and approved by the advisor, the program director, and the graduate dean.  Acceptance of transfer credit is at the discretion of the departmental curriculum committee.

Retention, Dismissal and Reinstatement Policies

The Department of Health and Human Performance will follow the guidelines set forth by the College of Education, Health and Behavioral Sciences; as stated in the graduate catalog.

Graduation

An Intent to Graduate form must be submitted online no later than the beginning of the semester before the anticipated semester of graduation. Submission is an online process.

All Sport Coaching and Performance candidates must pass a final comprehensive evaluation consisting of an oral presentation based on evidence assembled in his or her professional portfolio for SCP 755 Practical Coaching Assessment & Capstone Project.  The portfolio will consist of benchmark assignments from at least six designated Sport Coaching and Performance program courses. This evaluation will take place during the semester in which the candidate expects to receive the degree, at least three weeks before the end of that semester; the candidate should consult his/her adviser at the beginning of the semester in which he/she expects to graduate to review the presentation criteria. During the semester that a candidate presents (repeats) his/her comprehensive presentation, he/she must be enrolled in a graduate class at UT Martin or pay a fee equal to one credit hour (in-state rate). The final candidate presentation will be evaluated by a committee chaired by the program director. University faculty and graduate candidates may attend the oral final presentation.

If a candidate fails his/her comprehensive evaluation, these guidelines apply:

  1. The evaluation may be repeated within a period not to exceed one full semester from the date of the original evaluation and only when it is the evaluation committee’s consensus that the candidate has a reasonable chance of mastering the necessary material.
  2. The original evaluation committee members shall constitute the committee for the second evaluation (except for unusual circumstances and approved by the program director, the department chair, the dean of the college, and the dean of graduate studies).
  3. The second evaluation cannot be given within one month of the first evaluation and will be scheduled by the committee’s chair.
  4. The committee shall require the candidate to do such additional work as it deems necessary.
  5. If a candidate fails the second evaluation, the committee chair will notify the candidate if he/she will be required to take additional courses and complete additional examinations recommended by the committee before being permitted to have a third and final evaluation.

A copy of the required work in preparation for a third evaluation is sent to the  program coordinator, the department chair, dean of the college, and the dean of graduate studies. In no case shall a third evaluation be given until a complete semester has passed since the second evaluation failed. Failure to achieve a minimum grade of B in each course required by the evaluation committee will disqualify a candidate   from a third evaluation. Failure to pass the third evaluation will disqualify a candidate from receiving a master’s degree for the coursework taken. This does not exclude a candidate from beginning a new degree program at this institution, but any coursework toward the first unsuccessful degree program may not be applied toward a new one.

 

Admission Requirements for the Department of Mass Media and Strategic Communication

Applicants may be admitted as degree-seeking (Unconditional, Conditional, or Unclassified) or non-degree as listed below. Degree-seeking applicants must meet the university requirements listed under Types of Admission.

To be considered for admission to the Master of Arts in Strategic Communication, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or be currently enrolled in their final semester for a baccalaureate degree at an accredited institution. In addition, applicants must meet the minimum acceptable subscores on the GRE or minimum acceptable GMAT Total Score, submit a current resume outlining work experience and training, all college transcripts, at least three letters of reference from a professor or work supervisor, and a 500-word statement of professional goals that addresses the applicant’s career goals and how the MASC would contribute to the achievement of those goals.

If the GRE or GMAT is taken more than once, the highest scores are used for determining admission. If official GRE or GMAT scores are not available by the first day of the semester, unofficial scores may be used through the add deadline (first week of classes) one time for a one-semester admission decision. If the decision is favorable, the admission would be in the “conditional” or “unclassified” category dependent upon the test scores. Official test scores meeting the minimum requirements must be submitted to the Graduate Studies Office no later than the end of the semester. Failure to provide acceptable test scores prior to this deadline will result in dismissal from the M.A. in Strategic Communication program at the end of the semester.

Applicants holding a graduate degree from an accredited institution are eligible for a GRE/GMAT test score waiver. Applicants with five or more years of progressive work experience in strategic communication may also be eligible for a GRE/GMAT test score waiver.

Students must have satisfactorily completed prerequisites to advanced courses in the selected areas in communications. Graduates of curricula other than communications may be accepted for admission. Each applicant’s request for admission to the program and to specific courses will be evaluated for the need for undergraduate prerequisites.

Unconditional Admission

  • Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
  • Have at least a 2.50 cumulative grade point average (GPA) on all work attempted prior to completion of the baccalaureate degree (4.00 scale) from a an accredited institution.
  • Meet one of the following minimum test score options.
    • GRE: Verbal Reasoning: 150, Quantitative Reasoning: 138, Analytical Writing: 4.0
    • GMAT: Total Score 350, Analytical Writing Assessment: 4.0
  • Have a positive review from the Master of Arts in Strategic Communication (MASC) Graduate Committee.

