Paul V. Hamilton School of Art, Humanities, and Social Science

AHSS Graduate Schools Contact Information

Dean, School of AHSS
Office Phone: 423.869.6815
Room 101, Avery Building, Main Campus

Graduate School Administrative Assistant, AHSS Office Phone: 423.869.6764
Room 100, Avery Building, Main Campus

Recruitment & Student Success Coordinator, AHSS Office Phone: 423.869.6403
Room 309, Avery Building, Main Campus

Program Director, Master of Public Administration Office Phone: 865.531.4168
Room 171, LMU Cedar Bluff, Knoxville

Program Director, Master of Science in Criminal Justice Office Phone: 865.531.4167
Room 171, LMU Cedar Bluff, Knoxville

Program Director, Master of Science in Psychology Office Phone: 865.531.4107
Room 171, LMU Cedar Bluff, Knoxville

AHSS Mission Statement

The mission of the School of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences is to provide distinguished academic programs and General Education courses that cultivate the skills and perspectives essential for preparing all university students for productive participation and leadership in a rapidly changing world. Inspired by the enduring principles of Abraham Lincoln’s life and legacy, the Paul V. Hamilton School of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences strives to promote the development of innovative research, scholarship, and creative expression. At the heart of the LMU experience is a commitment to a tradition and standard of excellence that fosters students’ intellectual, moral, civic, and creative capacities and aspirations in service to humanity through the advancement of life in the Appalachian region and beyond.

Applicable Catalog

The student must meet the requirements of the LMU Graduate Catalog in effect at the time of entry into the program or any catalog while enrolled in the program. In no case will a student be permitted to meet the requirements of an LMU Graduate Catalog in effect prior to initial graduate program enrollment.

Program Acceptance

Upon acceptance into the Master of Public Administration (MPA), Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ), or Master of Science in Psychology (MSP) graduate programs, students will receive an official packet of materials including an acceptance letter, a program catalog, registration information, and other program items and information. All students are required to have all transcripts, letters of support, and fees submitted by one month in advance of the start of the new semester. Students may begin their graduate studies in any semester.

Orientation and Advisement

New graduate students will be required to attend an initial program online orientation. The orientation will include program familiarization, establishing a schedule, finalizing financial aid, and completing the registration process. An orientation regarding library resources will be provided early in the first semester. Information about registration will be made available when the student’s application has been accepted. New graduate students are assigned an academic advisor and are required to attend a new student orientation. The orientation session provides students with critical information for progressing through each degree program. Information includes admission, program, and exit requirements. The advisement process is important in that advisors assist in the formulation of comprehensive examinations and in the monitoring of internships and field experiences. Advisors are available throughout the program for academic advisement.

Maximum Program Completion

Students who enter the MPA, MSCJ, or MSP graduate programs must complete their studies for their graduate degree within five years after initial registration. An extension may be requested of the Program Director for personal or professional reasons.

Attendance Policy

Attendance is paramount for success in graduate programs. Therefore, attendance and participation in all classes is required. An absence in the first class without prior instructor approval may result in administrative removal from the course. Attendance in online classes is based on completion of weekly assignments. Absences require prior approval from the instructor and absence in excess of 10% of the course is grounds for administrative removal. These conditions apply to all MPA, MSCJ, and MSP students.

Grading System

A student receives a grade for most registered course work (except “Audit”). Grades are indicated by letters and assigned quality points as shown below. Credit toward a degree program will be granted only for courses in which a grade of “C” or better is earned. Students may earn only two (2) grades of “C” or below within their respective program. A third “C” or below results in dismissal from the program. The permanent academic record in its entirety will be used when evaluating academic probation or dismissal. These conditions apply to all MPA, MSCJ, and MSP students. The student’s GPA is determined by the total number of letter-graded (A-F) semester credit hours attempted (not the number of semester credit hours passed).

* Incomplete grades will automatically become an “F” if not completed within the timeframe agreed upon between the course instructor and student unless an extension is granted by the Dean of the School of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences.

Probation Status

Probation constitutes a warning of insufficient progress. In order to remain in good academic standing, the graduate student must maintain a grade point average of 3.0 (B). The grade point average considered for academic progress is the GPA of the current program. The grade point averages from previous degrees at LMU may not be averaged into the current GPA. A student whose cumulative GPA falls below a 3.0 in a given semester is placed on probation the following semester. A student whose cumulative GPA falls below a 3.0 (B) for two successive terms will be suspended and is no longer eligible to participate in the graduate degree program. Students who receive a second grade of “C” or below, regardless of their cumulative GPA, will be issued a probation letter in order to notify them that a third grade of “C” or below will result in dismissal from their respective academic program. The permanent academic record in its entirety will be used when evaluating academic probation or dismissal. These conditions apply to all MPA, MSCJ, and MSP students.

