Graduate Academic Information

The information provided in this catalog is subject to change without notice and does not constitute a contract between Abilene Christian University and a student or an applicant for admission. The information in this catalog is current as of July 2023.

For undergraduate programs, consult the Undergraduate Academic Information  section of this catalog.

Introduction

Abilene Christian University offers a variety of residential and online graduate programs through our two campuses: the main campus in Abilene and our branch campus (ACU Dallas) in Addison.

Philosophy and Mission

The mission of Abilene Christian University is to educate its students for Christian service and leadership throughout the world. Our graduate programs encourage advanced learning by providing high-quality graduate education in select areas. Graduate programs are designed to promote leadership, service, intellectual growth, self-motivation, and integrity within a context of Christian values.

Graduate Degrees Offered

Some degrees have various tracks available.

Doctor of Education (EdD)
Doctor of Ministry (DMin)
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
Education Specialist (EdS)
Specialist in School Psychology (SSP)
Master of Accountancy (MAcc)
Master of Arts (MA)

Master of Athletic Training (MAT)
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Master of Divinity (MDiv)

Master of Education (MEd)

Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA)
Master of Liberal Arts (MLA)
Master of Marriage and Family Therapy (MMFT)
Master of Science (MS)

Graduate Certificates

Accreditation

Abilene Christian University enjoys a strong national reputation as one of the leading private Christian universities in the west and southwest, indicated by various ratings (such as U.S. News and World Report and other reports). In addition to the university’s accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, individual graduate programs are accredited by the following agencies:

• Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition Dietetics (ACEND)
• Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE)
• American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (AAMFT/COAMFTE)*
• Association of Theological Schools (ATS)
• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
• Council on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE)
• Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
• Texas Education Agency (TEA)

      *The residential MFT program and the online MFT program are separately accredited by COAMFTE.

The entry-level occupational therapy master’s degree program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 4720 Montgomery Lane, Suite 200, Bethesda, MD 20814-3449. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA and its Web address is www.acoteonline.org. Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). In addition, all states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.

The entry-level occupational therapy doctoral degree program has applied for accreditation and has been granted Candidacy Status by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA and its web address is www.acoteonline.org. The program must have a preaccreditation review, complete an on-site evaluation, and be granted Accreditation Status before its graduates will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). In addition, all states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.

NOTE: It is our department policy that all students complete graduation and fieldwork requirements in a timely manner. All fieldwork and course work must be completed in a total of 36 months. Students must complete Level II fieldwork within 18 months of completion of the didactic portion of the program.

In addition, some ACU Programs hold approval by state or national associations:

• National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)
• Texas Board of Nursing

ACU is also a member of the Association of Texas Graduate Schools.

Integrated Programs

An integrated or accelerated program shortens the time it takes to complete both a bachelor’s and master’s degree at ACU by allowing high-performing undergraduate students to count a specified number of graduate courses toward both degrees. Students must earn a total of 150 or more required hours to earn both degrees. For details regarding available integrated programs, refer to catalog sections indicated below:

• Accounting  
• Athletic Training   
• Bible, Missions, and Ministry  
• Education  
• Psychology  
• School of Social Work  

Program Delivery

ACU delivers graduate courses and programs both in-person and online (depending on the program). Web-based courses give students the convenience of online education and the quality of ACU instruction. Online programs are designed for working professionals. The format allows students to concentrate on and complete one course at a time.

Each academic year has three semesters (fall, spring, and summer). Each online semester consists of two sessions, resulting in six online sessions per year. The dates of these sessions and other important dates regarding course enrollment are included in ACU’s Academic Calendar.

Note: Approved residential degrees will satisfy the U.S. Department of Homeland Security regulations for F-1 international students, while online degrees will not.

Admission Requirements

Abilene Christian University complies with all applicable federal and state non-discrimination laws and does not engage in prohibited discrimination on the basis of race, color, nationality or ethnic origin, gender, age or disability in admissions decisions, financial aid, and provision of student services, programs, and activities.

As a private educational institution, however, ACU reserves the right to deny admission to any applicant whose academic preparation, character or personal conduct is determined to be inconsistent with the purposes and objectives of the university.

Purpose

The purpose of the admission process is to identify applicants who are likely to succeed academically in a graduate program and at the same time contribute positively to the campus community. To admit students who cannot, or will not, persist until they have accomplished their academic goals is an expensive mistake for both the university and the students. Consequently, the admission process typically evaluates a combination of academic readiness and graduate capability. The admissions criteria are listed below but may include additional departmental reviews such as undergraduate coursework, standardized test scores, professional experience, writing samples, reference letters, or interviews.

Admission Criteria

The minimum graduate admission requirements are:

1. A completed application and application fee;
2. An earned bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university or equivalent;
3. An official transcript(s) in English (or translated to English) from all previous colleges attended;
4. For master’s programs, a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4-point scale. For doctoral programs, a minimum cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4-point scale; and;
5. Departmental requirements as stated for each department.

Individual graduate programs may have higher standards or additional requirements for admission to their programs. Admission decisions are made by departmental admission committees or by program directors.

Admission Types

Standard admission is for students who may be fully admitted without further conditions.

If a student requires leveling work, the student may be admitted provisionally.

Occasionally, the department may recommend probationary admission for an applicant who does not meet all the admission criteria. For probationary admission, graduate admission committees or program directors will make a holistic judgment on the applicant’s potential for success and contribution to the program mission. Students admitted probationally must maintain a 3.0 average in the first semester, and may be asked to retake a standardized examination or produce evidence of academic readiness.

Pursuant to federal immigration law 8 CFR 214.3(k)(4), immigration documents such as an I-20 cannot be issued to an international student who is admitted on probation or provisionally.

Application Fee

The application fee is nonrefundable. No action can be taken on an application for a residential program until the fee has been received. The fee is waived for McNair Scholars.

Application Date

Unless otherwise specified by a department or program, applications are accepted year-round. Thus, many programs have rolling admissions based on space available. Deadlines vary by program, but successful applicants often apply early to secure their placement and facilitate their eligibility for financial aid, scholarships, and graduate assistantships.

