HELP 2012-2013 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG] Graduate School Print-Friendly Page (opens a new window)

Introduction

The Graduate School provides opportunities for advanced study and research in science, engineering, and communication. Its aim is to foster a community of closely associated faculty and post-baccalaureate scholars imbued with a common interest in advanced professional study and creative effort while seeking to stimulate extensive academic achievement by encouraging diverse development in creative thought and accomplishment.

The Graduate School Administration

The Graduate School is administered by the Dean of Graduate Studies under the guidance of the Graduate Council. The Dean serves as Chairman of the Graduate Council and is responsible for its agenda and the interpretation of its actions.

The Graduate Council employs guidelines from various associations to maintain the Graduate School’s high standards. Montana Tech holds membership in the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, The American Society for Engineering Education, The American Council on Education, and similar groups.

Each graduate student shall be governed by the catalog and policies in effect on the date of initial registration or by newer regulations if so requested and approved by the Graduate School. Information posted on individual Department web pages is for student information and should not be considered as superseding the policies of this catalog.

Master Degree Programs

The Master of Science may be taken in most fields under either of two options. One option requires a thesis or publishable paper (Option A); the other does not require a thesis (Option B). In all programs, the thesis option is strongly recommended for the vast majority of students. Master’s of Science programs are available in the following fields. The letters in parentheses indicate the options available.  Certificate programs are designated with (Option C).

Master of Science Programs

• ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING (A,B)
• GENERAL ENGINEERING (A,B)
• ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING (A,B)
• GEOSCIENCES with options in:
  Geology (A,B), Geochemistry (A,B), Geological Engineering (A,B) Geophysical Engineering (A,B), Hydrogeology (A,B) Hydrogeological Engineering (A,B)
• HEALTH CARE INFORMATICS (C)
• INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE (A) INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE Distance Learning Professional Track (B)
• METALLURGICAL/MINERAL PROCESSING ENGINEERING (A,B) with options in:
  Metallurgical Engineering, Metallurgical/Mineral Processing Engineering
• MINING ENGINEERING (A,B)
• PETROLEUM ENGINEERING (A,B)
• PROJECT ENGINEERING & MANAGEMENT (on-line) (B)
• TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION (A,B)

Of the degrees previously listed, those specifying engineering are designed to accommodate graduate students who have an undergraduate degree in the appropriate field of engineering. The other degrees are to accommodate graduate students who do not have an engineering baccalaureate. However, a graduate student who does not hold an engineering degree may qualify for an advanced degree in one of the engineering categories by removal of deficiencies in engineering subjects, either concurrently with the graduate program or before being admitted to graduate standing, depending on the number of deficiency credits that need to be taken.

The student’s graduate program is a flexible guide and may be changed as the student progresses and as the student’s committee or advisor considers desirable. However, changes must be requested before or during the semester affected. The deadline for filing final changes in graduate programs is one month prior to the end of the semester in which degree requirements will be completed.

Interdisciplinary Master’s of Science

The Interdisciplinary Master of Science Program (IMS) allows students to work with faculty in the design of a graduate curriculum tailored to their unique academic, creative and professional objectives. A GPA of 3.0 is required for regular admission. The IMS program offers a non-thesis option (37 credits) and a thesis option (31 credits). The non-thesis option will typically be available to only those students who can document a history of written and oral publications and presentations. A comprehensive exam is required of non-thesis students.

Applicants to the IMS program should follow the instructions for applying to the Montana Tech Graduate School, which are available at http://www.mtech.edu/academics/gradschool/. Because of the unusual nature of this degree program, the IMS has several additional admission and program conditions.

• Each student needs to establish a program committee prior to admission to the program.
• All prospective applicants must first consult with the Dean of Graduate Studies before beginning the application process.
• The student must seek out and identify a Program Committee of at least 3 university faculty members from at least two different academic departments who are willing to serve. At least one committee member must be from a Master’s Degree granting department of Montana Tech. The Chair of the Program Committee does not have to be from Master’s Degree granting department. Each discipline in the proposed interdisciplinary program must be represented on the Program Committee.
• In consultation with the Chair and other members of the Program Committee, the applicant will develop a clear set of written goals for his or her research program and curriculum plan, listing each course the student will take in the degree program. This Degree Plan should strike a rough balance of work among the various disciplines represented. The program committee members and chair must approve the proposed degree plan by signing the proposal. The Program Committee members and the Department Chairs must approve the proposed Degree Plan.
• The Program Committee will be the student’s surrogate department and will meet to consider the student’s application materials and submit those materials and an admission recommendation to the Graduate School.
• Applicants may wish to spend at least a term of enrollment at Montana Tech, either as a non-degree graduate student or as a student admitted to an existing graduate degree program. Experience has shown that it is nearly impossible for a student to find members of a committee and negotiate a program of study from a distance.

Ph.D. Individualized Interdisciplinary Program (IIP)

The IIP is a degree program of The University of Montana-Missoula that is available to qualified Montana Tech students. The program allows the student to bring forward a problem or series of problems to research.

