Colorado State University-Pueblo > Catalog > 2004/2005

Graduate Programs

GRADUATE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Graduate Administration

Graduate programs and curricula at Colorado State University-Pueblo are developed by the faculty and administration in the instructional colleges, centers and schools and are administered with the assistance of the director of the Office of Admissions and Records. Academic policy matters affecting graduate programs and courses are reviewed by the University Graduate Studies Committee. Each graduate program has a director or coordinator functioning as the person to contact for specific information. Each program is responsible for its own guidelines for graduate assistantships.

GRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAMS

Colorado State University-Pueblo offers selected graduate courses and programs for degree-seeking and non-degree students. Graduate degrees are offered in applied natural science (MSANS), industrial and systems engineering (MSISE), business administration (MBA), and nursing (MSN). In addition, the university participates in a consortial arrangement with Colorado State University (Fort Collins) for a graduate degree: (M.Ed.) in Education and Human Resource Studies Specialization: Educational Leadership. Although the latter program is offered on the CSU-Pueblo campus, the actual degree is awarded by Colorado State University (Fort Collins), and graduate regulations pertaining to the degree follow the policies of the appropriate institution.

GRADUATE ADMISSIONS POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

A student who has received a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution and who wishes to begin graduate courses must submit the following items to the Office of Admissions, Colorado State University-Pueblo, 2200 Bonforte Boulevard, Pueblo, Colorado, 81001-4901. The following items shall constitute the admission file for each applicant:

1) A completed application for admission to graduate programs of Colorado State University-Pueblo and an application fee of $35. The fee is non-refundable and is not applicable towards tuition. An application form may be obtained by writing the CSU-Pueblo Office of Admissions or by telephoning (719) 549-2461 or online at www.colostate-pueblo.edu. Students in the (M.Ed.) in Education and Human Resource Studies consortium program apply directly to Colorado State University (Fort Collins).

2) Official transcripts of all college and university work must be sent directly to the Office of Admissions by each institution attended. Records received directly from students may be used for advisement purposes only.

3) An official score from the aptitude portion of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the score from the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) for students in business must be provided. See specific programs for required scores.

4) For international students whose native language is not English, a minimum score of 500 TOEFL (paper-based exam), 173 TOEFL (computer-based exam) or 80 on the Michigan Test of English Proficiency is required for admission. Level 6 from the American Language Academy also is accepted. However, a minimum score of 550 TOEFL (paper-based exam) or 213 TOEFL (computer-based exam) is required for the master in business administration (MBA). Students who complete an undergraduate degree at an institution in the United States are exempt from this requirement.

GRADUATE ADMISSION

The student is admitted according to the following criteria approved by the program departments.

Admission to graduate studies does not constitute admission to a particular graduate program. Admission to a particular degree program must be approved by the program director/coordinator upon review of the student’s credentials.

Regular Status

Regular status will be given to degree-seeking students who meet all of the published requirements of their selected graduate program department. The requirements include:

a baccalaureate degree (see note below) from an institution accredited by the regional accreditation agency (or equivalent);

the minimum undergraduate GPA established for the program: applied natural science – 3.000; business administration – 3.000; industrial and systems engineering – 2.800; nursing – 3.000;

submission of satisfactory scores from a standardized admissions test approved by the program department;

a completed admissions file; and

any additional requirements for the selected program, including completion of leveling courses to correct undergraduate deficiencies.

International students whose native language is not English must also meet the English language proficiency standard set forth in the Graduate Admissions section.

Note: Admission to an approved joint degree program at CSU-Pueblo does not require a baccalaureate.

Conditional Status

The university provides a conditional status for students whose undergraduate grade-point average is between 2.500 and the minimum required for the particular program. In addition, program departments may specify conditions, which may include higher grade-point averages, required scores on entrance examinations, or undergraduate major or course requirements as specified by the department. The Director of Admissions and Records, on recommendation of the program director/coordinator, will admit the student under conditional status if the student’s grade-point average is at least 2.500, but not high enough for regular admission; or if the student has not met a condition specified by the program department. Such special action may be taken if there are positive indicators of graduate success, e.g., high GRE or GMAT scores, solid upper-division performance, or outstanding professional achievement.

The Director of Admissions and Records will refer the student to an advisor appointed by the program director/coordinator. The student will be notified to meet with the advisor to determine what conditions will be applied. Departments may specify additional course work beyond the degree requirements as conditions of admission to regular status. A statement of the conditions and a plan for meeting them will be filed by the director of Admissions and Records and the dean of the college/school and a copy provided to the student.

When the conditions are met, the Director of Admissions and Records will notify the student that he/she has achieved regular degree-seeking status. Students on conditional status may count toward the degree a maximum of 12 hours of graduate course work taken in the degree program.

Non-Degree Status

The Director of Admissions and Records will admit the student with non-degree status under the following conditions:

The student requests courses for professional development only.

