Informal Courses

Definition: Informal courses include registration in project, thesis, or dissertation guidance; directed or supervised reading; directed research; and independent study coursework.

  • A description and method of evaluation statement for each informal course and its relevance to the student’s degree program must be submitted with the Application to Candidacy.  These statements become part of the student’s academic record and are evaluated by the Academic Dean, the Divisional or Area Committee, and the Graduate School when making their respective recommendations concerning the student’s program of study.  It is the responsibility of the student, the instructor and the advisor, in that order, to see that informal course statements are filed with the Application to Candidacy or any subsequent amendments to candidacy.  Failure to do so will delay, and may interrupt, recommendations of the committees and individuals responsible for processing degree credentials.
  • Use of undergraduate courses below the 400 level, as the criteria for creating an informal graduate course, is not acceptable.
  • A description and method of evaluation statement is not required for courses associated with thesis, dissertation, portfolio, or project completion (i.e. thesis/project guidance, dissertation guidance, etc.)