Pass-Fail Option
With required consultation of their graduate program advisor (if the advisor is the instructor for the course, consultation with the program coordinator, chairperson, or dean), matriculated graduate students are eligible to register for certain courses to be graded as Pass-Fail. The Pass-Fail option is blind in that the instructor is not aware of the student's use of the Pass-Fail option until after the grades are submitted.
The Pass-Fail Contract must be signed by the student’s advisor prior to the end of the 12th week of classes (for shorter terms see the pass-fail deadlines on the academic calendar).
ELIGIBLE COURSES
No more than one elective course in any program may be taken on Pass-Fail option. There is no limit on the number of courses, which are not a part of the student’s program of study, that may be taken under the pass-fail option. Courses that are excluded from the Pass-Fail option are:
- the required courses in a graduate program; and
- undergraduate courses listed in any program that students are required to take to strengthen their academic backgrounds.
PASS-FAIL GRADES
If the final grade earned is "C" or higher, it will be reported as ‘S’ on the transcript. This grade has no effect on the grade point average (GPA) but does count as attempted credit. If the final grade earned is "C-" or below, the final grade will be reported as "F". This grade will impact the GPA and does count as attempted credit. Once a student selects the Pass-Fail option it will not be possible to revert to a graded option.
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS
Courses taken for pass-fail might not be accepted for transfer credit when attending another institution; are excluded from GPA calculations which may impact a student’s ability to meet certain GPA requirements needed for their program or graduation; and may not be satisfactory in meeting prerequisite requirements when applying to other graduate programs.