Graduate Degree Requirements

Master’s Degree Programs

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

1. A minimum of 45 credits
2. 50 percent or higher of graduate courses in the 600 level.
3. No more than 9 credits of blanket-numbered courses, other than thesis, may be applied to the minimum of 45-credit master’s degree.
4. Completion of 2/3 at Western Oregon University.
5. A final exit form is required.

Graduate Major

A graduate major is the area of academic specialization in which the student chooses to qualify for a graduate degree. Upon completion of a master’s degree, the degree awarded and the graduate major are listed on the student’s transcript. Find a list of descriptions of graduate program offerings in the catalog.

Graduate Area of Focus

A graduate area of focus is a subdivision of a major in which a strong graduate program is available. Areas of focus are not listed on a student’s transcript.

Doctoral Degrees

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Usually requires three years or more of graduate-level coursework level requiring an original research thesis or project. Professional doctoral degrees with an emphasis on the application of knowledge in the field normally require three or more years of carefully prescribed graduate-level coursework.

1. A minimum of 81 credits
2. 50 percent or higher of graduate courses in the 700 level.
3. Completion of 2/3 at Western Oregon University.
4. A final exit form is required.

Graduate Certificate Requirements

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

The Graduate Certificate Program at Western Oregon University is a structured progression of graduate-level courses that constitute a coherent body of study with a defined focus within a single discipline or a logical combination of disciplines. It is designed for a student who has completed a baccalaureate degree and is in pursuit of advanced-level learning. Graduate certificates reflect the educational mission of the university. Students desiring a graduate certificate must be admitted to the university as a credential-seeking graduate student. There is no formal committee requirement for graduate certificates. Certificate students are subject to all general policies governing the courses for the master’s degree, unless specified within the Graduate Catalog.

GRADUATE CERTIFICATE STUDY PROGRAM

The graduate certificate curriculum consists of a minimum of 12 graduate credits. No final examination or exit project is required.

FINANCIAL AID ELIGIBILITY

Students enrolled in graduate certificate programs with 27 or more credits may qualify for federal loans and work-study financial aid. Students must complete the federal FAFSA form to begin the financial aid application process.