College of Liberal Arts & Education
University of Detroit Mercy’s College of Liberal Arts & Education remains steadfast in its mission since 1877 to inspire and prepare students for many possible careers, lives rich in meaning with an understanding and appreciation of diversity of thought and culture and hearts touched and impassioned by social justice.
At the graduate level, the College offers a variety of programs and post-degree certificates to deepen knowledge and expertise, generate new knowledge, cultivate personal enrichment and contribute through leadership in their fields of study.
As part of a Catholic university, grounded in the Jesuit and Mercy traditions, our programs extend beyond academics. They encourage and incorporate applied learning experiences to serve those in need, develop lifelong friendships and strengthen our community. Small class sizes, student-faculty relationships and the academic rigor of faculty, create a unique and effective learning environment.
Mission Statement
The College of Liberal Arts & Education prepares students to participate in a diverse and changing world in the Jesuit and Mercy traditions as "men and women for others." The College provides a student-centered education in an urban context which stimulates a desire for the life-long exploration of the intellectual, spiritual and ethical dimensions of what it means to be human.
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College Contact Information
Jocelyn M. Boryczka, Ph.D., Dean
Briggs Building, Room 120
McNichols Campus
Phone: 313-993-3250
FAX: 313-993-1266
Email: boryczjm@udmercy.edu
Victoria Mantzopoulos, Ph.D., Associate Dean
Briggs Building, Room 120
McNichols Campus
Phone: 313-993-3254
FAX: 313-993-1266
Email: armstrov@udmercy.edu
College Office
College of Liberal Arts & Education
Briggs Building, Room 108
University of Detroit Mercy
4001 W. McNichols Road
Detroit, MI 48221-3038
Phone: 313-993-1287
FAX: 313-993-1166
Email: clae@udmercy.edu
Academic and College Policies
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Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
As members of an academic community engaged in the pursuit of truth and with a special concern for values, students must conform to a high standard of honesty and integrity in their academic work. Instances where academic misconduct occur include, but are not limited to, falsification or misrepresentation of material used in the admission process, presenting the work of others as one's own, theft, plagiarism and cheating. These actions pose a threat to the academic integrity of the University and its mission and will be treated accordingly. Academic misconduct is subject to disciplinary sanctions. These sanctions include, but are not limited to, reprimand, probation, suspension and dismissal. Students are required to familiarize themselves with the specific protocols of this College. Click here for the CLAE Plagiarism and Academic Integrity policy.
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Academic Standards
Students should regularly monitor their student records in the Self-Service portion in My Portal. The academic deans monitor the records of students enrolled to assure that reasonable progress is being made toward students’ educational objectives. Student records are reviewed at the end of each semester. Based upon this review and regardless of formal notice, the dean may note that the student is in good standing, place the student on academic probation, give the student an academic warning or dismiss the student from the College for poor scholarship. Academic standings are noted on the students’ official academic records and in the Self-Service portion in My Portal.
Academic Warning
Graduate students will be warned whenever the semester GPA falls below 3.00. Such warning enables students to take early corrective action concerning their academic performance.
Academic Probation
Students are placed on academic probation when it appears that their performance places their academic objectives in jeopardy. Graduate students will be automatically placed on academic probation when the cumulative GPA falls below 3.00. Individual programs may establish additional criteria for placing a student on probation.When a student has been placed on academic probation, the dean may, at his/her discretion, establish specific requirements or conditions that the student must meet. The dean may require the student to enroll in particular courses, repeat courses, establish minimum or maximum number of credit hours to be attempted or earned, require a specific minimum GPA for the next term, require the student to consult a counselor or tutor, or engage in supervised study, etc. Failure to meet such conditions, when established, may lead to academic dismissal.
Academic Dismissal
Students may be dismissed from the College and University as a result of poor academic performance. Students are automatically subject to dismissal the second consecutive term the cumulative average falls below 3.00 for graduate students. Dismissal may occur when a graduate student has not achieved a 3.00 cumulative quality point average in the term following one in which the student was placed on probation, when terms or conditions established for probation have not been met, or when the academic record reflects poor performance. Dismissal of a student may also occur from a recommendation of the program director based on additional performance concerns and/or progress in the program.
Students who wish to appeal an academic dismissal should contact the Dean’s Office immediately upon their receipt of notice that they have been dismissed. If first contact is made by telephone or in person, it should be immediately followed by a written statement of their intent to appeal the dismissal. -
Directed Studies
A directed study is intended to provide a student the opportunity to conduct an in-depth examination of a topic that is not typically offered in a traditional course. A directed study is not intended to duplicate or act as a substitute for a required course. A directed study course should demand a substantial project which is equivalent to an upper division course in the department. The details of the work must be specified in a directed studies contract. There are several limitations and requirements for directed studies courses. Graduate students please contact your advisor or the Dean’s Office.