Accuracy of Material

All application material submitted must be accurate. Any erroneous, misleading, or incomplete information may be grounds for rejection of the application or, if admitted, withdrawal from the university.

Delayed Admission

Students who receive an official letter of acceptance will be informed that the acceptance is available only for the semester or term indicated. Residential students who wish to change their entry date must petition the college in which the program resides in writing before the start of the semester in which the student was admitted. Online students who wish to change their entry date must communicate that change before the designated deadline. Students taking any graduate or undergraduate coursework between the date of acceptance and the date of first course enrollment at ACU must submit official transcripts for that work before beginning their program at ACU. Students will be governed by the catalog in effect when they actually begin coursework at ACU. The time limit for completing the degree will begin with the first enrollment in the graduate program.

Readmission Policy

Students who leave the university for more than one long semester for residential programs or three sessions for online programs must apply for readmission. All students who leave the university on academic probation or suspension or with disciplinary concerns must also apply for readmission.

Special Graduate Non-Degree Admission

A student can also enter classes as a special graduate, or non-degree student, a situation normally reserved for those who want to take a few classes without any particular program commitment. Contact the Office of the Registrar to apply.

Non-degree students must fulfill the same quality standards in class as fully-admitted students and must meet all prerequisites in order to be enrolled in the course. Also, some courses require admission to a program or special permission before a student is allowed to take a course. A non-degree student can take no more than 15 graduate hours without being admitted to a degree program. However, there is no guarantee that the hours taken will fulfill degree requirements. Therefore, it is extremely important to seek admission and follow a degree plan within a program.

Admission to a Certificate Program

ACU offers graduate certificate programs in:

• Business Analytics
• Conflict Management
• Conflict Management for Church Leaders
• Conflict Management for Educators
• Conflict Management in Leadership
• Cybersecurity
• Gerontology
• Healthcare Administration
• Healthcare Collaboration and Conflict Management
• Learning with Emerging Technologies
• Ministerial Training
• Medical Family Therapy
• Precision Medicine
• Precision Medicine Administration
• Social Services Administration

Some students complete these certificate programs in conjunction with a graduate degree program. If a student is not matriculated in a graduate degree program, he or she must apply for the certificate program. If the student decides to apply any part of the certificate toward a graduate degree, he or she must apply and be admitted into that degree program.

Admission Decision Appeal Process

1. Within 5 business days of receiving an admission decision, a potential student has the right to request, in writing to the program director, that their admission decision be reconsidered.
2. The program director along with another faculty member from the department or program not involved in the original admission decision will review the student’s file.
3. The program director will notify the student in writing of the decision within 5 business days.
4. If the reconsidered decision is not satisfactory, the student has the right to appeal in writing within 5 business days to the dean of the college in which the program resides.
5. In residential programs, upon receiving the written appeal from the student, the dean will convene a committee including a program representative, a similar discipline faculty member, and a representative from the Office of Graduate Programs. The committee will review the student’s file and appeal and make a recommendation to the dean within 5 business days. In online programs, upon receiving the written appeal from the student, the dean, or an academic administrator appointed by the dean will review the student’s file. The results of the review will be made available to the dean within 5 business days.
6. The dean will make a final decision and notify the student of the decision in writing within 5 business days. The decision of the dean is final.

International Student Admission Process

Required Materials for Academic Admission

International students applying for admission to a graduate program must meet the same admission requirements as other students. However, they must also provide proof of English language proficiency. The minimum requirements are:

1. A completed application and application fee;
2. An earned bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university or equivalent;
3. An official transcript(s) in English (or translated to English) from all previous colleges attended. (Official means an original with the seal that comes directly from the issuing institution to ACU.) ACU may request a student’s transcript to be evaluated by a preferred third party for degree clarification;
4. A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4-point scale. For doctoral programs, a minimum cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4-point scale;
5. Departmental requirements as stated for each department; and
6. Official documentation of English language proficiency by one of the following:
   • A satisfactory official test score from an English language proficiency test accepted by ACU. Official test scores should be sent directly from the testing entity. ACU’s test code is 6001. Accepted English language proficiency tests are: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), EIKEN, Pearson Test of English (PTE-Academic), CAE, and Duolingo;
   • A conferred bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited US institution;
   • A bachelor’s degree or higher in which English was the primary language of instruction; or
   • Successful completion of an approved ESL or English-language proficiency program.

Missing any one of these required elements may delay the admission decision.

Required Materials for Financial Admission - Residential Programs

After an international student has been admitted unconditionally, the following documents must be submitted:

1. A copy of the student’s valid passport.
2. Evidence of financial resources necessary to complete at least one academic year of study at ACU. Generally, this is accomplished by providing copies of bank statements to ACU. Please see the Office of Graduate Programs website for more specific information on finances for international students.

ACU is unable to issue an I-20 for applicants admitted probationally or provisionally or for online programs. We must have official copies of all documents before an I-20 can be issued. Once ACU receives the documents above, the student’s admission package and I-20 will be prepared. When these documents are ready, the student will be contacted and asked to provide shipping information. Upon admission and prior to enrollment, a student must submit health forms and immunization records demonstrating completion of the required vaccinations.

International graduate students are required to be enrolled full-time as per departmental requirements, with the general minimum of at least 6 graduate hours of coursework during a long semester. There are online course restrictions based on immigration status. Please speak with the international student advisor for more information.

Once international students arrive on campus, they are required to complete the immigration document check-in at the Office of International Students and Visiting Scholars and attend the International Student Orientation. Students are also encouraged to meet with their advisors to review program details (see other parts of this catalog), and join the International Students’ Association on campus. ACU’s international community is a welcoming group of around 200 students and faculty with regular activities.

International Students in Online Programs

International students admitted to online programs are fully responsible for maintaining their immigration status by other means, because the online programs do not satisfy the requirements of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Therefore, no student visa will be issued through online programs. International students admitted to online programs must submit evidence of English proficiency but will not be required to submit financial documents.

