Section 6. Academic Progress and Grading Policies:

Academic Progress Benchmarks

Benchmarks for Advancement Toward Degree Completion:

Minimum GPA: 2.0

• A minimum of 3 courses per year of enrollment
• Maintain an overall undergraduate GPA of 2.0 in classes taken at the university

Benchmarks for Advancement Toward Degree Completion

Note: Candidates must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 overall and a 3.0 in the professional core.  

Minimum Requirements to begin Professional Core Courses 

• Credits: 45 total credits completed (including transfer and Walden credits) 
• GPA: 2.5 overall  

Once teacher candidates are fully admitted into the program, they must maintain a 3.0 GPA throughout the professional core courses. If at any time a candidate’s GPA falls below 3.0 after being fully admitted, the candidate will be placed on academic warning. 

Transition Point 1: Admitted with Conditions into the Professional Core Sequence 

Teacher candidates are admitted with conditions into the professional core sequence. Teacher candidates must complete the following in order to complete Transition Point 1 and be fully admitted into the program: 

• Pass the first two courses, EDUC 2405 and EDUC 3061, in the professional core sequence. 

Transition Point 2: Fully Admitted 

Once fully admitted into the program, teacher candidates must complete the following in order to complete Transition Point 2 and be approved for Demonstration Teaching: 

• Complete all professional core courses prior to Demonstration Teaching with a 3.0 GPA. Candidates must: 
  • Resolve all Incomplete grades, if applicable. 
  • Retake one or more courses in the professional core sequence to increase their GPA to 3.0, if applicable.  
• Submit a Demonstration Teaching Application by the appropriate deadline. 
• Complete 100 hours of field experiences prior to Demonstration Teaching. 
• Renew and submit proof of Professional Liability Insurance prior to being approved for Demonstration Teaching, if coverage is set to expire prior to or during Demonstration Teaching. 
• Resolve any professional disposition concerns, if applicable. 

Transition Point 3: Approved to start Demonstration Teaching 

Once approved to begin Demonstration Teaching, teacher candidates must complete the following in order to complete Transition Point 3 and complete the program: 

• Pass both Demonstration Teaching courses. 
• Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 across the professional core sequence.  

Resolve any professional disposition concerns, if applicable. 

Transition Point 4: Degree Conferral 

Teacher candidates must complete Transition Point 4 in order to graduate from the program and apply for teacher licensure: 

• Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher across the bachelor’s program. 
• Receive notice of degree conferral. 

Benchmarks for Advancement Toward Degree Completion:

Minimum GPA: 2.0

• A minimum of 3 courses per year of enrollment

Benchmarks for Advancement Toward Degree Completion:

Minimum GPA: 2.0

*This certificate is currently not available as a standalone offering. Students may complete the certificate requirements by way of program concentration or elective courses to earn this credential as a part of their undergraduate degree program.

• A minimum of 3 courses per year of enrollment
• Maintain an overall undergraduate GPA of 2.0 in classes taken at the university

Benchmarks for Advancement Toward Degree Completion:

Minimum GPA: 3.0

• Continuous enrollment expected until the completion of all course requirements

Applies to graduate certificates in:

• Adult Learning
• Advanced Cyber Security
• Advanced Project Management
• Applied Project Management
• Auditing
• Brand and Product Marketing
• Business Management
• College Teaching and Learning
• Communication
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
• Data Management
• Developmental Education
• Digital Marketing
• Early Childhood Administration, Management, and Leadership
• Early Childhood Advocacy and Public Policy
• Elementary Reading and Literacy
• Engaging Culturally Diverse Learners
• Enrollment Management and Institutional Marketing
• Fundamentals of Cyber Security
• Human Resource Management
• Higher Education Leadership for Student Success
• Information Systems
• Instructional Design
• Integrating Technology in the Classroom (Grades K–12)
• Leadership
• Managerial Accounting
• Mathematics 5–8
• Mathematics K–6
• Online Teaching for Adult Educators
• Professional Development
• Science, Grades K–8
• Special Education
• Teacher Leadership
• Teaching Adults English as a Second Language
• Teaching Adults in the Early Childhood Field
• Teaching and Diversity in Early Childhood Education
• Teaching English Language Learners (Grades K–12)
• Teaching K–12 Students Online

