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Graduate Programs Admissions and Regulations

1.0 General Admission

Application information is available at the Apply to Graduate Programs web site or from the Office of the Registrar. The requirements for admissibility include, but are not limited to, an acceptable academic standing (see 1.3.2), acceptable letters of reference, the availability of a supervisor within the program concerned, and the availability of adequ​ate space and facilities. All documents submitted to the Office of the Registrar must be in the original language in which they were produced. Documents not produced in the English language must be accompanied by a notarized translation into English. Documents submitted in support of an application become the property of the University of Northern British Columbia and will not subsequently be released.

Certificate (Alphabetical by Subject)	Application Deadline According to Preferred Semester of Entry
	September	January	May
Indigenous Child Youth and Mental Health	December 15	May 1	December 15

Degree (Alphabetical by Subject)	Application Deadline According to Preferred Semester of Entry
	September	January	May
Business Administration (MBA)	December 15	no intake	no intake
Business Administration (MSc)	December 15	no intake	no intake
Development Economics (MA)	December 15	May 1	no intake
Disability Management (MA)	December 15	no intake	no intake
Education (MEd Multidisciplinary Leadership Specialization)	November 15	November 15	November 15
Education (MEd Special Education Specialization)	November 1	no intake	no intake
Engineering (MASc)	December 15	May 1	December 15*
English (MA)	December 15	no intake	no intake
First Nations Studies (MA)	December 15	no intake	no intake
Gender Studies (MA)	December 15	May 1	no intake
Health Sciences (MSc)	December 15	no intake	no intake
Health Sciences (PhD)	December 15	no intake	no intake
History (MA)	December 15	September 15	no intake
Integrated Wood Design (MEng)	Ongoing	no intake	no intake
Interdisciplinary Studies (MA and MSc)	December 15*	May 1	December 15*
International Studies (MA)	December 15	May 1	no intake
Mathematical, Computer, Physical, and Molecular Sciences (MSc)	December 15	May 1	no intake
Natural Resources and Environmental Studies (MA)	December 15*	May 1	December 15*
Natural Resources and Environmental Studies (MNRES)	December 15*	May 1	December 15*
Natural Resources and Environmental Studies (MSc)	December 15*	May 1	December 15*
Natural Resources and Environmental Studies (PhD)	December 15*	May 1	December 15*
Nursing (MScN)	December 15	May 1	no intake
Nursing (MScN: FNP)	December 15	no intake	no intake
Political Science (MA)	December 15	May 1	no intake
Psychology (MSc)	December 15	no intake	no intake
Psychology (PhD)	December 15	no intake	no intake
Social Work (MSW)	December 15	no intake	no intake

Applications for admissio​n should be submitted as early as possible to the Office of the Registrar. Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadlines will be considered late and may not be processed in time to permit admission.
*Applications for admission are accepted for one semester only. Applicants must indicate whether they are applying to the September, January, or May Semester.

Admission to a Graduate Program is valid only for the semester indicated in the letter of offer of admission.

The University of Northern British Columbia specifically reserves the right to exercise its sole, absolute, and unfettered discretion in admitting individuals to the University, its programs, or courses.

Applicants who have been offered admission to a graduate program must indicate, in writing, their intention to accept or decline the offer of admission within 30 days. Failure to notify the University may result in cancellation of the offer of admission.

In order to be considered for admission to Graduate Programs, all applicants must provide the following to the Office of the Registrar by the deadlines noted above:

1. Application form for admission to Graduate Programs.
2. Application fee.
3. Three assessment reports (letters of reference) sent directly to UNBC from the referees.
4. Official transcripts (one copy) from all post-secondary institutions attended.
5. Statement of Academic Interests (letter of intent).
6. Official English Language Test Scores (required for applicants whose first language is NOT English) sent directly to UNBC from the testing agencies.

The following programs require the submission of additional application material in order to complete the application: Applied Science in Engineering; Business Administration; Community Health Science; Development Economics; Disability Management; Education (Counselling); English; Health Sciences; History; Interdisciplinary Studies; International Studies; Mathematical, Computer, and Physical Sciences; Natural Resources and Environmental Studies; Nursing and Family Nurse Practitioner; Psychology; and Social Work. See individual program listings for further information.