The student’s record shows that he/she does not meet the qualifications for admission to a degree program with conditional or regular status. In this case, with the approval of the program director/coordinator, the Director of Admissions and Records will notify the student of the deficiency, the procedure to follow to become qualified and the name of an advisor who can assist the student. The advisor will be sent a copy of the notification. Students applying for admission from non-regionally accredited institutions in the United States will be included in this category. A student with non-degree status who has completed 12 hours approved by an advisor with a 3.000 GPA or better at CSU-Pueblo may petition the program director/coordinator for a change to the regular degree-seeking status.

Students admitted with non-degree status may take, with the instructor’s permission, graduate courses for which they meet prerequisites. A maximum of 12 hours taken with non-degree status may be applied toward a degree, conditional upon the approval of the student’s graduate committee. However, students planning to enter the MBA Program may only apply 6 hours of graduate credit taken with non-degree status toward a degree.

Graduate Work Taken by Seniors

CSU-Pueblo students who are in their senior year of undergraduate work, and who have met the admissions requirements for the program may take graduate courses for graduate credit (except programs with a 3-2 option, or other restrictions) with the approval of the appropriate program director/coordinator and the Director of Admissions and Records. Students should consult with the program director/coordinator, or department responsible for the course in cases where there is not a program director/coordinator, to determine requirements or restrictions. For approved enrollment, students may take up to 12 graduate hours prior to graduation; but the combined undergraduate and graduate enrollment normally may not exceed 16 hours for a semester.

Graduate level courses (500 level) cannot be used simultaneously to satisfy baccalaureate and graduate degree requirements with the exception of approved joint-degree programs.

Note: Students planning to enter the MBA Program may only apply 6 hours of graduate credit taken as a senior toward their graduate degree.

CHANGE OF STATUS

The Director of Admissions and Records will notify the student and the program director/coordinator when the student has satisfied the conditions of admission and is changed to regular status.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Each graduate program at the university has specific graduation requirements, which must be met prior to graduation. In addition, students must fulfill the following requirements for a graduate degree:

1)	Have a cumulative graduate GPA of 3.000 or better at graduation. A maximum of six semester hours of course work at the grade of C+, C, or C- may apply toward graduation. A maximum number of nine semester hours of transfer credit may be applied to the degree.
2)	Have regular student status.
3)	Complete the program’s minimum number of hours of approved course work. The MBA and systems engineering programs require a minimum of 36 semester hours. The applied natural science program requires a minimum of 30-32 semester hours. The MSN requires a minimum of 53 semester hours.
4)	Pass a final comprehensive and/or oral examination in the major area of study, if required by the program.
5)	Submit a graduation planning sheet signed by the student’s graduate advisor during the semester prior to the semester in which graduation is to occur. The deadline for submission is published in the semester schedule of courses.
6)	Complete a thesis or directed research project. If choosing the thesis option, submit five approved copies of the thesis to the Library for binding. The bound thesis will be distributed to each of the following: one to the program director/coordinator, two to the University Library, one to the committee chair, and one to the department.

NOTE: Enrollment for thesis or directed research credit is required for any academic term during which university resources (e.g., faculty time, computer use, library, etc.) are being used. A maximum of six semester hours of thesis or directed research course work will count toward meeting graduation requirements.

ACCEPTANCE OF TRANSFER CREDIT

A maximum of nine (9) semester hours of resident graduate credit from other regionally accredited graduate institutions may be applied to a graduate degree program. Transfer credit from non-United States institutions will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Transfer credits must be directly applicable to the degree program and must be approved by the applicant’s graduate committee and the Director of Admissions and Records. Graduate credits accepted in transfer must be from a course in which a grade of B- or better was earned. Credits accepted in transfer do not apply to the GPA at CSU-Pueblo. Credits already used for a degree at another institution can not be used toward fulfilling a CSU-Pueblo degree.

GRADUATE ADVISING

Each graduate degree area has a program director/coordinator that serves as graduate advisor to all graduate students in the program, unless the dean of the college, center, or school makes a different assignment. The advisor will assist in selecting a graduate committee for each student who chooses the thesis option. The graduate committee shall consist of at least three faculty members and is appointed by the dean of the college, center or school in consultation with the student and the program director/coordinator. One member of the committee may be from outside the department of the student’s graduate program. Changes in membership in the graduate committee may be requested by the student to the dean.

The responsibilities of the graduate advisor and the graduate committee include advisement, approval of the degree plan, approval of a thesis or directed research topic and final document (if appropriate), and administration and approval of comprehensive and/or oral examinations.

COURSE LOADS

Graduate students enrolled in nine (9) or more hours shall be considered as full-time students (six hours, summer); those enrolled for six (6) hours shall be considered as half-time students (three hours, summer).