Benchmarks for Advancement Toward Degree Completion:

Minimum GPA: 3.0

• Continuous enrollment expected until the completion of all course requirements

Benchmarks for Advancement Toward Degree Completion:

Minimum GPA: 3.0

• 3-8 courses per year of enrollment
• Continuous enrollment expected until the completion of all course requirements

Benchmarks for Advancement Toward Degree Completion

Minimum Requirements to be admitted with conditions to the program:

• Meet University Master’s Degree Admissions Requirements 
• Candidates with a 2.0 – 2.49 cumulative GPA are eligible to be admitted with conditions through the committee review process.

Transition Point 1: Admitted with Conditions

Teacher candidates are admitted with conditions into the professional core sequence. Teacher candidates must complete the following in order to complete Transition Point 1 and be fully admitted into the program: 

• Pass the first two courses, EDUC 6405 and EDUC 6061, in the professional core sequence.

Transition Point 2: Fully Admitted 

Once fully admitted into the program, teacher candidates must complete the following in order to complete Transition Point 2 and be approved for Demonstration Teaching:

• Complete all professional core courses prior to Demonstration Teaching with a 3.0 GPA. Candidates must:: 
  • Resolve all Incomplete grades, if applicable. 
  • Retake one or more courses in the professional core sequence to increase their GPA to 3.0, if applicable.  
• Submit a Demonstration Teaching Application by the appropriate deadline.
• Complete 100 hours of field experiences prior to Demonstration Teaching. 
• Renew and submit proof of Professional Liability Insurance prior to being approved for Demonstration Teaching, if coverage is set to expire prior to or during Demonstration Teaching. 
• Resolve any professional disposition concerns, if applicable.

Transition Point 3: Approved to start Demonstration Teaching

Once approved to begin Demonstration Teaching, teacher candidates must complete the following in order to complete Transition Point 3 and complete the program: 

• Pass both Demonstration Teaching courses. 
• Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 across the professional core sequence.

Resolve any professional disposition concerns, if applicable. 

Transition Point 4: Degree Conferral

Teacher candidates must complete Transition Point 4 in order to graduate from the program and apply for teacher licensure: 

• Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher across the master’s program. 
• Receive notice of degree conferral.

Benchmarks for Advancement Toward Degree Completion

Minimum Requirements to be admitted with conditions to the program: 

• Meet University Master’s Degree Admissions Requirements 
• Candidates with a 2.0 – 2.49 cumulative GPA are eligible for conditional admission through the committee review process. 

Transition Point 1: Admitted with Conditions 

Teacher candidates are admitted with conditions into the professional core sequence. Teacher candidates must complete the following in order to complete Transition Point 1 and be fully admitted into the program: 

• Pass the first two courses, EDUC 6405 and EDUC 6061, in the professional core sequence. 

Transition Point 2: Fully Admitted

Once fully admitted into the program, teacher candidates must complete the following in order to complete Transition Point 2 and be approved for Demonstration Teaching: 

• Complete all professional core courses prior to Demonstration Teaching with a 3.0 GPA. Candidates must: 
  • Resolve all Incomplete grades, if applicable. 
  • Retake one or more courses in the professional core sequence to increase their GPA to 3.0, if applicable.  
• Submit a Demonstration Teaching Application by the appropriate deadline. 
• Complete 100 hours of field experiences prior to Demonstration Teaching. 
• Renew and submit proof of Professional Liability Insurance prior to being approved for Demonstration Teaching, if coverage is set to expire prior to or during Demonstration Teaching. 
• Resolve any professional disposition concerns, if applicable.

