The frequently asked questions listed below will help answer questions regarding admissions, DegreeWorks, general graduate school information, graduate programs, graduation, student requests, academic action, student travel funds, and theses and dissertations.
How do I apply?
To submit an application for graduate admission, please complete the online application at the Apply Texas website.
You must have a conferred Bachelor's degree before you start your first graduate course. You can start the application process before your bachelor's degree is conferred but it must be conferred before you start coursework.
We receive applications once a day, every morning. Once we process your application, we will email you with your student id no. (CWID) and password with instructions on how to log into your myLeo account so you can view all your application information and required documents.
What is the process now that I have submitted my application?
The Admissions Application Consideration Process for Domestic Students:
The Admissions Application Consideration Process for International Students:
How do I check my application status?
You may contact your Graduate Student Services Coordinator at any time to inquire about your application. You may also track the completion status of your application file by utilizing the application checklist in your myLeo. Below are instructions to access your application status.
Your checklist is updated as documents are received and processed. Most documents (including transcripts and test scores) are posted within 48 hours of receipt.
Is there an application submission deadline?
Texas A&M University-Commerce practices an open enrollment. Most programs do not have deadline. Some programs do have deadlines and the deadlines are listed on the specific program area webpages. Below are the general application deadlines for international applicants:
Is there an application fee, and how do I pay the fee?
Yes, the Domestic student's application fee is $50.00 and the international student's application fee is $75.00 USD. Please pay your application fee at the time you submit your application through ApplyTexas application. If you did not pay at the time you submitted your application, you may pay online through myLeo. Application fees are not refundable.
What transcripts do I submit for my admission?
Please request an official transcript be sent to the Graduate School, Texas A&M University, P O Box 3011, Commerce, TX& 75429-3011, from all institutions you have attended, including all undergraduate and graduate coursework. US university transcripts can also be submitted electronically directly from the university you attended.
International students must obtain a credential evaluation of their transcripts. Here is the list of companies we accept evaluations from: https://inside.tamuc.edu/academics/graduateSchool/documents/evaluationAgencies.pdf
Degrees must be equivalent to a four-year bachelor's degree issued by a regionally accredited university in the United States. If you do not hold a 4-year degree and wish to know if we will consider your degree before applying, please contact Vicky Turner for help (vicky.turner@tamuc.edu).
Will my documents be returned?
No.
All documents submitted to the Graduate School for admission consideration become the property of the Graduate School. Documents cannot be returned. If a document is evaluated as unofficial or unacceptable; the document will not be kept and will be shredded. If your previous university only issues one transcript; please contact the Graduate School (graduate.school@tamuc.edu) or your Graduate Coordinator for help.
I am interested in educator/teacher certification. How do I apply?
We do not offer graduate-level initial teacher certification only. Teacher certification/PBTC is only available in conjunction with certain master's degrees in the College of Education and Human Services. Please contact the Graduate School (graduate.school@tamuc.edu) for details.
If you are seeking educator certification in addition to a Master’s degree, you need to apply for the Master’s program through Apply Texas, pay your graduate application fee, and submit your documentation for your intended degree program. Also, contact the Educator Certification Office and complete the Educator Certification application, submit any additional required documentation, including the educator certification fee.
I am interested in principal certification or superintendent certification. How do I apply?
You may apply for principal or superintendent certification if you are admitted to the master's of educational administration program or already hold a master's degree.
You need to apply through Apply Texas principal or superintendent certification, submit your application fee, and bachelor’s and master's transcripts to the Graduate School. Also, contact the Educator Certification Office (903-886-5183) and the Educational Leadership Department (903-886-5520) and submit any additional required documentation for the principal certification.
If you are applying for superintendent certification through a cohort, you need to apply as superintendent certification through Apply Texas, submit your bachelor’s and master's transcripts, and pay the graduate application fee to the Graduate School. Also, contact the Educational Leadership Department (903-886-5515) for further assistance.