TIME LIMITS

Courses completed six (6) or more years before the date of graduation, either at CSU-Pueblo or at some other institution, will not be accepted as satisfying graduation requirements. Petitions for waiver of the six-year limitation may be submitted to the Admissions Office with the approval of the student’s graduate director/coordinator and dean. Waivers will be approved only upon justification of unusual and extenuating circumstances and with the concurrence of the appropriate academic dean.

DEGREE PLAN

All degree-seeking graduate students are required to submit a degree plan, approved by all members of the graduate committee (if applicable) and program director/coordinator, to the Records Office. The degree plan should be submitted no later than upon completion of 12 hours of study. A course taken, prior to having any given degree plan approved, is subject to review for suitability in the program. Changes in the degree plan must be approved by the graduate advisor and program director/coordinator and submitted to the Records Office.

UNDERGRADUATE COURSES

Although undergraduate classes do not apply toward a graduate degree, students admitted to graduate study may be required to complete some undergraduate prerequisite courses in addition to their graduate work.

Courses taken for undergraduate credit by a graduate student do not enter into the graduate grade-point computation. A graduate program director/coordinator may, however, stipulate a grade point to be achieved in such undergraduate courses.

Graduate programs may include courses which are dually numbered at the senior (400) and graduate (500) level. Students registered for graduate credit shall be required to perform at the graduate level. Dual-listed courses taken for undergraduate credit will not apply toward a graduate program. Graduate students may not repeat for graduate credit a dual-listed course which was taken in the undergraduate program.

DUAL DEGREE CREDIT

Students may receive dual credit for all common degree requirements in more than one graduate program. In addition, up to six semester hours of elective credit may be applied to more than one graduate degree program if the degrees are pursued concurrently pending approval of the graduate committee of the program involved and the Records Office.

ACADEMIC STANDARDS

Graduate courses are graded in an alphabetical system with the following interpretation:

A	-	4.00
A-	-	3.67
B+	-	3.33
B-	-	2.67
C+	-	2.33
C	-	2.00
C-	-	1.67
D+	-	1.33
D	-	1.00
D-	-	0.67
F	-	0.00



IN	-	Incomplete, no credit awarded
S	-	Satisfactory
IP	-	In progress
U	-	Unsatisfactory
W	-	Withdrawal
WN	-	Withdrawal for nonpayment
NC	-	No credit

Students may apply no more than six semester hours of work with a grade of C (i.e., C-, C, or C+) toward graduation requirements. Only grades of A, B, C, and S fulfill graduation requirements for graduate programs. Graduate students may repeat a maximum of six semester hours of graduate credit. Courses in which a grade of C (i.e., C-, C, or C+) or better were earned may not be repeated and no course may be repeated more than once. When a course is repeated, both the subsequent grade and the original grade are included in the graduate grade point average.

To remain in good academic standing, a student’s graduate GPA must remain at 3.000 or better. If the graduate GPA falls below 3.000, a graduate student will be placed on probation. Students have one semester to show progress toward good standing. Probationary students with 12 or more semester hours of graduate work will be dismissed whenever progress toward good standing is not demonstrated or whenever the graduate GPA falls below 2.500. A student may take up to six hours beyond the program requirements (including repeated credits) to improve the cumulative graduate GPA to the required minimum of 3.000 at time of graduation.

A student may appeal dismissal by submitting a written petition to his/her program director./coordinator This petition must provide a justification for continued registration. The program director/coordinator shall forward a recommendation through the appropriate dean to the Office of the Provost. The provost or his/her designee shall make a decision on the appeal and inform the student of that decision. Decisions by the provost are final.

COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATIONS

Graduate programs may require a final comprehensive and/or oral examination at the time of defense of the thesis or directed research project or at the completion of course work. Scheduling is made through the graduate advisor. Students who fail a final examination may retake the examination once. A re-examination cannot be scheduled in the same semester as the original examination.

THESIS OR DIRECTED RESEARCH

Each graduate program provides an option that includes a thesis or a directed research project. This option also requires an oral defense of the thesis or research project. Each student must submit a research plan. The plan must define the topic of study and outline the research design. The plan must have the written approval of all members of the student’s graduate committee, the program director/coordinator, and the appropriate dean.

The research plan should be filed as soon as possible after the degree plan is filed and before 18 credit hours of the student’s degree plan have been completed.

DIRECTED RESEARCH REPORT

Graduate students whose degree plan calls for a directed research project are required to submit a report on that project to their graduate committee. Although the report need not be as formal as a thesis, it must, however, be typed in an acceptable format and must include a title page comparable to thesis format.

The report should include the purpose of the study or project, limitations, sources of data, the procedure used, and a summary section with conclusions. The research report must be approved by all members of the graduate committee and the appropriate dean. The final approved report must be submitted at least five (5) days prior to the anticipated date of graduation.

THESIS INSTRUCTIONS

Students who will be writing a thesis in partial fulfillment of graduation requirements must submit five (5) official copies of the approved thesis to the University Library for binding. The student will pay the Library for the binding cost (based upon the fee schedule maintained by the Library) of the 5 required copies plus any additional copy bindings requested by the student. The bound thesis will be distributed to each of the following: one to the program director/coordinator, two to the University Library, one to the committee chair, and one to the department.

