9.6     Post-baccalaureate rigor and curriculum

Post-baccalaureate professional degree programs and graduate degree programs are progressively more advanced in academic content than undergraduate programs, and are structured (a) to include knowledge of the literature of the discipline and (b) to ensure engagement in research and/or appropriate professional practice and training.

Judgment

x   Compliance           o  Non-Compliance           o Partial Compliance

Narrative  

UL Lafayette offers 11 doctoral degree programs, 31 master’s degree programs, post-baccalaureate graduate certificate programs in seven areas, and one post-master’s graduate certificate program. All of the University’s post‐baccalaureate professional degree programs and graduate degree programs are progressively more advanced in academic content than the undergraduate programs.

Graduate Admission Standards

Requirements for application and admission to pursue graduate studies at UL Lafayette are published in the University Catalog. The University has established different, higher admission standards and prerequisite disciplinary knowledge for its graduate degree programs in comparison to its undergraduate programs. These standards for admission to the Graduate School require, at a minimum, that applicants have completed a baccalaureate degree. Doctoral level admission criteria set a higher standard for admission than admission at the master’s level and, similarly, admission criteria at the master’s level are more rigorous than that for graduate certificate programs.

Graduate students are selected for admission based on indicators of prior academic success and potential for success at the graduate level. Minimum expectations for cumulative (and last 60 hours) grade point average, preferred expectations for standardized test scores, in combination with letters of reference, and additional individual graduate program academic and professional portfolio requirements, provide the basis for graduate admission decisions. UL Lafayette policies afford graduate programs the flexibility to set higher expectations for admission as deemed appropriate by the faculty within each academic department; that is, academic departments may establish requirements that exceed the minimum admission requirements.

Course Numbering System

The academic level of UL Lafayette courses, which is indicated by the century number, underscores the expectation of advancement in academic content. Numbers 400G-499G are open to upper-level undergraduate and beginning graduate students. Courses numbered 500 and above are post-baccalaureate courses; that is, graduate-level courses open only to graduate students are numbered 500-999. Courses numbered 500-599 are intended for students at the master’s level. Those numbered 600-699 are for students at the doctoral level. Courses numbered 800-898 are reserved for students pursuing an EdD or DNP degree. Only one course number, 899, is an outlier to this identification of advanced progression; the “Examination Only” courses numbered 899 are reserved for non-thesis master’s students taking comprehensive examinations, oral and/or written, who are not registered for any other course. This system of graduate course classification is detailed in the University Catalog.

Progressively More Advanced Learning

Graduate coursework involves progressively more advanced expectations and more intensive study than undergraduate coursework. 

The progressively more advanced conceptual distinction among undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral level course expectations is demonstrated in Nursing and in Communicative Disorders. For example, clinical research courses offered by the Department of Nursing, learning objectives, student projects and evaluation criteria progress in rigor, level, and domain knowledge. In addition, Syllabi in Communicative Disorders—which include CODI 118: Introduction to Communicative Disorders; CODI 275: Language Acquisition; CODI 384: Language Pathology in Children; CODI 526: Language Disorder in Children; and CODI: 611: Doctoral Seminar on the Human Narrative—similarly demonstrate progressively more advanced course objectives and student learning outcomes.

Courses with Undergraduate and Graduate Enrollment

The University offers a number of upper-level undergraduate 400-level and graduate (400G) courses that permit both undergraduate and graduate enrollment. As stated in the University Catalog, instructors of 400G courses are required to distinguish different assignments and grading practices for undergraduate and graduate students. A sampling of syllabi provided for Biology, Communicative Disorders, History, Math, and Music courses demonstrates the different, more advanced learning expectations for graduate students in courses with both undergraduate and graduate enrollment. The syllabi document courses that cover similar content areas at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, but offer different student learning outcomes and progressively more advanced academic understanding and mastery between the two levels.