How do I apply if I only want to take courses to transfer to my current institution?
Apply as a nondegree seeking graduate student through Apply Texas, pay the application fee, and submit your official bachelor’s transcript. Nondegree students may take as many courses as they wish but only 12 graduate hours successfully completed in a nondegree status may be applied towards a graduate degree program at A&M-Commerce. Nondegree students are not eligible for financial aid or graduate assistantships. International students are not eligible for nondegree status.
I want a second master’s what do I need to do?
Domestic Students: Go to www.applytexas.org and submit a new application and application fee. Upon processing your new application, we will reuse your transcripts and tests scores from your previous application; however, each program has its own discipline-specific admission requirements and may require additional or different documents. Please check your myLeo application checklist for any new required documents that you need to submit.
International Students: Go to www.applytexas.org and submit a new application and application fee. Upon processing your new application, we will reuse your transcripts and tests scores from your previous application; however, each graduate program has its own discipline-specific admission requirements and may require additional or different documents so you will need to check your myLeo application checklist for any new required documents and submit them. In addition to other documents, you will need to submit new bank and sponsor statements dated no older than 6 months.
What should I do if I need to defer my application?
To defer your application to a future term, fill out the deferral request form and submit the form to the Graduate School with the additional required documents. You may defer your admissions for up to one year. After one year, you must submit a new application, all additional required documents, and be reconsidered for admissions by your academic area.
I am an international student can I have conditional admissions.
Yes. Conditional admission applies to students with complete application packets who do not meet the department admissions requirement for full admissions. International students are not eligible for provisional status.
What is full admission?
Full admission to a graduate degree program (doctoral, masters or specialist)
means that all requirements for admission have been met and the applicant has been accepted by the department and the Graduate School. Full admission is not the same as admission to candidacy to a graduate program. Students who have completed graduate hours at A&M-Commerce must have an overall graduate GPA of at least a 3.00 in order to gain admission to a degree program. Financial Aid is available for full admission status.
What is conditional admission?
Conditional admission to a graduate degree program means that all documents have been submitted for admission, but the applicant does not meet all requirements for full admission. This could be a low overall grade point average, not meeting departmental requirements or lack of background for the chosen graduate program. Conditional admission status will change to full admission upon completing 12 graduate hours at Texas A&M University-Commerce with at least a 3.00 overall graduate grade point average. If an overall 3.00 graduate grade point average is not achieved, then the conditional admission status will change to academic suspension.
Conditional admission is not available for doctoral admission. Students who have completed graduate hours at A&M-Commerce must have an overall graduate GPA of at least a 3.00 in order to gain admission to a degree program. Financial Aid is available for conditional admission status.
What is provisional admission?
Provisional admission means that the applicant's bachelor's degree has been conferred, but the applicant has not submitted all admission documents or test scores to A&M-Commerce, but the applicant is allowed to attend for one semester while pending the submission of all documents and/or scores. Provisional admission is not available for all degree programs and is not available to doctoral and international students. Financial Aid is available for full admission and conditional admission status only.
I am an International student and have been admitted, when do I receive my I-20?
The Office of International Programs (OIP) is responsible for processing your I-20. You should be contacted by the OIP within three (3) business days of receiving your admissions letter from the Graduate School. After you have completed the OIP requested process, an I-20 is usually issued within 7 to 10 business days. Please watch your email for important information. If you plan to change your visa status from H1B/H4 to F1, please be aware it may affect your tuition status and the documents required for admission. For more information, please contact the International Student Services Office at intl.stu@tamuc.edu or 903-886-5097.
What is the 12-hour rule for nondegree students?
Students may only use 12 graduate semester hours taken in a non-degree status
for a master's, specialist or doctoral degree. The graduate school strongly
advises you to gain admission to a degree program before completing 12 graduate hours.
How do I change my major?
