Expected Student Performance

Graduate students are expected to make satisfactory progress in course work and research activities at all times. The extent to which progress is judged satisfactory is determined largely by the major professor (with help from the Examining Committee for M.S. students or Supervisory Committee for Ph.D. students), formalized through an annual review (due by August 1 each year).

The Office of Graduate Studies has the following scholarship requirements that must be satisfied to receive graduate credit:

1. A minimum grade of B is required for graduate credit in 800-level courses with 400 or lower counterparts within the student’s major department or area.
2. A minimum grade of C or P (Pass) is required for graduate credit in 800-level courses in minor, collateral, or supporting areas of work.
3. A minimum grade of C or P (Pass) is required for graduate credit in 900-level courses, or 800-level courses without 400 or lower counterparts.

Graduate students in Animal Science have further requirements for academic performance:

1. The grade-point average in courses other than thesis or dissertation credits must be at least 3.0 for graduation. This average is calculated from courses on the Memorandum of Courses for M.S. students or the Program of Studies for Ph.D. students.
2. Non-thesis/non-dissertation credits listed on the Memorandum of Courses for the M.S. or the Program of Studies for the Ph.D. may not be taken on a Pass/No Pass basis, unless only offered on a Pass/No Pass basis.

In the case of unacceptable grades or progress on research activities, as documented in the annual review, a course of action to redress deficiencies in performance is developed by the major professor (M.S. or Ph.D.), Examining Committee (M.S.) or Supervisory Committee (Ph.D.). That course of action is submitted to the Graduate Chair for review and approval, before continuing the graduate program.

All graduate students are encouraged to assist with research projects other than their own to broaden their knowledge and skills. The research conducted as part of the Ph.D. and M.S. (thesis option) programs is expected to contribute to the chosen field, being of sufficient importance to merit publication. All thesis-option M.S. candidates are required to prepare a thesis and Ph.D. candidates are required to prepare a dissertation communicating the results of their research.