All graduate programs at UL Lafayette introduce students to higher level academic content that, upon graduation, they are expected to have mastered. The graduate curricula are structured to include knowledge of the literature in a particular field of study, as well as engagement in advanced research and/or professional practice and training. These expectations are articulated, for example, in the introduction of the Department of Biology’s “Guide for Graduate Students (and Advisors)”: 

As a graduate student, you will advance well beyond undergraduate levels of knowledge and experience, and will learn the critical foundations of your field as well as the current state of knowledge and productive areas of research in biology. This advanced knowledge, coupled with direct experience and skills you will gain in your specific field of interest, will help prepare you for advanced careers in biology and related fields. Our master’s program in biology prepares you for a career in an applied biological or biomedical field or a research-intensive academic career. Our doctoral program in environmental and evolutionary biology emphasizes research and prepares you for the highest levels of scholarship and career opportunities in academia and research-related agencies and industries. With guidance from a major advisor and committee, you are expected to increase your comprehension of biology and your experience and skills necessary for advanced work in the biological sciences.

a. knowledge of the Literature in the discipline

Departmental graduate student handbooks address higher learning expectations—especially mastery of disciplinary knowledge, including the literature and the contribution of original research—for students. The DNP Synthesis Project Guidelines explain that students “will identify a clinical topic within [their] area of interest and develop an in-depth understanding of the issue through extensive review of the research literature and examination of the ethical, political, economic, and cultural aspects inherent in the problem. The project must be evidence-based and demonstrate all of the areas of DNP development.” Both knowledge of the literature and originality in research is imperative, as the English Department’s Graduate Student Handbook makes clear to students in its explanation of the expectation for the dissertation prospectus: “The prospectus should reflect a sense of the relevant materials in the field and the nature of the original contribution the study will make to existing scholarship. It should then outline the approach or method that will be employed in the dissertation and the organizational pattern the finished product will likely follow. Throughout the prospectus and in the working bibliography, the candidate must demonstrate familiarity with the topic and awareness of current research. Therefore, a review of periodical literature, Dissertation Abstracts, and major books in the field is in order to ensure that the dissertation will not duplicate other research. Candidates should consult with their dissertation director about all aspects of the prospectus including how comprehensive a bibliography is expected.”

Each graduate program outlines the specific degree requirements in the University Catalog. The general degree and course requirements for each graduate program provide for the breadth of knowledge expected within the discipline. For example, History MA students are expected to demonstrate more specialized knowledge in areas in which they take graduate courses, and all History MA students are required to take HIST 590: Historiography, and a graduate readings seminar, which prepare them to demonstrate a familiarity with the historical narrative, as well as the defining scholarship in a major and secondary field of study. Table 9.6 – 1 offers a representative sample of graduate courses from across the University that require engagement with an individual discipline’s scholarship.

Table 9.6 – 1: Literature Review in Graduate Coursework

UL Lafayette Graduate Program

Examples of Literature Review and Theory Coursework

Architecture (MArch)

College of the Arts

ARCH 560: Theory in Architecture

Examination of theoretical issues in architecture through critical reading of selected texts.

 

Accounting (MS)

B.I. Moody III College of Business Administration

ACCT 531: Theory of Accounting

Underlying logic associated with the formulation of accounting theory. Topics include the measurement of income, the presentation of financial statements, and different approaches to the development of accounting theory. Consideration will also be given to controversial and special areas of financial accounting.

 

ACCT 546: Auditing Theory and Standards

Contemporary auditing theory, standards, and practices. Topics include current theory and standards, audit program development and planning, statistical sampling applications, SEC reporting, and extensions of the attest function.

 

Kinesiology (MS)

College of Education

 

Special Education, Gifted (MEd)

College of Education

 

Educational Leadership (EdD)

College of Education

KNES 506: Current Literature in Kinesiology

Investigation of current literature, critical issues, and selected problems related to kinesiology, health promotion, recreation, and sports management.

 

EDCI 508: Research Methods to Impact Student Learning

Reading and use of educational research literature, particularly educational statistical (assessment) information, to improve instruction.

 

EDLD 801: Writing for Research in Educational Leadership

Course is designed to prepare the doctoral student for the conduct of scholarly inquiry and writing. Topics include refining writing style, avoiding plagiarism, adhering to APA style, conducting literature reviews, and critiquing. It is expected that students will have knowledge of and skills in the use of computer applications, research and statistics, and information literacy.

 

Engineering, Mechanical Concentration (MSE)
College of Engineering

MCHE 508: Engineering Project Management

Principles of engineering management applicable to project development and implementation. Includes topics such as systems theory and concepts, organizational structure, project planning, scheduling, staffing, budgeting, and control of engineering projects.

 

Speech Pathology and Audiology (MS)

College of Liberal Arts

CODI 500: Introduction to Graduate Study and Research

Introduction to basic research designs for projects in communicative disorders; critical analysis of literature including comprehension of statistical treatment of data in contemporary research.