As a master's or specialist student, you may request to change your major if you are in good standing with the university (minimum 3.00 overall graduate GPA) and you meet admission requirements for the new program. You may submit a change of major form at any time but if you wish to start the next semester in the new major, you must submit your change of major form no later than 4 weeks (30 days) prior to the first class day of that semester, submit all required document so that you can gain admission to the new program no later than 10 days prior to the first class day.
If you do not meet these deadlines then your change of major will be processed for the next semester available for admission in that program.
A change of major request does not guarantee admission into the new program.
To complete this process please complete the online Change of Major form.
What graduate programs do you offer?
Please see our List of Programs
Do you offer online programs?
Yes. We offer graduate programs online, face-to-face, and some as a combination of face-to-face and online. Please contact your department for more information.
What is a master's/specialist minor?
Twelve semester hours in a second subject are (designated by the course prefix) or a set of approved related courses in a specific area constitute a minor. Completion of a minor is not a mandatory requirement. Students receiving a minor may be required to satisfy candidacy for those courses and are required to meet the comprehensive examination requirements of the minor department. All minors must be approved by the department and Graduate School prior to starting.
Is a minor required for my degree?
Minors are not mandatory. Please contact your major department if you are interested in obtaining a minor. If you wish to pursue a minor, please submit the Request Form for a minor to be added to a master's/specialist degree program and submit to the Graduate School.
What is myLeo?
MyLeo is your student portal. You will be able to use it to see your application status, see/pay your tuition and fees, read your emails, read important university notices, check on financial aid, register for courses, attend online courses (myLeo Online), and much more.
How do I find out about my campus-wide ID number?
Your campus-wide ID number (CWID) will be emailed to you after your application has been processed. If at any time you do not remember your CWID, you may contact the Graduate School (Graduate.School@tamuc.edu or 903-886-5163) for assistance.
Do I need the Meningitis vaccination?
The Meningitis vaccination is required if you do any face-to-face classes and you are under the age of 22.
Tuition & Fees
What are the tuition and fees for graduate courses?
The tuition and fees information is available at https://www.tamuc.edu/grad/cost/ for your review. The tuition and fee webpage provides the in-state and out-of-state tuition as well as face-to-face and online course fees.
As an online student, am I eligible for in-state tuition, even though I live out of state?
Only Texas residents are eligible to pay in-state tuition, as long as the residents have lived in Texas for 12 months before the semester that they enroll and meet basic residency requirements.
Students who reside in bordering states in counties that border Texas (Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and New Mexico) are eligible to receive a reduced rate in nonresident tuition. Students residing in Oklahoma but not in a county that borders Texas are eligible for a reduced tuition rate.
More information regarding waivers and exemptions is available at http://www.tamuc.edu/admissions/tuitionCosts/bursar/waiversExemptions.aspx.
I have other questions about graduate studies. Whom should I contact?
Below is our main contact information.
Phone: 903.886.5163
Fax: 930.886-5165
Email: Graduate.School@tamuc.edu
Campus Location: McDowell Business Administration Building, Room 142
Mailing Address:
Texas A&M University-Commerce
Attention: Graduate School
P O Box 3011
Commerce, TX 75429-3011
Express Mail:
Texas A&M University-Commerce
Attention: Graduate Studies
2600 South Neal Street
Commerce, TX 75428
How do I register?
First, you must gain admission to a graduate program or nondegree status. Students register through myLeo online at any time during open registration. See the How To Register Step-By-Step by clicking Here.
You can find all course information on the Official Schedule of Classes. The Academic Calendar is available online and includes the registration schedule.
New International students are cleared to register once they have attended orientation for international students and purchased insurance. Returning international students are cleared to register once they have contacted the Office of International Student Services for insurance clearance.
How do I get my grades?
Please access your grades through your myLeo.
How do I request a transcript?
You may request a transcript by accessing myLeo and click on Registration, Records and Grades. Additional information is available online.