1.1 English Lang​uage Requirements

English is the primary language of instruction and communication at UNBC. Consequently, it is expected that an applicant be able to demonstrate an acceptable level of proficiency in the use of English in order to receive and participate in classroom instruction and discussion as well as to complete written assignments.

Applicants whose first language is not English, regardless of citizenship or country of origin, must submit evidence of English language proficiency prior to admission. French-speaking Canadians and Canadian First Nations language speakers are exempted from this requirement.

Students who have completed a degree program entirely in the English Language at a recognized institution from a country approved by UNBC where English is an official language may be exempted from this requirement. A listing of English Language Proficiency test exempt countries is maintained by the Office of the Registrar.

Acceptable evidence of English language proficiency may be any one of the following:

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of 90 or higher in the internet-based test, with not less than 20 in any of the Reading, Listening, Writing or Speaking components; or equivalent other TOEFL score. UNBC’s institutional TOEFL code is 0320.
• IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Academic score of at least 6.5 overall, with not less than 6.0 in any of the four modules.
• CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language Assessment) or the CAEL CE : overall 70, with no subtest below 60.
• CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program) – CELPIT-A (Academic Reading and Writing): 4H – CELL (Listening): 4H – CELTOP (Speaking): 4H
• MELAB (Michigan English Language Assessment Battery): 85 final score, with 3 in the speaking test.
• PTE (Pearson Test of English – Academic): 65 overall score, with a score of not less than 60 in reading, writing, listening and speaking.
• A final grade of 3.00 (B) or better in both the UNBC English Language Studies 50 and English Language Studies 170, obtained concurrently and prior to application for Graduate admission.
• A final grade of 3.00 (B) or better in an articulated BCCAT EAP 4 program, prior to application for Graduate admissions.

In order to be considered valid, results must be sent directly from the testing agency/institution to the Office of the Registrar. Scores are valid for a period of two years.

Some graduate program may require higher English Language proficiency scores. Please consult the Program section of the calendar for additional requirements.

The University of Northern British Columbia reserves the right to consider, in addition to test scores, any factors that it considers appropriate in making a final determination of the English language proficiency of an applicant.

1.2 GRE Requirement​ for Graduate Programs

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is prepared and scored by the GRE Board and Educational Testing Service. UNBC’s institution code is 0320. The GRE is used widely by universities to supplement undergraduate records and other qualifications for admission to graduate study.

GRE requirements are prescribed by individual programs. For some programs, completion of the examination may be mandatory. Applicants are advised to check program listings for detailed information. However, the University of Northern British Columbia reserves the right to require a GRE score (on Subject and General Tests) for any applicant. Voluntary submission of a GRE score may facilitate the admission process.

1.3 Admission to Master’s Degrees

1.3.1 In general, an acceptable academic standing will be a four-year (120 credit hours) Baccalaureate degree (or equivalent) from a recognized institution.

1.3.2 Grade point average of at least 3.00 (B) in the work of the last 60 credit hours (approximately the last two years). A Baccalaureate degree is required for entry. The minimum GPA of 3.00 (B) is
based on the UNBC 4.33 scale. The GPA from sending institutions will be assessed and converted to the UNBC scale when being considered for admission. If the applicant has a Master’s or PhD, the GPA is assessed on the complete degree. Note: Higher entrance standards than those outlined in this section may be set by individual programs. Courses used in the calculation of the admission grade point average cannot be used as credit toward a graduate degree program.

1.3.3 A faculty member who wishes to supervise an applicant who has a four-year (120 credit hours) Baccalaureate degree (or equivalent) that does not meet the GPA requirements stated above and who obtains the recommendation of the appropriate program must have approval from the Dean who admits the applicant. The applicant must have significant formal training and relevant professional experience to offset such GPA deficiencies.

1.3.4 Evidence is required, in the form of three letters of reference that are submitted directly to the Office of the Registrar from qualified referees, of the student’s ability to undertake advanced work in the area of interest.

1.4 Admission to the Master’s Degree as a Conditio​nally Admitted Mature Student

Five years after completion of a Baccalaureate degree as defined in 1.3.1, applicants whose academic record is such that they would not be admissible to a Master’s program may be admitted conditionally as mature students, provided they are recommended by the appropriate Program. Such recommendations must be made in writing by the Program and approved by the Dean.

