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.

In order to comply with graduation requirements, students must retake any course for which they receive a grade of less than “C”.

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, but they must still submit an application indicating their desire to take individual courses. In some circumstances, CE students may enroll in certain courses only on a space-available basis. Graduate Nursing CE applicants are required to meet specific admissions criteria and submit both an official BSN transcript and a letter of request in order to be considered. Please contact an online admissions counselor for more information.

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 upcoming Summer Session are announced in late winter or early spring.  Students should inquire about Summer Session programming through their Student Support Specialist or Online Admissions.