Military and Veterans Admission

Jenna Cheatham, VA Certification Officer
Office of the Registrar
ACU Box 29141; Abilene, Texas 79699-9141
Hardin Administration Building, Room 309

Phone: 325-674-2777
Fax: 325-674-2238
Email: vabenefits@acu.edu
Web: www.acu.edu/registrar/veterans.html

Veterans (or dependents planning to use benefits) applying for admission to the university should follow the normal university admissions process, but they should also contact, as early as possible, the VA Certification Officer in the Office of the Registrar to expedite handling of VA forms needed to qualify for benefits.

Funding Your Graduate Degree

Students should also refer to the Financial Information  section of the catalog for more information.

Financial Assistance for Residential Programs

Federal Student Loans

There are federal student loans available to most students who complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This is a primary tool to help cover the costs of education up front with payments to follow after leaving school. Provided a student has not previously defaulted on federal loans or has already borrowed their limit, they are normally eligible to borrow a sizable amount towards their educational costs. You can see more details about this opportunity at http://www.acu.edu/loans. (Note that federal student loans are not available to students who are not US citizens or permanent residents.)

Scholarships

Departmental scholarships are offered through individual academic departments. For more information regarding these scholarships, contact the department of interest.

Graduate Assistantships

Graduate Assistants (GAs) at Abilene Christian University fall into three categories according to their major responsibilities:

1. Performing work as part of training
2. Research
3. Teaching

Upon employment, GAs are given a letter clearly stating responsibilities, remuneration, and the expectations of the department and of the professor to whom they are assigned. Both full- and part-time assistantships are available.

Selection

Graduate assistants are chosen on a competitive basis. Students apply and are approved by the dean upon recommendation by the head of the department for which they wish to work (and upon the recommendation of their graduate program if it is different from the department in which they work). In order to receive an assistantship, a student must be admitted unconditionally into a graduate program and must be enrolled for graduate coursework that semester.

Qualifications and Work

All graduate assistants are expected to be responsible and successful students who can make a positive contribution to their departments and to the campus community. They each must have completed a baccalaureate degree before beginning their work as graduate assistants. Those who teach or have other job-related contact with undergraduates should be good role models in scholarship, integrity, helpfulness, and commitment to Christian values. Those who teach must have completed at least 18 graduate hours in the discipline taught and must be proficient in the use of English.

Each graduate assistant is assigned to an instructor, who is responsible for training, supervising, and evaluating the assistant in his or her work. Teaching assistants also receive regular in-service training and are evaluated by their students each semester.

Graduate assistants are assigned work space or offices, telephones and mailboxes, as available, usually on a shared basis. Teaching assistants are expected to attend departmental faculty meetings and to keep regular office hours.

Compensation and Reappointment

Pay for graduate assistants varies by department and assignment. Reappointment of graduate assistants depends upon (1) departmental needs, (2) the graduate assistant’s satisfactory academic progress toward a graduate degree, and (3) evaluations from mentors and, in the case of teaching assistants, from students. All graduate assistants must maintain at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average to retain their assistantships.

Student Enrollment Status and Course Load

The following course load policy applies to residential programs. For graduate students, a full-time load is defined as 6 or more credit hours in a long semester and a half-time load as 3 hours during a long semester. Unless otherwise allowed by the program in which a student is enrolled, a student may not enroll in more than 12 hours in a long semester or 3 hours in one summer session. A combination of graduate and undergraduate hours may not total more than 15 hours for a fall or spring term or 9 hours for all summer sessions combined.

For students enrolled in online programs, a full-time load is defined as 6 or more credit hours during a long semester and a half-time load as 3 hours during a long semester. For students enrolled in the online Doctor of Education program, enrollment in LEAD 791 , LEAD 792 , LEAD 793 , LEAD 794 , LEAD 799 , or dissertation continuation courses within the dissertation phase will be classified as full-time if they are enrolled in 3 hours and half-time if they are enrolled in 1 hour. For students enrolled in the online Doctor of Nursing Practice program, enrollment in project continuation courses within the project phase will be classified as full-time if they are enrolled in 3 hours and half-time if they are enrolled in 1 hour.

Check-In

Each semester, all students will be required to check in to verify their attendance at ACU for that semester. This process occurs electronically through the my.acu.edu student portal during the first week of classes.

Students who fail to check in will be treated as non-attendees and administratively withdrawn from for-credit courses for the semester to avoid incurring financial charges. A student who is administratively withdrawn is dropped from all for-credit classes, removed from housing and financial aid, and dropped from meal plans.

Students who successfully complete the check-in process are agreeing to the schedule for which they are registered. Thus, students who check-in but who never attend a particular class on their schedule, will not be eligible for a refund for that course because of non-attendance.

Refund Policy

Students are required to pay tuition and fees for any registered course unless enrollment is officially cancelled during the 100% refund period. All refunds are less any amounts owed to the university and are subject to payment holding periods.

Withdrawal or cancellation occurs on the calendar day that withdrawal is requested either online or by phone with your advisor. By registering for classes, students agree to pay all applicable tuition and registration fees. The university provides a prorated refund for students withdrawing after the first day of class for residential courses.

1. Students are required to complete a Withdrawal from Class form.
2. Notifying the instructor of an intent to withdraw from a course does not officially withdraw a student from the course.
3. Non-attendance in a course will not constitute a withdrawal.
4. Students who do not officially drop a course will be financially responsible for the entire cost of the course.
5. Students who are dismissed or suspended from the university during the course of an academic term are responsible for all financial obligations.

Students in the Doctor of Ministry program should consult the Doctor of Ministry Handbook for information regarding withdrawing from the program and financial impacts.

Recipients of Federal Financial Aid who officially withdraw from the university will be subject to Federal Title IV refund guidelines. Dropping a course or withdrawing from the program may result in all or a portion of the aid being returned to the lender or grant source. This may cause the student account to have a debit balance with the university, which must be repaid.