The Thesis or Directed Research Must:

1)	contain a certificate of acceptance;
2)	contain a title page;
3)	conform to the style and form approved by the major department and outlined in the thesis plan;
4)	be printed on high-quality paper with a minimum of 25 percent rag content;
5)	contain no erasures; and
6)	be bound.

The university bound copies of the thesis must be of high-quality printing and must use a paper of the same quality as the original and include color pages wherever appropriate. Other copies of the thesis may be duplicated in any manner the student desires.

It is imperative that the utmost care be taken in the preparation of the final copy of the thesis. The completion of the thesis, including typing and duplication, is the sole responsibility of the student.

The thesis abstract should consist of no more than five hundred (500) words and should include a title page. The thesis abstract should cover the following items:

1)	purpose of study;
2)	research materials and methods results; and
3)	summary and conclusions.

For additional thesis or directed research requirements, consult your program advisor.

ORAL DEFENSE OF RESEARCH

Upon completion of a master’s thesis or directed research project, an oral defense/final comprehensive examination must be scheduled. Application for the oral defense is made to the graduate advisor.

A report of the outcome of the oral defense must be filed with the Office of the Provost. The report must be signed by all members of the Graduate Committee. Students must pass the oral defense to complete their thesis or directed research requirement successfully.

APPEALS

All graduate policies, procedures, and regulations may be appealed. Appeals must be made in writing to the Office of the Provost.

PROGRAMS OF STUDY

APPLIED NATURAL SCIENCE (MS)

The graduate program leading to the degree of Master of Science in Applied Natural Science prepares students to apply basic scientific disciplines to the practical problems encountered in business, industry, government, and education. Graduates from the program will be able to apply the techniques of scientific research to real-world problems.

Course work emphasizes several important areas of applied natural science, including biotechnology, polymer chemistry, industrial chemistry, mathematical techniques in applied research, environmental concerns, scientific information systems and instrumentation. A unique feature of the program is its 3+2 plan.

The Master of Science in Applied Natural Science requires 30 or 32 semester credit hours of approved graduate course work in either the thesis or non-thesis option. The program offers three emphasis areas: applied biological sciences, applied chemical sciences, and applied biochemical sciences.

Degree Requirements

The course of study requires seven semester credits of work common to all students. Each student must select an emphasis area with a core of 7-11 semester credits. Six to fourteen credits in elective courses are also required, depending on which option is chosen. The thesis option requires successful completion of six semester credits of thesis research (BIOL 599 or CHEM 599) and an approved thesis. The program of study for each student must be approved by a college committee.

Thesis option students are required to defend their research results before a thesis defense committee. Non-thesis option students must take a written comprehensive examination over courses taken in their program of study. A non-thesis option student must submit a formal written report based on an internship.

Program requirements are summarized as follows:

		Plan A	Plan B
		(thesis option)	(non-thesis option)
ANS	510	1	1
ANS	520	1	1
ANS	588		1
OR
ANS	589	1
ANS	593	1	1
MATH	550	3	3

Emphasis Core Courses	7-11	7-11
(Biological emphasis
OR
Chemical emphasis
OR
Biochemical emphasis
Thesis research	6	–
Graduate Internship	–	4
Elective courses	6-10	10-14
TOTAL	30 min.	32 min.

Specific course numbers, course titles, and credit hours for all core requirements, emphasis core requirements, and electives are cited as follows:

Required General Courses

ANS	510	Science Information Systems	1
ANS	520	Health and Safety in the Lab	1
ANS	588	Internship Seminar
		OR
ANS	589	Thesis Defense	1
ANS	593	Seminar	1
MATH	550	Statistical Methods	3
			_________ TOTAL 7

Required Courses for Each Emphasis

Biological Sciences Emphasis Core

BIOL	540/L	Molecular Genetics/Lab	3
BIOL	552/L	Advanced Microscopy/Lab	4
			_________ TOTAL 8

Chemical Sciences Emphasis Core

CHEM	503	Polymer Chemistry	3
CHEM	529	Advanced Instrumentation	2
CHEM	550	Industrial Chemistry	2
			_________ TOTAL 7

Biochemical Sciences Emphasis Core

BIOL	540/L	Molecular Genetics/Lab	3
CHEM	511	Biochemistry I	3
CHEM	512/L	Biochemistry II/Lab	5
			__________ TOTAL 11

Elective Courses are selected from courses listed below:

Courses		Titles	Credits
BIOL	502	Immunology	3
BIOL	511	Biochemistry I	3
BIOL	512/L	Cellular Biology/Lab	4
BIOL	521/L	Histology/Lab	4
BIOL	526/L	Plant Morphology/Lab	3
BIOL	532/L	Embryology/Lab	4
BIOL	540/L	Molecular Genetics/Lab	3
BIOL	541/L	Freshwater Invertebrate Zoology/Lab	4
BIOL	543/L	Limnology/Lab	4
BIOL	552/L	Advanced Microscopy/Lab	4
BIOL	565	Environmental Toxicology	3
BIOL	579/L	Ichthyology/Lab	3
BIOL	581/L	Entomology/Lab	3
BIOL	583/L	Mammalogy/Lab	3
BIOL	584/L	Ornithology/Lab	3
BIOL	585/L	Plant Taxonomy/Lab	4
BIOL	591	Special Topics	1-4
BIOL	595	Independent Study	1-4
CHEM	501/L	Advanced Organic Chemistry/Lab	4
CHEM	503	Polymer Chemistry	3
CHEM	511	Biochemistry I	3
CHEM	512/L	Biochemistry II/Lab	4
CHEM	519/L	Instrumental Analysis/Lab	4
CHEM	521	Advanced Inorganic Chemistry	3
CHEM	525	Environmental Chemistry	3
CHEM	529	Advanced Instrumentation	2
CHEM	531	Radiochemistry	2
CHEM	550	Industrial Chemistry	2
CHEM	591	Special Topics	1-4
CHEM	595	Independent Study	1-4

APPLIED NATURAL SCIENCE (MSANS) 3+2 PLAN

A unique and distinct feature of our MSANS program is the 3+2 plan. The main goal of the 3+2 plan is to give the opportunity to qualified advanced-level undergraduate students to simultaneously pursue both the baccalaureate (BS) and the master of science (MS) degrees. Talented students are thus quickly moved toward expanding their academic and scientific horizons based on the student’s abilities and personal motivation.

Specific requirements for the 3+2 program are included in the MSANS 3+2 BS/MS plan description of the College of Science and Mathematics, undergraduate programs section of this catalog.

MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (MBA)

The goal of the MBA program is to prepare students for high-level general management careers in business and other organizations. Students acquire an understanding of management theory and application, the economic, political and social environment in which businesses function, and behavioral skills that are essential in the manager’s role in the implementation of business decisions. The MBA program endeavors to provide an environment conducive to the development of each student’s ability to think in a creative and effective manner. The program makes extensive use of lectures, seminars, group projects, and case studies that are designed to demonstrate the integrative, interdisciplinary nature of business decisions.

The program is open to all applicants with a bachelor’s degree, regardless of the undergraduate field of study, who can demonstrate an appropriate background in: financial accounting (see, ACCTG 201 for details), microeconomics (see, ECON 202 for details), finance (see FIN 330 for details), statistics (See BUSAD 360 for details), management (see MGMT 201 for details), and marketing (see MKTG 340 for details). The Hasan School of Business offers a test-out course waiver for some leveling requirements. Students without this background will be required to complete some leveling requirements.
All MBA students are required to take the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT). An admission formula of 200 times the undergraduate GPA (4.000 system) plus the GMAT score will constitute a scaled admission score for each applicant. Category I admission will be given to those students who have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.000 and have a GMAT score of at least 450. Category II admission may be granted to students with GPAs between 2.500 and 3.000. Category II admitted students must achieve an index of at least 1000 (with a GMAT of at least 400) before the end of the semester in which they complete six hours at the 500 level. Students who fail to meet these admissions requirements may provide additional evidence of their ability to complete the program. Such evidence may include: performance in outside activities, evidence of creativity or leadership, and a record of accomplishment.

Leveling requirements may be required of students in either Category I or Category II status. Students completing leveling courses must achieve a minimum GPA of 3.000. Students who earn less than a “C-” in any leveling course will be dismissed from the program. Graduate students are required to complete all leveling course requirements before enrolling in the first 500 level courses. In some instances, a student will be permitted to enroll in 500 level courses while completing the final leveling courses. Students will not be allowed to enroll in more than six hours of graduate level course work without being fully admitted to the program.

The MBA degree will be conferred upon students who successfully complete a minimum of 36 hours of approved course work. The curriculum is composed of two options with 27 semester hours of required core courses that are taken by all candidates. Option one requires an international course and six semester hours of approved graduate electives in the Hasan School of Business. Option two requires six semester hours of coursework with directed research and three semester hours of approved graduate electives.

Core Courses		Titles	Credits
ACCTG	510	Managerial Accounting	3
BUSAD	502	Business Ethics and Environment	3
ECON	510	Economics for Managers	3
FIN	530	Financial Management	3
MGMT	511	Production/Operations Mgmt	3
MGMT	520	Management of Organizational Behavior	3
MGMT	565	Management Information Systems	3
MGMT	585	Management Policy and Strategy	3
MKTG	540	Marketing Management	3
			___________ TOTAL 27

*Requirements for Option I*
Select One:	ACCTG 575, BUSAD 575, ECON 575,
	FIN 575, MGMT 575 or MKTG 575	3
Approved Electives		6
		__________ TOTAL 9

*Requirements for Option II*
BUSAD	592	Directed Research	6
Approved Electives			3
			__________ TOTAL 9

All graduate courses for the MBA are listed in the appropriate department sections of accounting (ACCTG), business administration (BUSAD), economics (ECON), finance (FIN), management (MGMT), and marketing (MKTG).