 

CODI 550: Advanced Clinical Research in Communicative Disorders

Project includes literature review, data collection, data analysis, and manuscript preparation.

 

Nursing Practice (DNP)

College of Nursing and Allied Health Professions

NURS 800: Scholarly Foundations for Advanced Practice

Integrated study of theories, frameworks, and concepts that provide the basis for advanced nursing practice.

 

NURS 803: Project Planning

Addresses project planning and development related to the selection of a topic or area of interest for the DNP synthesis project. The planning process incorporates needs assessment, analysis of relationships between evidence-based interventions and outcomes for communities and/or aggregates.

 

NURS 804: Clinical Scholarship and Analytic Methods for Evidence-Based Practice

Integration and application of knowledge to solve practice problems. Incorporates literature review, research methodologies, study designs, data analysis, and evaluation of outcome measures to an advanced practice context.

 

NURS 830: Advanced Practice Scholarly and Theoretical Foundations

Examination and integration of scientific and conceptual theories to build a foundation for the highest level of advanced nursing practice.

 

Geology (MS)

Ray P. Authement College of Sciences

GEOL 499: Geology Seminar

Review of current geological literature.

 

 

Individual graduate degree programs use various assessment measures to assess students’ command of their graduate student learning outcomes. The Assessment Measures used by faculty in the EdD program in Educational Leadership to evaluate the Qualifying Paper, Dissertation Prospectus (Proposal), and Dissertation requirements, for example, demonstrate the key knowledge and skills assessed at the program’s milestones and include a literature review.

While varied depending on the discipline and program, the culmination of the graduate student acquisition of progressively more advanced academic knowledge, including knowledge of the literature of the discipline, is demonstrated in a qualifying capstone comprehensive examination, final manuscript (i.e., a thesis, dissertation, or synthesis project), project, exhibit, or recital that leads to professional standing. The University Catalog specifies a “comprehensive” requirement at each graduate degree level.

Comprehensive Examination, Requirements for the Master’s Degree
…. Each candidate for a master’s degree will be required to demonstrate a general, comprehensive knowledge of a field of study. Each department, with the approval of the Graduate Council, specifies the means by which this knowledge is demonstrated. Examples are: a) a written and/or oral comprehensive examination; b) fulfillment of the requirements of an integrative (capstone) course; or c) overall performance on a set of core courses. Students should check the specific degree sections of this catalog… (
Master’s Comprehensive Exam)

General Comprehensive Examination, Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree
1. A general comprehensive examination covering all areas of study undertaken by the student is required of each applicant for the doctorate. The examination must include a written portion and may include an oral portion at the discretion of the major department or program… (
PhD General Comprehensive Exam)

Qualifying Paper General Comprehensive Examination, Requirements for the Doctor of Education Degree
…. A qualifying paper consisting of a comprehensive review of the literature on a selected topic is required in place of a general comprehensive examination… (EdD Qualifying Paper General Comprehensive Exam)

General Comprehensive Examination, Requirements for the Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree
…. A quality improvement project proposal, including a comprehensive review of the literature on a selected topic, is required in place of a general comprehensive examination.… (
DNP Exam Requirement)

The University Catalog policies identified above—as well as those governing final manuscripts (i.e., theses, dissertations, and synthesis projects)—require that a committee of at least three members of the UL Lafayette Graduate Faculty be charged with the assessment of all comprehensive examination requirements and capstone projects, as well as thesis, dissertation, or synthesis projects.

B. Engagement in Research and/or Appropriate Professional Practice and Training

All graduate programs also require students to engage in research, independent learning, and professional practices appropriate to their disciplines.

Coursework

In the MA degree program in History, for example, all graduate students must complete HIST 505: Research Writing Seminar, which focuses on the methodologies of historical investigation, and writing, to produce an article-length piece of work based on original primary source research. Table 9.6 – 2 identifies other representative examples of graduate courses from across the University that require engagement with research and/or appropriate professional practice and training experiences.

Table 9.6 – 2: Engagement with Research and/or Appropriate Professional

Practice and Training Experiences in Graduate Courses

UL Lafayette Graduate Program

Examples of engagement with research and/or

appropriate professional practice and training experiences

Music (MM)

College of the Arts

MUS 515: Music Research and Bibliography

Seminar will introduce the graduate music student to the bibliographic tools required for research in the discipline. Required course in all graduate degree programs in music.