The minimum grade point average for admission to a Master’s program as a conditionally admitted mature student is 2.67 (“B-“).

A student conditionally admitted to a graduate program must earn a grade point average of at least 3.00 (“B”) in each of the first two 3 credit hour graduate courses taken. The first two courses will be determined by the Program and approved by the Dean. If this condition is successfully met, the student’s status will be changed to regular graduate student status. If it is not, the student will be required to withdraw from the program.

Students admitted in this category normally will not receive transfer credit for any courses completed prior to enrolling in their Graduate Program.

1.5 Admis​sion to Non-degree Course Work

Non-degree graduate students are those taking graduate courses, but not for credit toward a degree at the University of Northern British Columbia. Such students are admitted under one of three categories defined in 1.5.1, 1.5.2 and 1.5.3.

1.5.1 Visiting graduate students are those on a Letter of Permission which specifies courses allowed for credit toward a graduate degree at another university. Applicants in this category must provide a letter of permission from their home institution. No other supporting documentation is required. Students must request that an official transcript be sent directly to their home institution upon completion of course work at UNBC.

1.5.2 Exchange graduate students are those covered by the Western Deans’ Agreement or other formal exchange agreement. If a student is admitted under the Western Deans’ Agreement or other formal exchange agreement, all tuition fees at UNBC will be waived; however, ancillary student fees will be charged. Applicants in this category must submit a completed and duly signed Western Deans’ Agreement form at their home institution (if applicable) certifying the applicant as an exchange student, under the provisions of the Agreement. Courses to be taken toward their degree must be specified in the documentation. No other supporting material is required. Students must request that an official transcript be sent directly to their home institution upon completion of course work at UNBC.

1.5.3 Non-degree students are normally those who wish to improve their academic background. Applicants under this category who do not hold a Master’s degree must normally meet the same entrance requirements and follow the same application procedure as outlined in section 1.3, with the exception of 1.3.4 (letters of reference). Holders of a Master’s degree (or equivalent) from a recognized institution in the same discipline as the course work applied for must complete an application form for admission to Graduate Programs, and provide proof of conferral of the Master’s degree.

A maximum of three graduate courses may be taken under this category. Individual programs may impose further restrictions. International Students studying in Canada may be eligible to complete courses as non-degree students. 

1.5.4 If a student admitted as a non-degree student is later admitted to a graduate degree program, course work taken as a non-degree student may be applied to the graduate program subject to the recommendation of the supervisory committee and the approval of the Dean.

1.6 Auditing Graduate Courses​

An individual who is either a graduate student in a UNBC Graduate Program or a non-degree graduate student as defined in Section 1.5 may be permitted to audit up to three credit hours of graduate courses in a semester. A continuing student should add the audit course to his or her Graduate Registration Form. A new applicant auditing a course should submit a Graduate Registration Form to the Office of the Registrar clearly indicating the course name and number with an Application for Admission to Graduate Programs together with proof of degree conferral.

Neither full-time nor part-time graduate students in a UNBC Graduate Program will be charged for auditing graduate-level courses as long as auditing the course is required by the graduate supervisor/supervisory committee. If any course audit is not already included as part of a student’s approved graduate program, then a Graduate Program Revision Form must be completed. The supervisor must provide a rationale for the course audit, explaining how the course is related to the student’s research. The appropriate signatures must also be included on the Graduate Registration Form and/or the Add/Drop Form.

Registration as an auditor is subject to the following conditions:

1.6.1 Admittance to the class is dependent on the class size and other factors that the Instructor and the Program establish.

1.6.2 The degree of participation in the course is at the discretion of the Instructor.

1.6.3 Attendance and participation shall grant no entitlement to an academic record of such attendance and shall not be considered as meeting admission, prerequisite or course requirements for any graduate program.

1.7 Upgrading for Admission to Graduate Programs

Individuals wishing to apply to graduate programs may not meet the normal requirements for admission. Such cases normally fall into either of the following categories:

1.7.1 Admission requirements satisfied but course background inappropriate or prerequisites lacking Upon the recommendation of the Program concerned, the Dean may approve the inclusion of the missing background or prerequisites as part of the requirements for the Master’s degree.

