The Graduate School at UNO

In recognition of its duty to provide a center of learning for the community of New Orleans, the University established a graduate division in 1963, which later became The Graduate School in 1966. Beginning with master’s degree programs in chemistry and physics, the Graduate School furthered the expansion of knowledge with graduate programs across the disciplines. In 1965, six graduate degrees were conferred at commencement: one Master of Science in Chemistry and five Masters of Education. In May 1967, the University of New Orleans conferred its first Doctor of Philosophy degree.

The Graduate School regulates graduate policy across the University. The University currently offers graduate certificates and advanced degrees in 34 master’s programs and 9 doctoral programs. The programs are designed to provide students with opportunities for comprehensive training in special fields of study, to instruct them in methods of independent investigation, and to foster the spirit of scholarship and research.

The pursuit of research and free inquiry demand rigor, and graduate students are expected to exceed minimum requirements and to master subjects rather than pass courses to simply comply with formal requirements. Coursework at the graduate level should lay the foundation for the individual scholarship of students.

Admission

Types of Admission and Requirements
Degree Program Admission

Applicants for admission to the Graduate School in a degree program are expected to have the following qualifications:

1. A baccalaureate degree from a university or college approved by a recognized accrediting agency;
2. Grade point average of at least 2.5 for undergraduate work or 2.75 for upper division work.  Grade point average of 3.0 for graduate work;
3. Satisfactory academic standing at the last university or college attended.

An applicant who meets all of the above requirements may be granted unconditional admission if accepted by the program. Program admission standards may be higher than the minimum Graduate School requirements. Many programs also require additional materials.

Applicants who fail to meet all the admission requirements may, in rare instances, be considered for conditional admission, but only upon very strong recommendation by the department concerned and with other evidence of ability to carry out the graduate program successfully. The Graduate School will consider the merits of the case and determine whether conditional admission is warranted.

Applicants who are unable to provide a final transcript because they are currently enrolled in a university program may be granted conditional admission provided all records, except for the semester in progress, have been submitted. In such cases the final transcript must be received no later than 30 days after the first day of classes in the fall and spring semester and no later than 15 days after the first day of classes in the summer session, or admission may be cancelled. Eligibility for admission cannot be determined until the application and complete official transcripts from each college and university attended have been received.

Non-Degree Graduate Admission

An applicant with an earned baccalaureate degree who wishes to take graduate level courses but does not intend to pursue another undergraduate or graduate degree should apply to The Graduate School as a non-degree student. Students who apply for non-degree status are not required to submit admission test scores but must submit official copies of the transcript certifying their baccalaureate or graduate degree. Students are strongly encouraged to carefully consider the problems that may arise in selecting this status. Short-term benefits such as temporarily avoiding the admission test may be exchanged for long-term serious disadvantages.

The following conditions apply to non-degree students:

1. No more than 9 credits earned while non-degree seeking may be applied towards a degree program;
2. Some 6000-level courses are closed to non-degree students;
3. Non-degree students are not eligible for federal financial aid. Non-degree students must read and comply with these provisions and departmental regulations to avoid serious problems.

Procedures

Applicants should submit the online University application along with the application fee and required credentials by the deadlines identified by each program and posted on the Graduate School website.

Credentials include admission test scores (if required) and official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework taken, showing any degrees awarded. Transcripts must be sent directly to the University from each and every college attended even if no credit was earned and even though the work may be shown on another transcript.

RE-ENTRY Students who have not been enrolled for a regular term (Fall or Spring) without an approved Leave of Absence must re-file an online application for admission and submit transcripts of any work taken at another institution during the interim.

MULTI-CAMPUS STUDENTS enrolled in graduate programs at other UL System universities who wish to take courses at UNO should inquire at the Graduate School of their home institution for the procedure to be followed.

International Students

Applicants from countries other than the United States may be admitted to the university subject to the following regulations in addition to the general admission requirements:

• Transcripts for institutions outside the U.S. must be accompanied by an external evaluation conducted by a NACES recognized evaluation agency. 

• Applicants who have completed their education in a country not recognized as English-dominant are required to provide proof of English proficiency. Examples of English-dominant countries are: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada (except Quebec), Cayman Islands, Dominica, Gibralter, Grenada, Guyana, Republic of Ireland, Jamaica, Montserrat, New Zealand, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Granadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, U.K. (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales), U.S.A.