Transition Point 3: Approved to start Demonstration Teaching

Once approved to begin Demonstration Teaching, teacher candidates must complete the following in order to complete Transition Point 3 and complete the program: 

• Pass both Demonstration Teaching courses. 
• Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 across the professional core sequence.  
• Resolve any professional disposition concerns, if applicable. 

Transition Point 4: Degree Conferral 

Teacher candidates must complete Transition Point 4 in order to graduate from the program and apply for teacher licensure: 

• Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher across the master’s program. 
• Receive notice of degree conferral.

Benchmarks for Advancement Toward Degree Completion:

Minimum GPA: 3.0

• 4–8 courses per year of enrollment
• Completion of Professional Development Series every quarter prior to starting field experience

Benchmarks for Advancement Toward Degree Completion:

Minimum GPA: 3.0

Transition Point 1

Transition Point 1 is completion of the admission process.

Admission requires the following:

• A bachelor’s degree or higher in a discipline or field related to the program.
• A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on the transcript that verifies the awarding of the bachelor’s degree.
• For graduates of non-U.S. institutions: verified proficiency in English.
• At least 1 year of teaching experience and a valid state-issued teaching license or certificate. Candidates should check for the teaching experience required by their state prior to applying for principal licensure or certification.
• Completed application materials, including a signed acknowledgment of background check, fingerprinting, immunization, and TB guidelines.

Transition Point 2

Principal candidates can expect to complete all components of Transition Point 2 by the end of the seventh course.

• Submit the Field Experience Application to the ePortfolio during the first course. Note: An initial field experience conference takes place prior to each field experience setting.
• Show proof of liability insurance by the second week of the third course. Failure to do so will delay field experience placement.
• Complete the first seven academic courses and four field experience courses, with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
• Candidates must submit to the ePortfolio required major assessments, which are aligned to professional competencies and standards as well as Riley College of Education and Human Sciences outcomes. Candidates must successfully complete the major assessments with a minimum score of 3 on a 4-point scale.

Transition Point 3

Principal candidates can expect to complete all components of Transition Point 3 by the end of the ninth course.

• Complete the eighth and ninth academic courses and the last two field experience courses, with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
• Candidates must submit to the ePortfolio required major assessments, which are aligned to professional competencies and standards as well as Riley College of Education and Human Sciences outcomes. Candidates must successfully complete the major assessments with a minimum score of 3 on a 4-point scale.
• Complete 240 hours of field experience across three levels (i.e., elementary, middle or junior high, and high school), including one 160-hour placement and two 40-hour placements.
• Candidates provide current professional liability insurance.

Transition Point 4

Principal candidates can expect to complete all components of Transition Point 4 after the final course.

• Complete the final (10th) course, with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
• Candidates must submit to the ePortfolio required major assessments, which are aligned to professional competencies and standards as well as Riley College of Education and Human Sciences outcomes. Candidates must successfully complete the major assessments with a minimum score of 3 on a 4-point scale.

Benchmarks for Advancement Toward Degree Completion:

Minimum GPA: 3.0

• Continuous enrollment expected until the completion of all course requirements
• Students must earn an A or B grade in PUBH 6005 in order to continue in the program.
• If students do not earn an A or B in the second attempt at PUBH 6005, they will be academically dismissed from the university.

Benchmarks for Advancement Toward Degree Completion:

Minimum GPA: 3.0

• Continuous enrollment expected until the completion of all course requirements

Benchmarks for Advancement Toward Degree Completion:

Minimum GPA: 3.0

• Foundation course within first quarter of enrollment
• Residency 1 within 90 calendar days of completion of Foundation course

Benchmarks for Advancement Toward Degree Completion:

Minimum GPA: 3.0

Evaluation of satisfactory progress in the development of competency benchmarks:

• First review will occur after completion of the first 8 core courses, prior to commencing the Blended Academic Year in Residence (BAYR) component of program.
• Second review will occur immediately following completion of the BAYR course sequence prior to commencing practicum.
• Third review will occur after completion of the internship.