1.7.2 Pre-Entry Program When admission requirements are not satisfied and upon the recommendation of the Program concerned, the Dean may approve a pre-entry program of undergraduate course work totalling at least 12 credit hours of upper division courses. An average of not less than 3.33 (B+) must be achieved in the course work, and no course must be completed at a level below 2.67 (B-). Courses taken for a pre-entry program may not be used for credit towards a graduate degree. Students approved by the Dean for a pre-entry program are guaranteed admission to the appropriate Graduate Program upon successful completion of the recommended courses.

1.7.3 Graduate course challenge is not permitted.

1.8 Integrated Delivery Graduate and Undergraduate Courses​

1.8.1 An “integrated delivery” course is one in which a graduate course is co-taught with a 400-level undergraduate course which in turn is indicated as being offered at an advanced level. At the graduate level, normally learning experiences qualitatively and quantitatively distinctive from the undergraduate experience build upon the undergraduate course content. Nevertheless, courses taken specifically to meet the registration requirements of professional bodies may have the same content at each level.

1.8.2 All courses which are integrated on a continuing basis are so indicated in the Graduate Calendar by way of stated preclusions.

1.8.3 Integrated delivery courses are taught by faculty members who are approved to teach graduate level courses.

1.9 Permission for Undergraduates to Take Graduate Course Work

1.9.1 Students in their final year of a Bachelor’s degree program at the University of Northern British Columbia who have a grade point average of at least 3.33 (B+) in the last 30 credit hours of course work attempted and have completed all required lower-division course work may be permitted to register in a maximum of 6 credit hours of graduate courses at the Master’s level with the permission of the Instructor and the Graduate Program concerned and with the approval of the Dean. If a student is subsequently admitted to a Graduate Program, graduate courses used for credit toward an undergraduate program cannot be used for credit toward a graduate program.

This policy gives academically strong undergraduate students the opportunity to experience graduate-level instruction without commitments being made by either the student or the University about admission into graduate programs, or academic credit being awarded for the courses if a student is subsequently admitted to a graduate program.

Please see the Graduate Studies Officer in the Office of the Registrar for further information.

1.9.2 Simultaneous enrolment in a graduate program and an undergraduate, diploma or certificate program is not permitted.

1.10 Admission as a Visiting Research Student

Admission to this category is restricted to graduate students covered by the Canadian Graduate Student Research Mobility Agreement or other approved research agreements. A Visiting Research Student must register in the course VRES 950-0 Visiting Research Student for each semester covered by the Agreement. Visiting Research Students are not permitted to take other courses at UNBC.

1.11 Misrepresentation of Application Information

Misrepresentation of application information constitutes misconduct as per the Academic and Non-Academic Conduct Student Policy. An applicant’s admission, acceptance or registration to the University, a program or a course of study may be revoked. There may be impacts on future considerations.

2.0 R​egistration Procedures and Status

2.1 Initial Registration​

All students admitted to a Graduate Program must normally register during the dates specified for such registration. All letters of admission that are not used to register in the semester to which they apply are automatically cancelled. Students who are issued a letter of admission for the September Semester may not use this document for entry in the January Semester. Any requests for deferral of admission to a graduate program must be made in writing to the UNBC Graduate Admissions in the Office of the Registrar, along with payment of the Admission Deferral Fee.

2.2 Enrollment and Re-registration

2.2.1 Continuity of Registration All students are required to either register in every semester (September, January, May) from the time of admission until the requirements of the degree have been met, or formally withdraw in accordance with regulation 2.5 below (except for students in course-based programs without course offerings in the Spring semester). Students are required to pay minimum tuition fee units (see Fees section).

2.2.2 Re-registration Students who are missing one semester or more of registration and who have not been withdrawn from their graduate program must:

1. Pay any outstanding fees
2. Register for those semesters not previously registered in
3. Pay any new tuition fee units

Students who have registered at another university or college since last in attendance at the University of Northern British Columbia are required to state the names of all educational institutions of post-secondary level attended and to submit an official transcript of their academic records at these institutions to the Office of the Registrar.

