Grading

On September 1, 1951, the University adopted a 4.0 quality point scale, changing from the 3.0 scale.

Grading System

Grades are indicated by letters.

(NOTE: Only grades of A, B, C, S, and SP are considered satisfactory at the graduate level, with not more than two grades of C allowed for graduate degree purposes.)

Quality Points

Quality points are assigned to each semester-hour credit as follows:

• For a grade of A, 4 quality points
• For a grade of B, 3 quality points
• For a grade of C, 2 quality points
• For a grade of D, 1 quality point
• For grades of F, I, X, NF, W, S, SP, NP, U, and WF, no quality points.

Quality Point Average

The quality point average for the semester is determined by dividing the total quality points earned by the total semester hours attempted (excluding courses in which grades of I, W, S, SP, NP, and U were earned). The cumulative quality point average is determined by dividing the total quality points for all semesters by the cumulative hours (excluding courses in which grades of I, W, S, SP, NP, and U were earned). Noncredit courses are disregarded in computing the quality point average.

When a course is repeated, the grade on repeated work as well as the original grade will be included in calculation of the quality point average. Credits attempted with a grade of I, W, S, NP, and SP are disregarded, but credits attempted with grades of X, WF, NF, and U are counted as F's.

Grade of I (Incomplete)

An "I" is assigned when a student's performance has been satisfactory, but for reasons beyond the student's control, he/she has not been able to complete course requirements within the allotted time as determined by the instructor. Students are not required to register for the course again but must complete the original course requirements with the instructor. With approval of the instructor, a student has one calendar year or until the time of graduation, whichever comes first, to remove the "I" during which time the "I" is excluded from calculation of the student's QPA. If the "I" is not removed within the above time limits, it remains on the student's record permanently and is calculated as "F" in the student's QPA. If the "I" is not in a required course, the student may be permitted to graduate if permission is granted by the advisor. In such cases, the "I" is computed as an "F" and the cumulative QPA must be at least 3.0. In extenuating circumstances, such as ill health, a student may request an exception to the one-year policy to the Graduate School Executive Committee, and must provide detailed and documented evidence of the circumstance that necessitated the delay in removing the "I" grade. The request must be approved by the instructor, advisor, departmental chair, and the dean of the college/school, in that order. The student's advisor or departmental chair must be present when the Graduate School Executive Committee deliberates the request.

In order to remove an outstanding incomplete (I) grade for those students graduating, the instructor must submit the grade change to the Office of Records and Registration by the Friday before exam week each term.

QUALITY OF WORK

Required QPA. A graduate student is required to maintain a cumulative grade average of at least B (3.0) on all courses taken for degree purposes. Credit toward a degree objective will be granted for any graduate course in which a grade of A, B, C, S, or SP (for thesis or dissertation) is assigned; however, not more than six hours of C credit will be accepted. If a grade of D, U, F, WF, or NF is assigned in a degree-related course, the course must be repeated; and both the original grade and the grade for the repetition will be counted in the cumulative average.

M.B.A. Requirements

MBA students with more than three semester hours of "C" 6000-level courses shall be dismissed from the program (effective for students entering Fall 2006 and later). In addition, any student receiving a "D" or an "F" in a 6000-level course shall immediately be dismissed from the program. MBA students may not repeat a course in which a grade of "C" or better was received. MBA students who are required to take prerequisite business courses must have a 3.0 average at the completion of these courses. This policy applies to all courses used to satisfy the MBA core requirements whether the course be graduate or undergraduate. A grade of "C" in any such course must be offset in another course (of equivalent hours) with a grade of "A"; however, the "C" grade does not carry forward to become part of the three-hour "C" restriction applicable to the hours required for graduation.

Background Courses

Additionally, a graduate student must achieve a grade of at least C on each course taken for nondegree purposes, that is, courses taken for background preparation, certification, or personal enrichment. A student will be required to repeat each nondegree course in which a grade of D, U, F, WF, or NF is assigned except that, with approval of the student's advisory committee, repetition of a course will not be required if a student's cumulative grade average on all courses (degree and nondegree) is at least B (3.0).

Probation for Unsatisfactory Performance:

A graduate student is required to maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least “B” on all courses. When a student's cumulative average on courses falls below 3.0, but not less than 2.00, the student will be placed on probation. If the cumulative average falls below 2.00, the student will be dismissed.

If the term average, on all courses presented as part of the hours required for graduation, during any semester is less than 2.00, the student's record will be reviewed and may be placed on probation.

Dismissal for Unsatisfactory Performance:

A graduate student will be dismissed from the graduate program if any one of the following conditions occurs:

•  Two consecutive semesters of probation

•  More than three semester hours of “C” in 6000-level courses, presented as part of the hours required for graduation (only MBA students admitted 2006 Fall and later)

•  Two “F” grades in courses presented as part of the hours required for graduation

•  Two consecutive semesters of “No Progress” grades assigned in thesis or dissertation courses.

A student who has been dismissed for unsatisfactory performance may request reinstatement, provided he/she produces evidence of extenuating circumstances that would prevent dismissal. The request must be approved by the department chair, director of the student's graduate program, the dean of the college, and the Graduate School Executive Committee. The decision of the Graduate School Executive Committee is final.

Graduate Assistant Requirements

A graduate assistant is required to maintain a minimum quality point average of 3.0 each semester. Upon the recommendation of the appropriate departmental chairperson and academic dean, the student may be permitted to retain the assistantship on probation for one semester should the average fall below the minimum requirement.

Page last updated: 10/7/07

Graduate Studies
Tennessee Tech Univesity
P.O. Box 5036
Phone: (931) 372-3233 Fax: (931) 372-3497
E-Mail: Gradstudies@tntech.edu