Graduate Policies

Admissions
International Student Admissions

Academic Policies, Procedures and Resources
Academic Definitions
Academic Integrity Policy
Academic Grievance Policy and Process
Academic Load
Academic Standing
Active and Inactive Status
Administrative Drop of a Student from a Course
Americans with Disabilities Act
Application for Graduation
Attendance Requirements
Commencement
Course and Program Time Limit
Credit Hour Definition
Cross-Level Listing and Cross-Listing Courses
Degree Plan
Double Degrees (Graduate)
Dropping a Class

Family Education Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA)
Final Assessments
Grade Appeal Process
Grading System and Grade Points
Graduate Degree Requirements
Institutional Review Board (Human Subjects in Research)
Internship Programs
Moody Library
Residency Requirement
Transfer Courses/Credit
Withdrawal from University Enrollment

Admissions

The goal of the admissions criteria is to promote the flourishing of the graduate students at HCU. We desire to help you find the best fit for your personal and spiritual growth. Graduate Admissions are handled by The Graduate School. Applicants for graduate degrees must submit an application and any other materials specified below.

Application for Admission to Graduate School

The prospective student must seek admission to The Graduate School in order to pursue graduate studies. Application and all details may be found online at HC.edu/Grad-Apply. Transcripts and other materials are required in support of the program application in addition to a current resume. See individual program requirements for further details. An undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution is required for admission to all graduate programs (see the requirements below for the MACL for an exception). However, the University will consider undergraduate degrees from other institutions on a case-by-case basis.

Non-Program Seeking Applicants

The Graduate School may admit students as non-degree seeking applicants who wish to take courses from one of our graduate programs but are not enrolled in one of our approved programs. Non-degree students, except some who are in an approved program, do not receive financial aid or scholarships. Admission requirements for non-degree seeking students vary depending on program.

Visiting Applicants

Visiting applicants are individuals who are enrolled in another institution and come to HCU to take courses. Visiting students do not receive financial aid or scholarships. Applicants are only required to submit a visiting application through the Office of Academic Records and a letter of good standing from the institution in which they are enrolled. For visiting students interested in taking only online courses, please visit “Online Learning Opportunities at HCU” and click on “Apply Now” to create an undergraduate or graduate online student application.

Incomplete Applications

There are occasions when students may be admitted for up to one semester with an incomplete application. Students admitted in such a way are expected to submit any missing items before the end of their first semester if they desire to continue into another semester. Students who have an incomplete application cannot take a course that is only for state licensure or certification programs.

International Students

International students should refer to the International Admissions section of the HCU website for details on additional admission requirements, HC.edu/International. Holders of 3-year bachelor’s degrees from outside the United States may be considered for graduate admission.

Permanent Resident Statement

Any applicant who has Permanent Resident or Resident Alien status must provide a copy of his or her green card to The Graduate School. If the applicant has not completed more than two (2) years of college work at a regionally accredited institution within the United States, he or she may be required to submit proof of English proficiency.

Admissions Review

When a candidate completes his or her application to the HCU Graduate School, the staff begins a comprehensive, holistic review. In a holistic review process, HCU considers the applicant as a whole individual, not merely select parts such as GPA or test scores. In doing so, The Graduate School director of admissions evaluates applicants based on who will contribute to HCU’s academic community in meaningful ways. Holistic review takes into account factors such as a student’s strength of undergraduate coursework, work experience, test scores, academic and professional goals, unique talents, and personality. By evaluating an application from a holistic perspective, we take the time to get to know applicants as people, not as numbers.

After a holistic review for applicants who are within 10% of a required GPA or test score requirement, or who have other compelling strengths in their application that suggest they should be reviewed by GARB, The Graduate School may offer conditional admission or review by the Graduate Admissions Review Board at the discretion of the director of graduate admissions. In addition, meeting the basic criteria below does not guarantee admission.

Students conditionally or provisionally admitted must enroll in at least 5 hours and achieve at least at 3.0 (depending on the program) or higher GPA during their first term to maintain admission to the program. If a student does not meet the minimum required GPA for their conditional acceptance, they will not be able to move forward in their program.”

Application Deadline

Students may apply for admission to The Graduate School throughout the year. Refer to the website, HC.edu/Grad-Apply for deadlines. Please note scholarship deadlines are prior to the final application deadline. Waiting until the deadline does not guarantee course availability. Not all degree programs may be entered every semester. For international applicants, The Graduate School should receive all credentials (application, GRE-TOEFL scores, foreign transcript evaluation reports, recommendations, resume, written statements, etc.) at least 60 days prior to the application deadline for the intended start term.

Re-Entry Admissions

A Re-Entry student is any student who has been placed on suspension as a result of an academic or disciplinary action. Students who have been suspended for disciplinary reasons must contact the Student Life Department for re-entry requirements. Online students should complete the Re-entry application found at HC.edu/Returning and include the requirements stated under “Re-entry Student”. Students desiring to return from academic suspension should see the Academic Standing section of the catalog.

Returning Student Admission

A returning student is any student who previously attended Houston Christian University, voluntarily left HCU in good standing, and has not been enrolled in the previous academic year.

A returning student application must be completed and turned in to the Office of Academic Records at least seven (7) working days prior to the start of the semester a student plans to return. The returning student application may be found online at HC.edu/Returning.
If the student attended another college or university while separated from HCU, the student must request official transcripts be sent from the former institution directly to the Office of Academic Records at HCU. Faxes or photocopies, while not official, may be used to provide an initial admissions decision. The cumulative grade point average for returning students with additional college hours should at least be a 3.0.
A returning student must resolve any prior balances and/or holds before being readmitted by the Office of Academic Records.

Occasionally some residential classes may be open to members of the community to audit. In those cases, admission is based on procedures for signing up for the particular class and no grade is given for any student auditing the course. Auditing students are not expected to do the assignments in a course and auditing students should not expect professor feedback on any work they do. Auditing students are not assigned an H# and are not HCU students; a grade will not be assigned and the course will not appear on a transcript. The fee for auditing a class is set on a case by case basis.

Admission Requirements
All graduate degrees and certificates require the following documents unless otherwise noted:

Official Transcripts – Official transcripts should be sent directly to The Graduate School from the college or university that awarded your bachelor’s degree. All completed documents must be submitted to the HCU Graduate Admissions office via email at GradAdmissions@HBU.edu, fax (281) 649-3390, or mail:

The Graduate School
Houston Christian University
7502 Fondren Rd.
Houston, TX, 77074.

Program of Study – Additional Materials

Doctoral
Doctor of Education – Executive Educational Leadership
Doctor of Education – Special Education Leadership
*Master’s degree required

Master’s Research Paper – Applicants must submit a 5-7 page master’s level research paper that was written and graded during their master’s program (not including the cover page and reference pages). The submission must be a research paper covering any topic and should be authored only by the applicant. If applicants do not have a paper to submit, the Graduate Admissions office will then send a writing prompt to the applicant to complete and submit instead.
Official Transcripts – Official transcripts should be sent directly to The Graduate School from the college or university that awarded their master’s degree.
Resume & Service Record – Applicants must provide a current resume and service record. Applicants must have completed at least three (3) full-time professional years at an accredited school, university, or agency.
References – Applicants must provide reference information on their application for the following:
- Two (2) administrators from the school district or agency at a current place of employment (references from university administrators from former places of employment may be accepted. Include an explanation.).
- One (1) current or former graduate professor (references from alternate administrators may be accepted. Include an explanation.).
Superintendent Certification – Applicants seeking a superintendent certification must submit the following additional document to be considered for admission:
- Copy of Principal Certification issued by State Board of Educator Certification
Processing fee – Applicants will be required to submit a $35.00 processing fee, payable online at HC.edu/GradAppFee, or by check or money order.
Interview -An admission interview is required.
Other items may be requested.
The interview and writing sample are to insure adequate preparation for doctoral work and to comply with the following TAC §227.10(a)(8) Admission Requirements: An applicant must…participate in either an interview or other screening instrument to determine if the EPP applicant’s knowledge, experience, skills, and aptitude are appropriate for the certification sought. Note: Principal & Superintendent must complete 2 or more screening instruments. The screening instrument must evaluate with a cut score or a rubric that includes descriptions of levels of performance quality based on a coherent set of criteria. School Counselors will need to participate in the EPP interview.

Doctor of Education in Executive Leadership for Mental Health & Human Services
*Master’s degree required

Master’s Research Paper – Applicants must submit a 5-7 page master’s level research paper (not including the cover page and reference pages) that was written and graded during their master’s program. The submission must be a research paper covering any topic and should be authored only by the applicant. If applicants do not have a paper to submit, the Graduate Admissions office will then send a writing prompt to the applicant to complete and submit instead.
Official Transcripts – Official transcripts should be sent directly to The Graduate School from the college or university that awarded their master’s degree.
Resume & Service Record – Applicants must provide a current resume and service record.
References – Applicants must provide reference information on their application for the following:
- Two (2) professional references (references from university administrators may be accepted. Include an explanation.)
- One (1) current or former graduate professor (references from alternate administrators may be accepted. Include an explanation.)
Processing fee – Applicants will be required to submit a $35.00 processing fee, payable online at HC.edu/GradAppFee, or by check or money order
Interview -An admission interview is required.
Other items may be requested.
The interview and writing sample are to insure adequate preparation for doctoral work and to comply with the following TAC §227.10(a)(8) Admission Requirements: An applicant must…participate in either an interview or other screening instrument to determine if the EPP applicant’s knowledge, experience, skills, and aptitude are appropriate for the certification sought. Note: Principal & Superintendent must complete 2 or more screening instruments. The screening instrument must evaluate with a cut score or a rubric that includes descriptions of levels of performance quality based on a coherent set of criteria. School Counselors will need to participate in the EPP interview.

