Student Progress

Satisfactory Progress

The student must maintain an overall 3.0 GPA. To graduate, the student must have a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Probation and Suspension

A student is automatically placed on probation if the student’s GPA falls below a 3.0. If the GPA is not raised to 3.0 upon completion of the next full semester (summer, fall or spring) in which the student attempts coursework, the student shall be suspended from the program and may reapply for admission one year from the date of suspension. The GPA is calculated only on graduate work completed at Charleston Southern University.

Whenever three (3) grades below a “B” are earned, the student shall be suspended from the program. A suspended student may reapply for admission one year from the date of suspension. To receive credit for core courses, students must earn the grade of “B” or better in each core course. Any student who is suspended from the program may appeal to the Admissions Committee of the Graduate Council.

Failing Grades

If a student earns a grade of “F” in any core course, (1) that course must be retaken at Charleston Southern University, (2) a grade of “B” or better must be earned upon completion of the retaken course, and (3) a student may take courses in addition to the failed course at the time the failed course is retaken.

If a student earns a grade of “F” in any elective course that is not offered again within two regular semesters of the term in which the F was earned, the student must apply to repeat this course as an Independent Study and is responsible for the additional costs of an Independent Study.  Such requests must be submitted to the director of graduate studies in biology one semester in advance.  The course must be retaken at Charleston Southern University and a grade of “B” or better must be earned upon completion  of the Independent Study.  A student may take courses in addition to the Independent Study.

After earning one “F,” regardless of the GPA, the student is notified that he/she is on academic probation and that a subsequent grade below a “B” shall result in expulsion from the program.

Attendance Policy

1. The graduate student is responsible for all course work including any electronic submissions and requirements.

2. The student is obligated to attend classes regularly and punctually. The fourth absence will result in a grade of “FA” (Failure for Absence) for fall and spring semesters. Summer session courses’ attendance requirements will be weighted accordingly.

3. The student is expected to complete all assignments in a timely manner and will adhere to both classroom and online submission deadlines established in course syllabi.

4. In the event of unforeseen circumstances, the student is responsible for contacting faculty members promptly.

Graduation Requirements

The Master of Science in biology student must have completed the program with an overall 3.0 GPA in all core and elective coursework. Students must apply for graduation according to the deadline date for each term, see the Academic Calendar. A graduation fee applies for all graduates.

Comprehensive Examinations (BIOL 625)

All Master of Science in biology degree students must successfully pass a two-part comprehensive examination. The exam may not be taken until the student has successfully completed a minimum of five courses (excluding research credits) at CSU. The comprehensive examination may be attempted only twice. If a student attempts the comprehensive examination twice without passing, the student will be expelled from the program. Additional information regarding the comprehensive examination is available from the director of graduate studies in biology and the Master of Science in Biology Graduate Student’s Handbook.

Validation of Credit

All credits earned at Charleston Southern University or accepted by transfer will remain valid if the master’s degree is completed within six (6) calendar years from the time the student registers for the first course that applies toward the degree.