West Texas A&M University: 1997-1998 Academic Year

Graduate School

Dr. Vaughn C. Nelson, Dean
102 Killgore Research Center, 651-2730

Objective of Graduate Study
    The Graduate School at West Texas A&M University provides the student with an opportunity for advanced study and specialization in a variety of disciplines. The purpose of graduate study is to encourage academic inquiry, to stimulate intellectual creativity, and to foster the spirit of independent scholarship and research. Together, graduate students and graduate faculty comprise a community of scholars devoted to the extension of knowledge and to professional achievement.

History of the Graduate School
    In 1930, the Board of regents authorized a fifth year of college-level work and the granting of the master's degree. In 1932, the institution became the first teachers college in Texas to offer the first year of graduate instruction.

    Between 1932 and 1965, three graduate degrees were offered: master of arts, master of business administration and master of education. In 1965, the University was authorized to grant the master of science degree in biology, chemistry and mathematics. In 1972, approval was given to offer the degrees of master of agriculture, master of professional accounting and master of music. A master of science in nursing was approved in 1977, master of arts degree in psychology in 1978, master of fine arts degree in 1980, master of science degree in finance and economics in 1990, and master of science degree in environmental science in 1994.

Gradutate School Accreditation
    West Texas A&M University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award bachelor's and master's degrees. The University is a member of the Association of Texas Graduate Schools, the Conference of Southern Graduate Schools and the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education.

    All teacher-education programs of the University are approved and accredited by the Texas Education Agency. The University was admitted to membership in the National Association of Schools of Music and the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) in 1991. The graduate program in nursing received National League for Nursing accreditation in 1983.

Support Facilities
    Cornette Library, Killgore Research Center and the Computer and Telecommunications Center are available to support graduate students' educational programs. These are described in greater detail in the undergraduate portion of this catalog. Additionally, various academic departments maintain specialized research equipment laboratories or other facilities peculiar to their graduate programs. For more information, contact the academic department of your choice.

Graduate Council
    The Graduate Council consists of graduate faculty members representing departments which offer the master's degree. Members of the Council are chosen to serve terms in accordance with the bylaws of the Graduate School. Chairman of the Graduate Council is the dean of the Graduate School.

Graduate Programs and Degrees
    Nine master's degrees are conferred by West Texas A&M University:
      Bachelor of Business Administration/Master of Professional Accounting (B.B.A./M.P.A.) Master of Agriculture (M.Ag.)
      Master of Arts (M.A.)
      Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.)
      Master of Education (M.Ed.)
      Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.)
      Master of Music (M.M.)
      Master of Professional Accounting (M.P.A.)
      Master of Science (M.S.)
      Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.)
      Agriculture (M.S.)
      Agricultural Business and Economics (M.Agr.)
      Animal Science (M.Agr.)
      Plant Science (M.Agr.)
    Department of Life, Earth and Environmental Sciences
      Biology (M.S.)
      Environmental Science (M.S.)
    Department of Mathematics, Physical Sciences and Engineering Technology
      Chemistry (M.S.)
      Mathematics (M.S.)
      Engineering Technology (M.S.)
    Division of Nursing
      Family Nursing (M.S.N.)
      Business (M.B.A.)
    Department of Accounting, Economics and Finance
      Accounting (M.P.A.)
      Accounting/Business Administration (M.P.A./B.B.A.)
      Finance and Economics (M.S.)
    Department of Computer Information Systems
    Department of Management, Marketing and General Business
    Department of Behavioral Sciences
      Psychology (M.A.)
    Division of Education
      Administration (M.Ed.)
      Counseling (M.Ed.)
      Education (M.A., M.Ed.)
      Educational Diagnostician (M.Ed.)
      Elementary Education (M.A., M.Ed.)
      Professional Counseling (M.Ed.)
      Reading Specialist (M.Ed.)
      Secondary Education (M.A., M.Ed.)
    Department of History and Political Sciences
      History (M.A.)
      Political Science (M.A.)
    Department of Sports and Exercise Sciences
      Sports and Exercise Sciences (M.S.)
    Department of Art, Communication and Theatre
      Art (M.A.)
      Communication (M.A.)
      Studio Art (M.F.A.)
    Department of English and Modern Languages
      English (M.A.)
    Department of Music and Dance
      Music (M.A.)
      Performance (M.M.)
    University-Wide Programs
      Master of Interdisciplinary Studies (M.A., M.S.)

Admission to Graduate School
    Students with bachelor's degrees from accredited institutions may be admitted to the University for graduate work by following the procedure outlined for transfer students. A student must complete all requirements for application for admission to the Graduate School before the end of the first semester of course work toward the master's degree, including leveling courses. An administrative "Hold" will be placed on the student's registration if the student has not completed the admission procedure before the end of the first semester of work.