2.2.3 Reinstatement Students who have withdrawn with permission from their graduate program and later wish to return can only do so if, inclusive of their time away from their graduate program, they have not exceeded the time limit applicable to their graduate program (See Regulation 7.7); and have supervisory support for reinstatement.

Students who have not exceeded the time limit must do the following:

1. Submit a new Application for Admission to Graduate Programs Form and pay the reapplication fee
2. Provide a letter to UNBC Graduate Admissions in the Office of the Registrar stating their rationale for wishing to return to their graduate program
3. Provide proof of supervisory support for their reinstatement

Students who have registered at another university or college since last in attendance at the University of Northern British Columbia are required to state the names of all educational institutions of post-secondary level attended and to submit an official transcript of their academic records at these institutions to the Office of the Registrar.

Students who have exceeded the time limit period or who have been withdrawn without permission please see section 2.2.4 (Reapplication).

2.2.4 Reapplication Students who have either a) been withdrawn without permission or b) whose time limit has expired must re-apply to UNBC as new applicants and pay the reapplication fee. If admitted, students must start anew; normal program requirements apply, including time limitations regardless of previously completed coursework accepted (see 4.2.1) and minimum tuition fee units.

2.3 Definition of Full-Time and Part-Time Status

A full-time graduate student is one who is either:

1. enrolled in courses totalling a minimum of six credit hours during a single semester, or
2. registered in a thesis, project, dissertation or other scholarly work during a semester.

A part-time student is any student who does not meet either criteria above.

Note: This definition does not necessarily govern the fee structure, which is determined at the time of admission.

2.4 Maximum Academic Load

2.4.1 The maximum academic load in a Graduate Program during any semester is 18 credit hours of course work or 15 credit hours of course work plus thesis, project, or dissertation. Programs may limit students to fewer credit hours.

2.4.2 Simultaneous enrolment in a graduate program and an undergraduate, diploma or certificate program is not permitted.

2.4.3 Simultaneous enrolment in more than one graduate program is not permitted with the exception of the situation covered by regulation 7.1.4b. Concurrent enrolment in a graduate degree program and related graduate diplomas or certificates may be permitted by an individual Program upon receipt of a separate application and payment of the appropriate fee(s).

2.5 Leave of Absence

A student may request a leave of absence when personal, health, parental, professional or academic reasons (as detailed below) interrupt studies. Leaves of absence are approved by the supervisor (where appointed) or Program Chair and Dean. Leaves normally start at the beginning of a semester (for a duration up to a maximum of 12 months or 18 months for parental leave). Extended leaves of absence are only granted on an exceptional basis, with very strong reasoning from the student, full support of the supervisor (where appointed) or Program Chair and approval of the Dean. The conditions for a return from a leave of absence may require that additional coursework be completed or repeated and additional criteria be established for continued study. Time spent on leave does not count towards the time limit for program completion. Procedures and documentation required for a leave of absence request are outlined on the Office of Graduate Programs website.

A student cannot undertake academic or research work during the period of leave and cannot hold a teaching or research assistant position. At least one month prior to the end of the leave of absence, students must inform their supervisor (where appointed) or Program Chair of their intention to return and register.

The request for a leave must be submitted two weeks prior to the start of the semester in which the leave will begin. Late requests can only be accepted under exceptional circumstances. Provided the request is received before the deadline, students on a leave of absence do not pay tuition or student fees for the duration of the leave.

2.5.1 Awards and Scholarships during On-Leave Status

Award payments for awards established by the University of Northern British Columbia are suspended at the start of the leave of absence for up to a maximum of 12 months (or 18 months for parental leave) and resume upon the student’s return, provided the student continues to meet all requirements for the award. For awards outside of the University, award payment during a leave is governed by the terms and conditions of leaves established by the donor or granting agency.

2.6 Leaves of Absence Categories

Personal Leave

In the event a student encounters personal circumstances that have an impact on their ability to continue their studies, a maximum of 12 months leave may be taken over the duration of the degree program.

Medical or Compassionate Leave

Where circumstances warrant, a student may request medical or compassionate leave with appropriate supporting documentation.

Parental Leave

A student with parenting responsibilities for a newborn or newly-adopted child is entitled to a leave period of 18 months in each instance.

