Grades and Academic Standards

Grades of A, B, or C are the only grades to be considered as passing. A maximum of six semester hours with a grade of "C" may count toward the completion of degree requirements. However,  each of the six administrative core courses must be completed with a minimum grade of "B-." Students must also maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 point scale. 

A student must maintain a B average (see Degree Requirements and Academic Probation, pgs. X-X of the Handbook) to remain in good standing in the DPA program. Students whose graduate GPA falls below 3.0 (exclusive of incompletes) are placed on academic probation. Such students must bring their GPA up to 3.0 within a semester. Students who fail to do this will receive a notice of termination from the program.

A student who accumulates a combination of three or more No Grade (NG) reports will not be permitted to register for more courses.

A student who has received a grade of C or D may repeat that course upon approval of the DPA Director and The Graduate School. When a student repeats a course, the grade point average is calculated on the basis of the last grade attempted.

A student earning an F grade in any course will be dismissed from the DPA program and the University. An F earned at WCU may not be made up at another institution of higher learning for the same course.

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