Doctor of Ministry
*Master’s Degree Required

Official Transcripts – Official transcripts should be sent directly to The Graduate School from the college or university that awarded the applicant’s master’s degree.
Ministry Experience – Applicants must have three (3) or more years of full-time ministry experience or have completed at least eight (8) hours of internship/ministry practicum courses.
Personal Statement – Applicants should submit a personal statement, at least 800 words, addressing the following prompts:
- Please describe your relationship with Jesus Christ.
- Please describe your calling to ministry and how you have followed that call.
- Why are you interested in HCU’s DMin program?
- Do you have an intended area of focus for your studies?
Resume/CV – Email a current resume or CV with at least two references to The Graduate School at GradAdmissions@HBU.edu.
References – Applicants must provide contact information for two (2) references on their application. One of these MUST be a pastoral reference or from a commanding officer (for military chaplains). The other reference must be a professional or academic contact. Friends and family members should not be listed as references.
Processing Fee – Applicants will be required to submit a $35.00 processing fee, payable online at HC.edu/DMinAppFee, or by check or money order
Interview – An admission interview is required.
Other items may be requested.

Master’s
Master of Arts in Apologetics

Personal Statement – Students should submit a personal statement, between 300 and 500 words, sharing their desire to attend The HCU Graduate School and how they feel a degree from HCU will assist them in their academic and professional careers.
Resume/CV – Email a current resume or CV with at least two references to The Graduate School at GradAdmissions@HBU.edu. References should be professional or academic contacts.

Master of Arts in Biblical Languages
*Fall and Spring admission only

Personal Statement – Students should submit a personal statement, between 300 and 500 words, sharing their desire to attend The HCU Graduate School and how they feel a degree from HCU will assist them in their academic and professional careers.
Resume/CV – Email a current resume or CV with at least two references to The Graduate School at GradAdmissions@HBU.edu. References should be professional or academic contacts.
Language Study – Candidates should have significant undergraduate coursework in a biblical language(s). Candidates coming in without coursework in biblical languages will be required to complete the necessary leveling courses.

Master of Arts in Christian Counseling

Additional Transcripts – Applicants pursuing licensure, are required to submit ALL of their transcripts to the Graduate School.
Resume/CV – Email a current resume or CV with at least two references to The Graduate School at GradAdmissions@HBU.edu. References should be professional or academic contacts.
Personal Statement – Students should submit a personal statement, between 300 and 500 words, sharing their desire to attend The HCU Graduate School and how they feel a degree from HCU will assist them in their academic and professional careers.

Master of Arts in Christian Leadership

Personal Statement – Students should submit a personal statement, between 300 and 500 words, sharing the student’s interest in attending HCU. The statement should indicate the student’s faith in Jesus Christ and general agreement with the University’s preamble.
Resume/CV – Email a current resume or CV with at least two references to The Graduate School at GradAdmissions@HBU.edu. References should be professional or academic contacts.
In limited circumstances a candidate without a bachelor’s degree may be admitted to this program. An admission interview will be required. The School of Christian Thought will assess the candidate’s suitability for the MACL, and the candidate may be required to take classes above and beyond the core MACL curriculum (see the MACL degree plan for details). Candidates without a bachelor’s degree must have extensive ministry experience and be prepared for graduate theological study. Only a limited number of candidates will be admitted this way each year.

Master of Arts in Christian Psychology

Additional Transcripts – Applicants pursuing licensure, are required to submit ALL of their transcripts to the Graduate School.
Resume/CV – Email a current resume or CV with at least two references to The Graduate School at GradAdmissions@HBU.edu. References should be professional or academic contacts.
Personal Statement – Students should submit a personal statement, between 300 and 500 words, sharing their desire to attend The HCU Graduate School and how they feel a degree from HCU will assist them in their academic and professional careers.

Master of Arts in Christian Psychological Studies:

Additional Transcripts – Applicants pursuing licensure, are required to submit ALL of their transcripts to the Graduate School.
Resume/CV – Email a current resume or CV with at least two references to The Graduate School at GradAdmissions@HBU.edu. References should be professional or academic contacts.
Personal Statement – Students should submit a personal statement, between 300 and 500 words, sharing their desire to attend The HCU Graduate School and how they feel a degree from HCU will assist them in their academic and professional careers.

Master of Arts in Classics and Early Christianity

Personal Statement – Students should submit a personal statement, between 300 and 500 words, sharing their desire to attend The HCU Graduate School and how they feel a degree from HCU will assist them in their academic and professional careers.
Resume/CV – Email a current resume or CV with at least two references to The Graduate School at GradAdmissions@HBU.edu. References should be professional or academic contacts.

Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Additional Transcripts – Applicants pursuing licensure, are required to submit ALL of their transcripts to the Graduate School.
Resume/CV – Email a current resume or CV with at least two references to The Graduate School at GradAdmissions@HBU.edu. References should be professional or academic contacts.
Personal Statement – Students should submit a personal statement, between 300 and 500 words, sharing their desire to attend The HCU Graduate School and how they feel a degree from HCU will assist them in their academic and professional careers.

Master of Arts in History

Personal Statement – Students should submit a personal statement, between 300 and 500 words, sharing their desire to attend The HCU Graduate School and how they feel a degree from HCU will assist them in their academic and professional careers.
Resume/CV – Email a current resume or CV with at least two references to The Graduate School at GradAdmissions@HBU.edu. References should be professional or academic contacts.

Master of Arts in Human Services

Resume/CV – Email a current resume or CV with at least two references to The Graduate School at GradAdmissions@HBU.edu. References should be professional or academic contacts.

Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy

Additional Transcripts – Applicants pursuing licensure, are required to submit ALL of their transcripts to the Graduate School.
Resume/CV – Email a current resume or CV with at least two references to The Graduate School at GradAdmissions@HBU.edu. References should be professional or academic contacts.
Personal Statement – Students should submit a personal statement, between 300 and 500 words, sharing their desire to attend The HCU Graduate School and how they feel a degree from HCU will assist them in their academic and professional careers.

Master of Arts in Philosophy

Personal Statement – Students should submit a personal statement, between 300 and 500 words, sharing their desire to attend The HCU Graduate School and how they feel a degree from HCU will assist them in their academic and professional careers.
Resume/CV – Email a current resume or CV with at least two references to The Graduate School at GradAdmissions@HBU.edu. References should be professional or academic contacts.

Master of Arts in Psychology

Resume/CV – Email a current resume or CV with at least two references to The Graduate School at GradAdmissions@HBU.edu. References should be professional or academic contacts.

Master of Arts in Psychology with SSP

Additional Transcripts – Applicants pursuing licensure are required to submit ALL of their transcripts to the Graduate School.
Resume/CV – Email a current resume or CV with at least two references to The Graduate School at GradAdmissions@HBU.edu. References should be professional or academic contacts.
Personal Statement – Students should submit a personal statement, between 300 and 500 words, sharing their desire to attend The HCU Graduate School and how they feel a degree from HCU will assist them in their academic and professional careers.

Master of Arts in Theological Studies

Personal Statement – Applicants should submit a personal statement, between 300 and 500 words, sharing their desire to attend The HCU Graduate School and how they feel a degree from HCU will assist them in their academic and professional careers.
Resume/CV – Email a current resume or CV with at least two references to The Graduate School at GradAdmissions@HBU.edu. References should be professional or academic contacts.

Master of Business Administration

Personal Statement – Applicants should submit a personal statement, between 300 and 500 words, sharing their desire to attend The HCU Graduate School and how they feel a degree from HCU will assist them in their academic and professional careers.
Resume/CV – Email a current resume or CV with at least two references to The Graduate School at GradAdmissions@HBU.edu. References should be professional or academic contacts.
Peregrine Assessment – Applicants are required to complete the Peregrine Assessment before registration but it is not factored into admission decisions.
Foundation Requirements – To earn a graduate business degree, 36-48 semester hours are required, depending on previous academic work. See degree plan for more details.

Master of Divinity

Personal Statement – Applicants should submit a personal statement, between 300 and 500 words, sharing the student’s interest in attending HCU. The statement should indicate the student’s faith in Jesus Christ and general agreement with the University’s preamble.
Resume/CV – Email a current resume or CV with at least two references to The Graduate School at GradAdmissions@HBU.edu. References should be professional or academic contacts.

Master of Education

Additional Transcripts – Individuals applying to be certified in a content area, are required to submit ALL of their transcripts to The Graduate School.
References – Applicants must provide contact information for two (2) references on their application. References must be a principal or supervisor, parent of a taught student, or colleague. One must be for a campus or school district leader if applicant is a certified teacher. Friends and family members should not be listed as references.
Resume/CV and Service Record – Applicants must provide a current resume and an official school district, charter, or independent school service record. Some specializations may require a specific length of work experience as shown on the service record. Documents may be sent to The Graduate School at GradAdmissions@HBU.edu.
Interview – An admission interview may be required.
Certain specializations may have additional requirements. Contact your graduate admissions coordinator for more information.
The interview and writing sample are to insure adequate preparation for doctoral work and to comply with the following TAC §227.10(a)(8) Admission Requirements: An applicant must…participate in either an interview or other screening instrument to determine if the EPP applicant’s knowledge, experience, skills, and aptitude are appropriate for the certification sought. Note: Principal & Superintendent must complete 2 or more screening instruments. The screening instrument must evaluate with a cut score or a rubric that includes descriptions of levels of performance quality based on a coherent set of criteria. School Counselors will need to participate in the EPP interview.