JOINT BSBA/MBA PROGRAMS

Specific requirements for the joint BSBA/MBA plans are included in the joint BSBA/MBA plan description of the Hasan School of Business, undergraduate-programs section of this catalog.

MASTERS IN EDUCATION AND HUMAN RESOURCE STUDIES SPECIALIZATION: EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP

Colorado State University-Pueblo works with Colorado State University (Fort Collins) to offer a masters degree (M.Ed.) in Education and Human Resource Studies with specialization in Educational Leadership. The program is offered on the CSU-Pueblo campus and prepares individuals for instructional leadership positions, including school principals and local directors of vocational programs. The Educational Leadership program consists of 36 semester hours of course work and site-based internships. The students admitted to the program form a cohort and proceed through the program as a group from beginning to end.

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and leadership potential. Candidates for the principal’s license must have three years of teaching experience. Individuals planning to qualify for a local director’s vocational credential must hold a vocational credential and have appropriate work experience.

INDUSTRIAL AND SYSTEMS ENGINEERING (MS)

Industrial and systems engineering deals with the design and analysis of complex, human/machine systems Industrial systems engineers, with the “big picture” or systems viewpoint, serve as management and operations analysts, focusing on the people, materials, equipment and procedures needed for the most efficient and effective systems performance. Industrial and systems engineers analyze and evaluate systems against specified performance criteria, such as quality, before new systems are created or old ones are modified.

Industrial and systems engineering techniques can be applied in manufacturing and service industries, health care systems, governmental agencies and non-profit organizations.

The master of science in industrial and systems engineering degree program at CSU-Pueblo provides students with practical knowledge in areas such as facilities planning, operations planning and control, economic and decision analysis, and project management. Methodologies employed by industrial and systems engineers include probability and statistics, mathematical programming, computer simulation, and human performance studies.

Degree Requirements

The Master of Science in industrial and systems engineering program combines a core of fundamental industrial engineering courses with a track of courses selected by student and advisor to advance the professional goals of that student. The program has 16 semester hours of required core courses and 20 semester hours of elective courses, for a total of 36 semester hours. A program of study must include at least 21 semester hours of courses in engineering, at most 12 semester hours at the 400 level, and at most 9 semester hours of graduate level work at another institution. Each student selects 9 semester hours in a focus area or track. Tracks available now include the Information Systems track, Industrial Engineering track, and individualized track; other tracks are under development. In any track, at least 21 credits must be in engineering courses. Thesis and non-thesis options are available.

Admission Requirements

The program is open to applicants with a quantitatively based baccalaureate degree from regionally accredited colleges or universities. Admission to the industrial and systems engineering program requires prior admission to graduate studies.

Regulations governing graduate studies are contained in the Graduate Policies and Procedures Guide, available from the Office of Admissions.

Prerequisite Requirements

Students will be required to demonstrate preparation for graduate study in industrial and systems engineering by completing prerequisite background courses in engineering, computer programming, and mathematics, or by documenting previous equivalent course or experiential work. Students who do not possess the specified prerequisite background may be admitted conditionally but will be required to complete prescribed prerequisites. Courses used as prerequisites for required graduate courses must be taken for credit.

Prerequisites: (CSU-Pueblo Course Equivalents)

Computer Programming (EN 101)
Engineering Economy (EN 343)
Stochastic Systems Engineering (EN 365)

Additional mathematics courses may be required before taking EN 365. In some cases, MATH 350 may be acceptable for EN 365.

Required Courses

Courses		Titles	Credits
EN	520	Simulation Experiments	4
EN	571	Operations Research	4
EN	575	Facilities Planning and Design	3
EN	577	Operations Planning & Control	3
EN	593	Graduate Seminar	2
Thesis research and elective courses			20
		______________________ Total Semester Hours 36

Information Systems (IS) Track

Select at least 9 hours from:
Courses		Titles	Credits
CIS	591	Special Topics	3
CIS	520	Knowledge Based Systems	3
CIS	550	Data Base Systems	3
EN	588	Graduate Projects, with appropriate topics	3
EN	590	Special Topics, with appropriate topics	1-3 VAR
EN	591	Special Topics, with appropriate topic	1-3 VAR
CIS	591	Credits must be approved by MSISE coordinator

Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE) Track

Select at least 9 hours from:
Courses		Titles	Credits
EN	503	Ergonomics	3
EN	504	Scheduling and Sequencing	3
EN	530	Project Planning and Control	2
EN	540	Advanced Engineering Economic	3
EN	588	Graduate Projects, with appropriate topics	3
EN	590	Special Projects, with appropriate topics	1-3 VAR
EN	591	Special Topics, with appropriate topics	1-3 VAR