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Grade Grievances
In some instances a student may believe that the final grade received in a particular course is unjustified. In such cases the student may choose to appeal the grade received. Each college or school has published written grievance procedures that must be followed. In general, students are advised to consult with the instructor concerned prior to beginning the appeals process. All appeals should be filed in a timely manner, within 30 days after the final grade is issued. Click here for a copy the Academic Policy, Procedure, and Petition.
The process includes moving the grievance through various stages including through the instructor, chairperson, a college committee composed of faculty and students, and then the dean. The decision of the dean is final. All grade appeals must be finalized before a degree can be conferred. Appeals to the provost and vice president for Academic Affairs will be considered only on procedural grounds.
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Graduation and Commencement
Application for Graduation
An “Application for Graduation” should be filed early in the academic year in which the student intends to graduate. Candidates for degrees must complete their application in the Self-Service portion in My Portal. Application deadlines are set by the University. Be sure to follow all necessary steps and additional deadlines outlined by the Registrar such as RSVPs, caps and gowns, etc. Applications received after the deadline or failure to RSVP by the deadline may result in denial to participate in the commencement ceremony and/or delay in the date of graduation.
Commencement
The Commencement ceremony occurs once a year in May. Students must apply for graduation to be considered eligible for Commencement. Students who have completed their degree requirements at any point in the preceding academic year are invited to participate. June and August graduates may be permitted to participate in the May Commencement exercises with permission of the Dean’s Office as long as they are enrolled in all of the courses to complete their degree by August. Participation in Commencement will be denied to students who have more than 12 credit hours remaining. Applications received after the deadline or failure to RSVP by the deadline may result in denial to participate in the Commencement ceremony. Commencement is ceremonial; participation in Commencement exercises does not assure that all requirements have been met or that a degree has been or will be granted.
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Residence
Residence requirement for a master's program requiring 30 credits:
a minimum of the last 21 semester hours of credit must be completed at University of Detroit Mercy.
The residence requirement for a master's program requiring more than 30 credits:
a minimum of the last 24 semester hours of credit must be completed at University of Detroit Mercy.
The residence requirement for a doctoral degree, specialist program or graduate certificate:
at least two-thirds of the last required credits must be completed at University of Detroit Mercy;
the doctoral degree requires a minimum of one uninterrupted year of full-time attendance. -
Time Limits
The maximum time permitted for completion of a graduate degree is seven years from the time of admission. Some colleges may impose more restrictive time limitations than seven years. Students who need an extension may apply to the dean of the appropriate college before the seven-year limit has ended.
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Transfer Credits
Students may transfer up to nine credits for a 30- to 35-credit-hour master's degree program and up to 12 credits for a master's degree program greater than or equal to 36 credit hours. If the number of required credits differ, the transfer limit is of the lesser-credit program. Courses only transfer if taken for graduate credit with a grade earned of B (3.0) or higher. The approval of the department chairperson / program director is also required. Other restrictions may apply.
Students may not earn more than 12 graduate credits toward a master's degree before formal acceptance into the program.
The maximum number of credits a student can register for is 12 credits per semester. Some programs may request an allowance up to 15 credits per semester.
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Thesis and Non-Thesis Program Requirements
Thesis Requirements - Plan A
Master’s candidates in programs requiring a thesis and candidates in other programs who elect to write a thesis, as well as all doctoral candidates, must present a thesis or dissertation approved by their advisor and program director on some phase of their field of specialization. The thesis or dissertation must be written and typed according to the prescribed format, available in each college Dean’s Office, and be in accord with the other regulations of the University.
The thesis or dissertation topic must be filed with the dean no later than the date determined by the specific program.
All research that involves human subjects must be submitted to the Institutional Review Board before research can begin. Information about regulations governing research involving human subjects may be obtained from the Office of Academic Affairs, Room 500, Fisher Administrative Center.
The thesis or dissertation must be completed, in accordance with all regulations, not later than two years after course requirements have been fulfilled. Master’s theses must be filed in duplicate and dissertations in triplicate with the McNichols Library, Technical Services not later than the date determined by the specific program. Note that some programs require shorter time limits.
Non-Thesis Master’s Program - Plan B
Several departments offer degree candidates an option to receive a master’s degree without requiring a thesis. See individual department listings for details. In all circumstances, the Plan B papers must be filed with the department and college within one year after course requirements have been fulfilled.
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Capstone Projects
Several departments offer degree candidates a capstone project as an option to receive a master’s degree without requiring a thesis. See individual department listings for details. In all circumstances, the capstone projects must be filed with the department and college within one year after the capstone course was completed.
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Comprehensive Examination
The nature of the comprehensive examination is determined by each department where such examination is required. A candidate who fails the required comprehensive examination may repeat it once only at the next date determined by the college/school. Failure to pass the repeat comprehensive examination will result in the student’s termination from the academic program.