Conditional Admission

  • Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
  • Have at least a 2.50 cumulative grade point average (GPA) on all work attempted prior to completion of the baccalaureate degree (4.00 scale) from an accredited institution.

AND

  • Meet one of the following options.
    • GRE: Verbal Reasoning: 146, Quantitative Reasoning: 138, Analytical Writing: 3.5
    • GMAT: Total Score 320, Analytical Writing Assessment: 3.5
    • LSAT: 148

      OR
    • GRE: Verbal Reasoning: 150, Quantitative Reasoning: 138, Analytical Writing: 3.0
    • GMAT: Total Score 350, Analytical Writing Assessment: 3.0

      OR
       

The GRE/GMAT entrance exam requirement may be waived for applicants with a significant amount of professional experience related to strategic communication (i.e., public relations, marketing, advertising, campaign planning, fundraising, organizational management, etc.) Applicants must meet one of the following criteria, demonstrate career advancement after completing the bachelor’s degree and receive a positive overall review from the Master of Arts in Strategic Communication Graduate Committee. 

  • Have at least five years of full-time professional experience in strategic communication, hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, and have at least a 3.00 cumulative grade point average (GPA) on all work attempted prior to completion of the baccalaureate degree (4.00 scale) from an accredited institution.

    OR
     
  • Have at least seven years of full-time professional experience in strategic communication, hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, and have at least a 2.50 cumulative grade point average (GPA) on all work attempted prior to completion of the baccalaureate degree (4.00 scale) from an accredited institution. 

Applicants requesting the professional waiver option must submit satisfactory evidence of academic writing ability and receive a positive review from the Master of Arts in Strategic Communication (MASC) Graduate Committee. The committee review will include the quality of work experience, previous academic performance, statement of goals, and letters of reference. E-mail masc@utm.edu to request consideration for the waiver.

Unclassified or Non-Degree Admission

Applicants who do not meet requirements for either unconditional or conditional admission may be eligible for unclassified or non-degree admission and must submit all required admission materials. See university requirements listed in Types of Admission.

Admission Requirements for the College of Business and Global Affairs

Degree-seeking applicants may be admitted into the MBA program by meeting the university requirements under one of the following types of Admission (conditional or unconditional)

To be considered for admission in the College of Business and Global Affairs (CBGA), applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university or be currently enrolled in their final semester for a baccalaureate degree at an accredited American university/college. 

If official GMAT or GRE scores are not available by the first day of the semester, unofficial scores may be used through the add deadline (first week of classes) one time for a one-semester admission decision. If the decision is favorable, the admission would be in the “conditional” category. However, official scores resulting in formula points sufficient for a positive decision must be provided to the Graduate Studies Office no later than the end of the semester. Failure to provide official acceptable scores prior to this deadline will result in dismissal from the MBA program at the end of the semester.

A. Unconditional Admission
The applicant must

  1. hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and have earned a Cumulative GPA of 3.0 with the GMAT/GRE exam automatically waived

OR

  1. hold a graduate degree from an accredited college or university and have earned a Cumulative GPA of 3.0 with the GMAT/GRE exam automatically waived


B. Conditional Admission
The applicant must

  1. hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and have earned a Cumulative GPA of 2.75 to 2.99 with the GMAT/GRE exam automatically waived. For specific conditions, please refer to the conditional admission under the Admission Requirements and Procedures of the Graduate Catalog.

OR

  1. hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and have earned a Cumulative GPA of 2.70 to 2.74 with the GMAT/GRE exam waived upon the applicant supplying a complete set of official transcripts and a professional resume and proof of either (a) excellent, relevant, and verifiable work experience of four or more years beyond completion of the undergraduate degree or (b) active and honorable U.S. military service of four or more years.

OR

  1. hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a Cumulative GPA of 2.50 to 2.69 with a GMAT score such that 200 times GPA plus the Total Score on the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) must total at least 950 points. If the GRE is used rather than the GMAT, the GMAT equivalent will be calculated based on the GRE scores (using comparison tools provided by Educational Testing Services) for purposes of the calculation described above. 

 

Undergraduate Foundation Courses

The following courses, or their equivalents, are required as a foundation to graduate programs in business. A letter grade of C or better must be earned in each foundation course. In addition, several courses in the program may not be taken until one or more prerequisites have been satisfactorily completed.

Accounting 201 Financial Accounting for Decision Making or Accounting 300 Accounting for Non-Business Students (If Accounting 201 or 300 is not successfully completed prior to admission to master’s program in business, one of the courses or its equivalent must be satisfactorily completed by the end of the second semester in the program.)

Mathematics 210 Elementary Statistics and Probability (If not successfully completed prior to admission to master’s program in business, Mathematics 210 or its equivalent must be satisfactorily completed by the end of the first semester in the program.)

 

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