BSU Catalog Home

Section II

General Requirements

Admission
Dual Degree/Program
Candidacy for a Master's Degree
Academic Standards
Residence Requirements
Time Limit
Requirements for Graduation
Graduation
Steps in Pursuing Degree Requirements

Under the authority of the Minnesota State Colleges and University Board, Bemidji State University awards the Master of Arts (M.A.) degree, Master of Science (M.S.) degree, and several Applied Masters degrees.

Admission

Admission into a graduate studies program permits students to pursue course work at the graduate level. Such admission does not, however, guarantee admission to candidacy within the master's degree program (see "Candidacy for a Master's Degree" in this section).

Admission Requirements

1. Applicants seeking admission to a master's degree program must have earned a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. or approved international college or university and have achieved a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.75 (A = 4.00). Students who have achieved a 3.00 ("B") GPA during the final 60 semester credits of undergraduate education will also be considered for admission.

   An undergraduate major in a particular field of study is a prerequisite to graduate study in that field. In some instances, a field of emphasis, minor, or concentration in undergraduate study, if suitably related to the graduate program, may be acceptable. For students who have completed graduate course work, the cumulative graduate GPA will be computed independently of the cumulative undergraduate GPA.

2. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test is required for Biology, Counseling Psychology, and Environmental Studies. Consult with the department regarding their use of the GRE General Test.

3. Applicants with an undergraduate record containing "pass," "satisfactory," "credit," or similar designations for courses that have a substantial bearing on their program of study may be required to submit written evaluations from the instructors of record for each course. Students with more than half of their undergraduate course work under nontraditional grading patterns will be considered on the basis of their GRE scores.

4. International students whose first language is other than English are required to submit the results from the TOEFL examination. A minimum score of 550 is required. (See "Tests Required for Admission" below.)

Admission Procedures

Students seeking admission for the purpose of pursuing a master's degree should contact the School of Graduate Studies for application information. Applicants should submit all application documents well in advance of the contemplated semester or summer of enrollment (by May 1 for the summer term or the fall semester). A completed application consists of the following:

1. A completed Application for Admission to Graduate Studies (Form 1; www.bemidjistate.edu/academics/graduate_studies/gradForms/form1.php). International students are required to complete the International Student Application for Admission form (Contact StudyBemidji@bemidjistate.edu for more information).
2. A $20.00 non-refundable application fee made payable to Bemidji State University.
3. One (1) official transcript from each undergraduate and graduate college or university attended. All transcripts must be submitted directly by each institution to the School of Graduate Studies. Transcripts submitted by the student are not acceptable, unless received in a sealed envelope. Applicants who apply before receiving the baccalaureate degree will be required to submit supplementary transcripts indicating that a degree has been conferred. (Graduates of Bemidji State University are not required to provide transcripts.)
4. Scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test, if required by the department.
5. Two (2) current letters of recommendation from individuals who are able to address the applicant's qualifications for the applicant's chosen program are required; letters should be dated, signed and on appropriate letterhead.
6. Biology, Counseling Psychology, and Environmental Studies have additional requirements. Please contact the School of Graduate Studies.
7. A copy of a current or previous valid teaching license or appropriate certificate(s) (for Master of Science in Education programs only).
8. A Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score is required of all applicants whose first language is other than English.

All application materials should be sent directly to the School of Graduate Studies. Once the completed application and all records have been received, the appropriate department/program and the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies will evaluate admissions materials to ascertain the quality of prior academic work and the prospects for success as a degree candidate.

Types of Admission Status

Students are admitted to graduate study based on the nature and quality of their undergraduate preparation. An applicant may be admitted with an "approved" status or a "provisional" status.