The student must seek out faculty with the resources and expertise to assist them in defining and executing the research goals and the skills and competencies (objectives) needed to reach those goals. These faculty can be from Montana Tech or The University of Montana. The program requires 45 credits beyond the master’s degree, a comprehensive exam and a dissertation. The application deadlines are April 1 for fall semester and November 15 for spring semester.

Interested students should note that this program has several unique features including,

• The student must develop a plan of study in consultation with his or her faculty committee before submitting an application to the chair of his or her committee.
• The student must seek out and identify a prospective graduate committee of at least 5 university faculty who are willing to serve.
• All members of the doctoral IIP committee must hold a doctorate degree - one member must be from a doctoral granting program at The University of Montana-Missoula. The Dean of The University of Montana Graduate School or the Dean’s designee from a doctoral program will serve as an ex officio (non-voting) member of the committee.
• The chair of the student’s committee may be a Montana Tech faculty member, will be the principal advisor throughout the program, and must be from a discipline that offers a graduate degree.

Interested students should contact the Montana Tech Graduate School and review The University of Montana IIP application process at http://www.umt.edu/grad/program. In addition, all prospective applicants must consult with the Dean of The University of Montana Graduate School before beginning the application process.

Thesis Abroad Information

Montana Tech graduate students can participate in the International Exchange Program by applying to the Thesis Abroad Program. The intent of the program is to provide qualified graduate students with the opportunity to augment their graduate research while obtaining cultural and academic experiences at a foreign host institution.

How to Apply

Students interested in the program should contact the Department Head of any of the participating departments: Environmental Engineering, Geological Engineering, Geophysical Engineering, Metallurgical/Mineral Processing Engineering, and Biological Sciences. They can provide specific details of ongoing research and graduate student exchange opportunities. For general program information please contact the Montana Tech Graduate Studies Office.

Application Procedures - Graduate Students

The Graduate School encourages applications from qualified students holding bachelor’s, master’s, or terminal degrees from accredited colleges and universities. Degrees, diplomas, or certificates in engineering technology fields generally do not qualify as accredited bachelor’s degrees for purposes of admission.

All required application materials are available on the Graduate School web site: www.mtech.edu/academics/gradschool/. To request information contact our office at (406) 496-4304, 1-800-445-8324, menu choice 6; fax: (406) 496-4710; e-mail: fsullivan@mtech.edu.

Application Procedures - U.S. Citizen

1. Application: Complete and submit all required forms included in the Montana Tech of The University of Montana Graduate School Admission Application Packet. Forms are also on the website shown above.
2. Application Fee: The application form must be accompanied by a nonrefundable check or money order payable to Montana Tech in the amount of $30.00 (subject to change). An application will not be processed until the application fee is received. This fee expires after one year.
3. Financial Award Application: If applying for institutional financial aid (not federal funds or loan), submit this form with the admission application.
4. Reference Forms: Three references are required and are included in the application packet. The forms must be received by the Graduate School directly from the reference or in a sealed envelope with the reference’s signature over the seal. References from relatives are not acceptable.
5. Transcripts: Official transcripts are required from all undergraduate and graduate schools attended. Contact the Registrar(s) at your previous school(s) and request that official transcripts be forwarded directly to the Graduate Studies Office. At least one transcript must include evidence of receipt of a bachelor’s degree.
6. Personal/Professional Statement: Include a typewritten statement outlining academic and professional goals and how they relate to the chosen field of study. Petroleum Engineering requires two brief technical papers authored by the applicant. Technical Communications also requires supplemental materials.
7. Mandatory General Examination: The GRE General Test is required for admission for most programs with the exception of Industrial Hygiene Online, Project Engineering and Management, Electrical Engineering, General Engineering, Mining Engineering, and Petroleum Engineering. Applicants taking the GRE General Test should instruct the Educational Testing Service to submit official scores to the Graduate Studies Office (Institutional Code is 4487). Montana Tech does not require GRE Subject Tests.
8. Immunization Records: If you were born after December 31, 1956, submit proof of two separate doses of measles and rubella immunization (MMR) by immunization record or a physician’s record of diagnosis (with day/month/year of immunization and signature or initials of doctor or nurse). Students enrolled exclusively in distance-delivered courses are exempt from the measles requirements.