Professional Leave
A student may be eligible to suspend their program of study for a period up to 12 months in order to pursue work experience or employment in a field related to their area of study.

Withdrawals

There are four types of withdrawals for discontinuation of studies:

Withdrawal with Permission

A student may voluntarily withdraw from studies provided they are in good academic standing at the time of the request and do not have outstanding tuition and/or fees.

Compassionate Withdrawal with Extenuating Circumstances

A student who is facing unanticipated extenuating circumstances or medical concerns may ask for withdrawal with the approval of the Dean. Retroactive withdrawals are considered only in the event of documentation
substantiating an inability to provide timely notification.

Withdrawal without Permission

Graduate students are required to maintain continuous registration for the duration of their program. A student who has not maintained continuous registration is considered withdrawn without permission from their program. A student who has been withdrawn without permission and wishes to return to their program is normally considered under the criteria for reapplication (2.2.4). The conditions for return may require that additional coursework be completed or repeated and additional criteria may be established for continued study.

Required to Withdraw

A student who is not meeting academic or program standards or whose thesis, dissertation, project, portfolio, comprehensive exam or practicum is not progressing satisfactorily may be required by the Dean to withdraw from their graduate program. Normally, a student required to withdraw is not considered for reentry into the same graduate program.

The dates published in the calendar for withdrawal without financial penalty and withdrawal without academic penalty apply.

2.7 Letter of Permission​ for Studies Elsewhere

Students currently registered in a Graduate Program who wish to undertake studies at another institution for transfer credit toward their graduate degree at the University of Northern British Columbia must apply in writing to the Dean, specifying the host institution, the courses to be taken, and their credit values. The application must be supported by the supervisor. Students must request that an official transcript be sent directly to the Office of the Registrar at UNBC from the host institution upon completion of the course work. Note: Students are required to maintain continuous registration and pay the fees for the semester at the University of Northern British Columbia while studying elsewhere.

2.7.1 Western Deans’ Agreement

Students currently registered in a graduate program who wish to undertake studies at a western Canadian university for transfer credit toward their graduate degree at the University of Northern British Columbia may be eligible for exchange status under the provision of the Western Deans’ Agreement. Information and relevant forms are available from the Graduate Programs website, www.unbc.ca/graduateprograms, or at the Office of Graduate Programs. Students must include an outline of the course work that they propose to undertake, including a demonstration of the appropriateness of the selected course to act as a replacement of existing courses in the program of study. The application must be submitted to, and supported, by the supervisor. If the application is approved by the Dean, the university concerned is notified by the Office of Graduate Programs. All applicable tuition fees are waived by the host institution. However, ancillary student fees are still applied. All students attending other institutions under the provisions of the Western Deans’ Agreement must register concurrently at the University of Northern British Columbia in their thesis or project, and pay the appropriate fees.

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3.0 Student Responsibilities

1. Students are responsible for familiarizing themselves with the Graduate Regulations. If students are unsure about any aspect of the Graduate Regulations, they should contact the Office of the Registrar or the Office of Graduate Programs.
2. Students are responsible for familiarizing themselves with the program requirements and deadlines. If students are unsure about any aspect of the program regulations, they should contact the Graduate Program Chair.
3. Students are responsible for ensuring the completeness and accuracy of their registration. If students are unsure about any aspect of their record, they should contact the Office of the Registrar.
4. Students are responsible for familiarizing themselves with their fee obligations as outlined in the Fees Section of the calendar. If students are unsure about any aspect of the fee regulations, they should contact the Office of the Registrar.
5. Students are equally responsible for maintaining open communication with their supervisor, supervisory committee, and Graduate Program Chair through mutually agreed upon regular meetings. Any problems, real or potential, should be brought to the attention of the supervisor, supervisory committee and Graduate Program Chair promptly. Students should be aware that formal routes of appeal exist in the form of the Appeals Procedure of the Office of the Registrar (see Appeals Section).
6. A letter mailed to a student’s address as it appears on record in the Office of the Registrar will be deemed adequate notification to the student for all matters concerning the student’s record. Changes in address and telephone number must be reported promptly to the Office of the Registrar.