1. Approved: This status is granted to applicants who have fully satisfied the minimum admission requirements for the Graduate Studies Program. Admission to this status implies that graduate studies normally will lead to candidacy for and completion of a master's degree. Admission with an approved status does not guarantee approval of a student's admission to candidacy for a degree program.
2. Provisional: This status is granted to applicants who do not satisfy the minimum GPA or the minimum Graduate Record Examination combined score, or who have deficiencies in their undergraduate preparation. Students admitted on a provisional basis are required to achieve at least a 3.00 ("B") GPA in their first eight (8) credits of 6000-level course work attempted at the graduate level. In addition, provisionally admitted students will be required to satisfy any course work deficiencies indicated by the departments/programs.

Denial of Admission

Applicants who do not satisfy the above stated admission requirements may be permitted to enroll in graduate-level course work as a Graduate Special Student (see "Graduate Special Student" under "Non-Degree Study" in this section).

Master's degree applicants who were denied admission on the basis of a low GPA, low Graduate Record Examination scores, or undergraduate course deficiencies may reapply for admission upon earning at least a 3.00 ("B") GPA for a minimum of eight (8) credits of graduate-student-only course work (i.e., 6000-level courses) completed at Bemidji State University. In addition, the student must satisfy all undergraduate deficiencies indicated by the department/program before a reapplication to that program will be considered. Reapplication does not guarantee admission to the Graduate Studies Program.

Students from Non-Accredited Post-Secondary Institutions

Graduates from post-secondary colleges or universities that are not regionally accredited will not be considered for admission to the Graduate Studies Program.

Tests Required for Admission

GRADUATE RECORD EXAMINATION (GRE)

The GRE General Test is required at the discretion of the academic department. Consult with the department regarding their use of the GRE General Test. Environmental Studies, Biology, and Counseling Psychology require the GRE General Test for admission; other departments may require this test to assist in the admissions decision.

When required, it is recommended that the GRE be taken at least two (2) months prior to the intended semester/summer of enrollment. Pre-registration with the Educational Testing Service is required four (4) weeks in advance of the examination date. Information regarding the GRE may be obtained by contacting the Computer-Based Testing Office (218-755-4368), Career Services (218-755-2038), the School of Graduate Studies (218-755-2027), or the Educational Testing Service at www.ets.org/gre.

TEST OF ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE (TOEFL)

All international students whose first language is other than English are required to submit TOEFL or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) test results. The results must be sent directly to the International Program Center. Further TOEFL information may be found at www.ets.org/toefl. The University test code number is 6676. Further IELTS information may be found at www.ielts.org.

International students admitted to graduate studies are required to take the University's locally administered English Placement Assessment during the international student orientation program. Students who do not satisfy the University's English As A Second Language standards will be required to enroll in English as a Second Language courses at the University until the necessary proficiencies have been satisfied. International graduate students are required to satisfy the University's English language requirement within two (2) semesters.

---

Dual Degree/Program

Any student wishing to pursue a dual degree, which is two or more programs of study with different degree designations (M.A., M.S., and Applied Master’s degrees), whether concurrently (double degree) or separately (second degree), must meet any admission criteria required by each major, as well as the general requirements for admission to graduate study. Also, because a second degree carries a different degree designation from the initial degree, students must apply for admission into a second degree program.

If a student is pursuing a double degree, then the paper/thesis/practicum must be done for each program separately. There must also be separate written and oral exams/presentations. Courses may be allowed to count across programs if approved via petition. No more than 10 credits of core and elective courses may count across programs. (See item 3 under "Admission to Candidacy" below.)

Completion of Dual Degree/Program

Students pursuing more than one degree or program must satisfactorily complete the following:

1. All requirements identified for each degree or program.
2. Separate candidacy for each program (Form 2).
3. A written examination for each degree or program.
4. An oral examination/presentation for each program or degree (at the discretion of the departments/programs).

These requirements are in addition to requirements that all candidates must satisfy for graduation.

---

Candidacy for a Master's Degree

Admission with an approved status to pursue graduate study implies only that a student has satisfied the entrance requirements that normally will lead to a degree. Advancement to candidacy, which formally admits the student into a graduate degree program, is determined only after the student has demonstrated, by study completed at Bemidji State University, the ability to do work of graduate character with originality and independence.