A refund will be issued to students who have financial aid that exceeds their tuition and fees. Financial aid refunds will not be processed until after the term has started.

Refund Schedule for Full-Term Residential Courses

The number of days refers to weekdays. The 5^th day represents the end of the add/drop period.

When a class is dropped on the first day of a January short course, there is a 90% refund. When a class is dropped on the first day of a summer term, there is a 100% refund. No refund will be made from the second day to the end of either short term.

Refund Policy for Online Programs

Students are responsible to pay tuition and fees for any registered course. The refund period is Day 1 - Day 4. Fees are non-refundable. The 100% tuition refund period ends at 5pm CST on Friday, the 4th day of each session. Students in the Graduate School of Theology Programs, please reference the main refund policy outlined above. 

All refunds are less any amounts owed to the university and are subject to payment holding periods. Upon admission, students are registered for classes and agree to pay all applicable tuition and course-related fees. Students will be automatically registered for a course each session unless they communicate with their Student Success Advisor in writing that they will not be taking a course. The add/drop period for each session ends the Monday prior to the session starting. Graduate School of Theology online students should collaborate with their Student Success Advisor each semester to process registrations. It is the responsibility of the student to communicate with the Student Success Advisor if they wish to change their enrollment status. 

Tuition payment must be paid no later than the published financial clearance date for each online course. Students who have not paid tuition/fees in full by this time will have their course/s dropped. There is no tuition refund following Day 4 once a session begins. Due to the rotating schedule of classes offered, withdrawing from a class may prolong the time to graduation and affect financial aid. Contact your Student Success Advisor for more information.

Refund Schedule for Online Courses

Refunds for these programs are only offered if the student withdraws from the course by the fourth day of class.

Definitions and Policies

Educational Programs

ACU’s graduate educational programs include master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees as well as certificates. Tracks or concentrations represent smaller curricular units that do not result in a credential.

Graduate Degree Program

A graduate degree program is a cohesive curriculum that forms the area of specialization for a student pursuing a master’s, specialist, or doctoral degree. A master’s degree requires a minimum of 30 hours, and a doctoral degree requires a minimum of 30 hours beyond the master’s degree. 

Track or Concentration

Some graduate degree programs allow students to select among nuanced areas of study within the field. While the number of required hours will vary, the hours will be counted inside the graduate degree program. The track or concentration will not be shown on the diploma but will be reflected on the transcript.

Certificate

A certificate program allows students to complete work in a specialized area of focus. A certificate is a standalone program; students may pursue certificates without seeking a degree, but degree-seeking students may also pursue a certificate alongside a graduate degree program. Certificates are typically applied learning or professionally oriented, and they typically require 12-18 hours. 

These hours may be applied toward master’s, specialist, or doctoral degree requirements, whether the certificate and graduate degree are pursued concurrently or the student comes to the degree program after the certificate has been awarded. Students may apply no more than half of the hours earned in one certificate program to another certificate program.

College Year

Abilene Christian University follows the college calendar set by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. The college year consists of two 16-week semesters (or terms) and one summer term with sessions of various lengths. In online programs, each semester consists of two sessions, so there are six online sessions per year. The dates of these sessions and other important dates regarding course enrollment are included in ACU’s Academic Calendar.

Enrollment Terms of a College Year

• Fall - a 16-week term that is completed before the Christmas holidays
• Spring - a 16-week term that is completed in early May
• Summer - beginning mid-May and ending before the fall term begins
• Intensive Courses - courses taught in an intense format within a term (e.g. January, weekends and other courses of variable length that are taught within one of the above terms); assignments may be made before the first day of class, so last-minute registration may not be available.
• Online Session - a 7-8 week period for the online course to be completed. Each semester will have two sessions: Session 1 is the first half of the semester; Session 2 is the last half of the semester. A 3-hour course may be completed during the 7-8 week session.

Registration

Students are responsible for knowing the registration process for their program. Registration processes may vary by program.

Course Numbering

ACU uses a three-digit course numbering system. Courses numbered 500 and above are graduate-level courses. Of the hours required for a master’s degree, at least one-half must be in the 600 level or above.

Residency Sessions

A residency session is a face-to-face session on an ACU campus or other designated location. Individuals are responsible for all costs to attend, including travel, meals, and housing. Residency fees may apply.

Class Attendance for Online Programs

Students enrolled in online programs are expected to maintain continuous enrollment for the duration of their program. In addition to providing students with the most straightforward path to completion, continuous enrollment allows students to build relationships with other students and faculty members.

Consistent class attendance in online courses enhances each student’s experience in a community of engaged scholarship. For most students, courses consist of seven or eight weekly modules, with a new module beginning each week in the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS). Students are expected to log in to the course frequently, master the course material, whether written or in other digital media formats, and engage the professor and fellow students through the Canvas medium. Weekly individual assignments allow students to demonstrate mastery over the course outcomes and competencies. Weekly readings and discussion boards allow students to participate in advanced scholarship by questioning the material, reflecting on application, noting areas of interest, respectfully challenging each other, and discovering connections to other trusted academic sources.

Failure to attend and participate in class activities and assignments may produce academic consequences, including, but not limited to, lower grades on late assignments or activities, no credit for missing assignments or activities, a failing grade for the course, or administrative withdrawal.

If a student fails to engage in significant academic activity in the course during the first 7 calendar days of the official course, they will receive an email notifying them that they are at risk of an administrative withdrawal from the course. The student will have 3 days to log into the course from the date of the email notification and to complete significant academic activity. If the student does not do so, the student will be administratively withdrawn from the course effective on the fourth day following email notification. For purposes of this class attendance policy, “significant academic activity” means the completion of assignments, projects, discussions or other evidence of work required by the instructor. Program policies regarding late submission of assignments or other delayed participation may be enforced. Final decisions regarding what constitutes “significant academic activity” is at the sole discretion of the Dean.

The last day to withdraw from a course is the Wednesday before the last week of class.

