Rackham School of Graduate Studies Programs

The University of Michigan-Flint offers two graduate degree programs through the Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studies: the Master of Liberal Studies in American Culture (MLS) and the Master of Public Administration (MPA) with concentrations in Criminal Justice Administration, Educational Administration, Health Care Administration, and Administration of Nonprofit Agencies.

Admission to Rackham School Programs

Admission applications are available from the Office of Graduate Programs, 251 Thompson Library, or at the Website: graduateprograms.umflint.edu. The procedure for applying for admission includes filing a completed application, one official transcript from each college and university attended, three letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and an application fee. Applicants to the Educational Administration concentration of the MPA program must also submit a copy of their teaching certificate. A cumulative undergraduate 3.0 grade point average is expected of each applicant, although this should not prevent a highly motivated applicant with a somewhat lower average from applying. Each program has additional requirements, which are described under  the program listing. Please refer to graduateprograms.umflint.edu for application deadlines. International applicants should apply no later than six months prior to the term of intended enrollment.

There are three types of admission:

Regular: Applicants who satisfy all admission requirements of the Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studies and of the program may be given regular admission.

Conditional: Applicants who have yet to satisfy one or more of the requirements may be given conditional admission.

Probationary: In some circumstances, applicants who do not meet the required minimum grade point average for the number of credits specified may, with the approval of program faculty, be granted probationary admission.

Readmission

Students who have not been enrolled in Graduate School for more than one year (12 months) must apply for readmission. Readmission is dependent upon program approval. Before readmission can be finalized for international students, proof of adequate funding is required in order to obtain the appropriate visa documents. Readmission applications are available from the Office of Graduate Programs, 251 Thompson Library.

Grading System

The following grading system is used by the MLS and MPA programs. The letter grade system is used for all courses except for PUB 590: Internship in which a graduate student may receive a “P” or “F” grade. Courses in which grades of D or E are earned cannot be used in fulfillment of degree requirements.

Cumulative grade point averages are computed by dividing the total number of honor points earned by the total number of credit hours attempted. No honor points are generated by the earning of either a “P” or a “F” grade, and such grades are not calculated in a graduate student’s grade point average. A cumulative graduate grade point average of “B” (5.00) is required for all graduate courses taken for credit and applied toward the master’s degree. A minimum cumulative final graduate grade point average of at least B (5.0) is required for successful completion of the MLS and MPA programs.

Academic Standing and Academic Discipline

To maintain satisfactory academic standing, a student must have a minimum cumulative graduate grade point average of “B” (5.00) for all graduate courses taken for credit and applied toward the degree program in which the student is enrolled.

A student whose cumulative graduate grade point average falls below a “B” (5.00) in a given term or half term will be placed on probation for the following term or half term, or may be denied permission to register. A student whose cumulative graduate grade point average falls below a “B” average for two successive terms or half terms may, upon the recommendation of his or her graduate program director and with the consent of the Associate Provost, be granted a final opportunity to correct the scholastic and/or academic deficiency.

Transfer of Credit

Up to six (6) hours of graduate credit completed in residence at another accredited institution or in an approved graduate extension program(s) may be accepted for transfer into the MLS and MPA programs. Transfers are made in accordance with the policies of the Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studies. Please contact the Administrative Specialist for more information concerning transfer of credit.

Time Limit to Complete Degree

A student must complete all work toward the master’s degree within five consecutive years from the date of first enrollment in the graduate program. Students may, however, request or petition for an extension of this time limit. Requests are made by completing a Petition for Modification of Waiver of Regulation form. Students submit completed forms with required signatures to the Administrative Specialist.

Degree/Diploma Application

To be considered for a master’s degree, MLS and MPA students must complete the formal Degree/Diploma Application. Completed applications should be submitted to the Office of Graduate Programs, 251 Thompson Library, early in the semester in which all degree requirements will be fulfilled.

Academic Policies and Procedures

All Flint Rackham students are held accountable for all policies and procedures of the Rackham School of Graduate Studies. Contact the Program Coordinator for further information concerning academic policies and procedures.