Application Procedures - International Student

1. Application: Complete and submit all required forms included in the Montana Tech of The University of Montana Graduate School International Student Admission Application Packet.
2. Application Fee: The application form must be accompanied by a nonrefundable check or money order payable to Montana Tech in the amount of U.S. $30.00 (subject to change) An application will not be processed until the application fee is received. This fee expires after one year.
3. Financial Award Application: If applying for institutional financial awards, submit this form with the admission application.
4. Reference Forms: Three references are required in English. Forms can be printed from the website and are also included in the application packet. The forms must be received by the Graduate School directly from the reference or in a sealed envelope with the reference’s signature over the seal. References from relatives are not acceptable.
5. Transcripts: Official transcripts are required from all undergraduate and graduate schools attended in the native language with an accompanying English translation. Contact the Registrar(s) at your previous school(s) and request that official transcripts be forwarded directly to the Graduate Studies Office or in a sealed envelope with the Registrar’s signature over the seal. At least one transcript must include evidence of receipt of a bachelor’s degree. The applicant is responsible for having transcripts evaluated on a course-by-courses basis by Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc (ECE) or The World Education Services. See their websites at www.ece.org or www.wes.org for complete information. One ECE report must be sent to Montana Tech’s Graduate Studies Office.
6. Personal/Professional Statement: Include a typewritten statement outlining academic and professional goals and how they relate to the chosen field of study.
7. Mandatory General Examinations: GRE General Test is required for admission to all programs except Industrial Hygiene Distance Learning Professional Track, Project Engineering and Management, Electrical Engineering, General Engineering, Mining Engineering, and Petroleum Engineering. Applicants taking the GRE General Test should instruct the Educational Testing Service to submit official scores to the Graduate Studies Office. Montana Tech does not require GRE Subject Tests. Montana Tech’s School Code is 4487.
8. Applicants who are citizens of countries other than Australia, Canada, England, Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland, or Wales are required to certify English proficiency by supplying one of the following:
   
   1. Official TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign language) score report showing a minimum score of 71 Internet based, 525 paper-based or 195 computer-based. Please obtain information concerning this test at www.ets.org/toefl.
   2. Official IELTS score report showing a minimum score of 7.0. Please obtain all information concerning this test at www.ielts.org.
   3. Certification of successful completion of ELS Language Centers level 109. Please obtain all information concerning ELS from: ELS Language Centers, Executive Offices, 57961 Buckingham Parkway, Culver City, CA 90230, U.S.A
   4. Certification of grade “C” or higher on the English Language section of one of the General Certificate of Education, Ordinary Level (GCE-O), examinations administered in England.
   5. Students who have graduated from an accredited high school in the U.S. may satisfy this requirement by providing an official high school transcript along with two letters of recommendation from high school faculty/administrators regarding proficiency in English language skills.
   6. Students transferring to Montana Tech after one (or more) year of full-time enrollment at a college/university in the United States may satisfy this requirement by providing at least two letters of recommendation from faculty members regarding proficiency in English language skills.
9. Statement of Financial Support: An original, current, certified financial statement (in English) from your bank/sponsor must verify that funding will be available to cover estimated expenses of at least $33,916.00 (U.S. Dollars) while attending Montana Tech. NOTE: The financial statement should cover expenses for dependents accompanying you to the United States by certifying an additional $4,200.00 for your spouse, and $1,200.00 for each child. This documentation is required.
10. Immunization Records: A physician-validated certification on medical stationery, Montana Tech’s International Student Health Form or the World Health Organization Certificate showing immunization for rubella, measles (two doses of measles vaccine after 1st birthday, including month, day, and year) and a recent (within the last year) skin test for tuberculosis. Each of these must be identified on the record in English and must be signed by a physician or registered nurse and include month, day, and year of each immunization.
11. Medical Health Insurance: For enrollment in classes, proof of medical health insurance is required for all international students. Students without such insurance or with inadequate coverage will be required to obtain medical health coverage through a campus approved policy. Students are automatically enrolled in the campus insurance plan, and the premium for coverage is added to tuition. Students showing proof of adequate coverage may request a waiver of the campus insurance by contacting the Student Life Office.

Please understand that health care in the United States is largely a private, not a governmental, function. Fees for many medical services and procedures will be directly charged to the student. These charges may range from a few dollars for very simple procedures to thousands of dollars for extended hospitalization or major operations. All J-Visa international students and dependents are required to obtain a minimum medical health insurance as required by the U.S.I.S. through a campus endorsed policy.

Application Procedures (Re-Admission) - Former Student

Graduate students who break the continuity of enrollment at Montana Tech, excluding summer school, are required to apply for readmission.

How to apply for readmission

1. Complete and submit a Montana Tech Graduate School Returning Student Application form. An application fee is not required for returning students.
2. Complete and submit a Montana Tech Graduate School Financial Award application if interested in applying for institutional financial assistance.
3. If applicable, submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended since leaving Montana Tech. Transcripts must be sent directly to the Graduate School from the Registrar of school(s) attended.
4. Submit proof of two separate doses of measles and rubella (MMR) immunization (including month, day, and year of immunization with physician’s/nurse’s initials) if born after December 31, 1956 and not currently on file at Montana Tech.
5. Submit official GRE scores if not currently on file. See previous GRE information for program exclusions.

When to Apply - All Students

All of the above should be received by the Graduate Studies Office according to the following schedule:

If completed applications are not on file by these dates, processing may be delayed. However, late applications will be considered if circumstances permit.