Academic Integrity

ACU expects its students to practice absolute academic integrity. Plagiarism, cheating and other forms of academic dishonesty are not acceptable at ACU. Students should consult the university’s Academic Integrity Policy here for a fuller description of the expectations of students and procedures for dealing with violations of the policy.

Changes to Course Enrollment

Add/Drop Policy

Students may add or drop courses during the add/drop period for a full refund. Courses dropped during this period will not appear on the student’s transcript. Refer to the Academic Calendar on the Office of the Registrar web site for specific dates for each term. Students wishing to register for a class after the add/drop period must complete a Late Add Petition, which must be signed by the course instructor, the student’s advisor, and the dean of the college in which the course is taught. A late fee of $10 per course will be assessed for students who add or change classes.

For online programs, a refund is only given if a course is dropped prior to the course start date. Contact the Student Services Advisor for your degree program for help with dropping a course. Dropping a Session 2 course may affect financial aid eligibility and result in disbursed aid needing to be returned. For more information, contact the Student Account Coordinator.

Concurrent Enrollment Policy

ACU students are generally expected to take their courses at ACU. Only in exceptional circumstances may students petition, in advance, to receive credit for a course at another institution during a fall or spring semester that they are enrolled for courses at ACU. Concurrent enrollment includes online, distance, and correspondence courses. Petitions for concurrent enrollment must be approved by the advisor, dean of the student’s program, and the provost. Courses from other colleges or universities will not count as hours enrolled for financial aid eligibility.

Withdrawal from a Course

If it becomes necessary to withdraw from a course, the student should visit first with his or her academic or student services advisor and the instructor of the course. The advisor will provide instruction on completing a Withdrawal from Class form. A withdrawal fee is charged when a student withdraws from a course. Refer to the refund policy for more information about tuition refunds.

The last day to withdraw from a course is:

• Friday of the 12th week of a long term;
• Wednesday of the 6th week of an online program’s session;
• The corresponding day when 80 percent of the course is completed for other short sessions (e.g., Summer Session I).

Withdrawal from the University

Residential graduate students who must withdraw from the university or from their last course are required to complete a Withdrawal from the University form in Wildcat Central. This process must be completed prior to the beginning of final examinations. Students in the Doctor of Ministry program should consult the Doctor of Ministry Handbook for information regarding withdrawing from the program and financial impacts.

Online graduate students who must withdraw from all courses for the semester are required to withdraw from the university. Send an email to the Student Services Advisor for your program to request a Withdrawal from the University form. This process must be completed prior to the final week of the session. Online students may not withdraw from the university after completion of a Session 1 course.

Medical Withdrawal

A student who is involuntarily withdrawn, or obtains a voluntary medical withdrawal, may not re-enroll or be readmitted to the university before the start of the next semester. In most cases, a Student Life hold may be placed barring the student from registering for future semesters until approval is obtained. The Dean of Students or designee, in collaboration with the University Readmission Committee, must approve the student’s re-enrollment or readmission. Approval may be granted only if the dean, after consulting appropriate university staff and/or the student’s physical or mental health professional, determines in his/her professional judgment that the conditions that caused the withdrawal do not pose a direct threat or harm to the student or others and will not significantly disrupt the ability of other students, faculty or staff to participate in university activities, academic programs, or employment. The dean may require any documentation or evaluation that he/she deems necessary in making this determination. The student must also meet all of the admission and enrollment requirements of the university and of the school or college in which he/she wishes to enroll.

Auditing Courses

Students who wish to audit a course should see the instructor for the course and the chair of the department (of the course) on the first day of class in order to request permission to audit the course. An approved course audit form must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar by Friday of the second week of the long term or the equivalent date of a summer session or intensive course. Some courses are not available as audit courses (including most online courses). Once a student begins auditing a course, they may not choose to take that course for credit during the audit term.

The nonrefundable fee for auditing a course is $35. However, certain courses may have additional fees for auditors. Please check with the department of the course offered.

Degree Requirements

Student Responsibility

It is the student’s responsibility to know and comply with the regulations and requirements contained in this catalog. Graduate students should review their DegreeWorks audit and visit with their academic advisor or student services advisor regarding their degree progress. This assistance, however, does not alter the primary responsibility of the student to adhere to policies published in the catalog and to be ultimately responsible for understanding and fulfilling all degree requirements. Students are responsible for their own degree plans and for the completion of all requirements for the degree they seek.

Minimum Credit Hours

The number of credit hours for various graduate degrees ranges from 30 to 72. All ACU master’s degrees require a minimum of 30 credit hours. The doctorate requires a minimum of 30 hours beyond the master’s degree.

Thesis, Project, and Dissertation Requirements

Students who are doing a thesis, project, or dissertation are responsible for following the required process and should obtain a copy of the relevant guide from their program director. Students should plan early, follow guidelines and instructions, and work with their faculty committee to determine completion requirements.

After students begin formal work on a thesis, project, or dissertation, they are expected to continue working on it each semester until it is completed and formally approved, or until they terminate their graduate career at ACU.

For all theses or projects for Doctor of Ministry or residential graduate students, students must enroll in continuation each semester until completion of the thesis/project to remain in an active status. If a student does not finish their thesis/project during the allotted time, they will be enrolled in continuation, which will be for zero (0) credit hours. Abilene residential thesis students will be assessed a flat fee of $1000. Abilene residential students enrolled in the Doctor of Ministry program should consult their program handbook for details about their program-specific continuation process.

All other doctoral and online programs require enrollment at one (1) credit hour until the completion of the dissertation/project. Students in other doctoral/online programs will be charged full tuition at the current rate during each semester of continuation.

See Student Enrollment Status and Course Load section for more information regarding full-time and part-time status for students enrolled in continuation. Students failing to maintain continuous registration must be readmitted to ACU in order to continue and complete the requirements within the degree time limit, as stated in the current catalog. If a student fails to make progress on their work, the faculty member, in consultation with the committee, has the right to administratively withdraw the student with a grade of “W.”

