Academic Progress
- Where can I register for classes once I am accepted?
- Why am I being blocked from registering for a class?
- How many credits may I register for?
- May I repeat a graduate course?
- Can a 400 level class count as graduate credit?
- How many credits are required for a Masters degree?
- How do I handle an "Incomplete" grade given by the instructor?
- What is the grading scale for the Idaho State University Graduate School?
- Can I transfer graduate credits from another institution?
- Can I transfer graduate credits within Idaho State University?
- What are residency credits?
- How long do I have to finish my master's degree?
- How long do I have to finish my doctoral degree?
- Can I petition credits that are considered out-of-date?
- What is a GFR?
- Can I help pick my GFR?
- How am I assigned an advisor?
- What is the procedure for changing my advisor?
- Where can I find a petition form?
- What are the circumstances under which I can petition?
- What is the deadline for successfully withdrawing from a graduate level course?
- What is the deadline for successfully dropping a graduate level course?
- What is the deadline for appealing a grade in a graduate level course?
- What is the procedure for appealing a grade in a graduate level course?
- If I am dismissed, will I be refunded my fees?
- What are the grounds upon which a student may be dismissed?
- Can I appeal a dismissal?
- What is the procedure for appealing a dismissal?
- What is the University/Graduate School policy on academic dishonesty?
- How do I change departments/programs?
- As a graduate student, can I enroll in undergraduate level courses?
- What is a late registration petition and where do I obtain the form?
Where can I register for classes once I am accepted?
Applicants who have received notice of admission into Graduate School may preregister during the appropriate preregistration periods or during the regular registration times prior to each semester. On-line registration is also available to officially admitted students. To expedite registration, all recipients of graduate teaching assistantships, graduate fellowships, and/or scholarships to be applied toward tuition and fees must preregister. Please go to the following link of MyISU.
Why am I being blocked from registering for a class?
Any graduate student receiving a grade of C+ or below in two graduate courses during his or her program, or whose GPA falls below 3.0, will be automatically blocked from registering for additional courses. For the block to be removed, the student’s department or college must communicate to the Graduate School in writing its wish to allow the student to continue in the program. Please note that some programs vary in their restrictions with regard to this policy; contact the program director or chair for specific details.
How many credits may I register for?
The maximum number of credits obtainable in a semester is 16 (including courses taken at the undergraduate level). In summer semester, a student may earn a number of credits equal to the number of weeks enrolled plus two, and the total number of summer credits may not exceed 12. Graduate Assistants may register for no more than 12 credits per semester.
May I repeat a graduate course?
Yes. With permission of the relevant department, students may repeat a course in which they received a grade lower than an A. In such cases the last grade received shall be the grade used in the calculation of the Program of Study GPA.
Can a 400 level class count as graduate credit?
In very rare cases, maybe. If a student wishes to have a 400 level course count as a graduate course on a Program of Study, the student will need to petition for approval, which requires instructor, advisor, chair, dean and Graduate School approvals. Such petitions are usually not approved.
How many credits are required for a Masters degree?
A minimum of 30 credits of approved graduate-level course work are required for a Master's degree. See department information for details.
How do I handle an "Incomplete" grade given by the instructor?
An "Incomplete" grade (I) may be awarded at midterm or semester end. At midterm, an "Incomplete" indicates the student, through illness or other excusable absence, has missed so much work the instructor cannot assign a regular grade. An "Incomplete" grade at midterm is not a final grade. An Incomplete grade may, at the option of the instructor, be given at the end of the semester only when a student has satisfactory performance within three weeks of the end-of-semester examination period. The instructor must submit a Course Completion Contract along with the grade report for that class. More information here page 12. Incomplete work must be completed within one (1) calendar year from the date such grade is given. A change of grade form must be submitted by the faculty member or the "Incomplete" grade will become permanent. To receive credit for a course in which an "Incomplete" grade has become a permanent grade, the entire course must be enrolled in and repeated.
What is the grading scale for the Idaho State University Graduate School?
