FALL 2023 BULLETIN
Master of Arts, Master of Arts in Teaching and Master of Science
Master of Arts, Master of Arts in Teaching, and Master of Science are advanced degrees implying the acquisition of knowledge and skills beyond those required for a baccalaureate.
- Some of these degrees may be taken en route to a doctoral degree, while others are terminal.
- All master’s degrees imply the recognition of their holders as skilled practitioners of their disciplines.
- In order to be awarded a master’s degree, it is necessary to demonstrate a grasp of advanced knowledge through coursework and the ability to learn independently and to communicate effectively with one’s peers.
- The granting of the master’s degree is based upon the completion of any special program requirements in addition to the items listed below.
Courses and Grade Point Average
A student must achieve a 3.0 overall GPA in all graduate courses taken at Stony Brook to receive a degree. A minimum of 30 to 60 credits of graduate work is required to receive a master’s degree.
Calculation of the grade point average (GPA) includes all courses numbered 500 and above taken at Stony Brook. Temporary grades (I and NR), missing grades and those grades for which no numerical equivalents are defined (P, S, U, and R) are excluded from the computation.
Grading System: See Academic Regulations/Grading System
A graduate student who has changed primary program may request a restart of GPA in considering possible waiver of academic probation.
The GPA for the new program will be calculated from the beginning of the semester in which the change of program became effective. A graduate student who has graduated and is readmitted into a new degree or certificate program may request a restart of GPA. Program approval is necessary before any restart request is submitted to the School of Professional Development (SPD). Courses taken before the restart of GPA cannot be used towards a second degree or certificate.
Language Proficiency
Although the School of Professional Development does not require proficiency in a foreign language for the master’s degree, programs oversee their own foreign language requirements and the evaluation of proficiency. Students must comply with program requirements.
Degree Application
Students must apply for graduation via SOLAR in accordance with published deadlines. If degree requirements are not met, students must reapply for any subsequent awarding periods using the Change of Graduation Date form found on the School of Professional Development’s web site.
Registration
Degree candidates must be registered in the semester they intend to graduate. Students who intend to graduate in the spring or fall must register for at least one graduate credit. Students who intend to graduate in the summer or winter can register for zero credits, but it still must be a graduate-level course.
Program Recommendation
When all program requirements are completed, the graduate program director may recommend to the School of Professional Development that the master’s degree be granted.
Time Limit
The following guidelines apply to all matriculated students enrolled in the School of Professional Development.
School of Professional Development students must complete all degree requirements within five years.
In exceptional cases where the program cannot be completed within these periods, students may petition for an extension of the time limit. Request for Waiver of Graduate Time Limit forms are available on the School of Professional Development web site and require the approval of the student’s advisor and graduate program director. Requests for a time-limit extension must be filed before the limit is exceeded and must contain a significant justification. The ultimate decision rests with the Dean of the Graduate School, who may impose additional requirements.
These petitions require the approval of the student’s graduate program coordinator or graduate program director. Requests for a time limit extension must be filed before the limit is exceeded and must contain a significant justification. The ultimate decision rests with the Dean of the Graduate School, who may impose additional requirements.
Standards
Appreciation of the ethical questions and adherence to the highest ethical standards of the discipline are required.