Elective Courses

Courses (approval required)			Credits
ACCTG	510	Managerial Accounting	3
ECON	510	Economics for Managers	3
EN	439	Human Performance Engineering	2
EN	440	Safety Engineering	3
EN	441	Engineering of Manufacturing Processes	4
EN	443	Quality Control and Reliability	3
EN	473	Computer Integrated Manufacturing	3
EN	500	Logistics, Maintainability and Life-Cycle Support	3
EN	501	Software Systems Engineering	3
EN	556	Design of Experiments	3
EN	565	Stochastic Systems Engineering	3
EN	588	Graduate Design Projects	3
EN	590	Special Projects	(1-3 var)
EN	599	Thesis Research	(1-6 var)
MATH	521	Intermediate Analysis	3
MATH	541	Computers	3
MATH	544	Mathematical Methods of Applied Science	3
MGMT	565	Management Information Systems	3

Graduate Assistantships

Full-time students admitted to the program with regular status are eligible to apply for graduate assistantships. Graduate assistants may get additional assistance to pay tuition and fees. Assistantships are renewable for a second academic year provided students perform satisfactorily in assistantship assignments, remain in good academic standing, and make satisfactory progress toward completion of their degree programs. Full-time graduate assistants are required to choose the thesis option. An application for assistantship consists of a letter of interest and résumé, addressed to the department chair. The deadline for application is April 1 for the following academic year.

MASTER OF SCIENCE WITH A MAJOR IN NURSING (MS)

The College of Education, Engineering, and Professional Studies Department of Nursing offers a Master of Science with a Major in Nursing (MS). The primary track offered in the MS is the Acute-Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP). This is a relatively new professional focus in which students may emphasize areas such as critical care, cardiology, pulmonary, neurology, oncology, or trauma. Graduates are prepared to assume primary responsibility in hospitals, clinics, emergency rooms, urgent-care centers, and other health care settings. Graduates are prepared to provide direct care of patients with acute and chronic conditions for all age groups. The ACNP is a unique degree focus in Colorado; no other Colorado institution of higher education currently offers a Master of Science with a Major in Nursing with an acute care nurse practitioner emphasis. Upon completion of additional clinical practice and or theory courses, the graduate may apply for certification in other areas of clinical concentration. Students who have completed a nursing masters degree may also elect to take the postmasters certification track.

Expected Student Outcomes

The Masters of Science with a Major in Nursing program is designed to prepare the graduate to:

Demonstrate competence and caring in advanced clinical practice to improve the quality of the health care of clients in a variety of settings.
Synthesize and analyze advanced knowledge using theories, research, concepts, and principles from nursing, behavioral, social, physiological and pharmacological disciplines in the area of advanced clinical practice.
Communicate and collaborate with health care consumers, professionals, managed care, governments, and other groups to manage care and enhance the health and wellness needs of clients.
Integrate the roles of educator, researcher, consultant, provider, leader, and manager into advanced clinical nursing practice.
Integrate ethical and legal dimensions confronting the health care environment and the nursing profession.
Use scientific methods to assess, analyze, and diagnose the complex clinical or non-clinical health care needs of clients, related to their wellness, health, and illness.
Use theory and research in understanding clinical needs and in determining nursing interventions, therapeutics and clinical management options.
Incorporate standards of professional nursing practice, personal values, caring, integrity, research, and commitment to life-long learning to insure quality of care for the client.
Evaluate and use appropriate educational technologies and resources for making clinical decisions and promoting health maintenance and disease prevention.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree in nursing from an accredited college or university in the USA or an equivalent degree from a foreign institution. The cumulative grade point average for the last sixty graded semesters of credits must be 3.0 or greater on a 4.0 scale. BSN students in their senior year may apply for conditional admission status with the permission of the CSU-Pueblo Nursing Department. A Department of Nursing graduate program advisor must advise all students before enrolling in the nursing program. Students must complete the University Admission and Nursing MS Program Admission requirements.

Categories for Admission

Students are admitted in one of the following Colorado State University-Pueblo, Department of Nursing graduate studies categories:

Full admission: This must be the admission status before beginning the clinical components. Students may enroll with conditional status before receiving full admission.
Conditional admission: students may take up to 12 credits in the non-clinical core components of the Master of Science curriculum. Students may progress into full admission but must have a grade of B or better in all courses. To meet conditional admission status:

Submit the Colorado State University-Pueblo Graduate Application to the University Admissions Department.
Submit official transcripts from all previous higher educational institutions to the University Admissions Department.
International students or students whose native language is not English must submit an official TOEFL score to the Office of Admissions. See additional information in Admission Process below.
Payment of admission fee.
Be advised by a nursing advisor before registration in nursing courses.