Admission to Candidacy

1. Requirements for Admission to Candidacy: All candidates are required to satisfy any conditions attached to their admission and achieve a cumulative GPA of at least a 3.00 ("B") for course work attempted. In addition, a candidate may be required to pass a departmental/program qualifying examination.
2. Application for Admission to Candidacy (Form 2): Students must submit Form 2 upon completion of thirteen to sixteen (13-16) graduate-level credits. It is the student's responsibility to initiate contact with the advisor for the purpose of applying for candidacy, designing a plan of study, and (where appropriate) forming an advisory committee.
3. Admission to Candidacy for Dual Degree/Program: See "Dual Degree/Program" above.
4. Program of Study or Application for Admission to Candidacy: The program of study a) must be determined in consultation with the student’s advisor, b) must list all course work completed as well as all anticipated course work to be used to satisfy degree requirements, and c) requires the approval of the advisor, the department/program chair, the college dean, and the Dean, School of Graduate Studies.
5. Changes to an Approved Program of Study: A petition approved by the advisor, the department/program chair, College Dean, and the Dean, School of Graduate Studies (Form 6), is required if the student intends to substitute course work in other than an elective category. A revised second set of candidacy plans must be approved if the student requests more than three (3) non-elective courses, or six (6) credits, in substitutions to the approved program.
6. Transfer Credit: All graduate credit earned at a regionally accredited U.S. or approved international college or university normally should be transferred or indicated on the Application for Admission to Candidacy (all course work must have been completed within seven [7] years before the anticipated date of graduation). A minimum letter grade of “B” must be associated with each course to be transferred as a core requirement or elective. Course work to be transferred into the guided electives category in which a non-letter grade was received will be considered in transfer. However, each department will recommend to the Dean, School of Graduate Studies, the courses within the established guidelines on a student-by-student basis. A maximum of ten (10) semester credits or equivalent will be considered in transfer. Requests to register at another institution for the purpose of transferring credit into the program of study should receive advanced petition approval. (See "Transfer Credits" in Section IV.)
7. Institutes and Workshops: Five (5) credits of letter grade workshop/institute courses numbered 5950 (or equivalent when transferred) may be included in a program of study.
8. Residence Requirement: The master’s degree requires a minimum of twenty (20) graduate credits completed through Bemidji State University. Individual programs may have on-campus residence requirements.
9. Students must consult with their assigned advisor as to the research, thesis or applied master’s option.

Master's Degree Program Options for Master of Arts (M.A.) and Master of Science (M.S.)

When developing a plan of study for admission to candidacy, students must indicate which of the following options they will pursue. Students must consult with their assigned advisor as to which option is appropriate for their program.

THESIS OPTION

The degree programs that incorporate the Thesis Option are Biology (M.S.), Counseling Psychology (M.S.), Education (M.S.), English (M.A. and M.S.), Environmental Studies (M.S.), Industrial Technology (M.S.), Science (M.S.), Special Education (M.S.), and Sport Studies (M.S.).

1. Course Requirements: A minimum of thirty (30) credits is required in the Thesis Option. This includes the credits granted for the thesis. A maximum of ten (10) semester credits or the equivalent may be considered in transfer from another regionally accredited U.S. or approved international college or university. (See "Transfer Credits" in Section IV.)
2. Thesis: A student electing the Thesis Option is required to submit one (1) original and one (1) photocopy of the thesis to the School of Graduate Studies in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree. The thesis, which is prepared with the guidance of the advisory committee, must be written in acceptable English, demonstrate an ability to work independently, and give evidence of independent thought, both in perceiving problems and making satisfactory progress toward their solution. All theses must be prepared in accordance with the "Handbook for the Preparation of the Thesis or Research Paper," which is provided by the School of Graduate Studies. The number of thesis credits may vary from two to six (2-6) credits, with the actual number being determined by department/program guidelines. Students may divide their thesis credits among several semesters, not to exceed the maximum permitted in the degree.