The measures of English proficiency include the following. Only scores for tests taken within 2 years prior to the entrance term are considered valid.

TOEFL
Test of English as a Foreign Language

Internet-based test score of 79 total or Computer-based test score of 550.

Scores are considered official if reported electronically to UNO by ETS. The institution code for reporting TOEFL scores to UNO is 6379.

IELTS
The International English Language Testing System

Overall band score of 6.5

PTE
Pearson Tests of English

Academic score of 58

Duolingo 

• Duolingo English Test 
• Score of 105

IELP

Intensive English Language Program

Satisfactory completion of the Intensive English Language Program at UNO

Minimum Scores on IELP Test:

Listening Comprehension: 70
Grammar/Reading/Vocabulary: 65
Writing/Composition: 75

International graduate assistants who have primary responsibility for teaching a course (Teaching Associate - Instructor of Record) are required to have a TOEFL score of 100 (internet-based score) or 600 (paper- based), or IELTS overall band score of 7.5 or PTE academic score of 61. Individual graduate programs may have higher requirements.

1. Medical insurance. A health insurance fee will be assessed at the time of enrollment. An international student may purchase his or her own insurance. However, the policy must meet or exceed UNO’s Student Health Insurance Plan.

Fees and Financial Resources

(Consult Fees section.)

GRADUATE REGULATIONS

Failure of students to acquaint themselves fully with the organization and regulations of the University and Graduate School may lead to complications for which the student must assume full responsibility.

Degrees for Faculty and Staff

The Graduate School will not award the doctoral degree to full-time faculty of UNO above the rank of instructor or to other employees who in the opinion of the Graduate School are of equivalent status; nor will it permit such persons to register for credit toward a UNO doctorate.

Meeting Degree Requirements

Graduate degrees are not conferred merely upon the basis of number of courses passed or on length of time spent in residence, but rather upon the quality and scope of a candidate’s knowledge and power of investigation. Degree requirements must be interpreted with the understanding that the Graduate School prescribes only minimum standards. Individual departments may demand performance well in excess of the minimum Graduate School requirements. Meeting specific requirements does not guarantee admission or permission to enter whatever course or program a student desires to take.

Courses

All graduate courses for which the student meets the prerequisites are open to graduate students. Courses numbered above 6000 are graduate courses and only open to graduate students. Graduate credit is awarded for courses numbered 5000-level and above. Graduate credit is not awarded for courses numbered 4000-level and below. Under the limited conditions an undergraduate may earn graduate credit (see Work by Undergraduates). Graduate students who enroll in 5000-level courses will be expected to complete assignments conforming to the higher standards of scholarship and research that guide the Graduate School.

Maximum and Minimum Course Loads

Graduate students enrolled in at least nine semester hours for the fall and spring semesters and six semester hours for the summer are considered full-time enrolled. Students on graduate assistantships, scholarships or fellowships are required to be enrolled full-time. Students in their last semester of study may petition to enroll in less than full time. Registration for course loads greater than fifteen semester hours for the fall and spring semesters and twelve semester hours for the summer requires program and Graduate School approval.

Catalog in Force

Generally, a student must meet all the requirements for a degree outlined in one catalog. The student may elect any catalog in force during his or her enrollment at the University, provided enrollment is continuous. A student who has a break in enrollment for five calendar years may not elect a catalog earlier than the one in force at the time of re-entry. Under no circumstances may a catalog more than 9 years old be used. In some instances, program or college graduation requirements may be imposed that are not included in the catalog under which the student has chosen to graduate. These additional or different requirements are well publicized by the colleges involved.

Work by Undergraduates

A UNO undergraduate student who lacks not more than twelve semester hours for a UNO bachelor’s degree may be permitted, after scheduling all required work for the degree, to register for up to 9 hours of graduate credit. This privilege applies only to students who have maintained a cumulative grade point average of 3.2. It is extended only upon recommendation of the dean of the student’s college and by permission of the department. This approval must be obtained prior to the start of the semester involved. The courses for graduate credit must also be approved by the professor under whom the student intends to do major work as a graduate student. The total amount of work, graduate and undergraduate, for which a student covered by this provision may register may not exceed 15 semester hours.  This provision does not allow for the graduate courses to apply to both undergraduate and graduate degrees.  See Accelerated Masters for additional information.