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4.0 Regulations Governing Master’s Programs

4.1 Course and Program Requirements

4.1.1 Graduate Programs Within the first semester of registration in a graduate degree program, the supervisor will forward to the Office of Graduate Programs a completed Graduate Program Approval Form on behalf of each student.

4.1.2 Graduate Supervision Unless otherwise specified, the graduate supervisor nominates the supervisory committee and the Program forwards the names to the Dean for approval, normally within one semester of the first registration in the thesis, project, practicum, comprehensive examination or dissertation.

4.1.3 Course work and research Considerable variation is permitted in the balance between research and the course work required for the Master’s degree, although most programs include a thesis based on research (see 4.1.7 ).

Before the thesis, project, or practicum is written, the student should contact the Office of Graduate Programs website at www.unbc.ca/graduate-programs for a copy of the Formatting Guidelines For Graduate Dissertations, Theses, Projects & Practicum Reports, which specifies academic and technical requirements to ensure acceptability of the document by the University and the National Library of Canada.

4.1.4 Integrated Courses Normally, Master’s students enrolled in thesis programs should complete at least 6 credit hours of graduate course work in addition to any integrated delivery courses that may be taken. The Chair of Program or, if applicable, the Chair of the Graduate Committee decides whether or not a graduate course qualifies as part of the 6 credit hours requirement of a student’s degree.

4.1.5 Language requirements Some Master’s programs may require a reading knowledge of one or more languages other than English. Language requirements will be prescribed for individual students by the supervisory committee according to program regulations. Such requirements are considered part of the student’s program. When a language requirement is imposed, it must be met prior to taking the oral examination or, in the case of non-thesis Master’s programs, before the completion of the comprehensive examination and/or the project oral.

4.1.6 UNBC course requirements and applicability of transfer of credit At least half of the course work taken must be completed as a degree candidate in a Graduate Program at the University of Northern British Columbia and be UNBC courses. The Program may accept courses taken at other institutions for credit toward a UNBC graduate degree.

Courses taken at the University of Northern British Columbia as a non-degree student in a Graduate Program may be considered for transfer to a graduate degree (see 1.5.4).

In order to qualify for transfer of credit, courses must meet all of the following conditions:

1. must be a graduate level course;
2. must be completed with a grade of at least B (or equivalent); and
3. must not have been used to obtain any degree, diploma, certificate or other credential, unless otherwise noted.

The grades from courses allowed for transfer of credit will not appear on the transcript, and they will not be used in determining sessional or cumulative grade point averages. Credit granted at another institution on the basis of life or work experience is not acceptable for transfer of credit. For students admitted as mature students (see 1.4), transfer of credit will not normally be granted for courses taken before enrolling in Graduate Programs at the University of Northern British Columbia.

4.1.7 Master’s degree without a thesis Not all programs offer the option of a Master’s degree without a thesis. The following regulations apply:

1. a program of study must be approved as for all other graduate degrees;
2. a supervisory committee shall be formed according to 4.4.2;
3. there must be evidence of independent scholarly work which may be in the form of a project, extended paper(s), work report, etc. The credit value for this work may range from three to twelve credit hours; and
4. normally there shall be an oral examination, in accordance with regulation 4.5.

4.2 ​Time Limit

The maximum time for completion given below is not intended to be the normal time for completion. It is intended to take into account a wide variety of extraordinary circumstances and events that may delay completion.

4.2.1 Normally, a student proceeding toward a Master’s degree will be required to complete all degree requirements within five years (60 consecutive months) from the date of the first registration in the Master’s degree. In no case will a degree be awarded in less than 12 consecutive months from the time of the first registration. However, it is expected that a full-time student will complete a Master’s degree within 36 consecutive months from the date of first registration.

4.2.2 If a degree is not completed within the specified period following the first registration, the student will be withdrawn from the program. Under exceptional circumstances, time extensions may be granted by the Dean. Such requests for time extension must be made in writing to the Office of Graduate Programs prior to the end of the semester in which the student’s time limit expires. The request must include a timeline for the completion of the degree and a letter of support from the student’s supervisor.

4.2.3 A time extension will normally be approved for one semester with the expectation that all outstanding degree requirements of a student’s graduate program (including the defence and thesis corrections) are completed within this period of time. Only in exceptional circumstances will further time extensions be granted. Students who fail to complete at the end of a time extension will be required to withdraw from their graduate program.