RESEARCH PAPER OPTION

The degree programs that incorporate the Research Paper Option are Biology (M.S.), Counseling Psychology (M.S.), Education (M.S.), English (M.A. and M.S.), Industrial Technology (M.S.), Mathematics (M.S.), Science (M.S.), Special Education (M.S.), and Technology/Career and Technical Education (M.S.).

1. Course Requirements: A minimum of thirty (30) credits are required in the Research Paper Option. This includes the credits granted for the research paper. A maximum of ten (10) semester credits or the equivalent may be considered in transfer from another regionally accredited U.S. or approved international college or university. (See "Transfer Credits" in Section IV.)
2. Research Paper: A student electing the Research Paper Option is required to submit one (1) original copy of the research paper to the School of Graduate Studies in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree. The research paper, which is prepared with the guidance of the advisory committee, must be written in acceptable English. The research paper must be prepared in accordance with the "Handbook for the Preparation of the Thesis or Research Paper," which is provided by the School of Graduate Studies. Two (2) credits may be granted for the research paper.

Applied Master’s Degree

Applied Master’s degrees are indicated by a three- or five-letter designation, e.g., M.Ed. for the Master of Education. Applied Master’s degrees cannot be designated as an M.S. (Master of Science) or M.A. (Master of Arts). These designations are reserved for the Thesis and Research Paper Options only. For specific program requirements, contact program coordinator.

The degree programs that offer Applied Master’s degrees are Education (M.Ed.) and Special Education (M.SpEd.).

1. Course Requirements: A minimum of thirty (30) credits is required in the Applied Master's Option. This does not include the credits granted for the capstone experience. A maximum of ten (10) semester credits or the equivalent may be considered in transfer from another regionally accredited U.S. or approved international college or university. (See "Transfer Credits" in Section IV.)
2. Capstone Experience: Every Applied Master Program must include a capstone experience, i.e. an experiential-based activity typical of preparation for practice in the field. For specific requirements for the capstone experience, refer to the section detailing the specific Graduation Requirements for Applied Master’s Degrees.

---

Academic Standards

A high level of scholarship is expected of all students enrolled for graduate credit, whether or not they are pursuing a degree. Students are required to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.00 ("B") in all course work attempted.

The academic progress of each student is reviewed by the Dean, School of Graduate Studies, at the conclusion of each semester or summer term. Students who are not making satisfactory progress will be notified as follows:

1. Students who are provisionally admitted to the graduate studies program will be dismissed if they do not attain a cumulative GPA of 3.00 ("B") for the initial eight (8) 6000-level graduate credits attempted. Students may petition the BSU Graduate Studies Committee, through the Dean, School of Graduate Studies, for readmission.
2. A student in the graduate studies program who has been admitted on an approved status or a student with Graduate Special status whose GPA falls below the scholarship standards, as previously defined, will be placed on probation and permitted two (2) additional semester registrations. If a cumulative GPA of at least a 3.00 ("B") is not achieved upon completion of these two (2) semesters of course work, the student will be dismissed from the graduate studies program. A graduate student who is dismissed may appeal by contacting the Dean, School of Graduate Studies.
3. Students who have been dismissed because of a low GPA may continue study only on an audit basis.

---

Residence Requirements

The master’s degree requires a minimum of twenty (20) graduate credits completed through Bemidji State University. Individual programs may have on-campus residence requirements.

---

Time Limit

Graduate credits earned within seven (7) years before the confirming of the degree shall apply to the master's program. Course work more than seven (7) years old is considered to be obsolete and may not be included in a student's program of study.

---

Requirements for Graduation

GENERAL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Application

The Application for Graduation (Form 4) and preliminary curriculum vita sheet must be submitted to the School of Graduate Studies no later than the first week of the semester in which the candidate anticipates satisfying all degree requirements (or by March 1 if a summer graduation is expected). A non-refundable $10.00 graduation fee must accompany the application. Please note: Admission to candidacy (Form 2) and an approved graduate research/thesis/capstone proposal (Form 3) must be on file in the School of Graduate Studies prior to applying for graduation.