 

MUS 550: Recital

 

MUS 542: Composition

Advanced study in composition with correlated analysis and listening.

 

Business Administration (MBA)

B.I. Moody III College of Business Administration

MKTG 524: Marketing Management

Provides guidelines for developing marketing plans and programs while emphasizing the application of marketing concepts, tools, and decision-making processes.

 

MGMT 590: Policy Formulation, Strategy, and Administration

Capstone course. Emphasis is on integrated application of MBA core course concepts. Problem analysis and decision-making at an integrative level are stressed.

Curriculum and Instruction (MEd)
College of Education

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kinesiology (MS)

College of Education

 

Secondary Education and Special Education, Mild/Moderate Grades 6-12 (MAT)
College of Education

EDCI 508: Research Methods to Impact Student Learning

Reading and use of educational research literature, particularly educational statistical (assessment) information, to improve instruction.

 

EDCI 590: Applied Research in Curriculum and Instruction I

Capstone development: research proposal to promote educational change.

 

EDCI 591: Applied Research in Curriculum and Instruction II

Capstone analysis and completion. Presentation of findings in symposium; archiving and/or online publishing of final products.

 

KNES 600: Internship in Kinesiology

Class meetings and placement in approved exercise and sport science, health promotion, recreation, or sport management setting to plan, develop, implement, supervise, and apply relevant theories in specified programs. May be repeated for a maximum of six credits in different settings.

 

EDCI 505: Secondary School Instruction in Inclusive Settings

Creating and implementing universal design for instruction for students with disabilities in grades six through 12.

 

SPED 561: Secondary Internship in Inclusive Special Education

Instructional experiences with secondary age students with disabilities within the special education continuum of placements. Rstr: Successful completion of all coursework for Secondary 6-12 MAT program.

 

Engineering, all concentrations (MSE)

College of Engineering

 

 

 

Computer Engineering (MSCE)

College of Engineering

ENGR 501: Data Analysis for Engineering Projects

Basic concepts of random variation in engineering projects, followed by planning experiments, then analyzing the resulting data using exploratory procedures, point and interval estimation, tests of hypothesis, regression, or analysis of variance. Use of software for analysis and presentation.

 

EECE 505: Advanced Control Design in Dynamic Systems

Advanced control system design and applications. Topics include stale space design techniques, stability robustness, optimal control design, robust control, and fault tolerant control design.

 

EECE 583: Emerging Interactive Systems

Mobile devices, electronic kiosks, advanced virtual and augmented interfaces. Multidisciplinary design, technical, and human-factors aspects.

 

EECE 585: Mobile Graphics Programming

2D and 3D graphics for mobile devices. Standards, performance issues, computational and memory constraints.

 

Communication (MS)

College of Liberal Arts

CMCN 504: Graduate Research

Fields of communication study, research designs, and methodologies; formulation of a research plan for a thesis.

 

CMCN 505: Communication Research Design and Analysis

Quantitative design and analysis; methods and techniques, such as instrument design, sampling, and specification and interpretation of statistics.

 

Nursing (MSN)

College of Nursing and Allied Health Professions

NURS 502: Generating Evidence for Nursing Practice

Presents the logic, methods, and techniques of scientific research, using an evidence-based approach. Emphasis on critical appraisal of existing evidence, design decisions, psychometrics and appropriate statistical analysis. Students will design a research proposal applicable to nursing practice.

 

Mathematics (MS)

Ray P. Authement College of Sciences

MATH 555: Numerical Analysis I

Advanced numerical linear algebra, optimization, nonlinear systems, topics from approximation theory, quadrature, numerical solutions of differential equations. Prereq: MATH 455G or permission of department required.

 

Theses and dissertations

All doctoral degree programs require student engagement in the form of research and/or appropriate professional practice that culminates in a final product. PhD and EdD programs all require students to write a dissertation, which by definition is a work of independent learning, and a product of student engagement in research and professional practice. As defined in both the PhD and EdD dissertation requirements in the University Catalog, each degree candidate must “complete a dissertation concerned with a well-defined problem lending itself to a study of reasonable scope” and that represents “a significant contribution to learning in the discipline concerned.” The DNP Synthesis Project, while not a dissertation, “is a rigorous project through which the student identifies issues in the practice setting and evaluates, integrates, and applies research-based evidence to improve patient care or practice outcomes. The synthesis project is the culmination of DNP coursework. It provides evidence of the student's experience and growth, represents a significant contribution to the discipline of nursing, and provides a foundation for the graduate's future scholarly endeavors.”