General Information

1. Any qualified applicant will be accepted for admission to Montana Tech regardless of race, color, creed, sex, national origin, or handicap.
2. Failure on the part of the applicant to provide all of the requested information will cause delays in processing the application for admission and may result in denial of admission or cancellation of registration.
3. The falsification or willful suppression by the applicant of any information requested on the application form may result in cancellation of registration and prohibition from subsequent attendance at Montana Tech.
4. The term “official” in reference to academic credentials or standardized test scores indicates that the documents are forwarded by the Registrar of each school attended or by the applicable testing service directly to the Graduate Studies Office at Montana Tech. Photocopies, faxed copies or those “Issued to Student” will not be accepted. An official transcript must have a signature, stamp or seal from the initiating institution.
5. Information regarding residency classification for fee purposes is available from the Graduate Studies Office.
6. The application credentials of admitted students who do not register will be retained for one year. At the end of this period, a new application and fee will be required to apply for admission.
7. All application credentials become the property of the Montana Tech Graduate School upon receipt by that office.
8. Admission is generally permitted for only one graduate degree program at a time.

Admission to the Graduate School

Students may be admitted with regular, provisional, or provisional probation status. Admission status is recommended by that department’s graduate program head with the concurrence of the Dean of Graduate Studies.

Regular Admission

To be granted regular standing, the student must (1) hold a baccalaureate, MS, MA, MBA or terminal degree in a field acceptable to the applicable graduate program; (2) have a grade point average of 3.00; (3) have acceptable GRE scores if required by the department; and (4) have demonstrated potential for graduate study.

Provisional Admission

Provisional standing may be granted to a student who (1) lacks certain basic undergraduate courses in his or her major field, or (2) has not satisfied requirements for regular admission, such as a cumulative grade point average lower than a 3.00. The Graduate School will not accept an applicant with a cumulative GPA lower than 2.7 with the exception of applicants who have achieved a 3.0 cumulative GPA during the last four full-time semesters of his or her undergraduate career. Students admitted on provisional status must remove the provisions stated within the specified period of time (usually two semesters). The credits earned in the removal of deficiency courses cannot be applied toward the requirements of a graduate degree. An applicant needing 15 deficiency credits or less may be admitted to graduate school on a provisional basis; those needing more than 15 credit hours must enroll as a post-baccalaureate non-degree student.

Provisional Probation Admission

The Graduate School has developed an admission category for students who meet the criteria for Provisional Admission but who have a grade point average between 2.5 - 2.69.

Students admitted under this status are admitted on academic probation. This student is allowed to register for no more than 9 credits and has one semester to achieve the 3.0 GPA or the student will be dismissed from Graduate School. No financial awards can be assigned during the probationary period.

This status is only granted to a student who presents above-average credentials in other admission areas (GRE Scores, work experience, recommendations, etc.) and who demonstrates a strong expectation for a successful graduate career. The admitting Department must request consideration for admission under this status and have a reasonable expectation that the student will be successful in graduate courses.

Non-degree Status

Non-degree students are not admitted to the Graduate School but are under the supervision of the Undergraduate Admissions Office. Courses completed during semesters in which a student is in non-degree status may only be applied toward graduate degree requirements at the College by action of the Department Head and approval of the Graduate School. Non-degree students who wish to apply courses toward a graduate program are strongly encouraged to meet with the Department Head and the Graduate School prior to beginning their studies.

Financial Aid

Application procedures and eligibility criteria are subject to change without notice.

The applicant must be unconditionally accepted for admission to the Graduate School and be in good standing at Montana Tech. Completed Financial Aid Forms should be sent to the application processor. Contact the Enrollment Services Office, MG 207 for further information and assistance.

Enrollment Requirements

To be eligible to receive financial assistance such as graduate teaching assistantships, other student employment or tuition waivers, graduate students must be registered for a minimum of 6 credits at the 4000 and 5000 level. Graduate students receiving federal graduate student loans or an hourly wage position must be registered as full-time students taking a minimum of 9 graduate credit hours at the 4000 and 5000 level. Full-time for VA benefits and GI Bill is 6 credits for the Industrial Hygiene Online and Project Engineering and Management programs for Fall & Spring semesters. For summer, VA full-time is 3 credits.

Graduate Assistantships

Assistantships are granted for teaching or research and require a prescribed number of hours of work on a specified project. Assistantship holders must be admitted to the Graduate School and be registered each semester the assistantship is held.

Teaching assistants often assist in teaching one or two sections of an undergraduate class or laboratory. Research assistants may be assigned to a research project being conducted by a faculty or staff member. Research done on an assistantship may or may not be applied to the student’s thesis, depending on the type of research and the terms of the assistantship.

The work requirement for a full teaching assistantship is stipulated to be 20 hours per week. The work requirement for a full-time research assistant is 20 hours per week. The academic course load that an assistant may take is subject to the advice of the assistant’s advisor or thesis supervisor. Any regular graduate student, registered for 6 or more hours of graduate level courses during a regular semester or three hours during the summer who is working on a research project in relation to his or her thesis, is qualified for support under the research project as a research assistant if extramural financial support is available from the particular project to pay salary and benefits.