Curriculum Vita

All candidates are required to provide the oral examination/presentation committee and the School of Graduate Studies with a curriculum vita sheet, which must contain a precise listing of all courses to be used in fulfillment of the master's degree program.

A preliminary curriculum vita sheet must be submitted to the School of Graduate Studies along with the Application for Graduation (Form 4).

Competency Requirement

A student is required to demonstrate competency in one of the following options: an approved foreign language, computer application of statistics, or application of instructional technologies. The department/program determines the appropriate competency options and requirements (see Section VII for program descriptions). Students are encouraged to contact their advisors regarding this requirement upon admission into candidacy. This requirement must be satisfied prior to scheduling the oral examination/presentation.

Final Comprehensive Examinations

All major programs require satisfactory completion of a final written examination and oral examination (M.A. and M.S.) or presentation (Applied Master’s degrees). In order to complete the Application for Graduation, candidates must identify the dates on which they intend to take the written examination and the oral examination/presentation. (For more information on the oral examination or presentation, refer to the specific graduation requirements of the different Master’s degree options.)

The Written Examination

1. The Nature of the Written Examination: The final written examination may include all course work, research, and special projects that the student has completed as a part of the program of study.
2. Scheduling the Written Examination: All candidates should contact their advisor upon admission to candidacy regarding the written examination requirement. Examinations must be offered on a designated date basis.
3. Written Examination Committee: The written examination is developed, administered, and evaluated in accordance with the established departmental/program guidelines. The oral examination/presentation cannot be scheduled until the written examination has been passed.
4. Grading the Written Examination: The department/program has the option of recommending a "pass," "condition," or "fail." Candidates who "condition" or "fail" on their first attempt will have one (1) opportunity to retake the written examination, with the approval of the department/program and the satisfaction of any conditions that the committee may require (e.g., additional course work, readings, or projects). However, the second examination may not be attempted in the same semester/summer session as the original examination.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS FOR M.A. AND M.S. DEGREES

In addition to the General Graduate Requirements, all majors leading to a M.A. or M.S. degree have the following requirements for graduation.

Graduate Research Paper/Thesis Proposal Approval Form (Form 3)

A formal written proposal for a graduate research paper or thesis must be developed by each student seeking to complete a M.A. or M.S. degree at Bemidji State University. Each student is responsible for:

1. Initiating communication with the assigned advisor to ensure that the correct process for completing the proposal is followed.
2. Acquiring the specific guidelines associated with the written proposal for a graduate research paper or thesis for the department or area of study. (Each department may have requirements that differ from the University at large.)
3. Becoming familiar with the guidelines that apply to the area of study and discussing questions related to the guidelines with the advisor.
4. Acquiring the correct style manual (e.g., APA, MLA) for the research paper or thesis as required by the department or field of study.
5. Meeting with the advisor on a regular basis at mutually agreed upon times.
6. Selecting on Oral Examination Committee (includes advisor).
7. Presenting a draft of the paper/thesis on a regular basis to the advisor and committee members for comments and feedback.
8. Obtain necessary form(s) from the School of Graduate Studies and provide copies of all required paperwork.

Pre-Defense Signature Form

The Pre-Defense Signature Form (Form 5) is completed by the student and signed by the committee members once they have reviewed and provided feedback to the student concerning the research paper/thesis. After all signatures have been secured, the form must be submitted to the School of Graduate Studies prior to the oral defense.

The Oral Examination

Candidates will not be permitted to take the oral examination unless 1) advancement to candidacy (Form 2), research/thesis proposal (Form 3), and Pre-Defense Signature Form (Form 5) have been approved, 2) a cumulative GPA of at least a 3.00 has been achieved, and 3) the candidate is within two (2) semesters of graduation. Defense of the thesis/research paper requires the approval of all committee members.