Capstone and Practicum Requirements

Students are expected to finish capstone or practicum requirements within the time allotted for the course. In some programs, students needing more time may apply for an extension and, if approved, be charged a continuation fee. The continuation course is zero (0) credit hours and the fee is equivalent to half of one hour of tuition at the current rate for each session of the extension (maximum of one (1) hour of tuition per semester). If students who receive a capstone extension fail to make progress on their work, the faculty member has the right to administratively withdraw the student with a grade of “W,” and the student will be required to retake the course at the full tuition rate.

Grade Point Average

A graduate student’s grade point average (GPA) is based on all graduate courses taken at ACU. It is determined by dividing the total number of grade points (see the table below) by the total number of hours attempted (not including hours where grade points are not counted). Current GPA is a student’s GPA for a single term. Cumulative GPA is the overall GPA for all terms during which a student has been enrolled as a graduate student at ACU. All graduate students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on all graduate credits earned at ACU to graduate.

Academic Standing

Good Standing

Students are in good standing if their term and cumulative GPAs are both at least 3.0. A higher GPA is required by some majors for their students. These requirements are specified in the departmental sections of this catalog. Good standing is not noted on the student’s transcript.

Academic Probation and Suspension

Any student who does not maintain a 3.0 GPA will be placed on academic probation. If during the next enrollment, he or she fails to attain a cumulative 3.0, he or she will be suspended. Students will be held accountable to this policy as a minimum but must also adhere to their departmental requirements.

In the case of suspension, a student may apply for readmission to the program, after sitting out at least one semester or the length of time designated by the dean and program director. A student who wishes to apply for readmission must develop a readmission plan in conjunction with their program advisor. Residential graduate students must also submit an Application for Readmission through the Office of the Registrar. The program director and the college dean will review this plan. However, this readmission plan does not guarantee admission. The college dean, consulting with the program director, will decide whether the student should be readmitted, and if so, whether special conditions should be required for readmission. When students are readmitted after suspension, they are placed on probation for one semester and must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements to continue to receive financial aid. If they do not make satisfactory progress that semester, they will be suspended from the university.

This policy should be considered as the minimum; residential program departments, with the approval of the Graduate Council, may have more restrictive rules and regulations. Students should refer to the program section of the Catalog for more information regarding this policy.

Students in Online Programs - Academic Probation and Suspension

Any student who does not maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA or higher will be placed on academic probation. If a student receives a grade of “D” or “F” in a course, this may constitute grounds for probation or suspension. If during the next 9 credit hours taken, they fail to attain a 3.0 cumulative GPA, they will be suspended.        

If a student is suspended from the University for academic reasons, the student may reapply after two sessions (i.e., two parts of term). At that time, the student will be required to submit a personal statement indicating how they will be prepared for academic success for re-enrollment. The re- enrollment decision will be made by the academic program director and the Academic Standards Committee. If the program director and the Committee are not in agreement, the final decision will be made by the dean. All returning students will return on a probation status.

If a student receives a grade of “D” or “F” in a course, this course will not count toward the student’s degree and may constitute grounds for probation or suspension. In addition, students must have a minimum of 3.0 cumulative GPA in order to graduate. Please note, individual departments may have more strenuous policies regarding low grades.

Changing or Adding a Major

Any student changing degree programs or changing a major within a degree program must submit a signed Change of Program form to the Office of the Registrar. Students enrolled in an online program should contact their student services advisor. For students to make a change, the departments affected must agree. Any student wanting to change from a certificate program to a degree program must apply for admission to the degree program.

Second Master’s Degrees

The number of credit hours required for various degrees ranges from 30 to 72. When students choose to complete a second master’s degree from ACU, they may count a limited number of courses from the first degree toward the second degree if courses from the first degree are also requirements for the second degree. Students in the Graduate School of Theology seeking both the MA and MDIV degrees must complete all requirements for both degrees and complete no less than 87 hours.

Degree Time Limit

Graduate students must complete their degrees within a time frame that begins with their first term of enrollment in the program: six years for certificate programs and 30 to 45 hour degrees; seven years for 46 to 59 hour degrees; and eight years for degrees of 60 hours or more. Students enrolled in a degree program from the Graduate School of Theology must complete all master’s degree requirements within ten years and doctoral degree requirements within six years. The Graduate School of Theology degree requirements are the same for both residential and online students.

Dismissal

For residential graduate programs, the Assistant Provost for Graduate Programs, through action of the college dean, reserves the right to refuse continued enrollment to any student who is negligent in conforming to student regulations or academic standards. For online programs, the dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies reserves that right.

Transfer of Credit

Graduate credits earned at ACU prior to admission to a degree program may, with the consent of the advisor and the college dean, be used in satisfying prerequisites (leveling requirements) or degree requirements.

Transfer of graduate work from other institutions must be approved by the student’s department chair or program director and by the college dean. Transfer work must fall within the time limit for degrees (see Degree Time Limit). However, grades from transfer work do not apply toward the GPA at ACU. Transfer credit may not constitute more than 25 percent of the hours required for a degree. No grade below a “B” will be accepted in transfer.

ACU will accept transfer work for which students were graded pass, credit, or satisfactory in Spring and Summer 2020, regardless of the grades the originating institution includes in a grade of pass/credit/satisfactory.  All other ACU policies related to transfer credit will still apply.

Grades

The table below lists the grades used in graduate programs at ACU. The grade point values shown are per credit hour.

The declaration by the university of a significant disruption includes the option for the university to use emergency grading.  If authorized during a significant disruption, three emergency grades are available:

PE - reflects satisfactory performance during a significant disruption. PE represents a grade of C or better for undergraduate courses and a grade of B or better for graduate courses. A grade of PE carries course credit and is not counted toward the GPA.

NE - reflects unsatisfactory performance during a significant disruption. NE represents a grade of D or lower for undergraduate courses and a grade of C or lower for graduate courses. A grade of NE does not carry course credit and is not counted toward the GPA.