Principal Certification

Resume & Service Record – Applicants must provide a current resume and an official school district, charter, or independent school service record. Applicants must have completed at least two (2) full-time professional years at an accredited school, university, or agency.
Teaching Certificate – Applicants must provide a copy of their current Texas or out of state teaching certificate.
References – Applicants must provide contact information for two (2) references on their application. References must be a principal or supervisor, parent of a taught student, or colleague. One must be for a campus or school district leader if applicant is a certified teacher. Friends and family members should not be listed as references.
Interview – An admission interview is required.
The interview and writing sample are to insure adequate preparation for doctoral work and to comply with the following TAC §227.10(a)(8) Admission Requirements: An applicant must…participate in either an interview or other screening instrument to determine if the EPP applicant’s knowledge, experience, skills, and aptitude are appropriate for the certification sought. Note: Principal & Superintendent must complete 2 or more screening instruments. The screening instrument must evaluate with a cut score or a rubric that includes descriptions of levels of performance quality based on a coherent set of criteria. School Counselors will need to participate in the EPP interview.

Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing

Personal Statement – Applicants should submit a personal statement, between 300 and 500 words, sharing their desire to attend The HCU Graduate School and how they feel a degree from HCU will assist them in their academic and professional careers.
Resume/CV – Email a current resume or CV with at least two references to The Graduate School at GradAdmissions@HBU.edu. References should be professional or academic contacts.
Writing Portfolio – Please submit an email attachment with 2-3 samples of your best writing. Your writing sample must be at least 10-15 pages in length for poetry or 20-30 pages in length for fiction, which may contain one story, multiple stories or excerpts. Additional work from other genres may be included as well. You may email your portfolio to GradAdmissions@HBU.edu or mail a hard copy.

Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting

Personal Statement – Applicants should submit a personal statement, between 300 and 500 words, sharing their desire to attend The HCU Graduate School and how they feel a degree from HCU will assist them in their academic and professional careers.
Resume/CV – Email a current resume or CV with at least two references to The Graduate School at GradAdmissions@HBU.edu. References should be professional or academic contacts.
Writing Portfolio – Please submit an email attachment with 2-3 samples of your best writing. Your total submission must be at least 30-50 pages in length and may contain multiple short scripts or excerpts. Additional work from other genres may be included as well. You may email your portfolio to GradAdmissions@HBU.edu or mail a hard copy.

Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art
*Fall admission only

Personal Statement – Applicants should submit a personal statement, between 300 and 500 words, sharing their desire to attend The HCU Graduate School and how they feel a degree from HCU will assist them in their academic and professional careers.
Resume/CV – Email a current resume or CV with at least two references to The Graduate School at GradAdmissions@HBU.edu. References should be professional or academic contacts.
Digital Portfolio – Please submit a flash drive, CD or DVD with 20-30 high-resolution, JPEG samples of your work. You may mail your flash drive, CD or DVD to The Graduate School.

Master of Liberal Arts

Personal Statement – Applicants should submit a personal statement, between 300 and 500 words, sharing their desire to attend The HCU Graduate School and how they feel a degree from HCU will assist them in their academic and professional careers.
Resume/CV – Email a current resume or CV with at least two references to The Graduate School at GradAdmissions@HBU.edu. References should be professional or academic contacts.

Master of Science in Human Resources Management

Personal Statement – Applicants should submit a personal statement, between 300 and 500 words, sharing their desire to attend The HCU Graduate School and how they feel a degree from HCU will assist them in their academic and professional careers.
Resume/CV – Email a current resume or CV with at least two references to The Graduate School at GradAdmissions@HBU.edu. References should be professional or academic contacts.
Foundation Requirements – To earn a graduate business degree, 36-48 semester hours are required, depending on previous academic work. See degree plan for more details.
Peregrine Assessment – Applicants are required to complete the Peregrine Assessment prior to registration but it is not factored into admission decisions.

Master of Science in Management and Entrepreneurship

Personal Statement – Applicants should submit a personal statement, between 300 and 500 words, sharing their desire to attend The HCU Graduate School and how they feel a degree from HCU will assist them in their academic and professional careers.
Resume/CV – Email a current resume or CV with at least two references to The Graduate School at GradAdmissions@HBU.edu. References should be professional or academic contacts.

Master of Science in Kinesiology – Sport Management
* Fall and Spring admission only

Resume/CV – Email a current resume or CV with at least two references to The Graduate School at GradAdmissions@HBU.edu. References should be professional or academic contacts.

Master of Science in Nursing, Track: Family Nurse Practitioner

A Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from an accredited school of nursing in the United States.
Unencumbered RN license where clinical or practicum coursework is completed.
- FNP Track – must be an unencumbered Texas RN license
Work experience – one or more years of work experience as an RN
GPA – 3.0 GPA or above.
Resume/CV – Email a current resume or CV to The Graduate School at GradAdmissions@HBU.edu identifying appropriate objective related to graduate education.
Interview – An admission interview may be required with MSN or Track Director.

Master of Science in Nursing, Track: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

A Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from an accredited school of nursing in the United States.
Unencumbered RN license where clinical or practicum coursework is completed.
- PNP Track – must be an unencumbered Texas RN license
Work experience – one or more years of work experience as an RN
GPA – 3.0 GPA or above.
Resume/CV – Email a current resume or CV to The Graduate School at GradAdmissions@HBU.edu identifying appropriate objective related to graduate education.
Interview – An admission interview may be required with MSN or Track Director.

Master of Science in Nursing, Track: Nurse Leader

A Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from an accredited school of nursing in the United States.
Unencumbered RN license where clinical or practicum coursework is completed.
Work experience – one or more years of work experience as an RN
GPA – 3.0 GPA or above.
Resume/CV – Email a current resume or CV to The Graduate School at GradAdmissions@HBU.edu identifying appropriate objective related to graduate education.
Interview – An admission interview may be required with MSN or Track Director.

Master of Science in Nursing, Track: Nurse Educator

A Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from an accredited school of nursing in the United States.
Unencumbered RN license where clinical or practicum coursework is completed.
Work experience – one or more years of work experience as an RN
GPA – 3.0 GPA or above.
Resume/CV – Email a current resume or CV to The Graduate School at GradAdmissions@HBU.edu identifying appropriate objective related to graduate education.
Interview – An admission interview may be required with MSN or Track Director.

Certifications/Certificates
Alternative Certification Program

Additional Transcripts – Applicants pursuing content area certification are required to submit ALL of their transcripts to The Graduate School.
References – Applicants must provide contact information for two (2) references on their application. References must be a principal or supervisor, parent of a taught student, or colleague. One must be for a campus or school district leader if applicant is a certified teacher. Friends and family members should not be listed as references.
Resume/CV – Email a current resume or CV to The Graduate School at GradAdmissions@HBU.edu.
Interview – An admission interview is required.
The interview and writing sample are to insure adequate preparation for doctoral work and to comply with the following TAC §227.10(a)(8) Admission Requirements: An applicant must…participate in either an interview or other screening instrument to determine if the EPP applicant’s knowledge, experience, skills, and aptitude are appropriate for the certification sought. Note: Principal & Superintendent must complete 2 or more screening instruments. The screening instrument must evaluate with a cut score or a rubric that includes descriptions of levels of performance quality based on a coherent set of criteria. School Counselors will need to participate in the EPP interview.

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) License:
**Applicants who have previously earned a master’s degree with psychology or counseling in the name can return to HCU to take the additional courses needed to gain their LPC certification.

Additional Transcripts – Applicants pursuing licensure are required to submit ALL of their transcripts to The Graduate School.
Resume/CV – Email a current resume or CV with at least two references to The Graduate School at GradAdmissions@HBU.edu. References should be professional or academic contacts.

Specialist in School Psychology (SSP) License:
**Applicants who have previously earned a master’s degree with psychology or counseling in the name can return to HCU to take the additional courses needed to gain their LSSP certifications.

Additional Transcripts – Applicants pursuing licensure are required to submit ALL of their transcripts to The Graduate School.
Resume/CV – Email a current resume or CV with at least two references to The Graduate School at GradAdmissions@HBU.edu. References should be professional or academic contacts.

Superintendent Certification:
*Master’s degree required

Personal Statement – Applicants must write a personal statement, not to exceed 1,000 words. The statement must include the following:
- Reasons for pursuing the doctoral program;
- Career goals and how the Executive Educational Leadership doctoral program will help in meeting the established goals; and
- Experiences that relate the student’s aptitude for the doctoral program.
Resume & Service Record – Applicants must provide a current resume and service record. Applicants must have completed at least three (3) full-time professional years at an accredited school, university, or agency.
References – Applicants must provide reference information on their application for the following:
- Two (2) administrators from the school district or agency at a current place of employment (references from university administrators from former places of employment may be accepted. Include an explanation.).
- One (1) current or former graduate professor (references from alternate administrators may be accepted. Include an explanation.).
Copy of Principal Certification issued by State Board of Educator Certification
Interview – An admission interview is required.
Other items may be requested.
The interview and writing sample are to insure adequate preparation for doctoral work and to comply with the following TAC §227.10(a)(8) Admission Requirements: An applicant must…participate in either an interview or other screening instrument to determine if the EPP applicant’s knowledge, experience, skills, and aptitude are appropriate for the certification sought. Note: Principal & Superintendent must complete 2 or more screening instruments. The screening instrument must evaluate with a cut score or a rubric that includes descriptions of levels of performance quality based on a coherent set of criteria. School Counselors will need to participate in the EPP interview.