1. The Nature of the Oral Examination: The oral examination typically focuses on the research project. It generally consists of a presentation of this research project, followed by a discussion during which the student is asked to expand, defend, or explain the research and its findings. The examination is to be scheduled for a period of not less than one hour and normally not more than two hours.
2. Oral examinations are open to the university community. The examinations of the upcoming week are announced on the Faculty_Staff_Listserv no later than Friday of the week prior to the examinations. At the discretion of the examination committee chair, visitors may ask the candidate questions regarding the topic. The evaluation of the examination by the committee is closed to the public.
3. Scheduling the Oral Examination: Before a candidate attempts the oral examination, the written examination must be satisfactorily completed. Before scheduling the oral examination, candidates must provide the School of Graduate Studies with a copy of the final draft of their thesis or research paper. The School of Graduate Studies appoints a Graduate Faculty Representative and gives him or her a copy of the thesis/research paper. It is then the responsibility of the candidate to initiate with the advisor the scheduling of the defense, allowing at least three weeks before the examination, and the advisor must notify the School of Graduate Studies of the date, time, and location of the examination. The oral examination should not be scheduled during the last week of classes or during any final examination period.
4. The Oral Examination Committee: The oral examination committee must consist of the candidate's advisor and at least two additional members of the graduate faculty. The advisor will serve as chair of the committee. Students are encouraged to have a member from outside the program/department to serve on the committee. A member of the graduate faculty-at-large will be appointed by the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies to serve as a procedural observer and a non-voting participant in the oral examination.
5. Grading of the Oral Examination: The examination committee has the option of recommending a "pass," "conditional," or "fail." A candidate whose "conditional" recommendation requires the oral exam to be retaken will have one (1) opportunity to do so. A candidate who "fails" will have one (1) opportunity to propose a new project. The committee will specify (in writing) any conditions that the candidate must satisfy prior to the scheduling of a second examination or proposal. Conditions may include additional course work, readings, and/or projects. It is the responsibility of the candidate's advisor to notify the School of Graduate Studies once all conditions have been satisfied. All conditions that may be required must be contained in a graduate faculty representative's report to the School of Graduate Studies. A second oral examination may not be scheduled in the same semester.
6. The Thesis or Research Paper Options: Guidelines for the preparation of the thesis and research paper are available in the School of Graduate Studies. The final oral examination committee and the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies reserve the right to request changes in the final manuscript. All changes requested by the committee must be included in the committee's written report. All changes requested on the original copy, whether by the examining committee or the School of Graduate Studies, must be completed to the satisfaction of the requester(s) prior to a candidate's approval for graduation. An original and photocopy containing all requested changes must meet with the approval of the Graduate Studies Dean before the student will be permitted to graduate.
7. Curriculum Vita Sheet: All candidates are required to provide the oral examination committee and the School of Graduate Studies with a vita sheet at least three (3) weeks prior to the scheduled final oral examination. The vita sheet must contain a precise listing of all courses to be used in fulfillment of the master's degree program. A sample vita sheet is included with the Application for Graduation sent to students upon approval of the research/thesis proposal.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLIED MASTER'S

In addition to the General Graduate Requirements, all majors leading to an Applied Master’s degree have the following requirements for graduation. For specific program requirements, contact program coordinator.

Capstone Experience Approval Form

The Capstone Experience Approval Form (Form 3) must be completed by each student seeking an Applied Master’s degree at Bemidji State University. Each student is responsible for:

1. Initiating communication with the assigned advisor to ensure that the correct process for completing the proposal is followed.
2. Acquiring the specific guidelines associated with the written proposal for presentation of the capstone experience.
3. Becoming familiar with the guidelines that apply to the area of study and discussing questions related to the guidelines with the advisor.
4. Meeting with the advisor on a regular basis at mutually agreed upon times.
5. Oral Presentation Committee (includes advisor). Each committee must consist of:
   1. at least two BSU graduate faculty members, one of whom must be from a department other then the department hosting the graduate program;
   2. a BSU approved professional in the field. The student is responsible for securing a résumé from the field representative;
   3. final committee approval will be determined by the department hosting the program and the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies.
6. Obtain necessary form(s) from the School of Graduate Studies and provide copies of all required paperwork.

