Curriculum
The requirements for the Master of Science degree that follow apply
to all graduate programs of study at Palmer College of Chiropractic.
Students should also consult the appropriate section for the program of
study they wish to pursue for specific degree expectations established
for that program. The responsibility for fulfilling degree requirements
on time is that of the student. Students should consult the Graduate Dean
if in doubt regarding any of the requirements.
The continuance of each student in the curriculum at Palmer College
and permission to graduate is strictly subject to the discretionary
powers of the College. The College expressly reserves the right, and the
student expressly concedes to the College the right, to require
withdrawal, at any time, when the student’s quality of work manifests an
incompetence or unfitness to continue in the Master of Science degree
program; or whose conduct is detrimental to, or incompatible with, the
spirit and ideals of the College and the academic profession.
Plan of Study
The Master of Science curriculum consists of a minimum of 36 credit
hours, composed of a mixture of formal course offering and planned
academic experiences, either of which may be required for credit or
without credit toward the degree. The required credit hours will include
a mixture of universal courses, specific courses required for a chosen
research goal, specific courses required for a career goal, supervised
independent study, coordinated experience in specific research methods,
directed original research and personal interest electives. Whatever the
mix, the graduate courses a student takes constitute that student’s plan
of study. A plan of study, therefore, is a specifically ordered sequence
of courses designed to prepare a graduate student for an immediate
research goal and a future career goal involving research. Filing a Plan
of Study also assures that necessary, but otherwise infrequently offered
courses will be scheduled before they are needed.
Graduate students in good academic standing may register for a maximum
of 12 credit hours per term. Any student wishing to register for more
than 12 credit hours must receive permission from the Dean of Graduate
Studies. To be classified full-time for financial aid purposes, a
graduate student must register for at least 18 credit hours per academic
year (averaging 6 credits per trimester), with no fewer than 3 credit
hours in any trimester for that year. Students with a plan of study and
approved thesis proposal on file are classified full-time when registered
for 1 credit hours of thesis research in a trimester.
Although each student is assigned an advisor, within the first year
each graduate student will select a permanent advisor who then will guide
the student in selecting additional members of the graduate faculty
(constituting and advisory committee – appointed by the Graduate
Council), and in developing a Plan of Study. The Plan of Study (composed
of at least 36 credit hours) must be filed with the Division of Graduate
Studies. As part of their Plan of Study, all graduate students must
complete coursework in the following areas: research ethics,
biostatistics and presentation skills. The specific courses and their
credit hours distribution will vary with the degree program. Each degree
program may have other specifically required courses taken toward the
degree; students are responsible for those specific requirements toward
the degree program for which admission has been granted. Additional
courses assigned by the student’s advisor and committee also constitute
requirements for the degree
Transfer Credit
Transfer credit may be awarded to students from other programs pending
evaluation by the Graduate Council. Only courses with a grade of B (3.0)
or higher will be considered and such credit may not exceed the total
credit required for graduation. Evaluation will be by the Graduate
Council of the Division of Graduate Studies. Students having credit from
non-American programs must have their credentials evaluated from a
recognized evaluation service (World Educational Services, or its
equivalent) before applying for transfer credit.
Auditing
A student may choose to audit a class. Prerequisites are not in effect
for auditing status. The student will not be responsible for class
assignments and/or examinations so the course will carry no academic
value. Should the student desire credit for the course after registering
an audit status, he/she would be required to register for the course in a
following trimester. Students registering for
credit have preference for available seats.
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