Graduate Program Policies and Procedures

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Matriculated degree candidates for all graduate programs are required to maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, as well as to fulfill all degree requirements as outlined in this catalog. All required courses must be passed; otherwise, the course must be taken again.

Students who do not maintain at least a 3.0 (3.0 = B) quality-point average incur academic probation, which is both a warning and an opportunity to improve. Students on probation are encouraged to work closely with their student support specialist to improve their academic standing. The probationary period will extend for the duration of one additional term, and the student’s status will be re-evaluated upon its completion. If the student still does not attain a cumulative quality-point average of 3.0 or shows no sign of improvement, s/he is subject to academic dismissal from the College.

Some graduate degree programs at Saint Joseph’s College require students to complete the requirements within a specified time period (usually between five and ten years). This period will include leaves of absence, but it will not include periods in which students withdraw, provided that they meet all new program requirements on re-entrance in the program. Only the active time spent in the program, before and after such withdrawal, will be counted. If, at the end of the matriculation period, a student is not finished, but has demonstrated good progress through the curriculum, the student may petition for a specific and limited extension subject to the discretion of the program director. See specific program details for matriculation limits.

Students who wish to attend on a Continuing Education (CE) basis may take courses without applying to a degree program.  In some circumstances, CE students may enroll in certain courses only on a space-available basis.

Students who choose to participate in multiple Summer Session programs find it extremely useful in accelerating the time to complete their studies, as well as a rewarding on-campus learning experience. Course offerings for the Summer Session are announced each January in a special summer catalog, which also includes other choices not available through the self-paced format.