Graduate Catalog 2004-2005

The Tentative Degree Program (TDP) is a listing of courses a student plans to take to meet the requirements for his or her graduate degree program. The TDP serves two main purposes. First, by defining the student’s course of study it gives focus and direction to his or her individualized graduate degree program. Second, it constitutes an agreement that successful completion of the proposed course of study, and the general degree requirements set down in the Graduate Catalog, will result in the awarding of the degree. The Graduate College checks the student’s records against the approved TDP to verify eligibility for graduation.

The TDP is to be submitted to the Graduate College during the semester in which the student enrolls for the 15th hour of credit toward his or her degree program. It is the responsibility of the student to make an appointment with his or her graduate advisor or with the departmental graduate coordinator, whichever is appropriate, in order to complete the TDP form. The student’s advisor and the graduate coordinator must approve the TDP before it is submitted to the Graduate College.

Courses approved on this form serve as a guide but may be altered upon approval of the graduate coordinator and graduate dean designate. However, degree requirements may not be modified or set aside without the approval of the dean designate or the Graduate Council. The TDP should show work that may be required by the department to make up any deficiencies; this includes students who are required to take ESL courses (although ESL course hours do not count toward graduation).

All TDPs must be submitted to the Graduate College for approval.

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