Gwynedd Mercy University ( v 8-11-21 )
AY2021-2022 Graduate Academic Catalog
• Non-US applicants may be required to have earned a minimum score of 550 ( written ), 213 ( computer ), or 79 ( internet ) on the TOEFL examination .
Applicants who cannot meet one or more of the above requirements are encouraged to contact the Program Director for a review of qualifications .
Transfer Credits : Graduate credits , typically not to exceed six , earned at other accredited institutions in a doctoral program prior to matriculation , may be applied toward the doctoral degree . The credits must have been taken within five years of admission and a grade of B or better must have been earned . The official transcript for transfer of credit must be on file prior to acceptance of credits for transfer .
Academic Progression and Retention : A doctoral student whose cumulative grade point average ( GPA ) drops below 3.0 is considered to be on academic probation and will receive notice from the Dean . Any student earning below the minimum GPA for two semesters or earning three “ Cs ” ( 2.0 ) will be dismissed from the program . Students who receive a grade below a “ C ” ( 2.0 ) will be dismissed from the program . Students earning a grade below “ C ” ( 2.0 ) must repeat the course and successfully pass it before enrolling in any other courses . A course may not be repeated more than once and failure to pass a repeated course is grounds for dismissal If a student on academic probation fails to raise their GPA to 3.0 within two consecutive courses , they may be academically dismissed . Dismissed students are not eligible for re-admission until six months have passed . In such cases , a formal re-admit application must be submitted in accordance with the admissions procedures of the doctoral degree program and must once again meet admissions standards . In addition , the applicant should explain the reason for their academic deficiencies and why they should be given favorable consideration for re-admission .
Attendance Policy for Residencies : Doctoral students are expected to attend the full duration of all residencies in person except that ABD students have the option to attend the international residency as part of EDU 809 or participate in the course 100 % online . Absence from any portion of a residency requires advance approval of the Program Director .
Time to Completion of Degree : The doctoral degree must be completed within seven years from enrollment in the program . A student may request an extension of this time period , not to exceed one year , in the case of extenuating circumstances .
Leave of Absence ( LOA ): A doctoral student forced to interrupt their studies may , with the approval of their Academic Advisor , write to the Dean requesting a leave and stating the reason for the request . The student ’ s request for a LOA may be granted by the Dean . A LOA may be granted for up to one calendar year . The period of a LOA shall not be counted toward the time allotted for completing the degree .
Requirements for Graduation 1 . Course of Study : Students must complete a total of 54 semester hours in a prescribed Ed . D . course of study to fulfill course requirements for graduation . 2 . Professional Practice Portfolio : In lieu of a Comprehensive Exam , doctoral students must submit a Professional Practice Portfolio approved by two faculty members selected by the Program Director . The Portfolio must be submitted 3 to 4 months prior to the end of required coursework and approved no less than one month prior to graduation .
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