Graduate School Academic Regulations
Specialist Degree
Degrees higher than the baccalaureate are granted at the University of Mississippi because of special attainments achieved by degree candidates. Prospective students should understand clearly that a graduate degree is not awarded upon the basis of a collection of course credits, or the passing of certain prescribed examinations, or the submission of a thesis or dissertation. In other words, the student cannot expect to receive a higher degree because of successfully completing the individual parts of the degree program. Course schedules, examinations, and other requirements explained in this catalog are to be regarded as minimal; and any student may be required to satisfy whatever additional requirements academic advisers deem appropriate.
To receive a higher degree from the University of Mississippi, the student must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the graduate faculty of the department, school, or college of the student and to the faculty of the university that the student has attained through intelligence, scholarship, industry, and personal qualities the high level of professional and academic competence that the faculty of each department expects of a person holding the degree being sought. The determination of fitness to qualify for the degree rests solely upon the estimate that the faculty makes of the student’s right to the degree. (See also “Operational Procedures” section and see the School of Law and School of Pharmacy sections for information about the J.D. and Pharm.D. degrees.)
Requirements
Requirements for the specialist degree will be found in the “Programs and Courses of Instruction” chapter of this catalog. A specialist degree requires either a minimum of 36 hours beyond the related master’s degree or a minimum of 66 hours beyond the bachelor’s degree. Candidates for the specialist degree must pass a final oral examination. Specialist degrees are offered in curriculum and instruction (elementary education, secondary education, and special education), educational leadership, and counselor education.
Time Limit
All course work for a specialist degree program must be completed within six years. The time limit is to be computed from the date of enrollment in the first course that is counted towards fulfillment of the requirements of the degree.