Accelerated Masters

Students interested in the Accelerated Master’s programs should work closely with their undergraduate advisor in course scheduling and planning their studies.  Once they have completed at least 90 hours of undergraduate work, including at least 15 hours of upper level courses, and have a cumulative overall undergraduate GPA of at least 3.2, the student may apply for conditional admission to the master’s program by completing this form.  If conditionally admitted, the student will be permitted to take graduate courses while still completing the baccalaureate degree.  In the final semester of baccalaureate study, the student must apply for full admission into the master’s program. 

Accelerated Masters students may apply a maximum of 12 graduate hours to the baccalaureate degree, depending on the graduate program. Graduate coursework in the following areas will not count in the Accelerated Masters program toward the baccalaureate degree: travel study, independent study/project/research, directed study, directed readings, practicum, internships, other field-based placement, or thesis.  Grades earned in graduate-level courses must meet the minimum GPA required by the Graduate School of 3.00. Graduate courses in which a GPA is less than 3.00 may be counted towards satisfaction of the bachelor’s degree but not towards the master’s.  To remain in an Accelerated Masters degree program, the student must maintain at least a 3.00 overall GPA in graduate coursework.

Auditors

A student may be admitted to classes as an auditor by obtaining admission to The Graduate School in the regular fashion and by receiving the written permission of the instructor of the course. Auditors will not receive university credit, nor will they be permitted to take a credit examination on work audited.

Students may not change from audit to credit after the last day to add a course. With permission of the instructor, they may change from credit to audit within the first 15 class days of the semester (7 class days in the summer).

Examinations

A student must be enrolled in the University to receive credit in any examination (general, comprehensive, oral defense, etc.) or to satisfy other requirements for advanced degrees. A student may meet this requirement by registering for Examination or Report/Thesis Only (Course Number 7040), a one credit hour course. Registration for Examination Only (7040) is normally allowed for only one semester. However, in exceptional circumstances, a student may be allowed to enroll in 7040 more than once. The request should be initiated by a faculty member in the student’s degree program and include information about the student’s progress towards the degree. At a minimum, the student must have turned in a completed draft of the manuscript to the student’s thesis/dissertation committee. If the student is completing a non-thesis master’s program, they must have initiated the comprehensive examination or project report. The decision regarding a second enrollment will be made by the Graduate School.

Failure to Drop or Resign as Prescribed

Once enrolled in a course, students must follow  a prescribed procedure for either dropping or resigning. It is the student’s responsibility to follow the required procedures and to meet the deadlines on the Academic Calendar for dropping courses and resigning from the University. Failure to comply usually results in a grade of F.  The Registrar’s office maintains the procedures for course withdrawal.

Transfer of Credit

The majority of credits toward a graduate degree (either master’s or doctoral) must be earned at the University of New Orleans. The maximum hours that can be transferred for doctoral degrees vary. The specific program of interest should be consulted for the limitations and conditions on transfers for doctoral degrees. Only credits earned in courses with a grade of “B” or higher may be transferred; thesis/dissertation research credits may not be transferred.

• A maximum of 9 hours earned as a non-matriculating student may be used in a master’s degree program, if approved by the program and the College.
• A maximum of one-third of the credit hours required for the degree transferred from other schools may be used in a master’s degree program, if approved by the program and the College.
• A maximum of one-half the credits required for a second degree may be applied from a prior master’s degree at UNO, if approved by the program and the College.
• A maximum of one-half of the credit hours required for the degree transferred from other schools may be used in a doctoral program, if approved by the program and the College.   However, most doctoral programs allow fewer hours. The specific program of interest should be consulted for the limitations and conditions on transfers for doctoral degrees.

To petition for acceptance of these credits, the student must be currently enrolled, must have completed at least 9 hours of graduate course work in a degree program at UNO, and must be in good academic standing. Transfer of credit is approved only for course work taken as a graduate student; no work graded lower than a B can be transferred. Transfer credit offered toward a degree is subject to the same time limits as course work taken at UNO.