Under Texas state law, an applicant or enrolled student is classified either as a resident of Texas, a nonresident, or as an international student. Residency for admission and tuition purposes at a public college or university in Texas is different from residency for voting or tax purposes.
Under state statutes and Coordinating Board rules and regulations interpreting those statutes, a prospective student will be classified as a resident, nonresident, or foreign student. A person who has lived in the state under circumstances specified in these rules will be eligible for classification as a resident.
A citizen, a national, or a permanent resident of the United States who does not meet resident criteria will be classified as a nonresident. An alien who is not a permanent resident of the United States and has not been permitted by Congress to adopt the United States as his/her domicile while in this country will be classified as a foreign student.
An individual classified as a nonresident or foreign student may qualify to pay resident tuition rates and other charges while continuing to be classified as a nonresident or foreign student under certain exceptions specified in the statutes and rules.
Submission of some or all of the following forms/documents may be necessary in order for your residency status/classification to be properly determined. Depending on the visa type or current status will determine which documents are necessary. We will also consider and utilize documents from a spouse if they will be used to establish residency. #1 and #4 are found on the Graduate Forms and Guidelines page.
1. Core Residency Questionnaire Form,
2. Copy of visa/s (spouse's visa),
3. Copy of marriage certificate,
4. Senate Bill 1528 affidavit, and
5. Documentation to support domicile and residency, such as pay stubs, ownership of a home, or ownership of a business.
An individual seeking more information on residency status should contact the Graduate School, Graduate.School@tamuc.edu.
How do I access my DegreeWorks audit?
Students may access their DegreeWorks audit through myLEO
My Degree Program GPA and Institutional GPA do not match, why?
The Degree Program GPA is calculating the GPA for the courses being applied in the Major Block. The Institutional GPA calculates the GPA for all graduate courses taken at A&M-Commerce.
My DegreeWorks audit shows requirements for multiple graduate degrees, what does this mean?
This can happen for two reasons:
I completed a course but it did not fulfill the requirement on my DegreeWorks audit.
This can happen for several reasons:
Please contact the Graduate School (GradDegreeWorks@tamuc.edu) for clarification.
I am completing a thesis, but my DegreeWorks audit shows a 595 research course is required.
Please notify the Graduate School (GradDegreeWorks@tamuc.edu) that you are a thesis seeking student. Your degree audit will be updated with the thesis program requirements.
I am admitted to two graduate programs, but I only see one program listed on my DegreeWorks audit.
Please contact the Graduate School (GradDegreeWorks@tamuc.edu) to have your audit updated.
I see a minor on my DegreeWorks audit, but it's all 300 and 400 level courses
Please contact the Graduate School (GradDegreeWorks@tamuc.edu) to have your audit verified.
My DegreeWorks audit displays still needed: Major Block not found but is required.
This error appears when the student’s catalog term is incorrect. Please contact the Graduate School (GradDegreeWorks@tamuc.edu) to have your audit updated.
When I look at my DegreeWorks audit, it says that my catalog year is not available through DegreeWorks.
DegreeWorks began with the 2011 Graduate Catalog. If you are using a degree plan in a Graduate Catalog prior to 2011, DegreeWorks is not available. If you choose to update to the current catalog, please speak to your advisor. Your advisor will need to verify that your coursework and program requirements meet the new catalog requirements.
What is a What-If Audit
A What-If audit allows you to review how your current coursework will apply to a speculative degree audit. You can process a What-If audit for a different major, minor, degree, or catalog year. Following a What-If audit does not guarantee admission to or degree conferral from a graduate program.
How do I conduct a What-If Audit?
Following a What-If audit does not guarantee admission to or degree conferral from a graduate program.
To return to your regular audit:
Transfer/Substitution
I have completed graduate level coursework at another institution. Can I transfer these courses to A&M-Commerce to use toward my degree?
