Graduate Program Administration

Curriculum

Graduate students are expected to follow the designated curriculum for their chosen academic program.  Curricula can be found in the Academic Programs section of the catalog.  http://catalog.cookman.edu/content.php?catoid=34&navoid=2166

Please note that  the following programs are four semesters in length and offer classes in the Fall semester and the Spring semester only:  

• Master of Criminal Justice Administration
• Master of Exceptional Student Education
• Master of Organizational Leadership

The Graduate Council

The Graduate Council is responsible for the review of admission policy requirements; graduation requirements; curriculum and course approval; qualifications of graduate faculty; records; transfer credit; and all other relevant policies or standards (including student grade appeals) at the graduate level. The voting membership shall consist of representatives from each graduate program, the registrar, a representative of the library, a representative from the Online College, one graduate student representatives, and the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies.

The Graduate Curriculum Committee

The Graduate Curriculum Committee membership shall be determined by the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, but at a minimum must contain at least one representative from each of the Graduate Programs, a representative from the library and a representative from the Online College. The Graduate School Council may serve as the Graduate Curriculum Committee.

Thesis, Non-Thesis, and Commencement Requirements for all Graduate Candidates 

Only students who have completed all academic requirements for graduation (as defined by the academic programs and listed below) are allowed to participate in commencement exercises. Additionally, all official transcripts, which include transfer credits to be used to satisfy graduation requirements, must be received in the Office of the Registrar BEFORE a student is allowed to participate in commencement exercises.

Commencement Requirements (Non-Thesis and/or Professional Programs)

Commencement requirements for Non-Thesis program students are as follows:

• Completion of all coursework
• Successful completion of practical rotation, internship, and/or professional clinical requirements

Commencement Requirements (Thesis Programs)

Commencement requirements for Thesis program students are as follows:

• Completion of all coursework
• Successful completion of thesis defense
• Submission of final thesis document via ETD Publishing by the last day of the final exam period (please refer to the upload instructions listed below for thesis documents)

Graduate students who are enrolled in thesis-based programs are required to defend their thesis by the Friday of the fourth week of November (Fall Semester) if they intend to graduate in December, and Friday of the fourth week of April (Spring Semester) if they intend to graduate in May.

The final dates for Thesis Defense (all thesis defense for candidates for graduation must be announced University-wide and completed by these dates) are as follows:

Thesis Document Upload

To have your thesis bound and published, please visit this link to register with the UMI publishing site - (www.etdadmin.com/cookman).  

At the top of the webpage, click “Log In” and select “Students” to be taken to the registration page. Once you have registered, please upload your final, post-defense thesis.  Please make sure your final thesis includes the thesis signature page with all necessary signatures.  

This submission will automatically create a bound thesis to be placed in the Swisher Library at Bethune-Cookman University and entered into ProQuest (with your permission).  You will be given options to order and pay for personal copies of your thesis. 

Submission of your thesis to the publication site is a program requirement for graduation.  This must be done as soon as possible after completion of your oral defense and by the last day of the final exam period.

Graduation Requirements

Only students, who have completed ALL academic requirements for graduation, are allowed to participate in commencement exercises. Additionally, all official transcripts, which include transfer credits to be used to satisfy graduation requirements, must be received in the Office of the Registrar BEFORE a student is allowed to participate in commencement exercises.

Release of Diplomas

Diplomas are not released to students until all grades (including transfer grades) and test scores have been posted to the transcript. All final financial obligations must be satisfied through the Office of the Bursar.