IE - reflects an Incomplete due to a significant disruption. IE indicates that a student has not completed all course requirements. A grade of IE does not carry course credit and is not counted toward the GPA.

Grading Appeals

The university expects faculty to assign student grades equitably based on academic criteria, but it also acknowledges that grades can sometimes be incorrectly assigned. Students have the right to question grades, and the university encourages students to seek input from trusted mentors when evaluating the situation. Most grading questions can be resolved informally through conversation between student and faculty member, so the student should begin by talking with the instructor. If the informal conversation does not resolve the situation to the student’s satisfaction, the student may initiate the formal grade appeal procedure defined by the university. The student must begin a grade appeal before the conclusion of the next long semester.

Final course grades become a part of a student’s permanent academic history, and the student’s transcript provides the record of academic performance at ACU. Grades for a course become part of academic history and may not be changed after one long semester has passed except in extraordinary circumstances and by special permission granted by the Office of the Provost.

Only final course grades are eligible for the grade appeal process. Students may appeal grades that they believe were assigned in error, without proper consideration of course and university policies, or unfairly or inconsistently among students in a class. The original grade and its consequences — which may include prerequisite qualifications, academic standing, or scholarship eligibility — will stand until the conclusion of the appeals process.

Students may not pursue a grade appeal in cases where the final grade is the consequence of a violation of the Academic Integrity Policy, which provides a separate opportunity for appeal.

Responsibilities

Course instructors bear three responsibilities in the evaluation of coursework:

• Sharing a syllabus that provides the course requirements and explains how the final grade will be calculated.
• Evaluating the quality of students’ work equitably.
• Assigning grades that represent the quality of the work.

Students should engage the grade appeal process in good faith and have three responsibilities in the appeal process:

• Maintaining records of their academic work that are relevant to the dispute.
• Communicating professionally within the specified timeframes.
• Representing their own interests throughout the appeal by being the individual to communicate with the faculty member and decision-makers.

Decision-makers in the grade appeal process include the department chair or online program director, dean or designee, and provost or designee. Each has three responsibilities in the appeal process:

• Ensuring that the student receives due process and that all previous steps have occurred before engaging in the procedure.
   
• Deciding whether to uphold the assigned grade. Decision-makers may take a variety of factors into account, including course and university policies, evidence of consistent application of criteria and policies, norms within the discipline and professional judgment of the faculty member, accuracy of the arguments of involved parties, and the remedies recommended by previous decision-makers.
   
• Assigning an appropriate grade or remedy if they overturn the assigned grade. Decision-makers may instead identify a process and timeline to evaluate any work involved in the dispute rather than assessing it themselves (e.g., re-grading by the faculty member, department chair, or a neutral faculty member). If the proposed change is agreeable to the student, the decision-maker should initiate the process to apply the proposed change.

Appeal Procedure

1. The student must discuss the grade informally with the faculty member. If this does not resolve the matter or the faculty member does not respond within five business days of the student’s request to discuss the issue, the student should complete a Grade Appeal form. The student should attach to the form copies of any relevant assignments, communication between student and faculty member, or other documentation related to the dispute.
    
2. The student must submit the form and documentation to the program director or chair of the department that offers the course within five business days of receiving the faculty member’s decision in the informal grade discussion process (or at least five business days after the student’s initial attempt to discuss the issue with the faculty member if the faculty member does not respond to the request).
   
   If the course instructor is the program director or department chair, the student should submit the appeal to the dean of the college overseeing the department. In these cases, the dean will facilitate the first stage of the appeal, and the student skips steps 4 and 5 if the dean’s response does not resolve the question to the student’s satisfaction.
    
3. The program director or department chair must provide a written decision to the appeal within 10 business days. During that time, the following must occur:

• The program director or department chair should share the student’s written statement and documentation with the faculty member.
   
• The faculty member must write a response to the appeal and send it to the program director or department chair with any relevant documentation.
   
• The program director or department chair must schedule time to meet with the student, either in person or by a synchronous call. The program director or department chair may choose to invite the faculty member to the meeting.
   
• After the student meeting, the program director or department chair must write a response to the appeal. The program director or department chair must send the faculty member’s response and the director’s or chair’s written decision to the student.

4. The student has five business days to act in response to the program director or department chair’s decision. If the director or chair’s response satisfies the student, the student should respond to the director or chair so they can initiate any proposed remedy. This will end the appeal process.
   
   If the director or chair’s response does not resolve the situation to the student’s satisfaction, the student may appeal to the dean of the college that oversees the department. The student should send the following materials to the dean of the relevant college: the appeal form and documentation, written response from the faculty member, and written decision from the program director or department chair.
    
5. The dean’s office must provide the student and program director or department chair a decision in writing within five business days of receiving the appeal. The dean may choose to make a decision based on the written materials provided or seek additional context from involved parties.
    
6. The student has five business days to act in response to the dean’s decision. If the dean’s response satisfies the student, the student should respond to the dean so the dean can initiate any proposed remedy. This will end the appeal process.
   
   If the dean’s response does not resolve the situation to the student’s satisfaction, the student may appeal to the provost. The student should send the following materials to the provost: the appeal form and documentation, written response from the faculty member, and the written decisions from the department chair and dean.
    
7. The provost’s office must provide the student and dean a decision in writing within five days of receiving the appeal. The provost may choose to make a decision based on the written materials provided or seek additional context from involved parties. The decision of the provost is final.

Records of the appeal include the appeal form, student’s documentation, and written responses from the faculty member and designated decision-makers. Records will be retained at the highest level to which the appeal rises according to that unit’s records management schedule.

Incomplete Grades

Professors may assign a grade of “I” (Incomplete) only when illness or some significant reason beyond the control of the student prevents the student from completing a course by the end of the semester. The Incomplete Grade Contract must be signed by the instructor, the student, and the department chair or program director. The Contract should reflect the assignments and deadlines necessary to resolve the incomplete grade. A grade of “I” (Incomplete) must be resolved no later than the end of the next long term; otherwise, it becomes an “F” on the student’s record. The student is responsible for requesting and resolving an “I” with the professor, and then the professor will submit a Change of Grade form. A student who is graduating should finish any incomplete courses prior to the semester in which he or she is graduating. Students must complete all courses graded as “I” in order to participate in Commencement.