12-hour Certificate Programs:
All certificate programs require the following documents:

Official Transcripts – Official Transcripts should be sent directly to The Graduate School from the college or university that awarded your bachelor’s degree.
Personal Statement – Applicants should submit a personal statement, between 300 and 500 words, sharing their desire to attend The HCU Graduate School and how they feel a certificate from HCU will assist them in their academic and professional careers.

MSN Nurse Leader Certificate:

A Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from an accredited school of nursing in the United States.
Unencumbered RN license where clinical or practicum coursework is completed.
Work experience – one or more years of work experience as an RN.
GPA – 3.0 GPA or above.
Resume/CV – Email a current resume or CV to The Graduate School at GradAdmissions@HBU.edu identifying appropriate objective related to graduate education.
Interview – An admission interview may be required with MSN or Track Director.

MSN Nurse Educator Certificate:

A Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from an accredited school of nursing in the United States.
Unencumbered RN license where clinical or practicum coursework is completed.
Work experience – one or more years of work experience as an RN.
GPA – 3.0 GPA or above.
Resume/CV – Email a current resume or CV to The Graduate School at GradAdmissions@HBU.edu identifying appropriate objective related to graduate education.
Interview – An admission interview may be required with MSN or Track Director.

Pre-Health Post Baccalaureate Coursework:

Official Transcripts – Official transcripts should be sent directly to The Graduate School from the college of university that awarded the applicant’s bachelor’s degree. Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in their conferred degree.
Personal Statement – Applicants should submit a personal statement, between 300 and 500 words, sharing their desire to attend the HCU Graduate School, and how they feel this certificate will assist them in their academic and professional careers.
Resume/CV – Email a current resume or CV with at least two references to The Graduate School at GradAdmissions@HBU.edu. References should be professional or academic contacts.

International Student Admissions

An international student is defined as any student wanting to attend the University who does not have the classification of United States citizen, permanent resident status as defined by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), or considered undocumented. This student will attend HCU on a non-immigrant visa status, e.g., F-1, H-4, L-2, A-1, etc. An individual’s immigration status determines whether the student must attend full-time. More detailed information can be obtained by contacting the Office of International Student Services at 281-649-3292 or e-mail to GoGlobal@HBU.eduor visit HC.edu/International. All documents must be on file prior to admission consideration for graduate students. All academic documents must be on file for undergraduate students prior to enrolling, and they will not be able to attend class until all of the immigration documents have been satisfactorily submitted. HCU assumes ownership of all documents.

Application for admission must be completed and returned to the appropriate admissions department (Undergraduate Admissions Office or Graduate Admissions). Online submission of an application is strongly encouraged. Paper versions of our application can also be provided upon request. The Graduate School does not have a paper copy of the application; prospective students will complete an online application.
An official transcript must be submitted showing graduation from a secondary school or its equivalent for undergraduate applicants. An official transcript showing a degree from an regionally accredited college or university must be submitted for graduate admissions as well as official copies of transcripts from each post-secondary institution attended. Any undergraduate or graduate applicant who has attended a college or university outside the United States must have his or her transcripts sent to a university approved foreign evaluation service for a course-by-course evaluation and a grade point average calculation. A copy of the evaluation must be sent directly to HCU from the evaluation service. Freshman applicants must also complete this process of evaluation for all foreign high school transcripts. Names of approved evaluation services are available at HC.edu/International. The transferring undergraduate student should have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale for all undergraduate work. A graduate student applicant must meet the minimum grade point requirements of the specific graduate program.

In considering credit by transfer from other institutions, HCU places a premium on credits from regionally accredited institutions. However, HCU will also consider a request for transfer credit from institutions that are not regionally accredited. Applicants must submit transcripts from all institutions attended whether institutionally accredited or non-accredited. See the section entitled “Transfer Courses/Credits” for information regarding transfer policies for graduate students.

All international applicants must submit copies of all relevant immigration documents, including passport, visa, and I-94. Please refer to the International Admissions page of the HCU website for detailed information and requirements.
Please see the “Graduate Admissions” section of this catalog for the specific requirements as they relate to the appropriate graduate program of interest.

For Current or Seeking F-1 Students

Affidavit of Support: International students must submit documentation verifying financial support.

Completed financial affidavit with a witness certifying the signature of the person providing the support. The amount of support that should be written on the financial affidavit for a single person is available at HC.edu/International. If the student’s dependents will travel to the U.S. with the student, add an additional $5,000* per person for one year to the specific program amount.

A copy of the bank account (for three of the last six months) of the person providing the support or a letter from a bank confirming the required funds are available to the student while studying in the U.S.

English Proficiency: Holders of F-1 student visas will be required to demonstrate English proficiency in one of the following ways:

Minimum SAT/ACT/IELTS/TOEFL/Duolingo/PTE Academic scores found at HC.edu/international
Successful completion of English Composition of I & II (or higher) from an institutionally accredited institution
Successful completion of the English Language Program at one of the HCU;S partner English Language Schools. A list can be found at HC.edu/international.
Completion of a bachelor’s degree or higher from a university whose instruction was conducted in English
High school diploma earned in the United States
Citizenship from one of the exempt countries listed at HC.edu/International

Immigration Documentation: Students currently on an F-1 visa must submit a copy of visa, passport, I-94 and current I-20. Students seeking F-1 visa status are required to submit a valid copy of the student’s passport.

Health Insurance: All F-1 international students are required to have medical insurance which is valid in the United States. Their coverage should include repatriation and medical evacuation, an ID card in English, and a claims submission address in the United States.

Students will be issued a form I-20 after the University receives all required documents and fees and the student has been accepted by the Admissions Office.

Visa classifications other than an F-1 student visa; please contact the office of International Student Services at (281) 649-3292 or by e-mail at GoGlobal@HBU.edu.

Academic Policies, Procedures and Resources

Academic Definitions

Degree Program
A degree program is a prescribed set of courses culminating in an academic award of a baccalaureate, master, or doctorate. The baccalaureate requires a minimum of 120 undergraduate semester credit hours. The master requires a minimum of 30 graduate semester credit hours. The doctorate requires a minimum of 30 semester credit hours at the doctoral level. The University’s post-baccalaureate professional degree programs, master’s and doctoral degrees contain progressively advanced academic content beyond the requirements at the undergraduate level.

Academic Certificate
A prescribed set of courses that do not culminate in an academic degree, but could constitute the recognition of a certificate awarded when approved by the University as a stand-alone-award; the minimum requirement for a certificate is 9 semester hours.

Academic Major
At the undergraduate level, an academic major is a prescribed set of courses in a chosen discipline that includes a course of study which goes beyond general education requirements and leads to a baccalaureate degree; the minimum requirement is 30 semester credit hours. At the graduate level, an academic major refers to a track or set of prescribed courses for an area of specialization within the graduate degree program, beyond the degree program core requirements, which provides students a concentrated focus and emphasis for study within the professional degree; the minimum requirement is 24 semester credit hours.

Academic Concentration
A prescribed and focused course of study within an academic major; minimum requirement 9 semester hours, which does not lead to an academic degree or certificate.

Academic Minor
A prescribed and focused course of study outside of the student’s academic major; minimum requirement 12 semester hours.

Course Level
Courses designated 1000 or 2000 level should be appropriate for students taking a class in the discipline for the first time while courses in the 3000 or 4000 level should rely on some previous training in the field of study in the majority of students’ circumstances. Graduate work should be given a number of 5, 6, or 7 with 5000 level courses typical for initial graduate study and 7000 level courses reserved for those courses that are only taken by doctoral students. In each of these cases it is expected that faculty will develop student learning outcomes and assign learning resources and assessments at the level designated by the course number. Discussion of the appropriate course level should be part of the approval process and be documented in departmental minutes.

Academic Integrity Policy

Academic integrity is valued at HCU and is at the very heart of the nature of the University as a Christian Liberal Arts Institution. It is the responsibility of all students, faculty, and staff to demonstrate academic integrity. The Academic Integrity policy is designed to promote “the development of moral character, the enrichment of spiritual lives, and the perpetuation of growth in Christian ideals” (HCU Preamble).

Upholding academic integrity provides experience that develops students to act with integrity in all areas of their lives. It is not considered “grace” to allow students to bend rules or act unethically without consequence; to do so violates faculty and staff’s obligation to “train the mind, develop the moral character, and enrich the spiritual lives” (HCU Preamble) of students. However, the University is committed to responding in a redemptive manner, seeking to balance compassion with accountability. Students can expect to be treated with Christian love as they deal with alleged academic integrity matters.

In practice, academic integrity means holding oneself to the highest ethical standard in all academic pursuits – doing all individual work alone, relying on one’s own knowledge during assessments, engaging truthfully with others, following all university policies and procedures, and encouraging this behavior in fellow students and throughout the HCU community. All academic integrity matters are to be documented in Advocate on the HCU portal which is accessed by clicking on the “Advocate” button.