Graduate Tuition Waivers

Resident and non-resident tuition may be waived for qualified graduate students. Fees are the responsibility of the student. Graduate students applying for tuition waivers may do so by checking the appropriate box on the financial award form which accompanies the application form. Eligibility to continue these awards is determined by the Department and is based upon the following criteria: satisfactory progress towards the degree, maintaining a 3.0 Grade Point Average, and continued registration for at least 6 credits at the 4000-5000 level for the duration of these awards. Contact the Graduate School Office for further information.

Loans

U.S. citizens may apply for long-term assistance under the Federal Stafford Loan Program by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid at www.fafsa.gov.

Regulations

Academic Residence Attendance Requirements

A minimum of two semesters of full-time enrollment will normally satisfy the requirement for academic residency. Part-time students will be deemed to have completed residence requirements when a minimum of 12 credit hours has been earned.

Residency For Tuition and Fee Purposes

Students attending Montana Tech from out-of-state for the sole purpose of furthering their education will not be able to declare Montana residency for the entire time they are enrolled. Establishment of Montana residency is subject to strict rules, described in “THE STUDENT GUIDE TO MONTANA RESIDENCY POLICY”, available from the Graduate School Office. Information regarding residency classification for tuition and fee purposes is available from the Graduate Studies Office or on the Graduate School website: http://www.mtech.edu/academics/gradschool/Form.htm

Registration Requirements

A student who has been admitted to the Graduate School for study toward an advanced degree must be registered on a continuing basis for a minimum of three (3) credit hours of graduate courses (4000 and above) during each semester of the regular academic year (fall and spring), whether the student is in residence, off-campus, or is pursuing a degree on a part-time basis. Students participating in the Thesis Abroad Program may be subject to additional requirements and should contact the Graduate School. A minimum registration for one (1) credit hour is required if all required course work, seminar, and thesis credits have been completed, but the student has not defended the thesis or presented the publishable paper or submitted the required paperwork to the Graduate Studies Office. If registration is allowed to lapse, the student must apply for readmission. Please see “Former Student Application Procedures” for details.

Graduate students consult with their advisor before each registration to plan courses in accordance with the graduate program. The graduate program and thesis project should be approved by the thesis committee or the program director in the case of non-thesis options. All subsequent changes must be similarly approved. The graduate program must be filed with the Graduate School Office immediately following the second registration and should be updated as necessary.

A late fee will be charged for graduate students who register for more than six credits after the first day of class. Registration will not be allowed after the last day to add a class (10 days after the first day of class ).

Academic Loads

The average graduate student enrolls for nine (9) credits hours per semester. Fifteen (15) credit hours per semester is considered to be the normal maximum graduate load. Higher loads must be approved by the Graduate School and may be permitted if the student is taking a combination of courses at the graduate and undergraduate level. Students applying for financial aid should refer to the Financial Aid section for minimum registration requirements.

A faculty member with permanent faculty status may undertake a limited program leading to the Master of Science degree. By faculty action, such programs are limited to an average of 5 credit hours of course work per semester over the course of the program of study with a maximum load of 6 hours permitted during any one semester to facilitate scheduling. Such faculty are eligible for tuition waivers.

Courses and Credits Applicable to Graduate Programs

Students may petition the Montana Tech Graduate School to accept courses taken prior to enrolling in the Graduate School. The following information discusses the procedures and regulations for accepting these previous course credits.

General Requirements

1. Graduate students may not challenge courses for graduate credit.
2. Correspondence credits are not acceptable toward meeting the requirements for an advanced degree.
3. Courses completed during a semester in which a student is in non-degree status may not be applied toward graduate degree requirements without prior approval of the Graduate School.
4. Additional limitations related to the various degrees also apply as indicated in the Graduate School sections of the catalog.
5. For all master’s degree programs, at least one-half of the minimum credit requirements, excluding thesis, project and seminars, must be at the 500/5000 level.
6. Additional regulations may apply for collaborative programs with other units of the Montana University System.

Courses taken at Montana Tech as an undergraduate student

1. Graduate courses (5000 level) for which credit has been received prior to admission to the Graduate School do not necessarily apply to graduate programs. The decision on the applicability of courses to a graduate program rests with the student’s Graduate Committee. A petition listing these courses and approved by the Department Head of the proposed graduate program must be filed with the Graduate School.
2. Courses listed in the 4000 series may become part of a student’s graduate degree program if the courses are approved by the student’s Graduate committee and were not required to obtain the bachelor’s degree. A petition listing these courses and approved by the Department Head must be filed with the Graduate School.
3. For students who have applied to the Montana Tech Graduate School, graduate level courses taken prior to completion of a bachelor’s degree may be reserved and/or applied toward any graduate program requirements with approval of the Department Head and concurrence of the Graduate School. Such credits may not be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree.

