FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the first steps to getting into Graduate School?

The first steps toward a graduate degree are applying to the university and seeing a graduate advisor. See the advisor list for the advisor in your program area. It is also necessary for the university to receive official transcripts from ALL universities attended; an official test score report in the first semester you are enrolled. If you are in a certification program you will need to provide a copy of your teacher’s certificate.

What graduate admission’s test is required?

Depending on your program, you may take one of three tests. The following are the programs and the tests that are acceptable. (GMAT = Graduate Management Admissions Test, GRE = Graduate Record Examination, MAT = Miller Analogies Test)

                                                       
What scores are necessary for unconditional admission in to Graduate School? 

Unconditional admission requires the following scores: 

What if I didn’t make a minimum unconditional score?

Conditional admission may be granted for students with scores less than the minimum required. Each college has its own requirements for students making less than the minimum unconditional score. Please check with your advisor. 

Is there a grade point average requirement for unconditional admission to Graduate School?

For unconditional admission to Graduate School you need to have an undergraduate overall average of 2.5 or higher. Or, you may have a 3.0 on the last 30 semester hours of your undergraduate degree. Conditional admission is granted to students without the required GPA. These students MUST maintain a 3.0 average on the first 9 semester hours of their program.

What is temporary admission?  

If your transcripts and test score have not been received by Troy University  you are in temporary admission status. If any transcript or test score is not received by the end of your first semester you may not register. 

How long do I stay in conditional admission status?

You may stay in conditional admission status no longer than 9 semester hours. If all requirements are not met for unconditional admission at the end of 9 SH you will not be allowed to register again.

What is a contract? 

A contract is a plan for completing your program worked out between you and your advisor. Each student must have a plan of study (contract) for registration, admission to candidacy, and for graduation review. 

What is resident credit?

The classes you take at Troy University are resident credit classes. Most of your classes fall in this category. 

What is transfer credit?

Transfer credit is coursework taken at another university and eligible for use in your program at TROY. Some or all of this work may transfer into your program here. Your advisor will evaluate your credit for appropriateness to your program. A maximum of 12 semester hours is transferable. 

May I transfer credit from a master’s degree I already have?

If you have a master’s degree already you may use 6 semester hours in the master’s you are working on here.

What is transient credit?

Transient credit is coursework taken at another university, which has been approved by your TROY advisor in advance for transfer into your TROY program. In order to have transient authorization you must be a student in good standing with no restrictions on your record. 

Can I improve my GPA by transferring work to TROY or by going transient?

Transient and transfer credit may not be used to improve your GPA. 

What if I want to drop a class or withdraw from school?

It is your responsibility to go to the Student Services Office in Whitley Hall, Room 431, and fill out the appropriate forms. Telling your instructor you are dropping will not drop or withdraw you from school. Depending on the date after the beginning of a term or semester you may owe full tuition or you may be penalized academically. Please see the Semester Schedule for the dates to
drop, add, and withdraw without penalty.

How long do I have to complete my degree?

You may take as long as eight years from your initial enrollment to complete your degree. At the end of the eight years your coursework will begin to expire.

Is there a minimum GPA I must maintain?

In order to graduate each student must maintain a 3.0 GPA, or B average. Students may earn no more than two C or F grades in their program. If this happens the student will be dropped from program.

To maintain a 3.0 keep in mind that each C grade requires one A grade to bring it to a 3.0. Each F grade requires three A grades to bring it to a 3.0. 

What happens to an F grade when I retake the course?

All grades earned in a graduate program remain part of the graduate GPA. F grades are not forgiven in graduate school. Only core courses have to be repeated if the first grade earned is an F.

What is candidacy? And, how am I admitted to candidacy?

Candidacy is a university requirement for all graduate students.

Admission to candidacy is done by talking with your advisor and filing the proper plan of study and candidacy form when a student:

•             is admitted unconditionally;
•             has completed a minimum of six semester hours; and
•             maintained a 3.0 GPA.

Do I have to take a comprehensive examination?

Most TROY degrees have a comprehensive examination requirement. Please talk with your advisor about when and how these exams are given. Comprehensive exams may be taken a limited number of times.

How does the Graduate School know when I am graduating?

When you think you are within a semester or so of graduation you need to fill out an "Intent to Graduate Form."  This form lets Graduate Records know a degree audit must be done on your record.  The form is due one semester prior to the semester of anticipated graduation.

You may pick the form up in the Registrar’s Office or the Graduate Records Office (Room 418 or 409). It is turned in to the Cashiers’ Office along with a diploma fee. If it is turned in by the Friday of the Term C midterm date the fee is $50.00. From that date until the last day of the semester an additional $25.00 late fee will be charged. Any forms turned in after that will be processed for the next semester.

Am I required to attend graduation?

Troy University strongly urges all graduating students to participate in commencement. However, we know that it is not always possible for students to take part.  You are not required to participate. 

How do I get a cap and gown?

Caps and gowns are ordered through the bookstore. You will be mailed information when you have been processed for graduation letting you know when to order your cap, gown, and hood.

If I can’t attend graduation, how do I get my diploma?

At the time you are being processed for graduation you will be sent a form to fill out telling Graduate Records what your intentions for participating are. If you cannot participate or pick up your diploma at a later date, the diploma can be mailed to you. You will be charged a $10.00 fee to have your diploma sent certified return mail. 

If you have other questions not asked here, you may call the Graduate Records Office at 241-9507. All information provided above, and more, can be found in the Graduate Bulletin, or in the Semester Schedule published prior to each semester.