Academic integrity is violated when academic dishonesty or misconduct has occurred. As a Christian university, HCU views any act of academic dishonesty as a violation of the University’s fundamental principles. Academic dishonesty occurs when a student:

submits the work or record of someone else as his/her own;
copies another’s quiz or exam answers, laboratory work, or written assignments (e.g., homework);
willfully cooperates with or seeks aid from another student during an academic assessment;
has special information for use in an evaluation activity that is not available to other students in the same activity;
accesses unauthorized materials during an exam (e.g., cell phone, textbook, prohibited calculators)
copies, uses, buys, sells, or otherwise shares any part of an academic assessment (e.g., an exam);
works together with other students on assignments that are clearly intended to be individual in nature;
prepares assignments (e.g., papers) for another student to turn in as his/her own work;
submits work as his/her own when it is not (i.e., plagiarism). This includes quoting or paraphrasing another’s work or ideas without citing and referencing appropriately;
submits work for one class that has largely been prepared for and submitted for a grade in another class;
falsifies or fabricates data or information;
falsifies or fabricates fieldwork documentation (e.g., internship hours).

Other forms of academic misconduct include:

destroying, concealing, stealing, or otherwise abusing resource materials (e.g., library books);
computer misuse, including illegal use or destruction of computer software or hardware, downloading, emailing, or otherwise accessing unauthorized material (e.g., pornographic content, gambling programs), accessing any computer through a login that belongs to someone else, or otherwise engaging in inappropriate or illegal activity (e.g., hacking, tampering with network, harassment) including the aforementioned using HCU Wi-Fi;
unauthorized copying or distribution of copyrighted materials;
engaging in research activities with human subjects without the approval of the Institutional Review Board;
classroom misconduct, i.e., any conduct which is disrespectful, harassing, aggressive, or otherwise substantially disrupts the progress of the class in the judgment of the faculty member.

The faculty member is responsible for notifying students in every class at the beginning of each term about the Academic Integrity Policy by including the policy in every course syllabus. Students are responsible for knowing and following the policy in all cases. The faculty member or academic administrative officer is responsible for establishing clearly whether academic dishonesty or misconduct has occurred.

The process is to be redemptive in nature. As directed by the faculty member, the student could correct and resubmit the assignment in question or receive a failing grade for the assignment in question. At the sole discretion of the faculty member, the student may be directed to resubmit the assignment in question or the student may receive a failing grade for the assignment in question. However, failing the course specifically as a result of the alleged violation is not an option (although when the grade for the assignment is calculated with grades for all assignments in the course, the result could be failing the course). In all cases, the faculty member shall report the incident to the dean of the college.

The student may appeal the action by following the process outlined in the Academic Grievance Policy and Process. Once an investigation into an alleged violation of academic integrity has begun, the student may not receive a grade of “W” for the course in which the alleged violation occurred. The student should be aware that suspension from the University or other administrative action may be taken in cases of academic dishonesty or misconduct, including but not limited to a pattern of academic dishonesty or misconduct. A decision to suspend a student is made by the Office of the Provost. Inclusion in the HCU Catalog is considered sufficient notice to all students of University policy and procedures regarding this matter.

Academic Grievance Policy and Process

A student may file an academic grievance if he or she believes a grade was awarded improperly or for any academic grievance matter. The process for making a grievance is described below and must be followed by all parties in order to resolve a dispute. While the grievance is in step 1 or step 2 it is considered an informal grievance and at step 3 it is considered a formal grievance. Chairs should keep documentation of written complaints as part of step 2 and the Advocate system is used to document any complaint that is reaches step 3.

The student should make an appointment with the faculty member in question to discuss the matter in person. The student is advised, but not required, to apprise his or her advisor of the matter. It is appropriate to try to resolve differences amicably and in person if at all possible. This is especially true at a Christian institution. If the student is concerned that a private meeting with the faculty member will create antagonism, the student may skip to Step 2. However, the student must make this concern known in writing to the chair of the department in which the course is located explaining why he or she believes this to be the case.
If the student continues to dispute the grade after the face-to-face meeting, the student may bring the matter to the chair of the department. This step requires the student to make a written appeal to the chair and provide a copy to the faculty member and academic advisor. The chair will review the student’s concern and consult with the faculty member, either individually or with both present. The chair will respond to the student and the faculty member in writing of the chair’s recommendation and notify the dean.
If the student is unsatisfied with the chair’s recommendation, the student may submit a written request via Advocate to the dean of the college in which the department resides. The dean will review the written appeal and consult with the chair, the faculty member, the advisor and the student. This will occur either individually or in a group as the dean deems appropriate. The student may request a Standards Committee be formed by the dean. The purpose of the Committee is to bring clarity to all sides, allowing for a thoughtful and informed response from the disputants and to assure integrity in the assigning of grades to students by faculty. However, the Committee has no authority to force the change of a grade. The membership of the committee is composed of all parties heretofore mentioned with the dean serving as chair of the Committee. The dean will also select at least one faculty member from the college and one faculty member from another college to serve on the Committee. The student making the complaint should be the only student involved and no legal representation nor any other parties are permitted. After hearing both sides and deliberating the Committee will render a judgment as to what it advises should be done. The hearing and the rendering is the end of the process. No appeals to change a grade are to be made to the Provost or the President.
If the student believes that the process or the way in which they were treated was unfair, the student may submit a written appeal to the Provost. The Provost will make a judgment whether or not to accept the appeal (the President is not to be contacted in these matters). If the Provost agrees to hear the matter, only two allegations will be considered: 1) that the process itself is unfair; 2) that the student was not treated fairly in the process. The burden will be on the student to demonstrate with facts and evidence that the process or the treatment was unfair. Depending on the Provost’s findings, the matter may be returned to the Standards Committee for further review.
At no time should any HCU employee advise a student anonymously or write an appeal document.
If a student questions any grade as recorded in the Office of Academic Records, the student has until the end of the full semester following the full term in which the grade was awarded to challenge the accuracy of the record. At the end of this period, the record becomes permanent.

Department of Nursing Policy and Grade Appeal Process

Students have the right to appeal for exceptions to SNAH policies or for consideration of a grade dispute through the Admission, Progression and Graduation (APG) Standards committee. Examples of issues that may be reviewed by the APG Standards Committee include, but are not limited to, the following:

Grade disputes on assignments, tests, or courses
Exceptions to admission criteria
Exceptions to progression policies such as re-entry into or progression in a program after two course failures, failure to achieve full admission status after a conditional admission, or after academic probation or suspension.

The procedure for the appeal process is as follows:

The student should first address the issue with the faculty member (if a grade is being disputed), or the department chair (if a policy is being challenged). The student should make an appointment with the faculty member to discuss the matter in person. Students enrolled in 100% online courses may meet via video conferencing such as Zoom or Skype or synchronous video. The student is advised to keep his/her advisor apprised of the matter, but this is not required at this point. It is appropriate to try to resolve differences amicably and in person before seeking to raise the matter to a higher level of authority than the course faculty. If the student is concerned that a private meeting with the instructor will create antagonism, the student may meet with the Department Chair, but must make this concern known to the Chair and explain in detail why he/she believes this to be the case.
If the issue is not resolved, the student may meet with the faculty member and Department Chair of Nursing Programs. The student should submit a written request into Advocate where it will then be directed to the Department Chair, advisor and other relevant parties. The Department Chair will consider the student’s concern, consult with the faculty member of the course and explore options, including the option to appeal to the Admission, Progression, Graduation (APG) Committee. The Department Chair will respond formally in writing to the student and the course faculty. The Dean will be notified of the action.
The chairperson must receive request for review of a student’s concern within 30 days of the issued grade or applied policy or the petition will be deemed “untimely” and not given consideration.
If the issue is not resolved, the student may file a written petition to the School of Nursing and Allied Health APG Committee for consideration. The petition must be in writing and addressed to the chairperson of the APG Committee and copies provided to the Dean.
Petitions must include the following content:
- details regarding the issue/s being petitioned,
- the relief being sought,
- extenuating circumstances that warrant review of the grade or policy, and
- a plan of action if the petition is not granted.
The APG Standards Committee chairperson will schedule a meeting (not necessarily hold the meeting) within one (1) week of receiving the petition with exception to University business days.
During the meeting, the student and professor can present their perspectives to the committee, which is a form of internal review. No legal representation or any other parties are allowed in the meeting.
After reviewing the perspectives and clarifying issues, both the student and involved faculty member may be excused from the meeting. The APG Standards Committee will consider the petition and information presented during the meeting and then vote on any recommendations. The APG Committee will render a decision as to what it advises should be done regarding the student’s petition and relief being sought. The student will be notified of the committee’s decision at the conclusion of the meeting. In addition, a letter will be mailed to the student to provide the decision in writing. The APG Standards Committee may make recommendations to faculty regarding grades or decide to make exceptions to policies. According to University policy, only the faculty member(s) responsible for a course may assign or change a grade. The APG Committee has no coercive authority to force the change of a grade. The purpose of the process is to bring clarity to all sides and allow a thoughtful and informed response to the student and involved faculty member. The hearing aspect of the APG Committee serves to assure integrity in the assigning of grades to students by faculty.
All discussion during the APG Standards Committee meeting is confidential. The committee chair will communicate the decision to appropriate faculty members and/or administrators.
Should the student’s petition be denied, he or she may elect to meet with the Dean who will review the situation for consistency with policies and procedures and fairness. If no inconsistencies are noted, the decision is final. No appeals to change a grade or progress in the program should be made to the Provost or the President. If the student contacts the Provost, the Provost will make a judgment as to whether to accept the appeal/request for a meeting. If the Provost does agree to hear the matter, he/she will only consider two issues: a) that the process itself was unfair; and b) that the student was not treated fairly in the process. The burden is on the student to demonstrate the facts and evidence that the process or treatment was unfair. To repeat, the Provost will not hear an appeal to change a grade or allow for continuation in the program. Depending on the Provost’s findings, the matter may be returned to the APG Committee for further review.
Arrangements will be made for students enrolled in 100% online courses to meet these requirements via video conferencing.
Throughout this process, if a student wishes to ask an HCU faculty member or other employee to serve as an advisor, that is permissible, but both the student and the advisor must make this fact known to all parties involved in the academic grievance process. At no time should an HCU employee advise a student anonymously or write an appeal document.

