Changing Departments

How do I change departments?
You must reapply. Submit a new online application, including a new $50 application fee to Graduate Studies. If you wish to use the same letters of recommendation from your prior application, you must make arrangements to have the first department send them to our office or the new department directly.

Degree-level change

How do I change degree levels within my program?
The procedure for changing degree level varies considerably between departments and programs. Print the Request to Change Graduate Degree Level form and contact your department.

Integrated Programs

What is an integrated program?
Integrated programs are those in which approval has been given to work on bachelor’s and master’s degrees simultaneously. You must be a current BYU student whose program offers an integrated program to qualify.

I am in an integrated master's program. When do I start paying graduate tuition?
You pay graduate tuition in your last two semesters. Your department should inform you how and when to apply for the graduate portion of your program.

I've paid my two semesters of graduate tuition, and I want to take another undergraduate class. Why do I have to pay graduate tuition?
Once you are admitted to the graduate portion of your program, you are considered a graduate student. You are eligible for graduate privileges and must pay graduate tuition, regardless of whether you take undergraduate or graduate courses.

Minors

How do I get approval to earn a minor?
First, obtain approval from the department chairs of both your major and minor departments. Then select a faculty member from the minor department, with the approval of the department chair, to serve on your graduate committee. Register for and complete at least nine semester hours (if you are in a master's program) or at least twelve semester hours (if you are in a doctoral program) of approved graduate credit in the minor department. Finally, you must pass an oral or written comprehensive exam in the minor field.

What is the procedure for an oral defense of a minor?
The member of your committee from the minor department attends the major oral defense and is given time to ask questions regarding the minor classes.

Progress Reports

What is a progress report?
The academic progress report is a computer report listing all the course work on a student's program of study as well as any other requirements and indicating which of them have been completed and which still need to be satisfied.

How can I obtain a copy of my progress report?
Progress reports can be viewed at any time by logging into Route Y and going to MyMAP. Go to Plan MyMAP and click on Progress Report in the upper right-hand corner. You may also view your progress report by typing PROGRPT into the Quick URL.

What should I do if I find an error in my progress report?
Prepare Request for Program of Study Change and obtain the signatures of your graduate committee.

What is a "T" grade on your transcript?
A "T" grade is a temporary grade that is given to thesis and dissertation hours along with a few other courses that will typically take more than one semester to complete, signifying "work in progress." For example, the "T" remains until you have successfully defended your thesis or completed the requirements of a course. Though you may register more than once for a course that assigns a "T" grade, the "T" will be assigned each semester of registration and remain on your transcript until all the requirements for the course have been completed, at which time a grade change will be submitted.

Reapplying to Graduate School

What does it mean to be dropped from a graduate program for minimum registration?
A student who does not meet the six-hour minimum registration requirement for an academic year loses status as a graduate student. To continue the program, the student must apply for readmission.

If I'm dropped from my program, do I have to start over?
Not necessarily. If the program you were in is no longer offered or if the department denies your request, you will have to submit an application for admission and be considered with a new pool of applicants. However, if your department approves your application to resume graduate study, your program will be activated as it was at the time you were dropped. The five or eight year time-limit constraints are still calculated from the semester you began your program or from the semester of the first class of your program.

How do I apply for readmission?
Submit an Application to Resume Graduate Study, pay a $125 nonrefundable processing fee, and submit the Reapplication Honor Code Commitment and Confidential Report. International students will also need to submit a new Financial Certification Form. You should expect your previous course work to be reevaluated and your degree requirements to reflect current expectations of the program.

Withdrawing

How do I withdraw from my graduate program?
Contact your department with a written request to withdraw from your program. The department will submit the Request to Expire (Terminate) Graduate Status to Graduate Studies. To drop your classes if you are currently enrolled, contact the Discontinuance Office, B-150 ASB, Provo, UT 84602; telephone: (801) 422-7705.

Leave of Absence

Who is eligible for a leave of absence?
Graduate students who decide to go on a mission, are called to active military duty, or have extenuating medical problems that prevent them from continuing their studies may apply for a Leave of Absence. Students are still required to complete their program within the specified time-limits (five years for a master's degree and eight years for a doctoral degree)