Printed on: 12/05/2024. Please go to policy.umn.edu for the most current version of the document.
University of Minnesota  Administrative Policy

Readmission and Changes to Master's or Doctoral Degree Objectives

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Policy Statement

Graduate programs make all decisions about readmission, change of degree objective, or addition of degree objective. Programs have the discretion to require a full admissions application from a student requesting a new or additional degree objective.

I. Readmission

In cases where active student status has lapsed and an individual wishes to resume graduate studies, readmission to a University graduate program is required. Readmission is not guaranteed, and colleges and programs may add conditions to the readmission (e.g., course grades older than a specified number of years may not be included in the degree plan). These conditions must be specified in writing by the time of readmission. If the specified conditions are not satisfied, the student may be terminated the discretion of the graduate program.

II. Change to or Addition of a Degree Objective within the Same Program

Currently enrolled graduate students, or returning students, who wish to change or add a degree objective (e.g., add the doctoral degree in the same program in which they are completing a master's degree) must request the change or addition of degree objective. The student's graduate program must either approve or deny the request.

If the change is to a lesser degree (e.g., to a master's degree from a doctoral degree) in the same program to which the student was admitted, the student must still request a change of degree objective (see Procedures for Readmission/Change or Addition of Degree Objective and Associated Requirements).

III. Change to or Addition of a Degree Objective in a Different Program

Currently enrolled graduate students who wish to change to a different program, or add another degree objective in a different program, must complete and submit an application for admission. The graduate program offering the new degree must either approve or deny the request (see Procedures for Readmission/Change or Addition of Degree Objective and Associated Requirements).

IV. Exceptions

  1. This policy does not apply the J.D., M.D., Pharm.D., D.V.M., D.D.S, L.L.M., and M.B.A (Twin Cities) degrees.
  2. Programs may request from their collegiate dean or unit’s chief academic officer (or designee) an exception to the required use of the University’s central graduate admissions application system for admission, readmission, and changes to master’s and doctoral degree objectives.

Reason for Policy

Decisions on readmission, and the addition or change of a degree objective, should ensure that students admitted to a program have appropriate preparation for graduate work in a particular discipline and at the intended degree level.

Contacts

SubjectContactPhoneEmail
Primary Contact(s)Dean Tsantir612-625-1303[email protected]
Responsible Individuals
Responsible Officer Policy Owner Primary Contact
  • Executive Vice President and Provost
  • Vice Provost and Dean of Graduate Education
  • Dean Tsantir
    Departmental Director

Definitions

There are no definitions associated with this policy.

Responsibilities

Colleges

  • Publish and maintain the requirements for readmission, and adding or changing a degree objective.
  • Request exceptions from the Executive Vice President and Provost (or designee) to the required use of the University’s central graduate admission application system for admission, readmission, and changes to master’s and doctoral degree objectives.

Programs/Departments

  • Publish and maintain the requirements for readmission, and adding or changing a degree objective.
  • Approve or deny requests for readmission, change to or additions of additions a degree objective within the same program, and change to or addition of additions of a degree objective in a different program.
  • Request exceptions from the collegiate dean or unit’s chief academic officer (or designee) to the required use of the University’s central graduate admission application system for admission, readmission, and changes to master’s and doctoral degree objectives.

Central Graduate Admissions Office

  • Process requests from programs for student readmission
  • Communicate readmission decisions to the applicant
  • Reactivate the student record for students who are readmitted

Related Information

History

Amended:

June 2017 - Comprehensive Review, Minor Revision. 1. Documents appropriate reasons for a leave of absence. 2. Uses “discontinue” language rather than “inactive” language for accuracy about the process. 3. Clarifies language regarding semester/term including how terms are counted for leaves and discontinuation.

Effective:

May 2012 - New Policy. Establishes the University's minimum readmission and change of status requirements for master's and doctoral degrees, which help ensure that students are sufficiently prepared to succeed in obtaining their degree. Consolidates information that was previously contained in the Graduate School catalog and on the Graduate School website.