Department of Geography Michigan State University
Department of Geography

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Academic Standards for Graduate Degree Candidates

Graduate students are required to meet and maintain certain academic standards while enrolled in the Geography graduate program. These are:

  • No more than two courses with grades of 2.5 or lower, and

  • No more than eight credits with grades of 2.5 or lower.

This policy holds for all courses the student has taken as a graduate student at MSU. The only courses that are exempt from this rule are courses below the 400 level that are not on the student's program of study. Students who fail to meet any one of the above standards will be notified by the Graduate Secretary immediately upon the receipt of the semester grade report. Simultaneous notice will be given, by the Graduate Secretary, to the Department Chairperson, Graduate Supervisor, and the student's advisor. This information shall be taken as evidence of failure to meet departmental standards, and the student will be asked to withdraw immediately from the program.

A cumulative GPS of 3.0 or better is required for graduation from Michigan State University.

The student may petition to be reinstated to the graduate program by taking the following steps, in the order stated below. The student may not enroll in additional courses while a petition is pending.

  • The student shall meet with the Graduate Supervisor to discuss reinstatement, and

  • The student shall then meet with the Graduate Supervisor, Associate Chairperson, and Geography Department Chairperson to discuss reinstatement.

The student's advisor shall be notified of the meeting and invited to attend. The latter group will make a recommendation to the Department Chairperson regarding reinstatement. The final decision rests with the Department Chairperson.

Additional requirements for an advanced degree are also set by the Graduate School and the College of Social Science. All Geography graduate students should become thoroughly familiar with these requirements through the following university publications:

  • Academic Programs (for both undergraduate and graduate programs), available in Room 64 Administration Building and MSU Bookstore. The cost is $3.00.

  • Graduate Student Rights and Responsibilities, available in Room 118 Linton Hall.

  • The Graduate School Guide to the Preparation of Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations, available in Room 118 Linton Hall.

Additional Information

For more information, please contact Ms. Sharon Ruggles