If approved by your major department, up to 1/3 of the credit required for a master’s/specialist degree may be accepted as transfer credit from another regionally accredited institution. The following applies to transfer courses:
I completed a research course at another institution. Can it be transferred in for my 595 course?
No. A 595 course cannot be transferred from another university. The 595 course must be taken at A&M-Commerce.
What is the process for requesting transfer work?
Steps to request transfer work approval are as follows:
These courses will be evaluated and, if approved, posted to the student’s Texas A&M University-Commerce transcript. Approval from both the student's major department and the Graduate Dean is required before courses to be applied toward masters/specialist degree.
Request to use courses over six (6) years old for a master’s/specialist degree
One of my courses is over six (6) years old; can I use this course for my master’s/specialist degree?
University Procedure requires that coursework used towards a master’s/specialist degree at A&M-Commerce cannot be older than six (6) years at the time the graduate degree is conferred. A request to use courses over six (6) years old (but less than 10 yrs old) may be submitted by the student's advisor via DegreeWorks or by submitting the request form for approval by the Graduate Dean. Courses over 10 years old at the time the degree is conferred will not apply towards a graduate degree.
Graduate Credit for 300 or 400 level course
I am a graduate student and I am interested in taking a 300-400 level course for graduate credit. Are 300 or 400 level courses eligible to be used for a master’s or specialist degree?
Yes. Approval must be gained before enrolling in the course(s). You must complete the Request to enroll in a 300 or 400 level course for graduate credit form and all required documentation. The instructor of the course must hold Graduate Faculty status.
No more than two (2) 300 or 400 level courses (six hours) may be applied to a master’s/specialist degree. Undergraduate courses for graduate credit are not applicable for a doctoral program.
Is there additional work I will need to complete to earn graduate credit for a 300 or 400 level undergraduate course?
Yes. The instructor must submit the course syllabus, which includes information regarding additional course requirements for graduate credit in the 300 or 400 level course. In addition, the syllabus must include enhanced learning outcomes for the graduate student.
Request for scheduling a senior student for a 500 level course
I am an A&M-Commerce senior can I take graduate courses?
Yes. A&M-Commerce seniors may be approved to enroll in six (6) hours of graduate coursework who:
Note:
Course Load
What is the maximum number of hours allowed for each term?
Seniors enrolled in graduate courses are limited to a maximum course load of 15 hours (undergraduate and graduate combined) in Fall or Spring semester.
I have been blocked from registering for a course because I have registered for the maximum number of hours allowed in a semester. Can I request an overload?
In order to request an overload, you must submit a Request to Register for Courses over Maximum Hours per Semester to the Graduate School and gain approval by the Graduate Dean.
I am taking a 10-week course in the summer semester. Am I able to have an overload?
Overloads are permitted in summer I if you are taking 10-week courses. You must submit the Request to Register for Courses over Maximum Hours per Semester form for approval before you will be allowed to register. Combined Summer I and II registration cannot exceed 14 hours.
I am taking 8-week courses in the College of Business in the fall/spring semester. Am I able to have an overload?
The maximum number of hours you can register for in a 8-week sub-term is 9 semester hours
In the Fall or Spring semester, am I able to register for more than the maximum 15 hours?
In order to be permitted to register for more than 15 hours, you must:
I have taken nine (9) credit hours and have less than a 3.0 graduate GPA. Will I be suspended?
You must complete 12 graduate credit hours before you are subject to academic action. Once you have completed 12 graduate credit hours, you must maintain a 3.0 overall graduate GPA to remain in good standing.
My grade is incorrect and I have been suspended. What can I do?
According to University Procedure, if you feel that the grade(s) are not correct, please contact your course instructor to clarify the grade(s). If your assigned grade(s) is incorrect, your course instructor will submit a grade change petition in order to change the grade(s).
I received a letter stating I have been placed on academic suspension. Can I take courses?
You have the option to request a one-time reinstatement and approval to take courses during your suspension period.