Courses taken at other institutions

Up to 6 credits taken at other graduate schools may be applied to Montana Tech graduate programs subject to the following requirements:

1. The course must be acceptable for graduate credit at the school where it was taken.
2. The course must be applicable to the student’s graduate program at Tech as determined by the Graduate Committee.
3. A “B” grade or better must have been earned. No transfer “C” or “P” grades will be accepted for graduate credit.

Acceptable Academic Progress

All graduate students are required to maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade point average (CGPA) for graduate level courses (4000 and 5000 level). A 3.0 CGPA for course work and thesis is required for graduation. Any course listed in the major or minor in which a grade lower than a “C” has been received must be repeated.

Incompletes

Incompletes (“I” grades) can be granted if a student’s work is satisfactory with at least 70% of the course work having been completed and the student cannot complete the work of the course for reasons beyond his or her control. Incompletes at the graduate level can constitute unacceptable progress toward a degree and may result in the withdrawal of financial aid received by the student. If Incompletes are the appropriate grade, the faculty should provide a written rationale for the grade to the Graduate School to prevent the grade from adversely impacting the student’s continued eligibility for Federal Financial Aid. In general, for Special Topics courses that are ongoing and the project has not been completed, the grade of “N” (Continuing) is more appropriate and should be used instead of “I”.

An Incomplete must be removed at a time designated by the instructor, but before the end of the next semester of residence; the Enrollment Services Office announces the deadlines for each semester. Students should not re-enroll in a class in which they have an Incomplete. In unusual circumstances, the time for removal of the “I” may be extended by permission of the instructor and the Dean of Graduate Studies.

Withdrawal, Auditing Classes

Graduate students withdrawing from a special class or changing a class to an audit must secure the signature of their advisor prior to submitting the “drop/add” card to the Enrollment Services Office.

Complete Withdrawal from College

Students requesting a complete withdrawal from college must obtain the appropriate form from the Enrollment Services Office. Upon completion of the form and obtaining all of the appropriate signatures, the student must bring the completed form to the Enrollment Services Office in MG 207 for processing.

Academic Probation Policy

Continued enrollment in the Montana Tech Graduate School requires the maintenance of a 3.00 cumulative GPA (CGPA) for graduate level courses and evidence of academic progress toward the student’s degree objectives. Failure of the student to achieve either of these conditions will result in academic probation and can result in ineligibility for financial assistance. The student may not exceed the maximum of one semester of probation and may be suspended from Graduate School if this limit is surpassed.

Suspension Policy

Any student whose cumulative graduate level grade-point average is less than 3.0 (“B”) at the end of the semester of probation may be suspended from the Graduate School. A student who is suspended from graduate standing may continue to take graduate courses as a non-degree student. Reconsideration for graduate admission may be requested after one or more semesters in non-degree status by reapplying for admission. See “Former Student Application Procedures” for details.

Change of Major

Students who request a change in major upon first registration must continue one semester in the program into which they were admitted. They may file an “change of major” form with the Graduate School during any semester but must await evaluation and approval of their application materials by the new program before the transfer can be effected. The change of major and transfer to the new major program is subject to the written approval of the Dean of Graduate Studies acting upon the recommendation of the head of the intended major program.

Minor Programs

At least twelve (12) credits of course work in one subject matter of a Montana Tech graduate program can be considered a minor. Minor credits are in addition to those required to fill the master degree requirements for the major program and must be approved by the committee chair and the student’s advisor. A minor can be earned only in a subject in which a graduate degree is granted. A representative from the minor subject area must be a member of the student’s Graduate Committee. A minor and related course work must be declared on the student program sheet and filed in the Graduate School Office by the end of the second semester. The majority of credits must be in the major field and the Major and Minor credits are indicated on the Student Program form.

Dual Majors

Montana Tech does not permit, in general, credit hours that have been used to satisfy requirements for one Master of Science degree to be applied toward another master’s degree from the institution. However, under exceptional circumstances, a student may petition the Dean of Graduate Studies through the student’s own Graduate Committee for a variance from this policy.

5 Year Master’s Degree Program

Participating departments allow qualified undergraduate students to begin work on the master degree in their junior year at Montana Tech. To qualify for admission to the program, a student must have completed 75 semester credit hours, usually corresponding to the second semester of the junior (3rd) year, and have a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or better. Courses undertaken as a Fifth-Year Master Degree student cannot be counted towards both degrees. Students should file a petition with the Graduate School listing those courses that will apply toward the Master Degree. Students must meet all other requirements for admission to graduate school.

Participating Departments include Electrical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, General Engineering, Geochemistry, Geological Engineering, Geology, Geophysical Engineering, Hydrogeological Engineering, Hydrogeology, Industrial Hygiene, Metallurgical/Mineral Processing Engineering, Mining Engineering, and Technical Communication. Interested students should contact the Graduate School Office for additional information.