    All graduate students must submit satisfactory scores from the appropriate standardized examination (application books are available in the Office of the Graduate School). Most students will take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), but the Graduate Management Assessment Test (GMAT) will be required for students in accounting, finance and economics and business administration. GRE and GMAT exams must be taken before or during the first semester of graduate work. All admission requirements must be met before the end of the first semester of work toward the graduate degree.

    A score composed of the student's GRE or GMAT score and their overall undergraduate grade point average or their grade point average (GPA) on the last 60 hours will be used to determine the applicant's Graduate School admission status. However, no GRE score less that 650 (verbal + quantitative or verbal + analytical) nor 400 on the GMAT will be accepted. Students with scores less than these minimums must retake the examination and reapply for admission. Additionally, graduate students must meet criteria for one of the following admissions categories.
    Regular Admission
    GRE scores for regular admission are determined by adding the verbal and quantitative scores or the verbal and analytical scores for a total GRE score (minimum total is 650). The formulas listed below are used to calculate the score for admission to the Graduate School:
    • 400 (GPA on last 60 hours) + V + A of GRE > 2250

      • or
    • 400 (GPA on last 60 hours) + V + Q of GRE > 2250

      • or
    • 400 (overall GPA) + V + A of GRE > 2150

      • or
    • 400 (overall GPA) + V + Q of GRE > 2150
    Minimum GMAT is 400. Formulas listed below are used to calculate the score for admission to Graduate School:
    • 200 (overall GPA) + GMAT > 970

      • or
    • 200 (GPA on last 60 hours) + GMAT > 1050
    Students scoring less than 400 on the GMAT must retake the exam and reapply for admission to Graduate School.
    Probationary Admission
    An applicant admitted to the University who does not meet the criteria for regular admission but who has scored at least 650 on the GRE (verbal + quantitative or verbal + analytical) or 400 on the GMAT may petition for probationary admission. The student will be required to complete 12-15 hours of enrollment in graduate work with no grade below "C" and a plan of study must be submitted.
    Unclassified Admission
    To ensure applicability of courses, the student should select a particular graduate degree program before admission to Graduate School. However, if a student enters an unclassified program of study, the student may request that a maximum of 15 graduate hours be transferred from the program of unclassified study to a particular degree program. Acceptance of the request depends on the applicability of the completed work to the degree selected, on the caliber of the student's grades and on the approval of the dean of the Graduate School.
    Other Admission Notes
    International students desiring to pursue a graduate degree, students seeking readmission and students seeking academic "Fresh Start" should consult applicable sections of the undergraduate section of this catalog for further information. Determination of residency (tuition status) for graduate students is the same as for undergraduates.

Undergraduates and Graduate Credit
    An undergraduate within 12 hours of a bachelor's degree who is not deficient in grade points may register for work to be counted as graduate credit under the following conditions:
    • Total registration will not exceed 15 semester hours, 12 semester hours in the two summer sessions.
    • The final hours required for the bachelor's degree must be completed in the same semester.
    • Graduate courses may not be used to meet undergraduate degree requirements.
    • All graduate credit hours must be approved by the graduate adviser in the student's major department and the graduate dean at the time of enrollment.
    • Acceptability of these hours for transfer credit to another institution is determined by that institution.

Admission to Candidacy and Catalog Privilege
    Admission to candidacy means that the student has been admitted to a degree program, that the proposed program for the degree sought has been approved by the head of the department in which the student is majoring and that the dean of the Graduate School has offficially approved it. The degree program should be planned by the student and academic adviser as soon as possible following the student's admission to the Graduate School. For the purpose of determining degree requirements, the student's official University catalog shall be the catalog that is current during the semester the student's plan of study is approved.

Procedure for Obtaining the Master's Degree
    A convenient summary of procedures for obtaining the master's degree is available in the Office of the Graduate School. It is the student's responsibility to make sure that all degree requirements are met for graduation.
    Master's Degree Requirements
    General Requirements
    The undergraduate preparation of candidates for the master's degree will correspond to requirements for the same or a similar bachelor's degree at West Texas A&M University. Candidates may be required to complete additional work in specified courses in addition to the minimum courses and residence requirements.

    Students with undergraduate degrees in social sciences and the social studies composite teaching field are eligible to major in any social science in which they have completed a minimum of 12 semester hours (six hours advanced).

    Eighteen hours of education or a permanent teacher's certificate are prerequisite for the master's degree in education. Master's degree programs in mental health and professional counseling have specific requirements, and interested students should consult these advisers.
    Time Requirements and Course Loads
    Once a student has been accepted as a graduate major, requirements for the master's degree must be completed within six years unless the graduate dean, in consultation with the head of the student's major department, grants an extension of the time limit. The time period will begin with the first course beyond leveling courses counted toward the master's degree.