Reinstatement requests must be received 5 (five) business days prior to the first class day of the semester in which you are requesting approval to enroll. Requests received after the submission deadline will be considered for the next semester. A reinstatement request that does not include all information below will be denied. Submission of a reinstatement request does not guarantee reinstatement.
Send your reinstatement request to Amy.Sims@tamuc.edu and include the following information:
a) In which semester are you requesting reinstatement?
b) Explain the reason(s) your overall graduate GPA dropped below a 3.0.
c) Plan of action that includes:
I have been placed on academic probation. What should I do?
To avoid further academic action, you must achieve an overall graduate GPA of 3.0 or better during your one-semester probationary period (next semester of enrollment). During your probationary term, we urge you retake the course(s) in which you made less than a B and improve your GPA to 3.0 before taking new courses.
Does academic probation/suspension affect my financial aid?
If you are receiving financial aid, your academic status will affect your financial aid eligibility. Please refer to the Financial Aid Standards of Progress information on the Financial Aid and Scholarship website.
I completed my suspension. How do I continue my program?
According to University Procedure, “A student on academic suspension may, after the suspension period, be allowed to re-enroll only upon the recommendation of the major department and with the approval of the Graduate Dean.”
You will need to request reinstatement to continue your program.
Reinstatement requests must be received 5 (five) business days prior to the first class day of the semester in which you are requesting approval to enroll. Requests received after the submission deadline will be considered for the next semester. A reinstatement request that does not include all information below will be denied. Submission of a reinstatement request does not guarantee reinstatement.
Send your reinstatement request to Suzanne.Giossi@tamuc.edu and include the following information:
a) In which semester are you requesting reinstatement?
b) Explain the reason(s) your overall graduate GPA dropped below a 3.0.
c) Plan of action that includes:
I was suspended from a master’s program. Can I take courses as a non-degree student while under suspension?
A student may return in a non-degree status to take courses for certification, licensure, or personal development. However, courses taken during the student’s suspension cannot be applied to a degree program.
How do I file for graduation?
You may apply for graduation online through myLeo. The application will be available on your myLeo account only during the application period, which is the first two weeks of the fall semester for December graduation, the first two weeks for the spring semester for May graduation and the first two weeks of summer I for August graduation. Please contact the Graduate School at gradgraduation@tamuc.edu if you have any questions.
When can I get my official transcript after graduation?
Student transcripts are issued by the Registrar’s Office. Final grades and GPAs are posted the week after commencement. After this process, a final review of degree requirements is completed. If all requirements are met, your information is forwarded to the Graduation Office, where your degree is awarded and posted to your official A&M-Commerce transcript. Allow approximately 2 weeks after commencement for transcripts to be updated.
I finished all my coursework in Summer I. Can I get my diploma early?
Although you may have completed all coursework in Summer I, degrees are awarded at the end of the Summer II semester after all summer grades are posted, final GPAs calculated, and verification of degree requirements is completed.
Where do I get my cap and gown?
Graduation Regalia (caps, gowns, and hoods) can be purchased or ordered through the Texas Book Company.
Where do I order invitations and/or a class ring?
Graduation invitations and rings can be purchased through the Mane Card Office
The degree and/or major on my graduation application are incorrect. What should I do to correct my information?
Please contact the Graduate School at gradgraduation@tamuc.edu for assistance.
I applied for graduation at the beginning of the semester, but I have not heard anything about my status.
The graduation clearance process takes several weeks. Notifications of status are sent to your myLeo email account once you have received initial clearance from your academic department and the Graduate School. Your graduation application status is also displayed on your online DegreeWorks audit.
Can I get a different name on my diploma?
In order to change the name on your diploma, you will need to contact the Graduate School at gradgraduation@tamuc.edu.
When will I know if I can participate in the graduation ceremony?