Graduate work transferred from other institutions may be applied toward degree requirements, but the grades earned will not be computed in the UNO graduate average, unless the course is a joint degree program requirement.

Graduate Grading System

Grades in the Graduate School have these meanings:

Grade Appeal Policy

See Registrar’s Office for full procedure and process.

Academic Performance Standards

A cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 is considered by the Graduate School to be the minimum standard of academic performance. A student who fails to maintain a cumulative 3.0 average on graduate course work taken at UNO will be placed on academic probation and may be denied a graduate assistantship.

A student must earn a semester grade point of 3.0 or better each semester while on probation until a cumulative grade point of 3.0 is achieved. Failure to earn a semester grade point of 3.0 while on probation will result in being dropped from the University for one semester (not including summer).

Any student who returns after being dismissed returns on probationary status and must maintain a 3.0 semester grade point or else be dismissed permanently from the University. (For these purposes, the summer session is regarded as a semester.) Failure to meet specific academic performance standards established by the department may also result in the imposition of academic action against the student.

Academic Requirements for a Degree

To receive a graduate degree, the Graduate School requires that the student have a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 for all graduate course work, as well as all course work applied specifically to the degree. No more than six semester hours of credit with a grade of C may be applied to a Master’s degree. A grade of D or F in any course may not be used to satisfy degree requirements. Students may not graduate if they have any incomplete (I) grades outstanding. A student may not graduate during a semester in which academic probation is imposed. (See also the sections on Graduate Grading System and Academic Performance Required.)

Graduation Requirements

Generally, a student must meet all the requirements for a degree outlined in one catalog. The student may elect any catalog in force during his or her enrollment at the University, provided enrollment is continuous. A student who breaks enrollment (either voluntarily or by compulsion) for five calendar years may not elect a catalog earlier than the one in force at the time of re-entry. Under no circumstances may a catalog more than 9 years old be used. In some instances, program or college graduation requirements may be imposed that are not included in the catalog under which the student has chosen to graduate. These additional or different requirements are well publicized by the colleges involved. There are several requirements which must be completed by all students prior to graduation.

The student must:

1. complete all academic requirements for a degree.
2. ascertain that his or her Program of Study is accurate and complete. All Program of Study, Concentration or Option changes should be done not later than one semester prior to graduation.
3. submit an application for graduation and diploma fee to the Registrar’s Office during the registration period of the last semester in residence.  A student who has previously paid a diploma fee, but who failed to graduate at the time expected, must reapply and pay the application fee again.
4. have all financial indebtedness to the University cleared prior to graduation.

complete an exit interview for financial aid.A student who does not follow and complete the above requirements and procedures will not be allowed to graduate.

Continuous Enrollment Policy

Once admitted to a graduate degree program, students must be enrolled every regular academic term (Fall and Spring) until they satisfy all degree requirements. Students who cannot enroll in a given term must apply for a leave of absence through their degree program in order to remain in good standing. Eligible doctoral candidates (advanced to candidacy, exceeded coursework requirements, no financial holds) will be automatically enrolled in a 1-hour Continuous Enrollment course (7060).

Leave of Absence Policy

Graduate students may apply for a leave of absence of no more than two semesters. A student on leave may not use any University facilities nor is the student entitled to receive advice from any member of the faculty. The request for leave of absence should be made in advance of the semester in which leave is to be taken.

Doctoral students who fail to register continuously and who have not been granted a leave of absence may be required to re-apply for candidacy as well as for admission to the graduate program.

Graduate Assistantships, Fellowships and Scholarships

A number of teaching, research, and professional assistantships are available for qualified students in all areas of the University. Graduate assistants may be appointed for the academic year (nine months), fiscal year (12 months), or summer. Graduate assistants must be enrolled as full-time (9 graduate credit hours in Fall and Spring) students and maintain a 3.0 grade point average. International graduate assistants who have primary responsibility for teaching a course (Teaching Associate) are required to have a TOEFL score of 100 (internet-based score), IELTS overall band score of 7.5 or PTE academic score of 61. Individual graduate programs may have higher requirements.

Assistantships provide a stipend and a waiver of the non-resident fee. Assistantships may also provide funding to cover tuition and fees.  Inquiries and applications should be made directly to the student’s degree program or University department.