The grade of A is the highest possible grade; grades of D+ or lower will not be allowed for graduate work. Plus (+) or minus (-) symbols are used to indicate grades that fall above or below the letter grades. The grades of A+, F+, and F- are not used. For purposes of calculating grade points and averages, the plus (+) increases the grade's point value by .3, and minus (-) decreases the grade's point value by .3 (e.g., a grade of B+ is equivalent to 3.3, and A- is 3.7). A student's work is rated in accordance with the following definitions:
| A | 4.00 excellent performance |
| A- | 3.70 excellent performance |
| B+ | 3.30 good performance |
| B | 3.00 good performance |
| B- | 2.70 good performance |
| C+ | 2.30 inadequate performance |
| C | 2.00 inadequate performance |
| C- | 1.70 inadequate performance |
| D+ | 1.30 unacceptable performance |
| D | 1.00 unacceptable performance |
| D- | 0.70 unacceptable performance |
| F | 0.00 unacceptable performance |
Courses in which A, A-, B+, B, or B- grades are earned are acceptable toward a graduate program and graduation requirements, unless specifically excluded for a particular course, program, or degree. Courses in which C+, C, or C- grades are earned may be used toward program and graduation requirements in some programs; two such grades will place the student on semester-by-semester review. Grades of D+, D, D-, or F may not be used to satisfy graduation requirements. No credits are awarded for any course in which an F grade is earned.
Can I transfer graduate credits from another institution?
Yes. All credits must be earned on the Idaho State University campus except for the following:
In all master's degree programs a total of 9 semester credits may be transferred from an accredited institution. Transfer of credits from an accredited institution are acceptable only if the courses are specifically approved by the academic department and the Graduate School of Idaho State University when the final Program of Study is submitted. In these instances, it is the credit hours that transfer, not the grades.
Official transcripts to be used for transfer of credits in a degree program must be received before application for a degree will be approved.
Can I transfer graduate credits within Idaho State University?
Yes. Transfer of Credits from Unclassified to Classified Status. Students may petition the Dean of the Graduate School to transfer course work taken while admitted to Unclassified status to a degree program. The total number shall not be more than 30% of the credits of the program of work required of each student for the degree. Yes. Transfer of Credits from One Program to Another. There are no limits to the number of credits that may be applied toward a master’s degree program or certificate program that were originally awarded in a different degree program if: (a) the student was not awarded a degree in the original program, and (b) the department approves the transfer of such credits and the courses taken meet the requirements for the degree approved by the Graduate Council.
There are no limitations with respect to electives that exceed the requirement for the degree. Departments and/or colleges may allow students to apply up to 9 semester credit hours earned at Idaho State University to two master’s degrees.
What are residency credits?
All credits that are to be applied to an advanced degree must be earned as resident credits or accepted for transfer as described in the Transfer of Credits section. Resident credits are those earned on the Idaho State University campus or at the Idaho Falls campus, the Boise campus, or the Twin Falls campus. Courses approved by the Graduate Council and taught solely by approved faculty of Idaho State University at other sites in the state may be accepted as resident credit.
How long do I have to finish my master's degree?
All requirements for a master's degree (except the MBA degree) or educational specialist degree must be completed within 8 years preceding the student's graduation. An extension of time may be obtained for good cause with the approval of the Graduate Council (extensions are considered through a petition to the Graduate School). The time limit for the MBA degree is 5 years for any course used to meet MBA II, elective, or emphasis area graduation requirements.
How long do I have to finish my doctoral degree?
The doctorate is a research or performance degree. The number of years involved in attaining or retaining competency cannot be readily specified. The comprehensive examination is the method of assessing whether the student has attained sufficient knowledge of the discipline and supporting fields in order to undertake independent research or practice. Because the comprehensive examination attests to the student's academic competence at the time course work is complete, doctoral candidates are allowed no more than 5 years, post advancement to candidacy (i.e., passing the comprehensive examination) in which to complete remaining degree requirements. In the event a student fails to complete the doctorate within 5 years after passing the comprehensive examination, an extension of time can be obtained only by:
(1) The student getting a specified set of requirements from the student’s committee that states in writing what must be done to make the candidate up-to-date in the discipline. These new requirements for obtaining an extension may include the necessity to repeat parts or all of the comprehensive examination;
(2) The student must then submit a petition to the Graduate Council for the extension and provide the written documents showing the additional requirements established by the student’s committee justifying the requested extension.
Can I petition credits that are considered out-of-date?
Yes. All credits applied to a master’s degree or to an educational specialist degree must have been taken within 8 years immediately prior to granting of the degree unless it can be shown that the course work taken more than 8 years earlier covers material which has not changed substantially during the intervening time or that the student has been able to remain current in the topics covered in the course. A petition, routed with all appropriate signatures, requesting an exception to the 8 year limitation must be submitted by the student to the Graduate School for approval.
What is a GFR?
A non-departmental member of the examining committee, called the Graduate Faculty Representative (GFR) is appointed and/or approved by the Dean of the Graduate School. The GFR must be a member of the Graduate Faculty and may not be selected from a separate discipline within a yoked department. The GFR is the representative of the Graduate School on the examining committee and is responsible for reporting the results of graduate examinations to the Dean of the Graduate School. The Graduate School welcomes suggestions from the student or department regarding candidates for the GFR.