You will be notified via your myLeo email account of your official graduation status. If you receive initial clearance, you are eligible to participate in the commencement ceremony. Participation in the commencement ceremony does not guarantee conferring of any degree.
When will I know if I have been approved for graduation?
A final review of your records will be conducted after the conclusion of the semester. If all requirements are met, your information is forwarded to the Graduation Office, where your degree is awarded and posted to your official A&M-Commerce transcript. You will be notified via your myLeo email account of your official graduation status. Allow approximately 2 weeks for this process.
I have a high GPA, how will this be acknowledged at the graduation ceremony?
There is no academic distinction at the graduate level.
When/how will I receive my graduation tickets?
After the application filing deadline has passed, the number of tickets allotted to each student is calculated and the information will be posted to the graduation website. Tickets will be available through your myLeo account approximately 4 weeks prior to the ceremony. Email notification regarding tickets will be sent to your myLeo email account. Graduation ticketing is a function of the Graduation Office.
Can I get extra tickets for graduation?
Tickets are carefully calculated based on the seating capacity of the venue divided by the number of graduates attending. Students will have the opportunity to donate unused tickets back to the ticket pool, which will allow students to print extra tickets. The amount of extra tickets will depend on the size of the ticket pool but usually no more than five (5) extra will be available. Graduation ticketing is a function of the Graduation Office
When will I receive my diploma?
Your diploma will be sent to the address you provided on your application via mail approximately six to eight weeks after the ceremony. Diplomas and transcripts will not be issued until all obligations to the University have been cleared.
What steps are involved in completing a thesis or dissertation?
On its web pages, Thesis and Dissertation Services (TDS) provides detailed information and the necessary forms involved in completing the thesis or dissertation process. You may access this information through shortlinks: www.tamuc.edu/thesis for information on the thesis proces or www.tamuc.edu/dissertation for information on the dissertation process. The thesis checklist or dissertation checklist are quick guides to the steps involved in each process. Some of the steps may vary by degree and discipline, but a general overview is offered to students on the thesis or dissertation websites.
What are the deadlines for submitting my proposal, thesis, or dissertation to the Graduate School?
It is important to keep aware of the various deadlines the Graduate School has in place in order to stay on track with your thesis or dissertation. Visit the deadlines web page for the deadlines by semester.
What should I include in my proposal?
Your proposal will contain the introductory chapters of your thesis or dissertation. The Graduate School's thesis /dissertation template and the Thesis and Dissertation Formatting Guide all provide instruction and guidance as to what should be included in each chapter. Your proposal must be formatted according to the applicable template in conjunction with the style guide you are using (APA, MLA, ACS, etc.). Your proposal will not be approved unless it is formatted according to the Graduate School formatting requriements.
How do I submit my thesis or dissertation?
Your proposal, thesis, or dissertation and all related forms must be submitted via email to TDS@tamuc.edu. Visit the web pages for thesis or dissertation for further information on what forms to include when you submit your proposal, thesis, or dissertation to the Graduate School/TDS for review.
What happens after I submit my proposal, thesis, or dissertation for review?
TDS will review your paper for adherence to the Graduate School's formatting requirements, as set forth in the applicable templates and formatting guides. It is your responsibility, along with the guidance of your advisor and committee, to adhere to the requirements of your chosen style guide. TDS will notify you via your leomail whether your paper is approved or needs revisions and resubmission.
Why do I need to complete research training modules?
All faculty, staff, and students of Texas A&M University-Commerce are expected to uphold the highest standards of research conduct and strictly adhere to all federal, state, and local regulations involving research. To ensure integrity and compliance in research, all faculty, staff, and students involved in research activities must successfully complete training in Responsible Conduct in Research. Additional training is required for individuals whose research involves animal care and use (IACUC), biosafety, export control (IBC), or human subjects (IRB).
How do I complete the required research compliance training modules?
The modules are taken online through the Collaborative Institutional Training Institute (CITI) website. You may visit the Research Compliance web page for further information.
