For a comprehensive explanation
of all rules governing graduate study at the University of Delaware, students
and faculty should consult the Graduate
Catalogue. Listed below are the rules
that students and faculty tend to ask about most.
Independent Study Credits
A maximum of 3 credit hours of Independent Study (ENGL666) may be counted toward the MA degree. Up to 6 credit hours of Independent Study courses (ENGL866) may be counted toward the PhD degree, and students are encouraged to take at least one Independent Study course in their area of specialization. All Independent Study courses must be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies and result in a substantial piece of written work.
Students are required to submit a formal proposal, including a syllabus and cover letter explaining the purpose of the course, to the Director of Graduate Studies before the beginning of the registration period for the semester in which they wish to take the independent study. The syllabus should be a formal document that includes the kinds of readings and writing assignments that would normally be included in a graduate seminar. To allow for flexibility, students may leave a few weeks open for subsequent adjustment according to where their reading and research takes them during the term. A formal syllabus for each Independent Study course will be kept on file in the Graduate Studies office.
Transfer Credits
Up to 9 credit hours from other
universities or from other departments in this university may also be counted
toward the degree, but only upon written application to and written approval
from the Graduate Director and the University Office of Graduate
Studies.
Academic Standing
Students are required to
maintain a minimum average of B (3.0) in their course work. Any grade below B may place the student's
academic status and financial aid in jeopardy.
In the event that a student fails to make satisfactory progress toward
meeting the academic standards of the program, the Graduate Committee will
recommend that the graduate faculty vote to dismiss the student from the
program. For a complete description of
the university rules about dismissal, see the
Graduate Catalogue. Each student's progress will be reviewed
annually by the Director of Graduate Studies.
Time Limits
Students holding assistantships
normally finish all requirements for the MA within four semesters. Students may take up to five years to complete
the degree, but written permission from the Office of Graduate Studies is
required for work beyond the fifth year.
The PhD should be completed within five years of matriculation if the
student is entering with an MA, seven if entering without.