Pre-Presentation Signature Form

The Pre-Presentation Signature Form (Form 5) is completed by the student and signed by the committee members once they have reviewed and provided feedback to the student concerning the capstone experience. After all signatures have been secured, the form must be submitted to the School of Graduate Studies prior to the oral presentation of the capstone experience.

Presentation of Capstone Experience

Candidates will not be permitted to present the capstone experience unless

1. advancement to candidacy (Form 2), capstone experience proposal (Form 3), and Pre-Presentation Signature Form (Form 5) have been approved,
2. a cumulative GPA of at least a 3.00 has been achieved, and
3. the candidate is within two (2) semesters of graduation. Presentation of the capstone experience requires the approval of all committee members.

Capstone Experience

Every Applied Master Program must include a capstone experience, i.e. an experiential-based activity typical of preparation for practice in the field.

Capstone Experience Requirements

A capstone experience must satisfy the following requirements/standards:

1. The capstone experience should require students to demonstrate an ability to synthesize the fundamental theories, knowledge, and skills of the educational program in an applied setting.
2. It should be an experience shaped by the input of a professional in the field during which the student is provided with frequent opportunities for evaluation and feedback.
3. The experience should require the student to demonstrate professional levels of oral and written communication.
4. The capstone experience should include a paper or other product that demonstrates:
   1. literature search or some other benchmark research beyond the student’s own experience (allowing the integration of research-based theory and practice in the relevant field)
   2. synthesis of the research (written work, art presentation, PowerPoint presentation, etc.) (showing critical thinking, e.g. complex problem solving that accounts for multiple perspectives)

Note: Each curriculum proposal for an Applied Master Degree must indicate how the proposed capstone experience meets the listed requirements/standards.

Evaluation of Capstone Experience

All parts of the capstone experience must be evaluated by

1. at least two (2) BSU graduate faculty members, one (1) of whom must be from a department other then the department hosting the graduate program, and
2. a BSU approved professional in the field (approved by the department hosting the program and the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies). The committee is responsible for approving and evaluating the capstone proposal, and the completion of the capstone experience.

---

Graduation

A master's degree candidate may initiate the graduation process by filing the Application for Graduation (Form 4).

1. Application for Graduation: This form must be submitted to the School of Graduate Studies during the first week of the semester in which all degree requirements will be satisfied. Candidates who will be completing degree requirements during the summer must submit their Application for Graduation no later than April 1. The completed form must be accompanied by a non-refundable $10.00 graduation fee payable to Bemidji State University.

2. Graduation Requirements: The University's graduate program requires a student to complete a minimum of one-half of their course work at the 6000 level, satisfy a competency area requirement, pass a written examination, complete (a) a thesis or research paper, and an oral examination, or (b) a capstone experience and an oral presentation.

3. Graduation Periods: A student may be graduated in December, May, or August. Commencement, however, is scheduled only once each year in May.

4. Commencement: Commencement exercises are held at the close of spring semester. Students who graduate during fall or plan to graduate during the summer may attend spring exercises with the spring semester graduates. Students in residence during spring semester who will complete graduation requirements that semester are required to attend the commencement exercises. Concerns regarding exemptions should be addressed to the registrar.

In order to qualify for participation in the annual spring commencement exercise, a student must be in good academic standing and have no more than twelve (12) credits of course work to complete by September 1 following commencement. These courses must be outlined on the student's candidacy form, which must be filed with the Records and Registration Office. Attendance at commencement exercises does not signify completion of all degree requirements.

Students are required to wear traditional cap and gown apparel at commencement. Graduate students are responsible for purchasing a Bemidji State University hood as part of the traditional apparel.

5. Diploma: Diplomas typically are mailed approximately sixty (60) days following the date of graduation.

6. Notification of the Receipt of a Degree: The Dean of the School of Graduate Studies will, upon request, send a verification of graduation to appropriate officials once all degree requirements have been satisfied.

---

Steps in Pursuing M.A. and M.S. Degree Requirements

Steps in Pursuing Applied Master's Degree Requirements