Academic Policies Committee
A student has the right to appeal to the Academic Policies Committee for an exception to stated policy and to appeal decisions on matters pertaining to admission and retention. The decision to deny admission cannot be appealed.
Transfer between Graduate Programs
Please see Enrollment and Registration Policies for more information.
Core and Program Course Substitutions
Students who have completed graduate work at NLU or another institution may seek substitution of NCE required courses. Students who wish to substitute required courses for the degree or program must work with an advisor to present an official transcript and a course or catalog description, or other relevant documentation, for Program Chair approval. Courses taken at other institutions must meet the University and NCE Transfer policy guidelines and be recorded on an official transcript on file with the Registrar's Office. Approved substitutions will be documented via the Student Adjustment Form. If the Program Chair denies the request, the student has the option to appeal to the
Academic Policies Committee (APC). If approved by APC, the advisor will submit the Student Adjustment form. If denied, the decision is final.
Course Load Limitations
Students pursue graduate studies on either a full- or part-time basis. Full-time students take between six and 10 semester hours of graduate study in a regular term. Those seeking to take more than 10 semester hours in a term must receive prior approval from the NCE Dean’s Office pending recommendation of the student’s advisor.
Transfer of Credit Completed at another Institution
In addition to the university-wide requirements, the following criteria apply to non-institutional graduate transfer credit in the National College of Education:
- Courses can be transferred at any time after admission until finalization of the degree
- For graduate degrees, there is a six-year limit between the first course and the last course used for the degree, including any transfer credit. Extensions beyond six-years require the Program Chair approval (for 6-10 years) and are completed through the exception form initiated by an advisor. Extension beyond 10 years require petition to the Academic Policies Committee (APC). Graduate degrees include the Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.), Master of Education (M.Ed.), Educational Specialist (Ed.S.), and certificates.
- Transfer credit is limited to nine semester hours of graduate credit for those pursuing the M.Ed., or M.A.T degrees
- Those who are pursuing an Ed.S. degree may transfer a maximum of nine semester hours; certain exceptions apply
- Ed.S. degrees that require master’s degree for admission must transfer a post-master’s degree coursework (Curriculum and Instruction with Advanced Professional Specializations, Educational Leadership, Learning Sciences, Reading, Teacher Leadership);
- Ed.S. degrees that do not require master’s degree may transfer any graduate level coursework. (School Psychology, Higher Education Leadership, Teaching and Learning).
- Doctoral students (Ed.D.) may apply up to 12 hours of post-master’s degree courses
- Any additional transfer credit (above what is allowed by each program) must be approved by the APC
Course by Arrangement/Independent Study
With the approval of his or her advisor, appropriate program coordinator and the Dean’s office, an admitted student may take a course by arrangement or an independent study. Only a full-time faculty member may work with a student on a course by arrangement or an independent study.
Special Workshops
A maximum of six hours of workshops will be allowed in fulfilling degree requirements. Workshop credit will not be accepted for licensure.
Time Limitation for Fulfilling Degree Requirements
Candidates must fulfill degree requirements within a six-year period. The time period is calculated from the date of the first course that is to count toward the degree, including transfer credit. Requests for a time extension of more than six years, but less than ten years, must be approved by the Program Chair. The exception form will be submitted by the advisor. If denied, candidates may petition the Academic Policies Committee. Requests for a time extension of more than 10 years must be also made through petition to the Academic Policies Committee. Graduate degrees include the Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.), Master of Education (M.Ed.), Educational Specialist (Ed.S.), and certificates.