Benchmarks for Advancement Toward Degree Completion:

Minimum GPA: 3.0

Benchmarks for Advancement Toward Degree Completion:

Minimum GPA: 3.0

• Foundation course (AMDS 8008, HLTH 8008, or HUMN 8008) within first quarter of enrollment
• Residency 1 within 90 calendar days of completion of Foundation course
• First KAM within 1 year (4 full quarters) of completion of Foundation course, then one KAM per remaining year of enrollment
• RSCH 8110 in second quarter of enrollment in program. Prerequisite for RSCH 8110 is successful completion of Foundation course
• Residency 2 linked to enrollment in or completion of RSCH 8110

Benchmarks for Advancement Toward Degree Completion:

Minimum GPA: 3.0

• Foundation course (AMDS 8008, HLTH 8008, or PPPA 8008) within first quarter of enrollment
• Residency 1 within 90 calendar days of completion of Foundation course
• RSCH 8110 in second quarter of enrollment in program. Prerequisite for RSCH 8110 is successful completion of Foundation course
• First KAM within 1 year (4 full quarters) of completion of Foundation course, then one KAM per remaining year of enrollment (applies to the PhD in Health Services’ Community Health Promotion and Education specialization, and PhD in Human Services
• Residency 2 linked to enrollment in or completion of RSCH 8110

Students beginning program in February 2024 or later.

Benchmarks for Advancement Toward Degree Completion:

Minimum GPA: 3.0

• First course (DBAX 8006) within first quarter of enrollment
• Complete Residency 1 as soon as program begins (while taking DBAX 8006 or DBAX 8151 or within 90 days of completing the first course)
• Complete Residency 2 just prior to the start or during the first few weeks of DBAX 8303
• Two residencies required
• Completion of coursework and doctoral study according to course sequence and individual course requirements

Students beginning program in prior to February 2024.

Benchmarks for Advancement Toward Degree Completion:

Minimum GPA: 3.0

• First course (DDBA 8006) within first semester of enrollment
• Complete Residency 1 face-to-face as soon as program begins (while taking DDBA 8006 or DDBA 8151 or within 90 days of completing the first course)
• Complete Residency 2 face-to-face just prior to the start or during the first few weeks of DDBA 8991/8303
• Two residencies required
• Completion of coursework and doctoral study according to course sequence and individual course requirements

Benchmarks for Advancement Toward Degree Completion:

Minimum GPA: 3.0

• Continuous enrollment expected until the completion of all course requirements

Benchmarks for Advancement Toward Degree Completion: 

Minimum GPA: 3.0 

• A minimum of 3 courses per year of enrollment

Benchmarks for Advancement Toward Degree Completion:

Minimum GPA: 3.0

• Foundation course within first quarter of enrollment

Benchmarks for Advancement Toward Degree Completion

Minimum GPA: 3.0

The following applies to students beginning program prior to November 2022:

• Foundation course (ITEC 8000) within first semester of enrollment
• Complete Residency 1 as soon as program begins (while taking ITEC 8000): should be taken within 90 days of completing the first course (ITEC 8000). Residency 1 is required in order to advance into ITEC 8427
• Complete Residency 2 during the research methodology courses; Residency 2 is required to advance into specialization seminar/leadership courses and ITEC 8100.
• Two residencies required
• Completion of coursework and doctoral study according to course sequence and individual course requirements

The following applies to students beginning program in November 2022 or later:

• Foundation course (DITC 8000) within first semester of enrollment
• Complete Residency 1 face-to-face as soon as program begins (while taking DITC 8000): should be taken within 90 days of completing the first course (DITC 8000). Residency 1 is required in order to advance into DITC 8427.
• Complete Residency during the research methodology courses; Residency 2 is required to advance into specialization courses and DITC 8100.
• Two residencies required

Completion of coursework and doctoral study according to course sequence and individual course requirements