Master’s students, too, must demonstrate engagement with research and professional practice and training. Many do so by completing a thesis. While several master’s degree programs provide a non-thesis track, UL Lafayette requires that, unless specified otherwise, “a thesis is required for each master’s degree.” This culminating work is to demonstrate “the student's ability to plan research and to collect, arrange, interpret, and report material about a significant problem. The thesis must be written in a clear style and must exhibit the student's competence in scholarly methods and procedures.”

The representative sample of doctoral dissertations and master’s theses below demonstrates that such works embody independent research and professional practice/training appropriate to their respective disciplines and knowledge of the discipline’s literature. Upon approval, these final manuscripts also show compliance with common University standards as set forth by the Graduate School in the Guidelines for the Preparation and Submission of Theses, Dissertations, and Synthesis Projects.

·         PhD Dissertation ALSS—Azios

·         PhD Dissertation BIOL—Penning

·         PhD Dissertation ENGL—Biederman

·         EdD Dissertation EDFL K-12—Stokes

·         EdD Dissertation EDFL HE—Hazelwood

·         DNP Synthesis Project—Hadeed

·         MA Thesis HIST—Manuel

·         MA Thesis HIST—Walkama

·         MS Thesis GEOL—Moore

·         MS Thesis GEOL—Ivy

·         MS Thesis PSYC—Chiasson

·         MS Thesis PSYC—Janice

·         MS Thesis PSYC —Ramos

Non-thesis Master’s students

Engagement in research, and/or appropriate professional practice and training, is also required of students who complete the master’s degree via a non-thesis track. Table 9.6 — 3 lists non-thesis program requirements that demonstrate engagement in research, internships, clinical, and/or other professional practice and training as appropriate to the discipline.

Table 9.6 — 3: Engagement with Research and/or Appropriate Professional

Practice and Training Experiences for Non-Thesis Master’s Students

 UL Lafayette Master’s Program

Non-Thesis Track Degree Requirements

Accounting (MS)

This program does not offer a thesis track. Its coursework provides both an in-depth exposure to the accounting and business topics critical for success in the workforce and a structured, value-added path toward achieving the necessary credit hours to be licensed as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the State of Louisiana. (Accounting Program)

Architecture (MArch)

The non-thesis track requires the completion of six credit hours of ARCH 509: Master’s Project, which includes individual investigation of architectural issues and theories developed with both faculty and a consultant, as well as completion of an architectural design with a written component. (Architecture Program)

Biology (MS)

The non-thesis track requires a minimum of 36 credit hours of courses approved for graduate credit, including not more than three hours devoted to Advanced Problems (BIOL 560, BIOL 561, or BIOL 564); thesis hours (BIOL 599) cannot be applied to this requirement. At least 30 hours must be from courses in the Department of Biology. At least 18 hours must be in courses at the 500 level or above, including two hours of the Graduate Seminar in biology. Students will also take one hour of Colloquium in Biological Science each semester they are in residence; this course does not count toward the credit hours required for the degree. At least three hours of graduate course work must be completed in a science other than biology. Students are required to pass written and oral comprehensive examinations conducted by the student's Examination Committee. (Biology Program)

Business Administration (MBA)

This program does not offer a thesis track. MGMT 590: Policy Formulation, Strategy and Administration, which requires integrated application of the MBA core course concepts, and stresses problem analysis and decision making at an integrative level, is the capstone course. (Business Program)

Communication (MS)

The non-thesis track requires completion of 33 credit hours of which three credit hours must be a supervised professional research project. The project will be completed in directed individual study, CMCN 597 or CMCN 598. Projects may include, but are not limited to, advertising or PR campaigns, documentary videos, corporate and organizational training seminars, and published multi-part series journalistic works. Written comprehensive examinations, and an oral defense of the same, are also required for non-thesis students. (Communication Program)

Computer Science (MS)

The non-thesis coursework track requires completion of 33 credit hours of graduate course work. The non-thesis project track requires completion of 33 credit hours, of which three hours are CSCE 590: Special Project. (Computer Science Program) 

Computer Engineering (MS)

