Enrollment, Progression, and Performance Policy

The BGSU Graduate College “Academic Progress, Probation, and Dismissal” policy describes criteria for academic progress, including graduation, in addition to policies for academic probation and dismissal.

• Students are reminded that grades of C and lower make graduate students subject to the provisions of the satisfactory progress policy.

• Students are reminded that the accumulation of grades of incomplete makes graduate students subject to the satisfactory progress policy.   

• University policy establishes the criteria for assessing whether master’s degree students are making satisfactory progress toward their degrees.  Master’s degree students are required to maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 / 4.0.  The pattern of grades earned by a student also is important.  The accumulation of three or more Cs, two or more grades of incomplete, one D, one F, one WF, or one U is a very serious matter and a clear indication that a student is not making acceptable progress toward the degree.  If a student is not in good standing at the end of an academic term, the MSFS program must recommend one of three actions to the Graduate College:

• Grant a probationary period in which the student is to remedy existing academic deficiencies, i.e., place the student on probation.  Failure to achieve a GPA of at least 3.0 by the end of the probationary semester (i.e., the second semester) is grounds for dismissal from the program. 
• Continue the student on probation for another academic term.  Graduate College policy indicates that full-time students should not remain on probation for more than two semesters.
• Dismiss the student from the program.  Earning a D, F, WF, or U is grounds for dismissal. 

• In accordance with the Graduate College Master’s Degree – General Requirements Policy, “If a student does not pass the final oral examination (thesis defense), they may take a second examination four months or more after the date of the first oral examination.  Dismissal from the master’s program will result if the second oral examination is failed.”   

• Academic honesty is extremely important in the MSFS program.  A student found guilty of any form of academic dishonesty may be dismissed from the program.  Even a grade penalty in a single course may result in dismissal if it triggers the application of the satisfactory progress policy described above. The lock-step nature of the MSFS program and requirements outlined by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) does not permit students to substitute courses from a second graduate program for required MSFS courses. 

Course Revalidation Process

There may be occasions when a student has to take an extended leave of absence from the program. In such cases, it may be necessary to recertify older coursework. Below is information on the process from the Graduate College:

If a course has been taken more than six years before graduation (master’s, certificate, or specialist), or more than eight years before graduation (doctoral), students should consult their graduate program coordinator. The graduate program coordinator will determine if that course needs to be retaken, or if a revalidation experience can be offered. If offered, a revalidation experience may include a special examination or other written assignment, a portfolio, a new comprehensive or preliminary examination, or another academically appropriate experience. A thesis or dissertation may also serve as a revalidation method if approved. Students may be required to register for academic credit to accompany the academic revalidation experiences

Click here for link to Graduate College Limits for Degree Certification & Revalidation.