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Isenberg School of Management Department of Sport Management

Time Estimate for Completion of MS Degree

The minimum time for completion of the master's degree program is one calendar year. This can be accomplished by starting in September, taking two semesters of course work on campus, and completing the internship or thesis during the summer. It should be noted that summer internships are sometimes difficult to arrange. This is particularly true with colleges where there are few, if any, opportunities available for summer internships.

Those students who do not intern in the summer usually complete the internship the next semester. In such cases it takes approximately a year and a half to complete the program. Occasionally students desire to take a reduced course load while in residence. Under such circumstances it usually takes two years to complete the program. The maximum time limit for completion of all requirements is three years. After that time, the student is withdrawn from Graduate School if requirements are not completed.

Eligibility for M.S. Graduation

The student must be certain the following materials are received by the Office of Degree Requirements in the Graduate School.
1. Grade for the internship or completion of a thesis.
2. Completed and signed "Master's Degree Eligibility Form." (This yellow form must be completed, signed and given to Professor Jay Gladden no later than one week before the last day of classes.)
3. Payment of a commencement fee and a placement fee.

NOTE: There are specific deadline dates established each year for clearance for degrees granted in September, February, and May. It is the responsibility of the student to comply with these established dates.

Termination/Dismissal of MS Candidates

It is essential that places in the department be occupied only by those students who are serious and effective in the pursuit of a degree. A student's enrollment may be terminated for any one of the following reasons:

1. Exceeding the time limit for earning the degree.
2. Failing to make reasonable and satisfactory progress toward a degree, which is defined as maintaining at least a 3.0 cumulative average during the course of study and achieving at least a 3.0 cumulative average as a requirement for the degree. (One semester of probation is allowed students falling below the 3.0 average.)

All dismissals/terminations are made by the Dean of the Graduate School upon the recommendation of the Graduate Program Director, after consultation with the student's advisor and communication with the student.

The student may contest dismissal or termination of enrollment, as with any other University action or situation that is considered unjust and against what are perceived as legitimate rights. The Graduate School is committed to swift and just resolution of grievances. To further this end, it has formalized a series of steps in which all parties are heard. A description of the grievance procedure is available from the Department Head, the Graduate School office, or the University Ombuds Office.