GRADUATION

APPLICATION FOR A DEGREE

Prior to the semester or summer school in which the degree is to be conferred, a formal application and payment of the degree audit/diploma fee of $25 must be made in the Registrar’s Office. The Academic Calendar which is located in the current catalog and in the Schedule of Classes indicates the deadline for making application for a degree. A student filing a degree application after the published deadline will be assessed an additional $25 late fee. A student who is completing the last semester of course work at an institution other than the University must provide the Registrar with an official transcript of this course work no later than one day prior to the graduation date. Application for a degree is available online.

GRADUATION WITH SPECIAL RECOGNITION

Special recognition at graduation is provided to undergraduate students who compile outstanding academic records. Those graduates who have achieved undergraduate academic excellence at the University receive a gold cord at graduation to reflect this achievement. The gold cord indicates one of the following academic achievements: Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, Cum Laude, or With Academic Distinction.

Degrees conferred Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, and Summa Cum Laude reflect an outstanding grade point average with a minimum of 32 semester hours earned in residence at Sam Houston State University, with not fewer than 24 hours being advanced course work. Transfer grade point average will be used in the calculation for special recognition at commencement. The distinction and corresponding grade point averages are: Cum Laude — 3.50 to 3.66; Magna Cum Laude — 3.67 to 3.85; Summa Cum Laude — 3.86 to 4.00.

The Department Academic Distinction Program is an individualized learning experience available to outstanding students at Sam Houston State University. An Academic Distinction Program project provides qualified students with a comprehensive introduction to meaningful research under the guidance of a designated faculty advisor. (See Department Academic Distinction Program)

Transfer students who have enrolled prior to summer 2003 and who have completed their final degree requirements for a baccalaureate degree from Sam Houston State University may qualify for Special Scholastic Recognition following the provisions of policy number 030325 and 850320.

Participation in the Honors Program at Sam Houston State University is based on a competitive selection process, and provides outstanding academic opportunities, and distinct undergraduate college experiences. Upon successful completion of the Honors Program — twenty-four semester hours of Honors courses and two special seminars — the student’s academic transcript will indicate graduation “With Honors” and the student may wear an Honors medallion with academic regalia. To be designated as having graduated “With Highest Honors” the student must also successfully complete a special senior project involving original research and/or an effort of creative expression.

Department Academic Distinction Program

An enriched program is offered to superior students at Sam Houston State University, culminating in the student’s receiving a diploma designating that the degree is being conferred “With Academic Distinction” in a field of specialization. The program consists of six hours of individual work on a project under the guidance of a designated faculty member. To qualify for department Academic Distinction, the student must enroll for six (6) semester hours of credit in a department Academic Distinction program, and the student must have the following qualifications: (a) be of junior standing (64 semester hours or more) or written approval of the chair of the major department or the discipline in which academic distinction is sought, (b) have a Sam Houston State University grade point average of not less than 3.25, (c) have a grade point average of at least 3.5 on all courses taken in the major field, and (d) have the written approval of the department chair, the Director of The Honors Program and the Academic Dean. To complete the six-hour program and to graduate with Academic Distinction in a specified academic discipline, the student must maintain not less than a 3.25 Sam Houston State University grade point average and not less than a 3.5 grade point average in the major field or in the discipline in which academic distinction is sought and must complete all other academic requirements which the individual department considers necessary. The six additional semester credit hours of department Academic Distinction Program course work will be completed in addition to the standard requirements within the major field and may not be taken in lieu of any requirements in the major field.

GRADUATE STUDIES

The graduate programs at Sam Houston State University offer advanced and specialized study to those who aspire to become intellectual leaders in the professions and in various field of teaching and research. The University provides graduate students the opportunity to pursue individual educational programs through carefully directed intellectual activity. Above all, Sam Houston State University offers graduate education that is both professional and personal. Masters and doctoral degree programs are available at Sam Houston State University. A list of graduate degree programs may be accessed online at the Graduate Studies website. Students should contact the appropriate department or college housing the degree program for more information on availability of scholarships and graduate assistantships.

Application materials are available from the Graduate Studies office:

Telephone: (936) 294-1971
E-mail: graduate@shsu.edu
Mailing Address: Office of Graduate Studies, Box 2478, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX 77341.

Applications for admission can also be downloaded and mailed to the University by accessing the University’s Graduate Studies web page.

While requirements vary by degree, students should submit the following items with their application:

• A non-refundable one-time application fee must accompany the application form. Checks drawn on U.S. banks or U.S. money orders must be payable to Sam Houston State University. The amount of the application fee is subject to change without prior notice.
• An official transcript from all community college and university coursework.
• Requisite official scores from standardized tests such as the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) generals test as mandated by the degree program. The College of Business Administration requires an official score on the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT).
• Academic letters of reference as mandated by the degree program. For more information, contact the appropriate department chair or academic dean of the college housing the degree program.
• State required immunizations.
• An applicant who does not meet the requirements for admission may qualify for conditional admission. Inquiries should be directed to the chair of the degree program. (Conditional admission is not available for international students.)

International students (non-U.S. citizens) must meet the same admissions standards as U.S. students. Applicants from non-English speaking countries must score at least 550 on the paper-based or 213 on the computer-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEfl). International students should have application materials submitted 60 days prior to registration and must satisfy all immigration requirements. Students should contact the Office of International Programs for further information.