The grade “IP” (In-Progress) is reserved for graduate students in graduate courses. An “IP” must be resolved no later than the end of the next long term; otherwise, it becomes an “I” on the student’s record. That “I” must be resolved no later than the end of the subsequent long term. Work cannot be submitted for a grade after one year from the end of the semester in which the student was enrolled in the course.

Due to the interactive nature and fixed duration of an online course, students may not receive “I” (Incomplete) or “IP” (In Progress) grades for online courses. Students unable to complete course requirements must withdraw or receive the grade they have earned without completing the course requirement. Contact the course instructor and advisor if an exceptional circumstance occurs after the withdrawal date and before the end of the course that prevents successful completion. If an instructor agrees to give a student an “I” in this exceptional circumstance, the student will not be permitted to enroll in another course until the “I” is completed. A deadline for completion should also be submitted to the college dean.

Repeating a Course

1. A graduate student may retake a course only one time.
2. If a student withdraws from a “repeated” course, it may be taken again.
3. A record of all occurrences of the course will appear on the transcript. Only the most recent grade will be counted in the cumulative GPA. In other words, if a student retakes a course where they previously earned credit, and the most recent grade does not earn credit, then credit will no longer be recorded for that course.
4. The ability to retake a course may be limited by curriculum changes or by departmental policies.

For students in the Doctor of Ministry program, any course that is repeated for any reason will not be included in the program fee. The student will be billed for the full tuition cost of the repeated course.

Low Grades

If a student receives a grade of “D” or “F” in a course, this course will not count toward the student’s degree and may constitute grounds for probation or suspension. In addition, students must have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA in order to graduate. Please note, individual departments may have more strenuous policies regarding low grades.

This policy should be considered as the minimum. Departments or programs may have more restrictive rules and regulations. Students should refer to the program section of the Catalog for more information regarding this policy.

Grievances

The University has established formal policies and processes to handle written student complaints and appeals. Generally the policies encourage students to resolve concerns at the initial level of concern when possible, i.e., working with the faculty member or program director to resolve an academic issue.

To file a complaint or appeal, please select from the list below:

1. Student Athlete Financial Aid — The nonrenewal of a student athlete’s financial aid award appeal process may be found in the ACU Student Athlete Handbook.
2. Title IX — Title IX information is included in the University’s Title IX website and in the Policy Statement on Sexual Harassment and Assault.
3. Student Life — Disciplinary decisions, harassment, discrimination, residence hall assignments, the residence hall living/learning experience and parking citations may be found in other sections of the Student Handbook or the Online Student Handbook.
4. Alpha Scholars — The student accommodations by Alpha Scholars appeal process may be found in the Alpha Scholars Program Student Handbook.
5. Academic Integrity — The academic integrity appeal process may be found in the Academic Integrity Policy.
6. University employee violations of policy or law — Reporting processes for financial improprieties, illegal practices or policy violations committed by university employees or agents may be found in the University’s Whistleblower Policy.
7. Academic policy or syllabus — A student alleging that a faculty or staff member has treated the student unfairly in regard to his or her academic work in a course for which he or she was registered by either:
   1. Violating university academic policy OR
   2. Violating course policy as stated in the syllabus

may complain of such alleged unfair treatment using the Student Complaint Policy.

8. Grade appeal policy - See the Grading Appeals section of the catalog.

All student complaints must first be addressed internally. If the internal resources have been exhausted and the complaint is not satisfactorily resolved, the student may file a complaint with the regulatory agency in the state that he or she is receiving instruction and/or the institution’s accrediting agency. Contact information for these agencies is below:

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Office of General Counsel
P.O. Box 12788
Austin, Texas 78711-2788

President, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Commission on Colleges
1866 Southern Lane
Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097

Preparing for Graduation

Graduation

• Students will receive an email with a link to the Application for Graduation. This form will allow the student to communicate their expected date of graduation to the Office of the Registrar.
• Students must apply for graduation even if they do not intend to participate in Commencement. The Application for Graduation should be submitted by October 1 for students planning to graduate at the end of the fall semester and by March 1 for students planning to graduate at the end of the spring semester or summer term.
• During the semester before graduation, students should review their DegreeWorks audit and visit with their academic advisor about the schedule for their last semester.
• Students should submit all transcripts for transfer work before their last semester.
• Students who do not complete graduation requirements in the semester in which they intended to graduate must declare a new graduation date with the Office of the Registrar.
• Students with incomplete grades will not be allowed to participate in the commencement ceremony.
• All holds on a student’s account must be removed before the student may purchase academic regalia, participate in commencement, or receive their diploma.
• Students may only participate in one commencement ceremony for each level of degree earned.
• Participation in the commencement ceremony does not confirm that a degree has been earned. The degree will only be awarded after all degree requirements have been completed.

Comprehensive Examination and Thesis/Dissertation Defense Requirements

In addition to regular course examinations, some programs require students to pass a comprehensive examination over their major field. The comprehensive exam should be arranged through the department and successfully completed six weeks before commencement. See specific program information for more details. The graduate student should consult his or her program director for specific program examination requirements and schedules, noting that summer schedules can make scheduling times difficult. See specific program information for more details.

Graduate students who write a thesis or dissertation will be required to defend their work in an oral examination. The thesis or dissertation should be successfully defended at least six weeks before commencement (some programs have specific examination dates, so the student should consult his/her department). The graduating student should consult his/her chair and committee for specific defense schedules, noting that summer schedules can make scheduling times difficult.

Degree Posting

When all requirements for the degree have been met, including submission of the final copy of the thesis or dissertation to the ACU Digital Commons, the degree will be posted, and a transcript showing the degree may be requested.