    Maximum semester load for graduate students is 15 hours, seven hours during summer sessions. Course loads above the maximums may be approved by the student's academic dean. Nine hours is considered a minimum full-time load.

    Courses numbered 5300 or higher are for graduate credit. Graduate credit may be given for 300- and 400level courses by special permission. Students must file for this credit through the dean of the Graduate School.
    Scholarship Standards
    Graduate students must maintain a "B" average for all course work offered toward degree requirements. Courses with grades of "D,"F," "I" (incomplete), "T" (thesis in progress) or "X" (drop or withdrawal) cannot be used to satisfy requirements of a graduate degree but will be used in computing a student's academic standing.

    If a graduate student's grade point average falls below a "B," the student will be placed on academic probation. Length of the probationary period will be detemmined by the dean of the Graduate School. Students who do not raise their grade point average to a UBN by the end of the probationary period will be dismissed from the Graduate School and suspended from further work toward a master's degree at WTAMU. Students suspended from the Graduate School may request removal from suspension by seeking a written request from the appropriate academic dean to the graduate dean.
    Resident Requirements
    • For a 30-hour thesis program, a minimum of 18 semester hours must be in residence at WTAMU.
    • For a 36-hour non-thesis program, a minimum of 21 semester hours must be in residence at WTAMU.
    Thesis Option
    A student electing to write a master's thesis must register for Thesis 5501 when beginning thesis research . The student must then register for Thesis 5502 every consecutive 16-week semester until the thesis is completed and accepted by the University, including the semester in which the degree is conferred. The student may not enroll in Thesis 5501 and 5502 in the same semester. If the student fails to enroll, a reinstatement fee will be assessed. If a degree is to be awarded at the end of the summer sessions, the student must enroll in a thesis course in one summer session. A thesis guide is available from the University Bookstore. Theses will be made available to the public.

    Students receive a grade of "T" (thesis in progress) for each enrollment in Thesis 5501 and 5502. When the thesis has been accepted, the student receives six hours (Thesis 5501 and 5502) toward the master's degree and a final letter grade for both thesis courses. Students registered only in Thesis 5501 or 5502 pay reduced tuition and may register by phone (5502 only). To receive reduced tuition, the student must contact the Graduate School.
    Non-Thesis Option
    Students selecting the non-thesis option must complete at least one course in research and reporting as suggested by the departmental adviser.
    Degree Plans
    A plan of study will be prepared by the departmental graduate adviser and submitted to the graduate dean for approval.
    • The plan of study must be submitted before 15 hours have been completed.
    • An administrative "hold" will be placed on the registration of students not meeting the 15-hour deadline.
    • Course substitutions to the plan of study require a statement of just)fication and must be approved by the graduate adviser, academic dean and dean of the Graduate School.
    • Students having taken undergraduate "stacked" courses at WTAMU that have a graduate component cannot take the graduate course if they have already received credit for the corresponding undergraduate course.
    Programs of study that are legally binding are those approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Plans of study are intended as guides to students. The student bears the ultimate responsibility for meeting all requirements that result in the University conferring the master's degree.
    Comprehensive Examination
    A comprehensive examination - oral, written or both - covering the field of concentration and the thesis (if the thesis option is chosen) is required for all master's candidates except M.B.A. and M.P.A./B.B.A. students. Examinations are administered by the head of the student's major department. ResuHs of the exam must be reported in writing to the Office of the Graduate School.

    If a student fails the first examination, one semester or the equivalent (16 weeks or two summer sessions) must elapse before the student takes the exam again. Additional course work, research or directed study will be recommended for the student in the interim. The second failure of a comprehensive examination will result in automatic suspension from the Graduate School.

    At least five days prior to the comprehensive examination, the name of the candidate, the title of the thesis or research, recital or exhibition, if any, and the day, date, time and place in which the event is scheduled shall be posted in a prominent place, and the dean of the Graduate School shall be so notified in writing. Oral comprehensive examinations, recitals and exhibitions shall be open to all members of the University academic community. Participation of noncommittee members is at the discretion of the committee chairperson.

    For more information about comprehensive examinations, please see the appropriate department head.
    Application for a Graduate Degree
    Students must make application for graduate degrees early in the semester they expect to receive their degrees. Deadline for spring graduation is March 1, for summer graduation is July 1 and for fall graduation is October 1. (Consult the appropriate Schedule of Classes for corrected dates.) Applications are available in the Office of the Graduate School.
    Transfer, Extension and Correspondence Work
    Approved transfer and extension work is counted as graduate credit but may not be used to fulfill the 5500-level requirement. Only courses in which the student earned an "A" or "B" may be transferred to WTAMU. Upon approval of the dean of the Graduate School, up to one-third of formal course work toward the graduate degree may be transfer work, exclusive of thesis and independent study courses.

    Coorespondence work will not be accepted toward a master's degree.