The non-thesis project track requires completion of 33 credit hours, of which three hours are CSCE 590: Special Project. (Computer Engineering Program)

Counselor Education (MS)

This program does not offer a thesis track. It requires completion of a core educational requirement of 27 credit hours, in addition to the additional requirements for a concentration in School Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, or a dual concentration, which meets the requirements of both School Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling. A total of 48 credits is required for the School Counseling concentration. A total of 60 credits is required for the Mental Health Counseling concentration and the dual concentration. Additionally, all students must (1) complete three credits in a practicum and six-nine credits in an internship with placement specific to the concentration, and (2) pass a comprehensive examination. (Counselor Education Program)

Criminal Justice (MS)

The non-thesis option requires completion of 36 credit hours, inclusive of 15 additional credit hours of graduate-level CJUS elective coursework beyond the core coursework required of thesis student, and six credit hours of elective coursework to be chosen from graduate-level courses in CJUS, POLS, PSYC, and/or SOCI. (Criminal Justice Program)

Curriculum and Instruction (MEd)

This program does not offer a thesis track. Demonstration of engagement in and/or appropriate profession practice and training is required of all students through completion of EDCI 508: Research Methods to Impact Student Learning, and a research capstone course, EDCI 599: Capstone in Curriculum and Instruction or EDCI 595: Advanced Mathematics Practicum (K-8 Math concentration only). (Curriculum and Instruction Program)

Educational Leadership (MEd)

This program does not offer a thesis track. Demonstration of engagement in and/or appropriate profession practice and training is required of all students through completion of EDLD 511: Community Engagement, requiring command of the skills to analyze and interpret various models of school-community organizational frameworks, and EDLD: Capstone Internship, which requires completion of a project that is presented to the student’s committee of graduate faculty. (Educational Leadership Program)

Elementary Education & Special Education (MAT)

This program does not offer a thesis track. Demonstration of engagement in and/or appropriate profession practice and training is required of all students through completion of SPED 560: Elementary Internship in Inclusive Special Education, passage of the appropriate PRAXIS pedagogy examinations, and satisfactory completion of the MAT Special Education Portfolio. (Elementary Education & Special Education Program)

Engineering (MSE)

In all concentrations, the non-thesis track requires completion of 36 credit hours that can include completion of three credit hours of special project, and a research report that is presented to the graduate committee. In some concentrations, non-thesis track students must also satisfactorily complete a comprehensive exam with written and/or oral components.

CHEE: (Chemical Engineering Program)

CIVE: (Civil Engineering Program)

EECE: (Electrical Engineering Program)

MCHE: (Mechanical Engineering Program)

PETE: (Petroleum Engineering Program)

English (MA)

The non-thesis track requires completion of a minimum of 33 credit hours, demonstration of reading knowledge of one foreign language other than English, and, for all concentrations except TESOL, a comprehensive examination that includes both written and oral components. (English Program)

Environmental Resource Science (MS)

The non-thesis track requires completion of 35 credit hours that includes one of the following to demonstrate a general, comprehensive knowledge of the field of study: Capstone Project or Internship. (Environmental Resource Science Program)

French (MA)

The non-thesis track requires completion of a minimum of 36 credit hours, including FREN 540: Critique Littéraire, which is an introduction to literary theory through theoretical texts and their application to the study of literature, and FREN 541: Atelier De Méthodologie, a graduate research methods and bibliography preparation course. All students must also successfully complete comprehensive written and oral examinations in three selected areas, based on the student’s coursework and the department’s reading list. (French Program)

Geology (MS)

Except under special circumstances, a thesis is required. If the thesis requirement is waived, permission of the head of the department and substitution of suitable course work of not less than 12 credit hours are required. (Geology Program)

Health Care Administration (MBA)

This program does not offer a thesis track. Two internships served within a Health Care Organization are required in addition to the 33 credit hours of course work. Each internship must be in different administrative areas of the organization. (Health Care Administration Program)

History (MA)

The non-thesis exam track requires completion of 33 credit hours, inclusive of satisfactory completion of HIST 592: Capstone Readings Course, and a comprehensive examination with written and oral components. In the comprehensive examination, students are expected to demonstrate familiarity with the historical narrative and significant scholarship in the major and minor areas of study. Students pursuing the Public History option also must complete an internship. (History Program)

Informatics (MS)

The non-thesis track requires demonstration of a general comprehensive knowledge of the field of informatics through the successful completion of INFX 595: Master's Project and INFX 591: Informatics Capstone. The project-based capstone course focuses students on issues relevant to effectively managing information services by highlighting areas of greatest current and potential application of IT to business needs, and reviews electronic business, enterprise business systems, and decision support systems. (Informatics Program)

Kinesiology (MS)

The non-thesis track requires completion of nine credit hours of research-related Special Projects (KNES 497 or KNES 498), Individual Study (KNES 597), and an Internship (KNES 600; 3-9 hours). Students in the Health Promotion, Recreation and Sports Management concentration may elect to take the internship for up to nine hours.

