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 (MS). In addition, the University participates in consortial arrangements with Colorado State University (Fort Collins) for a graduate degree in English (MA). 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: 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.   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.   An official score from the appropriate standardized admission exam must be provided. See specific programs for required exam(s) and scores.   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. 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) and the Master of Science with a major in nursing. 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; English 3.000, industrial and systems engineering – 3.000; nursing – 3.000 for the last 60 graded semester hours; Submission of satisfactory scores from a standardized admissions test if required 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: 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. Have regular student status. Complete the program’s minimum number of hours of approved course work. The MBA and industrial 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. Pass a final comprehensive and/or oral examination in the major area of study, if required by the program. 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. 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 without the approval of the student’s graduate director/coordinator and 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 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 - Excellent A- - 3.67     B+ - 3.33     B - 3.00 - Good performance B- - 2.67     C+ - 2.33     C - 2.00 - Passing, but below expected performance C- - 1.67     D+ - 1.33     D - 1.00 - Unsatisfactory performance D- - 0.67     F - 0.00 - Failing   IN -  Incomplete     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 was 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: Contain a certificate of acceptance; Contain a title page; Conform to the style and form approved by the major department and outlined in the thesis plan; Be printed on high-quality paper with a minimum of 25 percent rag content; Contain no erasures; and 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: Purpose of study; Research materials and methods results; and 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 and the MSANS Director. 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 and defend their internship work before their graduate committee. Program requirements are summarized as follows:     Plan A (thesis option) Plan B (non-thesis option) ANS 510 1 1 ANS 520 1 1 ANS 588   1 OR     ANS 589 1   ANS 593 1 1 ANS 510 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 Seminar 1 ANS 593 Seminar 1 MATH 550 Statistical Methods 3                                          _________     TOTAL 7         Required Courses for Each Emphasis         Biological Sciences Emphasis Core Courses   Titles Credits BIOL 540/L Molecular Genetics/Lab 3 BIOL 552/L Advanced Microscopy/Lab 4       _________     TOTAL 7         Chemical Sciences Emphasis Core   Courses   Titles Credits CHEM 503 Polymer Chemistry 3 CHEM 529 Advanced Instrumentation 2 CHEM 550 Industrial Chemistry 2       _________     TOTAL 7         Biochemical Sciences Emphasis Core   Courses   Titles Credits 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: (others may be added, with permission as new courses are added)

Courses	Titles	Credits
BIOL 502	Immunology	3
BIOL 512/L	Cellular Biology/Lab	5
BIOL 521/L	Histology/Lab	5
BIOL 526/L	Plant Morphology/Lab	3
BIOL 532/L	Developmental Biology/Lab	4
BIOL 540/L	Molecular Genetics/Lab	3
BIOL 541/L	Freshwater Invertebrate Zoology/Lab	4
BIOL 543/L	Limnology/Lab	4
BIOL 550/L	Survey of Genormics and Bioinformatics/Lab	3
BIOL 552/L	Advanced Microscopy/Lab	4
BIOL 553/L	Ecology/Lab	4
BIOL 562	Environmental Management	3
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	5
CHEM 519/L	Instrumental Analysis/Lab	5
CHEM 521	Advanced Inorganic Chemistry	3
CHEM 525	Environmental Chemistry	3
CHEM 529	Advanced Instrumentation	2
CHEM 550	Industrial Chemistry	2
CHEM 560	Forensic Chemistry	2
CHEM 591	Special Topics	1-4
CHEM 595	Independent Study	1-4

APPLIED NATURAL SCIENCE (MSANS)3+2 PLAN (BS/MS)

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 Masters Degree in Applied Natural Science 3+2 Plan (BS/MS) 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: quantitative methods, which should include college algebra and statistics. Students without prior business course work will be required to take selected leveling courses such as: financial accounting (see ACCTG 201 for details), microeconomics (see ECON 202 for details), finance (see FIN 330 for details), management (see MGMT 201 for details), marketing (see MKTG 340 for details), and quantitative methods. 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.

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. 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.

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.

The MBA degree will be conferred upon students who successfully complete a minimum of 36 hours of approved course work with a minimum GPA of at least 3.000. 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
Select Three Courses From:
	CIS550, 560, 561, 562, 581, 582, or 591	9
Approved Electives		6
		_________
	TOTAL	9
Requirements for Option III
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 AND BS-CIS/MBA PROGRAMS

Specific requirements for the joint BSBA/MBA and the BS-CIS/MBA plans are included in the Hasan School of Business undergraduate programs section of this catalog.

ENGLISH (MA)

In cooperation with Colorado State University, the Department of English and Foreign Languages offers a general program of study leading to the Colorado State University Master of Arts (M.A.) in English, comprising courses taught at Colorado State University-Pueblo. Courses are scheduled in the evenings to accommodate working professionals, with two or three courses offered each semester, including summer session.

Student must earn a minimum of 32 semester credits (Plan A) or 35 semester credits (Plan B) and must maintain an overall grade-point average of 3.00 or higher in courses taken after admission to the degree program. A minimum of 24 credits must be earned at Colorado State University-Pueblo or Colorado State University (Fort Collins), 21 of which must be earned after admission to the graduate program. Courses from other institutions must be approved and officially transferred and appear on the transcript. At the conclusion of the program, students must successfully complete an oral defense of the thesis or an independent study presentation.