    Permission to utilize transfer and extension courses on a Plan of Study must be approved in advance by the department head, college dean and graduate dean. Transfer and extension work may not constitute more than one-third of the fommal course work toward the degree, exclusive of thesis.
    Master of Arts (M.A.) Degree
    A candidate for the master of arts degree completes a minimum of 30 hours of graduate work. A minimum of 18 hours will be in the student's major field, and at least nine hours will be in courses numbered 5500 or above. At least half of the total hours for this degree will be in courses numbered in the 5500s. The remaining work may be done in courses numbered 5300 or above, or in approved 300- and 400-level courses.
    Master of Science (M.S.) Degree
    This degree is for students working toward the master's degree with majors in agriculture, biology, chemistry, exercise and sport sciences, engineering technology, environmental science, finance and economics, interdisciplinary studies and mathematics. Students may take the thesis or non-thesis option as decided by the head of the major department. The student's work may all be in the major field, or at least 18 hours in the major field (thesis plan) and additional hours in a related area(s). Students following the non-thesis plan may take all work in the major field, or at least 21 hours in the major field and additional hours in a related field or fields. At least half of the total hours for this degree will be in courses numbered in the 5500s.
    Interdisciplinary Studies (M.A. or M.S. Degree)
    The master of arts degree or master of science degree in the interdisciplinary studies was conceived to meet the needs of two particular groups: (1) mature individuals who are established in their careers but seek intellectual stimulation and enrichment possible through continuing university educational experiences, and (2) students whose career goals are such that a somewhat flexible program allowing for graduate-level studies in non-traditional combinations is more beneficial than established programs.
    Admission Requirements
    In addition to admission requirements for graduate study, a candidate for admission must submit essay responses to the following:
    • What specific knowledge and/or skills do you hope to acquire through the interdisciplinary program?
    • Why could this knowledge and these skills not be acquired through a single discipline leading to a traditional master's degree?
    • What separate disciplines do you need to achieve your goals?
    Responses must be submitted to the dean of the Graduate School prior to submission of a plan of study, which will be developed by the student and a committee made up of department heads and graduate advisers from each subject area (committee chairman to be designated by the dean of the Graduate School).
    Degree Requirements
    36 hours satisfying the following requirements:
    • Minimum of three different subject areas (with different prefixes) with at least six hours each.
    • Maximum of four different subject areas.
    • Maximum of 12 hours in any one subject area.
    • At least three hours in research methods.
    • At least 18 hours of course work in 5500-level courses
    Prerequisite
    A minimum of six advanced hours in each subject area (or permission of committee on basis of work experience or other factors; waiver must have prior approval of the dean of the Graduate School).
    Professional Degree Requirements
    Second Master's Degree
    Upon completion of a master's degree, a student may begin a second master's program in a field of concentration different from the first master's program. Credit hours applied to one degree cannot be applied to the second degree, except the M.F.A. degree.

Financial Aid, Scholarships, Assistantships and Expenses
    Financial Aid and Scholarships
    West Texas A&M University students have federal, state and private financial aid available, including scholarships, grants, loans and student-employment opportunities.

    Many aid programs are based on financial need. However, a number of scholarships honor students for achievements without regard for need. Part-time students are also eligible for some forms of financial aid. For more information about financial aid programs, contact Student Financial Services, WTAMU Box 939, Canyon, Texas 79016-0001 or call (806)651-2055.
    Graduate Assistantships
    Graduate teaching assistantships are available to students pursuing graduate degrees in art, biology, business, chemistry, economics, English, mathematics, music, nursing, psychology and speech. These assistantships generally carry a stipend of $6,000 for approximately half-time teaching during the academic year. The assistant must at the same time take work toward the master's degree in a chosen field. Nommally, the student whose assistantship requires approximately half-time teaching may expect to complete the graduate degree in two years by taking some work in summers. A limited number of non-teaching assistantships are available. Stipends are subject to change based on available funds.

    Students interested in graduate assistantships should contact the head of the department ip which they plan to pursue the graduate degree.
    Expenses
    A summary of costs and tuition exemptions (for veterans and vocational rehabilitation) is available in the "Expenses and Financial Aid" section of this catalog. Expenses exclusive to the graduate program include:
    • Graduate students registering only for Thesis 5501 or 5502 may register by using telephone registration. For thesisonly tuition rates, student must contact the Office of the Graduate School after registration by telephone.
    • Diploma fee is $20; re-application fee is $10.
    • Thesis binding fee (three copies required) is $10 per copy (subject to change). Theses which are not of standard size and format may be charged a higher binding fee.
    Fees are subject to change by the University.

Home Previous Page Home WTAMU Homepage Top of Page Top of Page

West Texas A&M University
Webmaster
Webmaster@WTAMU.edu
All contents copyright (C) 1997, WTAMU. All rights reserved.
Revised: January 27, 1998