Time Limitation

A Master of Science degree program must be completed within 6 calendar years dating from the student’s formal entrance into a degree-seeking program. Courses taken by the student at any institution that are requested to be part of his or her degree program and were taken more than six years prior to the date of anticipated graduation must be reviewed by the student’s advisor and the Dean of Graduate Studies for acceptance into the graduate program. Following this review, the Dean of Graduate Studies will determine whether a reduction in credits applicable toward the degree, a re-examination, or both is required for the student to complete the degree program.

Supervision of the Master’s Program – Graduate Committee

Each incoming graduate student will be assigned a graduate advisor by the student’s home department. This advisor will be responsible for assisting the student in designing a program of study until the student selects a permanent Graduate Committee. All students, whether thesis, publishable paper, non-thesis, or project are required to have a Graduate Committee. The Graduate Committee, once selected, shall be responsible for advising the student on all academic and research matters and will serve as the student’s examining committee.

The Chair of the Graduate Committee will be selected by the student and will be responsible for approving the student’s program of academic study and research as indicated by the signature on the Student Program form. In those cases where the student elects to pursue a research project outside the home department, the Chair of the Graduate Committee may be chosen from the department hosting the research project and a graduate advisor must be chosen from the student’s home department. This departmental advisor may serve as Co-Chair of the Graduate Committee.

The Graduate Committee will consist of two members from the student’s major program, one from a minor program (if applicable), and additional members as selected by the chair and student; voting members must have at least a Master’s degree. The Chair and student will select one member to the Graduate Committee from outside the student’s home department. The Graduate Committee should
be appointed by the end of the second semester of graduate study. Substitutions on this committee for examination purposes can be made with the approval of the Graduate Committee Chair and the Dean of Graduate Studies. An Amended Program Form must be submitted to the Graduate School to reflect any changes in the committee membership, course work, thesis title, or thesis option.

Program of Study

The student’s Graduate Committee will assist the student in formulating a program of study leading to the master’s degree. The student’s program of study, approved by the Graduate Committee Chair, must be filed with the Graduate School by the end of the second semester of study. The student is required to seek the Graduate Committee’s approval for any subsequent modification of the original plan of study. The student will submit a copy of any amended program to the Graduate School. Each program of study, and any amendments thereof, must have the signature approval of the student, the Chair of the student’s Graduate Committee, and the Environmental Health and Safety Director, if required.

Thesis: Option A

This is the classical research-oriented degree and is particularly recommended to the student whose educational and professional goals make early research experience desirable. A thesis (maximum of 8 thesis credits apply toward degree), seminar (2 credits minimum) and at least 20 credits of additional course work are required for a minimum of 30 hours total; a student’s department and/or Graduate Committee may require more. See department sections for specific requirements. Thesis credits should be assigned to the committee chair during the registration process.

An individually written thesis based on original research is a requirement for Option A of the Master of Science degree. The thesis should represent an effort of such quality and construction that it can be displayed in the school library with similar scholarly works. The thesis is written under the direction of the committee chair, but the student is encouraged to seek guidance from all members of his or her Graduate Committee. Before starting to write the thesis, the student should review the “Thesis Template Form” and “The E-Thesis Authorization Form” posted on the Graduate School website (http://www.mtech.edu/academics/gradschool/Form.htm).

Note that the Pro-Quest Liason must review the thesis draft no later than 4 weeks before the defense to insure that your thesis is ready to be uploaded to the server. The thesis draft should also be distributed to the committee for review 30 days prior to the defense.

A final draft of the thesis must be submitted by the student to each member of his or her Graduate Committee at least two weeks before the time and date of the student’s scheduled thesis defense.

To be eligible to participate in Commencement ceremonies, a student must successfully defend his or her thesis, present the publishable paper or project, and/or complete the oral examination at least one week before the last day of scheduled classes for Spring Semester.

The completed thesis, after all revisions recommended by the committee have been made, must be signed by the author, and approved and signed by a majority of the student’s Graduate Committee, including the advisor and the chair of the student’s Graduate Committee. The student is encouraged to consult with the Pro-Quest Liason prior to final reproduction to determine the required written and electronic formats required by Pro-Quest and the Graduate School.

The institution requires two “original” unbound copies of the thesis in final form submitted directly to the library after the defense-of-thesis-exam. Usual practice has included submission of two additional bound copies for the student’s major program division. Submit a Thesis Bindery Authorization form to the library.

Thesis credits receive a grade of “P” or “F” (Pass/Fail) upon completion of defense and thesis. A fail grade will impact a student’s GPA. The grade of “N” is used for continuing thesis research.

Publishable Paper

A traditional thesis is the standard requirement for Thesis Option A, as described above. However, some departments allow the student, with approval of the student’s Graduate Committee, to elect to write a paper for publication in lieu of a traditional thesis. The paper should be of acceptable quality for publication in a peer-reviewed journal and will be formatted in accordance with the chosen journal’s requirements for submission. The Graduate Committee will ensure that the student documents and archives the research results in accordance with accepted research practices. A formal defense of the paper for publication is required and a final draft must be submitted to each member of the student’s Graduate Committee no later than two weeks before the time and date of the student’s scheduled paper defense. The publishable paper, after the inclusion of all revisions recommended by the Committee and approval by a majority of the Committee, must be submitted to the selected journal. Departments which allow the “Publishable Paper” option will note this in their individual program descriptions.