Can I help pick my GFR?
Yes. The Graduate School welcomes suggestions from the student or department regarding candidates for the GFR.
How am I assigned an advisor?
Usually, when a student is admitted to graduate study, a temporary advisor is assigned. In some cases, the department chairperson or graduate program director serves in this capacity for all incoming graduate students. The student, following departmental procedures and regulations, then selects a permanent advisor who will be responsible for helping the student to finalize the Program of Study and meet the requirements for graduation.
What is the procedure for changing my advisor?
When a graduate student seeks a change in his/her major advisor, the following procedure must be followed:
(1) The student must submit to the academic unit head or graduate program director, as appropriate, a written request for change of major advisor. It shall contain the rationale on which the request is based and may, if the student wishes, propose a specific replacement.
(2) If the unit head/program director and the current advisor accept the rationale, and if an appropriate new advisor acceptable to the student is secured, the unit head/program director will submit the proposed new appointment to the Dean of the Graduate School for approval.
(3) Should the unit head/program director or the current major advisor not agree to the proposed change and the conditions thereof, and if no compromise acceptable to all parties can be reached, the matter shall be arbitrated by the unit graduate faculty (or its designated committee). Such arbitration may need to consider the question of ownership of data from research already undertaken by the student under the major advisor’s supervision, similarly whether another appropriately specialized major advisor is available for the student. The unit head/program director will notify the Dean of the Graduate School of the decision reached by the department graduate faculty or its designated committee.
(4) Any appeal of the department’s decision by the student shall be directed to the Dean of the Graduate School.
Where can I find a petition form?
Petition forms for graduate students are available from the Graduate School.
What are the circumstances under which I can petition?
Students may use petition forms to petition for:
(1) withdrawal from courses after the deadline for withdrawal as stated in the University Calendar.
(2) use of credits more than eight years old to count towards a master’s degree.
(3) transfer of credits from unclassified to classified status.
(4) transfer of more than 30% of credits required for a degree from unclassified to classified status.
(5) transfer of more than nine credits from another institution to a master’s degree program at Idaho State University.
(6) an extension of the maximum time (eight years) allowed for completion of a master’s degree or educational specialist certificate.
(7) an extension of the maximum time (five years) allowed for completion of a doctoral degree after comprehensive examinations have been passed.
(8) correction of errors or inaccuracies on the student’s official transcript.
(9) any other deviation from Graduate School policy listed in the catalog.
What is the deadline for successfully withdrawing from a graduate level course?
The deadline to withdraw from a class is one week after the official midterm grade reporting deadline as indicated in the Academic Calendar.
What is the deadline for successfully dropping a graduate level course?
Students may voluntarily drop graduate courses until the official drop date listed in the Academic Calendar.
What is the deadline for appealing a grade in a graduate level course?
Appeal of a grade must be made within one semester following the posting of the grade.
What is the procedure for appealing a grade in a graduate level course?
The grade appeal process is detailed in the Graduate Catalog. Students seeking to appeal a grade must adhere to the policy as directed.
If I am dismissed, will I be refunded my fees?
Regardless of whether a student decides to appeal; fees will be refunded in accordance with university policy.
What are the grounds upon which a student may be dismissed?
A graduate student may be dismissed from a graduate program by a department/college according to the following criteria:
(1) If the student receives two or more grades of C+ or below, or
(2) If the student fails to meet the continuation standards of the department (including conditions stated on the Approval for Admission form), or
(3) If it is the academic judgment of two-thirds of the graduate faculty in the department that the student is not making satisfactory progress in the program, and such judgment is recorded by formal vote.
Can I appeal a dismissal?
Yes. Students who appeal the dismissal will be blocked from registration for additional graduate courses during the appeals process.
What is the procedure for appealing a dismissal?
The dismissal appeal process is detailed in the Graduate Catalog. Students seeking to appeal a dismissal must adhere to the policy as directed.
What is the University/Graduate School policy on academic dishonesty?
Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating and plagiarism. Academic dishonesty at the graduate level is considered a serious offense and may result in dismissal from a graduate program.
How do I change departments/programs?
Department/Program changes can be initiated by the student or the department. Contact the Graduate School Admissions Clerk (208-282-2150) to file a change of status application.
As a graduate student, can I enroll in undergraduate level courses?
Yes. However, total per semester enrollment limits still apply (i.e., a maximum of 16 credits/semester).
What is a late registration petition and where do I obtain the form?
A late registration petition is used to register for a class after the registration deadline. These petitions are accessed via the Registrar's Office.