4.2.4 Variances to the time limits specified in 4.2.1 and 4.2.3 are as follows:

• Master of Education (Part time) seven years (84 consecutive months).

4.3 Academic Performance

A student who fails to meet academic standards, or whose thesis, project, practicum, or comprehensive examination is not progressing satisfactorily, may be required to withdraw by the Dean on the advice of the supervisor and supervisory committee.

4.3.1 Students must attain a Semester GPA of at least 3.00 (B) for every semester in which they are registered. Individual programs may set higher standards. Any student with a Semester GPA below 3.00 may be allowed to register in the next semester while their academic performance is reviewed by their supervisory committee. Continuation in their Graduate Program is recommended by the supervisory committee subject to approval by the Dean.

Students who were registered in one course in a semester that resulted in a Semester GPA less than 3.00 based on a B- grade may be allowed to continue in their graduate program. However, if the student’s Cumulative GPA is lower than a 3.00, a continuance review is required.

4.3.2 A grade of F in a course taken for credit in a Graduate Program must be reviewed by the supervisory committee and a recommendation must be made to the Dean concerning continuance of the student in the program. Such students will not be allowed to register in the next semester until approved to do so by the Dean.

4.3.3 Graduate students may not repeat graduate courses except under exceptional circumstances if recommended by the supervisory committee subject to approval by the Dean.

4.3.4 The supervisor, in consultation with the supervisory committee (if applicable) and the student, completes a progress report for students registered in a thesis, project, practicum, or comprehensive examination on a yearly basis and submits it to the Dean for approval. If the progress report indicates a second Needs Improvement or Unsatisfactory progress, the supervisory committee, with the Graduate Program Chair, reviews the student’s continuation in a formal continuance review meeting and submits recommendations to the Dean for final decision.

4.3.5 Conditions may be imposed by the Dean for continuation in the program. The conditions normally must be met within the next semester or the student will be required to withdraw.

4.4 Academic Supervision

4.4.1 Supervisor Each Master’s student shall have, at the time of their application for admission, identified and gained the agreement of a member of the faculty assigned as a supervisor (or academic advisor). Subject to an offer of admission to the program, the agreement is approved by the Dean.

The role of the supervisor is to provide advice, guidance, instruction and encouragement in the research activities of their students and to evaluate their progress and performance. The supervisor must: be aware of and adhere to the various and relevant university regulations; provide guidance to the student on the nature of research, the standards required, the adequacy of the student’s progress, and the quality of the student’s work; and be accessible to the student to give advice and constructive criticism.

The supervisor and student must maintain contact through mutually agreed upon regular meetings. Supervisors who expect to be absent from the University for an extended period of time (including during sabbaticals) are responsible for making suitable arrangements (including the appointment of a temporary replacement) with the student and the chair of the program, or if applicable the chair of the graduate committee for the continued supervision of the student or the nomination of another supervisor. All changes of this nature must be approved by the Dean who can recommend further changes of the supervisor or supervisory committee.

4.4.2 Supervisory Committee Each Master’s student shall have a supervisory committee, which is assembled by the supervisor and approved by the Dean. The Chair of this committee shall be the supervisor.

The committee consists of at least three members including the supervisor. One member is normally from outside the program. If, at any point, more than one member of a supervisory committee is absent from the University for an extended period of time (including during sabbaticals), arrangements should be made so that the progress of the student is not impeded. No more than one member of a supervisory committee should be on an extended absence at any one time.

The duties of the committee include: recommending a program of study chosen in conformity with the program requirements as stated in the graduate calendar (such as competence in languages other than English, in statistics, in computing, or in other research skills); meeting periodically to facilitate appropriate supervision of the thesis, project, or practicum; and participating in a final oral examination when the degree program requirements prescribes such an examination.

A member of a supervisory committee who has an adjunct or emeritus position with UNBC cannot be the sole supervisor of a graduate student. A faculty member who leaves UNBC cannot remain as the sole supervisor for a graduate student. The chair of the degree program is expected to ensure that a new supervisor or co-supervisor is appointed from existing faculty.

All such changes require the approval of the Dean who may recommend further changes of the supervisor or supervisory committee.