Mar 28, 2024  
Graduate Catalog 2017-2018 
    
Graduate Catalog 2017-2018 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Graduate Course Policies


Class Caps

A “cap” is established for each class based on the nature of the course and/or the size of the classroom. Classes are usually filled on a first-come, first-served basis (date registration is received). Should a class reach capacity, the course may be closed to those students who register after the cap has been reached.

In some cases, a closed course may be split into two sections to accommodate students, with a likely change in class day and instructor. Preference in registration will be given to students who are not employees of Mount St. Mary’s University.

Course Load

Students may not register for more than six credits per session, or 12 credits per semester (not including mini-courses or teacher internships). To be considered “full-time,” a student must be registered for a minimum of nine credits in a semester.

Class Attendance

All instructors are free to determine attendance regulations to govern the courses they teach. Any absence or tardiness will be handled between the instructor and student involved. As a general rule, most students find it difficult to succeed in a course when more than one class session is missed.

Course Registration

The Registrar’s Office handles registration for all graduate students. You may register one of the following ways:

  1. Fill out the online form at: www.msmary.edu/mountgrad, which will submit an e-mail to the Registrar’s Office.
  2. Download a Registration Form at: www.msmary.edu/mountgrad and either mail, fax, or scan and email it to the Registrar: Office of the Registrar 16300 Old Emmitsburg Road, Emmitsburg, MD 21727 registrar@msmary.edu Fax: 301-447-5811
  3. Stop by the Registrar’s Office in person and fill out a registration form.

Unit of Instruction

Credit hours are calculated based upon semester hours. Mount St. Mary’s offers courses in fall, spring, and summer semesters. Mount St. Mary’s University follows the U.S. Department of Education definition of a credit hour as found in 34 CFR 600.2.

Credit hour: Except as provided in 34 CFR 668.8(k) and (l), a credit hour is an amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that is an institutionally established equivalency that reasonably approximates not less than-

  1. One hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out of class student work each week for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester or trimester hour of credit, or ten to twelve weeks for one quarter hour of credit, or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time; or
  2. At least an equivalent amount of work as required in paragraph (1) of this definition for other academic activities as established by the institution including laboratory work, internships, practica, studio work, and other academic work leading to the award of credit hours.