(Kinesiology Exercise and Sport Science Program)

(Kinesiology Health Promotion, Recreation and Sports Management Program)

Mathematics (MS)

The non-thesis track requires completion of 36 credit hours of graduate course work, of which a minimum of 18 credit hours must be above the 400G-level. The student may concentrate in applied mathematics by taking courses in differential equations, numerical analysis, and statistics, or in pure mathematics by taking courses in algebra, analysis, and topology. (Mathematics Program)

Music (MM)

The non-thesis track requires completion of a minimum of 33 credit hours, including 12 credit hours in the concentration area, 12 credit hours in music theory and music history and literature. The remaining nine credit hours will be chosen from courses specifically applicable to the degree requirements or from electives. All students must also successfully complete a comprehensive examination with both written and oral components. (Music Program)

Nursing (MSN)

The non-thesis track requires completion of NURS 595: Focused Scholarly Project, which results in a scholarship project, supervised by a graduate faculty member, that creatively employs scientific inquiry to systemically advance the practice, teaching, or research of nursing. Emphasis on a project that has tangible application to the practice setting.

Family Nurse Practitioner concentration: (Nurse Practitioner Program)

Nurse Executive concentration: (Nurse Executive Program)

Nursing Education concentration: (Nursing Education Program)

Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration: (Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program)

Physics (MS)

The non-thesis track requires completion of 33 credit hours of which 27 credit hours are in physics courses carrying graduate credit; 18 of these credit hours must be in physics courses at the 500-level, including PHYS 594: Research Project course; and six credit hours should be in an approved secondary area. (Physics Program).

Secondary Education & Special Education (MAT)

This program does not offer a thesis track. Demonstration of engagement in and/or appropriate profession practice and training is required of all students through completion of SPED 561: Secondary Internship in Inclusive Special Education, passage of the appropriate PRAXIS pedagogy examinations, and satisfactory completion of the MAT Special Education Portfolio. (Secondary Education & Special Education Program)

Special Education, Gifted (MEd)

This program does not offer a thesis track. Demonstration of engagement in and/or appropriate profession practice and training is required of all students through completion of EDCI: 508: Research Methods to Impact Student Learning, EDCI 590-591: Applied Research in Curriculum and Instruction I and II, and SPED 513: Practicum in Gifted Education. (Special Education Program)

Speech Pathology and Audiology (MS)

The non-thesis track requires completion of 43 credit hours. Demonstration of engagement in and/or appropriate profession practice and training is required of all students through completion of 325 clock hours of clinical practicum at the graduate level and successful completion of the Capstone Seminar taken during the final semester of study. (Speech Pathology and Audiology Program)

Systems Technology (MS)

The non-thesis project track requires completion of three-six credit hours of project courses and additional approved electives. All students must also pass a final examination in defense of either their thesis or project. (Systems Technology Program)

 

 

Supporting Documents

CODI Progressively More Advanced Syllabi

Department of Biology Guide for Grad Students

Department of NURS Standard Courses

DNP Exam Requirement

DNP Synthesis Project

DNP Synthesis Project Guidelines

EdD Dissertation

EdD Qualifying Paper General Comprehensive Exam

English Grad Student Handbook

Graduate Admission Criteria

Graduate Admission Policies

Graduate Courses Classification

Guidelines for Theses, Dissertations, and Synthesis Projects

Master’s Comprehensive Exam

Nursing Graduate Program Handbooks

PhD Dissertation

PhD General Comprehensive Exam

Prospectus Dissertation Assessment Instruments

Sample Syllabi for Undergrad and Grad Enrollment

Synthesis Projects

Thesis Requirements

UL Lafayette Dissertation Committee

University Catalog – History Program

University Guidelines for Graduate Faculty Members