Academic Load

For the fall or spring semester, a graduate student who is enrolled for nine (9) or more graduate semester hours is considered to be a full-time student. With the exceptions of the MFA in Studio Art where students may take up to fifteen (15) semester hours per semester and the MBA where students may take up to thirteen (13) semester hours per semester, twelve (12) semester hours is the maximum load per semester with nine hours the preferred average maximum. Graduate students enrolled in particular programs of study must meet the particular enrollment requirements of that specific degree program for each semester of enrollment. In the summer semester, three to four (3-4) hours is considered a half time load and five (5) or more hours is considered a full time load. Twelve (12) semester hours is the maximum load for summer. Overloads must be approved by the faculty advisors and college/school deans. Registration in five (5) graduate credit hours is considered a half time load and enables the graduate student to be financial aid eligible. In some exceptional cases, graduate thesis or dissertation work, internships or classes in clinical settings may require a significant amount of additional time and thus a student may be considered full-time though they are enrolled for less than nine (9) hours. In those cases, the relevant dean should submit the Full-Time Enrollment Form to the Office of the Provost for approval. Note: Some scholarships and aid may require a particular minimum number of hours.

Classification of Graduate Students for Fall and Spring Semesters
Full-time	nine or more semester hours of graduate coursework
Half-time	five semester hours of graduate coursework is considered half-time
Note: Half-time enables the graduate student to be financial aid eligible

Academic Standing

If a graduate student’s cumulative grade point average falls below the acceptable minimum GPA, the student will be placed on academic probation. A 3.0 average is the minimum requirement of the University for graduate students to be a candidate for graduation. Probationary status can be removed only when the cumulative GPA reaches the acceptable minimum GPA. Each student placed on academic probation must achieve a minimum 3.0 GPA during the student’s current enrollment or he or she will be suspended.

A graduate must attain the following acceptable minimum GPA:

Graduate Acceptable Minimum GPA
0-9 hours	2.5
10-18 hours	2.75
19 hours or above	3

Each student placed on academic probation must achieve a minimum 3.0 GPA during the student’s current enrollment or he or she will be suspended.

Readmission is not guaranteed after a student has been suspended. When reapplying after suspension, the student must submit the following:

A personal written statement addressing the student’s efforts to improve during the upcoming semester and plans for improved academic performance in the program.
The student may be required to provide two letters of recommendation to the department chair/program director.
Schedule an interview with the department chair or program director at the chair’s/director’s discretion.

If admission is denied by the chair/director of the program, the student may appeal the decision in writing to the dean. If admission is denied by the dean, the student may appeal the decision in writing to the university’s Graduate Admission Review Board. A student who is suspended for a second time is not eligible for readmission without approval of the Dean of the Graduate School. A student who is suspended for a third time is not eligible for readmission.

The grade point average on which scholastic standing is based is determined by dividing the number of grade points earned at HCU by the number of semester hours attempted at HCU, with repeated courses considered only once in the cumulative calculation. A graduate student who does not have a 3.00 cumulative standing may not be considered as a candidate for a degree. A student must maintain the cumulative academic standing specified for a classification to be eligible to represent the University, unless he or she receives a waiver from the Provost.

For students seeking a degree in the Master of Divinity program or the Master of Arts in Christian Leadership program, the above policies are the same with the exception of having a 2.5 average as the minimum requirement to be a candidate for graduation.

A Master of Divinity student must attain the following acceptable minimum GPA:

Graduate Acceptable Minimum GPA
0-12 hours	2.0
13-24 hours	2.25
25 hours or above	2.5

A Master of Arts in Christian Leadership student must attain the following acceptable minimum GPA:

Graduate Acceptable Minimum GPA
0-9 hours	2.0
10-18 hours	2.25
19 hours or above	2.5

Active and Inactive Status

Graduate students enrolled as residential, “H” campus, students are considered to be in “active status” with the University, when maintaining continuous enrollment in consecutive 16-week long terms. Summer terms are excluded in considering “active status.” If a student does not enroll in consecutive long terms, the student changes to “inactive status” and may complete a returning student form for re-entry, when seeking readmission to the University.

Graduate students enrolled as online, “O” Campus, students are considered to be in “active status” with the University from the time of initial entry, until which time the student has one-full academic year break in enrollment (i.e. No course enrollment for two consecutive fall/spring long terms and one summer term). A student who fails to enroll in classes over the course of one full academic year will break enrollment and will be placed in “inactive status.” A student who breaks enrollment may complete a returning student form for re-entry, when seeking readmission to the University.

Administrative Drop of a Student from a Course

The Office of Academic Records may administratively drop a student from a course, via an Add/Drop form, with the approval of the instructor, the advisor, and the Dean of the College or School in which the course is taught. The administrative withdrawal of a student from a course may occur only through the last day for dropping a course with a grade of “W.” These dates are specified for each academic semester in the academic calendar. A student may be withdrawn from a class for reasons including, but not limited to, the following:

If the prerequisites or co-requisites as listed in the current HCU Catalog for the course from which the student is being withdrawn have not been met.
If there are circumstances beyond the student’s control (serious illness, accident, etc.) that will involve excessive absences in the course from which the student is being withdrawn.
The student has not attended a class up to the census date, or other matters pertaining to financial aid and compliance with law.

Dropping or withdrawing from the University are serious matters and cannot be accomplished by email, phone calls, voice messages or purporting to have told someone at the University that the student is not returning or has chosen not to attend. Formal rules and documents must be fulfilled to drop or withdraw with the approval of the Office of Academic Records required.

Americans with Disabilities Act

Houston Christian University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 regarding students with disabilities. In order to request and establish academic accommodations, the student is responsible for contacting the Director of Disability Services via email at 504@HBU.edu to schedule an appointment to discuss and officially request academic accommodation services. If academic accommodations are approved, the Director will provide a Letter of Accommodations to the professor(s) and the student. The student must apply for academic accommodations each semester and the Director will provide approved written accommodations each semester. Please refer to the website, HC.edu/504 for all accommodation policies and procedures.

Students requiring accommodations for disabilities related to University Residence Life should also contact the Director of Disability Services at 504@HBU.edu and refer to the website HC.edu/504 for more information under Residence Life Accommodations.

Application for Graduation

Each student must file an application for graduation in the Office of Academic Records before the end of the semester that precedes the semester that graduation is expected. For example, for a Spring graduation, a student is expected to file for graduation before the end of the Fall semester. A degree plan must have been filed with the Office of Academic Records before a student can file an application for graduation. The deadline to apply for graduation is Full Term Census Day (12th class day) of the semester you intend to graduate. Graduation applications received after that date will incur a $50 late fee. Students should always apply by the Full-Term Census Day of the semester they intend to graduate, if not earlier. The application for graduation will verify the name as it should appear on the diploma, the date the degree is expected to be conferred, and the major fields of interest to be completed as a part of the degree requirements. The Office of Academic Records will perform an audit of the student’s degree requirements and notify the student and their advisor of the coursework and other requirements the student still needs to complete.

Attendance Requirements

Regular attendance in class is important for student success, and it is university policy that students must attend class. Faculty members are responsible for maintaining complete and accurate attendance records for each student. Absences are recorded beginning from the first class session after the student has enrolled in the course. Professors are not obligated to allow students to make up work they miss due to unexcused absences. Any student who does not attend at least 75% of the scheduled class sessions will receive a grade of “F” for the course, regardless of his performance on other assessments such as tests, quizzes, papers, or projects. Professors may apply additional attendance policies as appropriate to individual courses. Likewise, the College or School may also apply additional attendance requirements as necessary. In either case, all applicable attendance policies will be stipulated in the course syllabus.

Attendance is an online class is by the week and requires a student to perform an activity in the class, not just logging in.

Excused Absence Policy

Students represent Houston Christian University through participation in university sponsored or sanctioned activities such as the arts, music, and intercollegiate athletics. When the activity schedule occasionally conflicts with academic obligations, student-participants and their sponsors will follow a standard protocol to provide faculty members with prior, written notification of their administratively excused absences from classes. Faculty members will determine, in consultation with student-participants, how missed classes and assignments are made-up in a manner that fulfills academic obligations and accommodates the obligation of the student to participate in a university activity. Except for excused absences (see below), student-participants have the same responsibility with regard to class attendance and assignments as do all other students. Houston Christian University is committed to the philosophy that academic events, artistic performances, and intercollegiate athletics are an important part of the institution’s mission to provide diverse educational opportunities to our students. The University recognizes that there may be occasions when, due to a scheduled event, a participating student must miss a class with an excused absence.