Benchmarks for Advancement Toward Degree Completion:

Minimum GPA: 3.0

• A minimum of 3 courses per year of enrollment

Benchmarks for Advancement Toward Degree Completion: 

Minimum GPA: 3.0 

• A minimum of 3 courses per year of enrollment 

Benchmarks for Advancement Toward Degree Completion:

Minimum GPA: 3.0

• Students must earn an A or B grade in PUBH 8004 in order to continue in the program.
• If students do not earn an A or B grade in the second attempt at PUBH 8004, they will be academically dismissed from the university.
• Students must successfully complete all 6 self-paced modules in PUBH 8007.
• Residency 1 must be completed after successful completion of PUBH 8004 and before advancing to PUBH 8048.
• Residency 2 must be completed after PUBH 8048 but prior to PUBH 9100.

Benchmarks for Advancement Toward Degree Completion:

Minimum GPA: 3.0

• Foundation course within first quarter of enrollment

Benchmarks for Advancement Toward Degree Completion:

Minimum GPA: 3.0

• Continuous enrollment expected until the completion of all course requirements

Applies to the following programs:

• Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment (Non-Licensure)
• Early Childhood Education (Non-Licensure)
• Educational Administration and Leadership (Non-Licensure)
• Educational Technology (Non-Licensure)
• Reading, Literacy, and Assessment (Non-Licensure)
• Special Education (Non-Licensure)

Benchmarks for Advancement Toward Degree Completion

Minimum GPA: 3.0

Transition Point One: Program Admission

Principal candidates can expect to complete the components of Transition Point One during the admission process.

Admission requires

• A master’s degree or higher in a discipline or field related to the program.
• A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on the transcript that verifies the awarding of the master’s degree.
• For graduates of non-U.S. institutions: verified proficiency in English.
• At least 1 year of teaching experience and a valid state-issued teaching license or certificate. Candidates should check for the teaching experience required by their state prior to applying for principal licensure or certification.
• Completed application materials, including a signed acknowledgment of background check, fingerprinting, immunization, and tuberculosis (TB) guidelines

Transition Point Two: Completed After the Seventh Course

• Submit the Field Experience Application to the ePortfolio during the first course.
• Show proof of liability insurance by the second week of the third course. Failure to do so will delay field experience placement.
• Complete the first seven academic courses and four field experience courses, with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
• Candidates must submit to the ePortfolio required major assessments, which are aligned to professional competencies and standards as well as Riley College of Education and Human Sciences outcomes. Candidates must successfully complete the major assessments with a minimum score of 3 on a 4-point scale.
• Selection of Minnesota track or Ohio track.
  • Candidates must select the Minnesota track or Ohio track by the end of the first course in the program. Failure to do so will delay a candidate’s placement.

Transition Point Three: Completed After the Ninth Course

• Complete the eighth and ninth academic courses and the last two field experience courses, with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
• Candidates must submit to the ePortfolio required major assessments, which are aligned to professional competencies and standards as well as Riley College of Education and Human Sciences outcomes. Candidates must successfully complete the major assessments with a minimum score of 3 on a 4-point scale.
• Complete 320 hours of field experience across three levels (i.e., elementary, middle or junior high, and high school), including one 240-hour placement and two 40-hour placements.
• Candidates provide current professional liability insurance.

Transition Point Four: Completed After the Final Course

• Complete the final (10th) course, with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
• Candidates must submit to the ePortfolio required major assessments, which are aligned to professional competencies and standards as well as Riley College of Education and Human Sciences outcomes. Candidates must successfully complete the major assessments with a minimum score of 3 on a 4-point scale.
• Complete the exit evaluation.

Benchmarks for Advancement Toward Degree Completion:

Minimum GPA: 3.0

• Continuous enrollment expected until the completion of all course requirements

Benchmarks for Advancement Toward Degree Completion:

Minimum GPA: 3.0

• The university expects students to be continuously enrolled until the completion of all course requirements.