Specific Requirements

Plan A
Nine or ten courses selected in consultation with the advisor at the ENG 500- or ENG 600- levels, including ENG 501, ENG 600, and ENG 615 and at least two additional courses in literature and two additional courses in writing, rhetoric, and pedagogy.
		____________
	TOTAL	27-30
Course	Title	Credit
Eng 699	Thesis	3-6
Plan B
Eleven or twelve courses selected in consultation with the advisor at the E 500- or E 600- levels, including E 501, E 600, and E 615 and at least two additional courses in literature and two additional courses in writing, rhetoric, and pedagogy.
		____________
	TOTAL	33-36
Course	Title	Credit
Eng 695	Independent Study	2

Admission Requirements

General requirements and exceptions are specified in the Colorado State University Graduate and Professional Bulletin. They include, for English, a 3.0 undergraduate grade-point average on a 4.0 scale and a Bachelor’s degree in English or a broad knowledge of English and American literature. (The grade-point average requirement can be waived for applicants with five years of appropriate post-baccalaureate professional experience. See “Track II Admissions.”) The Graduate Record Examination is not required. Because of necessary enrollment limitations, admission will be competitive; deferred admission is possible.

Application Instructions

Submit the Colorado State University-Pueblo Application for Graduate Admission form, available from the Office of Admissions, together with a detailed letter of application, three letters of recommendation, and official copies of all college and university transcripts to:

M.A. in English Program Director
Department of English and Foreign Languages
Colorado State University-Pueblo
2200 Bonforte Boulevard
Pueblo, CO 81001-4901

• Provide quality learning experiences for nursing students that prepare graduates for practice as competent, caring, ethical, and accountable nurses.
  
• Maintain approval of the Colorado Board of Nursing and national accrediting agencies.
  
• Facilitate achievement of baccalaureate and graduate nursing education.
  
• Serve as the regional nursing education center for southern Colorado, collaborating with local and regional health care agencies by maintaining a program curriculum congruent with the expectations of the agencies, University, and students.

• Prepare advanced practice nursing (APN) graduates to provide quality care along the continuum of aging in multiple environments utilizing the nursing process.
  
• Facilitate competent care of human needs through multi-theoretical perspectives leading to competence in role development.
  
• Nurture, improve, and further the development of critical thinking through commitment, compassion, clinical confidence, and competence.
  
• Incorporate into the curriculum evidence based practice utilizing principles of research and theory to identify research problems and develop research studies to determine the appropriateness of care and treatment in APN practice.
  
• Facilitate student’s ability to provide care that is dynamic and evolving to meet health care needs of clients within the domains of advanced practice nursing.

• Demonstrate competence and caring in advanced clinical practice to improve the quality of health care that clients receive 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 advanced nursing practice, including personal values, caring, integrity, research, and commitment to life-long learning to ensure 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.
  

1. A baccalaureate degree must be in nursing from an institution accredited by the regional accreditation agency (or equivalent).
   
2. Completion of a three credit hour statistics course with a C (C- will not be accepted).

1. Graduate Nursing Program Application Process
   
2. The following must be submitted to the nursing program prior to completing 12 graduate nursing course credits:
   
3. CSU-Pueblo Department of Nursing Master of Science with a major in Nursing Application.
   
4. Proof of a current Colorado Registered Nursing license or eligibility for license.
   
5. Certification in advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) is required for all emphases. The Pediatric Advanced Life Support Certification (PALS) is also required for the Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Across the Life Span and the Adult Acute Care/Family Nurse Practitioner.
   
6. Current physical examination within the last year and current immunization records. This includes the hepatitis B series, 2 step PPD, tetanus, and measles, mumps, and rubella series.
   
7. Three letters of recommendation: one academic, one clinical, and one other.
   
8. Admission essay that reflects the applicant’s future practice goals in the role of an advanced practice nurse within the health care system and demonstrates the 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.
   
9. Resume describing relevant work, professional, and volunteer experiences.
   
10. Proof of professional liability advanced practice insurance.
    
11. 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.
    
12. Drug screen must be completed after admission to the University.
    
13. Nursing application, paper guidelines, criminal background check, and health form can be obtained from the Colorado State University-Pueblo Department of Nursing.

1. Students must have a cumulative graduate GPA of 3.000 or better at graduation. All courses must be passed with a B or better. Anything less than a B will not be applied toward graduation. A maximum number of nine semester hours of transfer credit may be applied to the degree. Grades of B- are not accepted.
   
2. Students must complete the program’s minimum number of hours of approved course work.
   
3. Students must pass a final comprehensive and oral examination in their major area of study in the non-thesis option.
   
4. Students choosing the thesis option or directed research project must 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. In addition an oral defense is required.
   

1. Courses in which a grade of B (not a B-) or better was earned may not be repeated and no course may be repeated more than once.
   
2. Master of Science with a Major in Nursing

*National League for Nursing Nurse Educator Certification does not require a minimum clinical contact hours.
CNS: Psychiatric Mental Health