Definition of an Excused Absence

This policy for University excused absences applies to participation as an athlete, manager, student trainer, student coach, or graduate assistant in NCAA intercollegiate competitions, or participation as a representative of Houston Christian University at academic events and artistic performances approved by the Provost or designee. In addition, students who have national guard or reservist obligations that don’t prevent the successful completion of the course may have those obligations treated as excused absences.
Practice or rehearsal for any event is not eligible for consideration as an excused absence.
This policy excludes those academic endeavors that require the completion of a predetermined number of clock hours. Departmental practices and procedures of each College should be consistent with this policy as much as possible in order to be sure that the University serves student needs.

Activity Director or Head Coach Responsibilities

Head Coaches or the faculty member in charge of a university activity shall inform instructors of dates which students will miss class due to an excused absence well in advance of the date of that anticipated absence. For activities such as athletic competitions where schedules are known prior to the start of a semester, coaches must provide instructors by the second week of each semester a written schedule showing days in which students expect to miss classes. For other university excused absences, the faculty or staff member in charge must provide each instructor at the earliest possible time the dates that students will miss.
It must be understood that travel plans may change due to unforeseen circumstances. In each case, the head coach or director will make every effort to notify the instructor as soon as possible.
The HCU Athletic Affairs Committee has also developed an Administratively Approved Absence Form to be distributed to all professors of student-participants detailing absence information. This form comprises a list of times and dates when a student-participant will be administratively excused from a class during that semester. It is developed by the Head Coach or sponsor and checked by the Athletic Director or Dean of the sponsor.

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Regular and punctual class attendance is essential. Do not miss class for other reasons. Be in class every day.
Make-up work for University-excused absences
- It is the responsibility of the student to request from the instructor an opportunity to complete missed assignments, activities, labs, examinations or other course requirements in a timely manner.
- The student should set up an appointment with the instructor to discuss an action plan designed to meet any missed course requirements during the time of the excused absence. The timing of this meeting should take place at the discretion of the instructor.
- Students are responsible for all material covered in classes that they miss, even when their absences are excused, as defined above.
- Missed classroom activities will be rescheduled at the discretion of the instructor. When possible, missed class work should be completed prior to leaving for an excused academic activity.
Students should be aware that excessive absences—whether excused or unexcused—may affect their ability to do well in their classes.

Faculty Responsibility

Instructors are responsible for taking attendance and for providing students with an equitable way to make up missed work due to an absence excused by this policy.
Instructors should inform students in a timely manner of procedures to make up missed work, e.g., including the information in the course syllabus.
Instructors may not penalize students for absences excused by this policy.

Violation of Academic Conduct Regulations

Falsifying information or documentation in order to obtain an excused absence is considered a violation of the Code of Student Conduct and Academic Conduct Regulations.
Sharing information about a make-up examination or quiz with other students is deemed a violation of the Code of Student Conduct and Academic Conduct Regulations.
Anyone found responsible for falsifying information or documentation in order to obtain an excused absence or sharing examination or quiz information may face consequences per the Academic Integrity Policy section of the catalog, in addition to any sanction(s) imposed by the administration.

Commencement

Commencement ceremonies are scheduled annually in August, December, and May. Degree recipients are encouraged to participate. Students will be limited in the number of their guests who can attend the ceremonies.

Course and Program Time Limit

In general, there is no time limit on counting graduate course credit towards degree completion. Courses that are an exception to this rule are noted in the description of the course in the HCU Catalog. The degree plan is based on the HCU Catalog in effect at the time of the student’s initial enrollment in the University. Where degree plans have changed significantly, been discontinued, and/or where courses are no longer offered, the advisor and the University will work toward finding acceptable course substitution(s). It should be noted, however, where acceptable substitutions are not available the total number of hours to degree may be impacted when there have been substantial changes to courses, pre-requisites, and/or degree plans.

Credit Hour Definition

Houston Christian University defines a credit hour as follows:

At least fifteen (15) contact hours, as well as, a minimum of thirty (30) hours of student homework is required for each semester credit hour.
Laboratory courses, with little outside work, require a minimum of forty-five (45) contact hours. If moderate outside work is required, thirty (30) contact hours are required.
Four (4) credit 4000 level undergraduate studio art classes are senior studio courses where much individual attention between the instructor and student is required. In order to facilitate this instruction, four (4) credit 4000 level classes will meet for three (3) academic hours per week as a class and one (1) academic hour per week as individual instruction between the instructor and the student. These individual instruction hours will be recorded and maintained by the Department of Visual Arts.
Music courses follow the recommendations for awarding credit as required by The National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). Normally, a semester hour of credit represents at least three hours of work each week for a period of fifteen or sixteen weeks. In lecture classes, such as music history, normally one semester hour of credit is given for one 50-minute session plus two hours of preparation each week of the term. For ensembles, like laboratory classes, normally one semester hour of credit is given for two to four 50-minute rehearsal sessions per week, depending on the ensemble. For applied lessons, normally one semester hour of credit is given for each three hours of practice, plus the necessary individual 30-minute lesson per week with the instructor. For example, a two semester credit hour applied lesson would meet for two 30-minute lessons per week.
Master of Fine Arts studio art classes are taught on an intensive apprenticeship model. The number of contact hours between instructor and student must be sufficient to ensure the development of knowledge and skills required by each course. Graduate studio classes require at least 1.5 instructional contact hours per week and at least 1.5 hours of homework for each three (3) credit class. Individual instruction hours will be recorded and maintained by the Department of Visual Arts. Additionally, the MFA studio courses consist of graduate committee critiques three times a semester. MFA students are expected to be working in their studios at least 18 hours a week.
Internships, clinical, and field experiences require a minimum of forty-five (45) clock hours for each semester credit hour.
For online, hybrid, and other nontraditional modes of delivery, semester credit hours are assigned based on learning outcomes that are equivalent to those in a traditional course setting, forty-five (45) hours of work by a typical student for each semester hour of credit.

Cross-Level Listing and Cross-Listing Courses

Houston Christian University acknowledges that, on occasion, it is appropriate to cross-level list a graduate class with an undergraduate class as well as cross-list two undergraduate classes or two graduate classes. It is also understood that graduate classes demand more rigor, higher-order learning, and be progressively more complex than undergraduate classes in the same subject matter.

When cross-level listing a graduate class with an undergraduate class of the same subject matter:

Each course must have a separate syllabus, and specific student learning outcomes are to be provided for each course clearly indicating the greater degree of analysis, synthesis, rigor, critical thought and independence required for the graduate course. Student learning outcomes are expected to be different for the graduate class.
Each course should have separate descriptions listed in the course catalog that reflect the advanced academic content of the graduate course.
Acceptable configurations of such courses include 4000/5000 and 4000/6000 cross-level listings Undergraduate courses at the 3000 level or below should not be cross-level listed with a graduate course.
Course titles should be similar but do not need to be identical.
Cross-level listed courses must be taught by faculty terminally degreed in the field of study.
Graduate course requirements should be determined by academically qualified faculty(terminal) with graduate teaching experience in the subject matter and should reflect the foundational knowledge and skill development to support independent research and professional practice.
Examples may include but are not limited to, independent research projects, portfolios, case studies, theses, dissertations, or other examples of graduate research/professional practice.
Classes must meet at the same time, in the same place/modality, with the same instructor, and have the same number of credit hours.

When cross-listing graduate/graduate or undergraduate/undergraduate courses of the same subject matter:

Each course must have a separate syllabus with the same student learning outcomes even if the courses are two separate disciplines.
Each course should have separate descriptions listed in the course catalog.
Course requirements should be determined by academically qualified faculty in each discipline with appropriate teaching experience in the subject matter.
For graduate courses, the faculty of record should be terminally degreed in the field and for undergraduate courses, the faculty of record may be masters qualified in the field. Faculty teaching cross-listed courses where the course content is the same but the rubric is different, the faculty must be academically qualified in both disciplines, (minimum of a masters in one disciple and graduate hours in the second).
Classes must meet at the same time, in the same place/modality, with the same instructor, have the same course level (same first digit in the rubric) and have the same number of credit hours.

Degree Plan

Graduate students should file a degree plan within their first semester of coursework at HCU. A student cannot file for graduation until a degree plan is filed. The degree plan is based on the HCU Catalog in effect at the time of the student’s initial enrollment in the University. A student can choose to file a degree plan based on the current catalog year. In some cases, while a degree plan may be valid, the courses in it may have been discontinued or changed. In those cases, the University will work with the student to come up with a viable solution.

Double Degrees (Graduate)

A graduate double degree option is whereby a student earns two graduate degrees simultaneously. The minimum number of hours required for earning both degrees at the same time is 60 semester credit hours, each degree must have at least 30 hours not used towards completion of any other degree (at HCU or elsewhere). Any overlap in classes will be handled in the same way as if a student was seeking a second graduate degree (see the Residency Requirement in Graduate Policies for details).

Dropping a Class

Students who cease to attend class must follow the prescribed withdrawal procedures. Failure to do so will result in course failure(s), lower scholastic standing, and personal financial loss. Students contemplating dropping a class must see their advisor to complete the proper steps; the drop process is not complete until the forms are filed by the student and processed in the Office of Academic Records. A student may not drop a class after the published last day to drop.

