Certificate of Advanced Study

Students who have obtained the masters degree may pursue programs in several of the graduate areas of specialization that lead to a Certificate of Advanced Study. The emphasis in this program is on the enrichment and advancement of the students preparation through research, supervised clinical experience, independent study, or further specialization. While this program is usually terminal, part or all of the credit earned may be used toward the doctorate when applicable.

Each program is planned on an individual basis with an awareness of the students objectives and previous preparation, but all programs include a minimum of thirty-two semester hours of graduate course credit, of which a minimum of twenty must be 600-level courses. Students are required to have a cumulative average of B or better. All graduate-level courses for which a student is enrolled are included in the computation of the students academic index.

When a students area of specialization is different from that in which he or she received the masters degree, the requirements for the Certificate may total more than thirty-two semester hours beyond the masters degree. In such an instance the student is expected to complete such courses as are necessary to establish the masters degree equivalent in the new specialization, in addition to the minimum of thirty-two semester hours of the Certificate.

A maximum of six semester hours of credit may be transferred from another approved institution. However, under special circumstances, when certain courses not offered at Springfield College are needed in the students program, a maximum of twelve semester hours may be transferred, provided such work is relevant and necessary for the students certificate program, is completed beyond the masters degree, and is recommended by the students major advisor and approved by the Dean of Graduate Studies.

Time Limits

A time limit of five years from the initial registration within the certificate program is allowed for the completion of all requirements for the certificate. All courses accepted for transfer credit must be completed during the five-year period of the students candidacy for the Certificate of Advanced Study.

All students interested in following a program leading to the Certificate of Advanced Study at Springfield College must submit a formal application. The application form may be obtained from the Graduate Admissions Office. Admission to some of these programs presupposes experience related to the field of study.

Specific information concerning the Certificate of Advanced Study programs will be found on the following pages:

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