Non-Thesis: Option B

In some study areas, a student needs more course work beyond the baccalaureate degree before attempting original research. In such fields, Option B allows the student to defer original research until a doctoral program. For students with an advanced degree or terminal degree, a thesis program may unnecessarily repeat a process that the student has already mastered. Under this option, course work is substituted for the thesis requirement. At least 34 credits of course work and 2 credits of graduate seminar (additional to course work) must be completed. See individual Department Requirements.

Final Examination/Thesis Defense/Publishable Paper Presentation

All Master of Science degree candidates will be given a final examination covering course material. Students electing to pursue the non-thesis option will be given both a comprehensive written and oral exam on their course work. The examination is open to all interested faculty members. The major advisor for students passing both the oral and thesis exams will inform the Graduate School Office in writing of each successful completion.

The student, in consultation with the committee chair, shall select the time for the examination. The committee chair shall seek the approval of all committee members and shall inform the Graduate School in writing of the time and location of the oral examination, and notify the general faculty no later than one full week before the selected time.

The thesis defense, paper presentation, or examination will normally be held during the last three weeks of the final term, but it may be given at any time after the thesis (if applicable) has received final  committee approval. It may not be scheduled during the period of final examinations. For graduation in a given semester, the thesis defense, publishable paper presentation, or examination must be completed satisfactorily one week before the last day of scheduled exams for that semester. The program determines the number of advance copies of the thesis (if applicable) that will be available during the examination.

The student’s Graduate Committee constitutes the examining board for thesis defense, publishable paper presentation, or final examination. The committee chair is responsible for scheduling the date, time, and location of the defense or publishable paper presentation in a timely manner and is also responsible for ensuring that a majority of the committee and the representative outside the Department is present. The defense, publishable paper presentation, or examination will not be held if these conditions cannot be met. A negative vote by a majority of members of the student’s committee will signify failure of the defense, presentation, or examination.

If the candidate fails to satisfy the examiners on course work, thesis, publishable paper, written or oral examinations, the committee may schedule a re-examination over general background, thesis, or both. The re-examination will be scheduled at the discretion of the candidate’s Graduate Committee, normally 8 to 12 weeks after the date of the first examination.

Application for Degree

Graduate students must complete and file an Application for Master of Science Degree with the Graduate School Office no later than the first week of the semester in which the student expects to complete the degree requirements. This form indicates intent to graduate in a given semester. If degree requirements are not met during the semester indicated on the application, an updated degree application is required. Failure to submit the application by the specified date may result in not receiving commencement information and/or not being included on the Commencement program. Please note: if degree requirements are not met during the term indicated on the Application for Degree, continuing enrollment is required until requirements are met.

Graduate Students are required to enroll for a minimum of 3 credit hours until all required course work, seminars, and thesis credits are satisfactorily completed. In the final semester, a student may enroll for a minimum of 1 credit hour of thesis credit for the purpose of thesis defense, publishable paper presentation, or final examination if all other conditions for graduation have been met.

Certification of Degree

Before a diploma can be released, the Dean of Graduate Studies must certify to the Director of Enrollment Management that the candidate has fulfilled all degree requirements including the submission to the Graduate School of a completed Graduate Student Check-Out List (available in the Graduate Office) with all appropriate signatures. For certification of the degree for a given semester, this release form must be submitted to the Graduate Office by June 30 for Spring graduation, September 30 for Summer graduation, or January 30 for Fall graduation. Candidates are cautioned not to make travel plans or other arrangements that will be difficult or costly to change until they are certain that all degree requirements can and will be satisfied.

Appeal Procedure

Procedures for appealing or petitioning for a variance from certain policies are set forth in the relevant sections of this document when such variances are permitted in unusual or exceptional circumstances. Appeals or petitions involving such matters as grade changes should be logged with the Graduate School Office.

Appeals concerning probation or suspension decisions should first be filed with the Department Head of the student’s major area. Before rendering a decision on the Departmental appeal, the Department Head will seek a recommendation from the student’s Graduate Committee. If the student is not satisfied with the decision on the appeal, the student may petition the Graduate Council for reconsideration. Such petitions must be filed with the Graduate School Office. The final decision will rest with the Dean of Graduate Studies.

In those cases where this document does not provide appropriate information concerning the resolution of a conflict or problem encountered by the graduate student, or if the student is dissatisfied with a prior appeal decision, the student should refer to the college grievance procedures as stated in the catalog and/or seek advice of the Dean of Graduate Studies to determine what resource is available to assist in seeking a solution to such problems.

Summary of Procedures and Deadlines to Complete Master’s Degree Requirements