Once a student registers for a class, the student will receive a grade for the class unless the drop process is completed through the Office of Academic Records. This includes students who may have never actually attended class or who may never have completed payment of tuition and fees.

Family Education Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA)

HCU is subject to the provisions of a federal law known as the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (also referred to as FERPA or the Buckley Amendment). This law affords students enrolled at HCU certain rights with respect to their education records. Please HC.edu/RightsUnderFerpa/ for additional information.

Final Assessments

Faculty are expected to administer to all students including seniors end of semester assessments or examinations appropriate to their field of study and the particular class. If the instructor chooses to give a final exam in lieu of an assessment, it must be taken when scheduled by the Office of the Provost. Senior final exams are to be taken during the last class period prior to the final exam week. Each final exam period, with the exception of the Summer term, is preceded by one study day on which no grade-determining activity may be conducted nor may be due between 8:00am-5:00pm on that day. No University student events are scheduled Monday through Friday of final exam week.

Grade Appeal Process

A student may file an academic grievance if he or she believes a grade was awarded improperly. For more information, see the Academic Grievance Policy and Process.

Grading System and Grade Points

Each graduate student will receive grades at the end of each semester of enrollment. The system of grading is as follows:

Grade	Percentage	Grade Points
A	(90 and above)	4
B	(80 – 89)	3
C	(70 – 79)	2
D	(60 – 69)	1
F	(0 – 59)	0
CR	Credit by Examination	–
I	Incomplete	–
P	Pass	–
AU/X (no longer an option)
W	Withdrawal from the university or course after the census date and before the last day to drop.

See the “Graduate Academic Standing” section of the catalog for GPA standards for graduation and details on academic standing.

Only the dean of a college or school may grant incompletes and only to students who have a major documented emergency since the last day to drop a course. The student receives 0 grade points and 0 semester hours and the course grade becomes an “F” if the stated work is not completed by the end of the following semester. Summer is a bona fide semester so a grade of “I” issued during a Spring semester must be completed by the end of the last Summer session following the Spring semester.

Graduate students may take pass-fail courses if approved by their dean by using the “Add/Drop” form. Pass-fail courses do not count towards the degree unless specified by either the degree plan or the course description. A pass grade does not affect the computation of scholastic standing; however, a fail grade in a course affects scholarship standing in the same way as any other failing grade. Courses taken on this basis are counted as a part of the student load for the term, and the type of registration elected for any course may not be changed after the last date to register as posted in the class schedule. These courses are designated at registration by a “P/F” following the course number. A student who properly registers for a course on a pass-fail basis may, at the discretion of the instructor, be assigned a grade of “A” where the student’s performance merits that grade. The assignable grades are “A,” “P,” and “F.”

Students may repeat courses that they have previously taken. For purposes of GPA calculation, courses taken at HCU which are repeated at HCU are calculated in the cumulative GPA as having been taken only one (1) time. The cumulative GPA is adjusted in the semester in which the course was repeated. The student may raise the cumulative GPA by this means. Students should be aware, however, that many graduate and professional schools and certifying agencies calculate GPA by averaging all grades earned in all registrations.

Graduate Degree Requirements

1. All graduate degrees awarded at HCU are a minimum of 30 semester hours that have not been counted towards any other degree.

2. Graduate degree and certificate concurrent enrollment: Students may be enrolled in graduate degree programs and graduate certificate programs simultaneously. Except for exceptions listed under “Transfer Courses/Credit”, a course can count for one graduate degree program and one graduate certificate program, but no more. Students may also enroll in a graduate certification program (which is different than a certificate program; certificates are issued by HCU while certification programs are for an external certification) and a graduate degree program simultaneously. Students in a graduate degree program who are interested in adding a graduate degree, graduate certificate, or graduate certification must apply to the program. If a student is changing programs within a college or school (and not adding one), then they follow the procedures laid out in the catalog for changes within a college or school. Students who have been accepted to a graduate certificate program, but not a graduate degree program, must apply to the graduate degree program they want to enter.

A graduate student wishing to simultaneously earn two graduate degrees, must meet with the faculty advisor(s) within the respective College(s)/School(s) to develop the official degree plans. Both degree plans must be on file with the Office of Academic Records by the deadline for graduation. Students earning both degrees at once within a single College/School will have both degrees listed on one diploma. If the awards are earned in two separate Colleges/Schools, two diplomas will be issued. All graduate degrees must have 30 earned hours that are not applied to any other degree, of which at least one third were taken at HCU.

3. Changing Programs within a College or School: Students wishing to change their program to another program within the same school or college of their current program must receive the permission of the program director of the desired program and the dean. In addition, students must meet all entry requirements for the new program. Students wishing to change their program to another program that does not reside in the same school or college must reapply through The Graduate School.

Institutional Review Board (Human Subjects in Research)

The Institutional Review Board protects the rights of human subjects in research projects proposed by faculty, staff, students, and/or outside persons. The University’s Institutional Review Board is responsible for reviewing all research proposals involving human subjects. Review applications may be obtained from the Institutional Review Board (IRB) website.

Internship Programs

HCU offers internship opportunities under the direction of the various academic divisions in awareness of the value of practical experience in the learning process. Such external learning opportunities may be known as practicum, internship, preceptorship, clinical experience.

Credit is awarded based on clock hours of experience gained. One semester hour of credit may be awarded for each 45 clock-hours of internship experience. The amount of semester hours awarded shall at a maximum be three semester hours per term and will vary depending on the circumstance of the internship and the program. Legal review of formal memoranda of understanding governing group placement shall be secured from university legal counsel.

Moody Library

Please see the library’s web page HC.edu/MoodyLibrary for information on Moody Library.

Residency Requirement

The minimum residency requirement is:

At least one-third of the credit hours required for a graduate or a post-baccalaureate professional degree must be earned through Houston Christian University. No more than two-thirds of the credits applied to a graduate degree may be transfer credits. Students who have earned a first master’s degree from an institutionally accredited institution, including HCU, who wish to pursue a second graduate degree may do so by applying for admission to The Graduate School. Specific requirements are established by faculty of the College or School offering the degree program so that duplicate coursework is avoided while fulfilling the requirements for the degree. In most cases, courses used in a previous degree cannot be transferred to other degrees. All graduate degrees awarded at HCU are a minimum of 30 semester hours that have not been counted towards any other degree. See “Transfer Courses/Credit” for more details.

Transfer Courses/Credit

Graduate students transferring to HCU from other institution will have their transcripts evaluated by the dean of the college or school or their designee to determine which courses will be accepted towards the degree.

There is no guaranteed transfer of credit toward a graduate degree; however, in certain programs, work completed in residence at another accredited institution may, on the recommendation of the dean of the college of school, be accepted by the University Office of Academic Records as credit toward a graduate degree. English language courses are ordinarily not accepted from institutions in countries where English is not the primary language. In cases where a student is pursuing a second degree or transferring from one HCU graduate program to another, the dean of the relevant area will make a determination on what credits will transfer. Application for transfer credit must be made within the semester that the student matriculates.

The maximum number of hours that can be transferred in to a given program or taken concurrently at another institution is six (6) hours with some exceptions given in this section of the catalog. Courses transferred in to satisfy foundational requirements do not count towards the maximum transfer hours allowed. In exceptional circumstances, the dean of the college of school can authorize more than the stated amount in the catalog, but no more than two-thirds of the degree being granted. Such credit must be at the 3.00 (B) or above grade level (on a 4.0 scale) and the granting institution must be accredited by its institutional accrediting agency. * Credits transferred must apply to a specific course in the program. Courses that counted towards a previously conferred degree cannot be considered for transfer credit; exceptions to this rule are given below. A student must officially request to have courses transferred and provide course descriptions and syllabi in order for a determination to be made.

For the Master of Divinity, up to 25% of the degree program maybe either transferred in or taken concurrently at another institution. Up to 50% of courses in a previously held degree may be considered for transfer into this program.

For 36-hour master’s degrees in the School of Christian Thought, up to six (6) hours of courses in a previously held graduate degree from HCU may be considered for transfer into the program.

Graduate students entering Houston Theological Seminary (HTS) with significant education from an ordination class or a similarly rigorous course of study may be able to receive credit for CHRI 6350. See the dean of the School of Christian Thought for more details.

For the Master of Arts in Psychology—Specialist in School Psychology, up to 30 hours of the degree program may either be transferred in or taken concurrently at another institution. Coursework from a previously held degree (or degrees) may be considered for transfer into this program but cannot exceed 30 hours.

For the Doctor of Education, the maximum number of hours that can be transferred in or taken concurrently at another institution is twelve (12) hours and these courses must be at the doctoral level. Courses in a previously held degree cannot be transferred in.

Graduate students contemplating concurrent or visiting enrollment at any other college must secure prior approval in writing from the Office of Academic Records at HCU and the dean of the college or school.

*In recognition of the 2020 Pandemic, HCU will accept transfer P credit for University Admissions for the academic periods and terms of Spring 2020 – Fall 2020. A “P” indicates successful completion of the course for all academic purposes but a course with a “P” does not contribute to any GPA calculations. Students should communicate with advisors and financial aid concerning P credit for implications with federal programs.

Withdrawal from University Enrollment

A student who wants to withdraw from the University with a grade of “W” after the last date to drop with a “W” can only do so under the most extreme circumstances beyond the control of the student and with the approval of the Provost.