Academic Dismissal

MPA, MSCJ, and MSP students who fall into the following categories will be dismissed from their respective academic program:

• The student has earned a third grade of “C” or below. Please note that the permanent academic record in its entirety will be used when evaluating academic probation or dismissal.
• The student has maintained a cumulative GPA of less than 3.0 for two successive terms, unless otherwise approved by the Program Director. 

Appeals Procedure for Probation, Suspension, or Dismissal from the Program

A student who is placed on probation, suspended, or dismissed from the program and feels that the probation, suspension, or dismissal is unfair has a right to appeal. The student who wishes to appeal a probation or suspension has 30 days from the postmark on the letter of notice (or date of email) to present the appeal in writing to the Dean of the School of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. The Dean will respond to the student’s appeal within two weeks of the receipt of the letter of appeal. Should this response be unsatisfactory to the student, a meeting with the Dean may be requested. The Dean and the student must inform each other of any additional attendees to the meeting. The student may continue this appeal to the Vice President for Academic Affairs. The decision of the Vice President for Academic Affairs is final.

Academic Grievance and Grade Appeals Procedure

All academic grievances and grade appeals must be submitted in writing. For classroom activity or assignment grade grievances, the written appeal must be made within one week of the grievance. For final course grade grievance, the written appeal must be made within two weeks following the first day of classes for the next semester (including summer terms).

Grievances concerning any aspect of academics, classroom activity, class assignment grade, or final course grade must be taken first to the instructor of the class. Students must not correspond with other faculty, the Program Director, Graduate Programs Coordinator, Dean, or other LMU officials about a disputed grade prior to meeting with the faculty member, with the exception of the student’s faculty advisor who can explain the process. If the advisor and faculty are the same person, an alternate advisor will be assigned by the Dean of the School of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. If a student feels he/she needs to take the matter further, the Chair of the Department or Program Director offering the course or program should be consulted in writing.

If there is still no resolution, the appeal will go before the School of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Appeals Committee comprised of three non-involved faculty with the student presenting his/her case. The next appeal source is the Dean of the School of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. Both the student and the involved faculty member have a period of no longer than seven calendar days to file an appeal to a decision, in writing, to the Dean of the School of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. A final decision may be rendered by the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Graduate Student Course Load

The normal load for a part-time student is six (6) hours. The maximum load for a graduate student is nine (9) semester credit hours during Fall and Spring semesters, and six (6) semester credit hours for the Summer session. Students must seek and receive permission from the department chair or Dean of the School of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences to take twelve (12) hours or more in any one semester.

Advance to Master's Program

Undergraduate students accepted to the Advance to Master's Program (AMP) are eligible to complete up to 6 credits of graduate level coursework from participating LMU graduate programs prior to the completion of their undergraduate studies. Graduate credits received through AMP will apply to upper-level (300, 400) elective credits towards the undergraduate degree and count as graduate credit towards the related LMU graduate degree programs. Acceptance to AMP does not guarantee acceptance to the master's program. 

Second Master’s Degree Requirements

A maximum of twelve (12) semester credit hours (excluding thesis hours) of graduate credit earned from the first LMU master’s degree may be applied toward the second degree provided that the courses are appropriate for the second master’s degree (as determined by the faculty advisor and Dean of the School of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences). The graduate credit must be earned within the last five (5) years.

Graduate Programs Committees 

a. Admissions Committee
This AHSS Graduate School Admissions Committee will determine acceptance into the program and will resolve all matters or questions regarding admissions. Members of the Graduate Programs Admissions Committee consist of the Dean of the School and the graduate program directors.

b. Appeals Committee
The Appeals Committee is a three-member committee that exists to resolve academic matters that may arise. The Dean of the school will nominate members of this committee. They will serve three years with the possibility of reappointment. One faculty member from the program will serve with the program director with an alternate member appointed in the case of conflict of interests.

c. Graduate Council
Ultimate responsibility for all matters pertaining to graduate education and graduate research rests with the graduate faculty through the discussions and decision making of the Graduate Council. The Graduate Council is the policy making body within the Department of Social Sciences for graduate programs. The Graduate Council constitutes a dominant force in maintaining and developing scholarly inquiry and intellectual achievement in the School and University community. Members of the Graduate Council consist of the Dean of the School and the graduate program directors, though meetings are open to all graduate faculty.