Non-degree (Guest) admission. With permission of the nursing department, students may be admitted to take specific courses. Follow the application process for conditional admission and discuss the desired course(s) with a nursing advisor before registration.

University Admission Requirements

Hold a baccalaureate degree in nursing from an accredited college or university in the USA or its equivalent from a foreign institution with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 graded semester credits. Undergraduates presently enrolled in the nursing program may by permission take graduate level courses and be classified as a conditional admission pending graduation.
Submit to CSU-Pueblo Admission Department

CSU-Pueblo Graduate Application.
Official transcripts from ALL previous educational institutions.
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test scores taken within last five years. Due by January l for fall admission and May 1 for spring admission of the admitting year with a minimum score of 1000.
Immigrants, permanent residents, and international applicants whose native language is not English and who have not received a Bachelor’s degree or higher in the USA, Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, or the United Kingdom must submit an official TOEFL score with a minimum score of 213 (computer based) or 550 (paper based). The TOEFL score must not be more than two years old from the test date and must be sent directly to the Office of Admissions by ETS, Princeton, NJ.
Admission fee.
Completion of a three-semester credit course in statistics with a grade of C or better.

Nursing MS Program Graduate Application

All students must meet the full admission requirements prior to starting the clinical courses or completing 12 credit hours of graduate courses which ever comes first.

Submit to CSU-Pueblo Department of Nursing:

CSU-Pueblo Department of Nursing Master of Science with a major in Nursing Application.
Must hold a current Colorado Registered Nursing license.
Must have a current Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification and a Pediatric Advanced Life Support Certification.
University Health forms and immunizations record.
Three letters of recommendation: one academic, one clinical and one other.
Admission essay which must reflect the applicant’s future practice goals in the role of an advanced practice nurse within the health care system and demonstrate relevance of their graduate education. The paper should be supported by recent research, written in APA format, and should not exceed five pages. An essay guideline can be obtained through the Nursing Department.
Resume describing relevant work, professional, and volunteer experiences.
Proof of professional liability insurance.
Criminal history background check clearances are required in Colorado. Any residency outside of the state of Colorado over the past three years must be verified by an official criminal history background check.
Drug screen.
Obtain nursing application, paper guidelines, criminal background check and health form from the Colorado State University-Pueblo Department of Nursing.

Progression

Students must maintain a B or better in all courses in order to progress through the program. Failure to do so will cause the student to be ineligible to remain in the program. Course work must be completed within five years from the student’s admission no matter the status, and a 3.0 (B) average is required.

Core Courses

24 credits

All MS students will complete the following requirements for graduation no matter the track they choose

Fall
Courses	Titles	Credits
NSG 506	Roles and Issues	3
NSG 508	Advanced Practice Theory	3
NSG 592	Research	3
		_________ TOTAL 9

Spring
Courses	Titles	Credits
NSG 551	Health and Well Being	3
NSG 552	Advanced Pathophysiology	3
NSG 561	Advanced Pharmacology	3
		_________ TOTAL 9

Summer
Courses	Titles	Credits
NSG 550	Health Policy	3
NSG 562	Advanced Assessment	3
		_________ TOTAL 6

Synthesis of Knowledge Courses

All students must choose a method of synthesizing their knowledge either through applied research (thesis), assisting with faculty research (directed research) or through applied research through clinical practice (synthesis practicum). Each track has identified its minimal graduation requirements (See specific tracks). The synthesis of knowledge courses may be taken any time after completion of the core courses.

Courses	Titles	Credits
NSG 587	Synthesis Practicum	Varies
NSG 599	Thesis	Varies

Masters of Science with a Major in Nursing: Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Track

An Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) is a registered nurse with a graduate degree in nursing prepared for advanced practice in multiple settings including acute care and across the lifespan who are acutely, chronically and/or critically ill in a variety of settings. Diagnostic reasoning advanced therapeutic interventions and advanced education are key elements in the direct provision of care by the ACNP. The ACNP also uses skills in consultation, collaboration, and systems management in providing effective restorative care.

The Colorado State University-Pueblo Nursing Department’s structure, the ACNP concentration is unique as its focus is providing care across the lifespan. The typical ACNP program usually focuses only on adults but due to the need for the ACNP to provide care in settings such as emergency rooms and intensive care areas the preparation and focus of the Colorado State University-Pueblo program is across the lifespan. This is an intensive program in which the student is expected to complete the coursework and clinical experiences in five semesters. A minimum of 4 contact hours to 1 credit hour or 600 hours of clinical practice will be required to prepare graduates to manage acute health problems for patients across the lifespan. Clinical experiences will be provided with preceptors in a variety of acute care and community settings, selected to allow the student to work in milieu devoted to particular patient groups, levels of care, or treatment modalities in which they have a desire to specialize.

Core Courses	24
Synthesis of Knowledge	9
ACNP Courses	20

Fall
Courses	Titles	Credits
NSG 585	Managing Acute/Chronic/Emergent Health Needs I</