When should I begin the training modules?
You should begin the training modules early in your program. You must have completed your research compliance training modules by the time you submit your proposal to TDS.
Who do I contact regarding questions about research compliance training modules?
Please contact the Office of Sponsored Programs: ResearchCompliance@tamuc.edu or 903-886-5766.
Do I have to apply for research compliance approval?
If your research involves animal care and use, biosafety, export control, or human subjects, you are required to apply for research compliance approval. Please visit the Research Compliance web page for more information.
When should I submit my application for research compliance approval?
You will first defend your proposal before your committee. Sometimes the committee will request changes to your proposal; sometimes these changes are significant. For this reason, committee approval of your proposal must be obtained before submitting for research compliance approval. Once you have defended your proposal and gained approval by your committee, your advisor will submit your application for committee approval.
Who do I contact regarding questions about research compliance approval?
Please contact the Office of Sponsored Programs: ResearchCompliance@tamuc.edu or 903-886-5766.
When can I begin collecting data for my study?
Students conducting studies not involving human subjects, animal subjects, or biological agents may begin collecting data after completing RCR training through CITI and after their advisor has granted them permission to do so.
Students conducting studies involving human subjects, animal subjects, or biological agents are required to seek and receive approval from the applicable institutional safety committee (IRB, IACUC, or IBC). Approval from the committee is required prior to beginning data collection.
When do I schedule my dissertation proposal defense?
You must schedule your proposal defense with the Graduate School (Vicky Turner) by the 20th of the month prior to the month you defend your proposal before your committee. Please remain aware of the various deadlines involved with submitting your schedule form, defending your proposal, and then submitting your proposal to TDS.
How do I schedule my dissertation proposal defense?
Schedule your dissertation proposal defense with the Graduate School by completing and submitting the Schedule Form for the Dissertation Proposal Defense to Vicky Turner (Vicky.Turner@tamuc.edu).
When do I schedule my final dissertation defense?
You must schedule your dissertation defense with the Graduate School (Vicky Turner) by the 20th of the month prior to the month you defend your dissertation in front of your committee. Please remain aware of the various deadlines involved with submitting your schedule form, defending your dissertation, and then submitting your final dissertation to TDS.
How do I schedule my final dissertation defense?
Schedule your dissertation defense with the Graduate School by completing and submitting the Schedule Form for the Dissertation Defense to Vicky Turner (Vicky.Turner@tamuc.edu).
When and how do I schedule my final thesis defense?
You will work with your committee to set a date for your final thesis defense. Once set, you will complete the Notification Form for Final Thesis Defense and submit the form with all required signatures to TDS@tamuc.edu. You must provide TDS with this notification at least seven (7) days prior to the date of your defense.
As a master’s student completing a thesis, am I still required to complete a comprehensive exam?
Yes, all master’s students are required to complete a comprehensive exam covering all the work within their master’s degree. The comprehensive exam is independent of the thesis defense and final thesis.
When do I apply for Graduate Student Travel Funding?
Requests for Graduate Student Travel Funding must be submitted at least 30 days prior to the conference/workshop.
If I have been approved for travel but do not use the entire funding, can I use the remainder for a second trip?
No, unused funding is not held in reserve. If the funds are not used, they are forfeited.
I am approved for Graduate Student Travel Funding; can I get the money up front?
No, funds are reimbursed after travel is complete and the required documentation is submitted.
Can I receive travel funding for a trip in the fall and again in spring?
Travel funding is available for graduate students one time per academic year.
The conference I would like to attend is in Canada, can I apply for funding from the Graduate School?
Funding from the Graduate School is provided to students presenting at a conference or workshop in the United States. Graduate School funding is not available for conferences outside of the United States.
Oops! I forgot to submit my travel funding request for a conference I attended last week. Can I still apply?
No, travel funding requests submitted after travel has been completed will be denied.