Graduate Scholarships

The Graduate School at the University of New Orleans distributes merit-based awards once each year. Nominations are provided by graduate coordinators for each program. Applicants must be newly and unconditionally accepted to a UNO graduate program in a Fall semester, and maintain graduate enrollment each semester (spring and fall). All awards are renewable annually for up to two years for master’s degree students (three years for MFA, M.Ed. Counselor Education, MPA, and MA Arts Administration students) and four years for doctoral degree students, provided that students maintain the required cumulative GPA, satisfy the enrollment requirements of the award, and retain the support of their degree program.

Student Financial Aid

For detailed information go to www.uno.edu/finaid .

Career Services

The Career Services office assists students with their career planning and provides information and materials on career development and employment opportunities. Career Services is a member of the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) and follows NACE’s principles.

Affiliated Research

Oak Ridge Associated Universities

The University of New Orleans is affiliated with the Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) which provides research collaboration opportunities with federal research facilities, other universities within the southeast, and corporate organizations. Together the universities work toward acquiring joint opportunities to compete for large research projects, to acquire shared information technology and to work in additional ways made possible by the critical number of universities involved. ORAU also offer opportunities to faculty and graduate students to participate in research through fellowships for graduate students and research affiliations for faculty.

Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium

The Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON) is an organization of public universities in the state including the University of New Orleans. LUMCON was chartered in 1979 to develop coordinated marine research and education within the state university system and provide coastal facilities for these programs.

LUMCON’s principal facility is the Universities Marine Center at Cocodrie. The Marine Center consists of a fifty thousand square foot laboratory-dormitory complex, ninety-five foot and fifty-five-foot research vessels, numerous small vessels and collecting equipment, and docking and service facilities for all the vessels. Satellite facilities with laboratories, accommodations, and small boats are operational at Port Fourchon and at Fearman Bayou. The Port Fourchon Laboratory provides ready access to salt and brackish marshes, the bays and bayous of the Timbalier and Barataria Bay systems, beaches, and the Gulf of Mexico; while the Fearman Bayou Laboratory provides access to a wildlife refuge on Vermillion Bay, brackish and fresh water marshes, and coastal cheniers.

College courses in the marine sciences offered at all three facilities emphasize extensive field experience and studies of living organisms in their natural habitat and in the laboratory. Enrollment in each course may be limited by space and accommodations available at a particular laboratory, but applicants from member institutions of LUMCON will be given priority. Students enrolled at UNO will register for LUMCON courses through UNO and will pay tuition based on the UNO fee schedule. Credit for such courses will be awarded by UNO and will be recorded on student transcripts. For details of marine science courses to be offered at LUMCON facilities see Courses of Instruction in Biological Sciences and consult the Chairs of the Departments of Biological Sciences and Earth and Environmental Sciences.

Louisiana Alliance for Minority Participation (LAMP)

The University of New Orleans is a recipient of funds from the National Science Foundation through the Louisiana Board of Regents to implement and administer a program on the UNO campus called the Louisiana Alliance for Minority Participation (LAMP). LAMP goals are to expand and reinforce systemic mentoring, including research participation and guidance to graduate students. The overall goal is to improve minority participation in science and math education and technology. Various LAMP programs introduce students to research tools and methods, provide hands-on research experience, build computer and technology skills, and help students prepare for graduate school.

Southeastern Universities Research Association (SURA)

The University of New Orleans has been a member of the Southeastern Universities Research Association (SURA) since 1993. SURA is a consortium of colleges and universities in the southern United States and the District of Columbia established as a non-stock, nonprofit corporation. SURA serves as an entity through which colleges, universities, and other organizations may cooperate with one another and with government in acquiring, developing, and using laboratories and other research facilities and in furthering knowledge and the application of that knowledge in the physical, biological, and other natural sciences and engineering.

SURA’s goals are to foster excellence in scientific research, to strengthen the scientific and technical capabilities of the nation and of the Southeast, and to provide outstanding training opportunities for the next generation of scientists and engineers.

The most recent consortium emphases of SURA have focused on Information Technology (IT) and Internet II, advanced materials research, and coastal research activities.