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AcademicsAcademic Policies

Online Graduate Programs Academic Policies

Credit Requirements for Online Graduate Programs

Students can take 3 to 6 credits per e-Term. There are 5 e-Terms each year. Full-time students take 12 credits per semester (2 classes per e-Term). Taking less than 12 credits per semester changes a student’s status to part-time.

Credit Distribution per Program*

*NOTE that online.meca.edu always has the most current program and course requirements.

Master of Arts in Education (MAEd)

The MAEd requires a minimum of 30 credits. Students take four core courses (12 credits), choose four elective courses (12 credits), and choose a capstone course (6 credits) for a total of 30 credits to complete the degree.

  • Core Required Courses (4 courses at 12 credits)
  • Elective Courses (4 courses at 12 credits)
  • Capstone Experience (1 class at 6 credits)

Graduate Certificate in Expressive Arts Therapy (GCAT)

The GCAT requires 12 credits.

These classes are currently:

  1. Emotional Intelligence & Artistic Learning (3 credits)
  2. Resilient Learning Environments (3 credits)
  3. Theoretical Foundations and Methods of Expressive Arts Therapies (3 credits)
  4. Adaptive Art: Fostering Inclusive Creative Practices (3 credits)

Graduate Certificate in Arts Leadership and Administration (GCAL)

The GCAL requires a minimum of 12 credits.

These classes are currently:

  1. Introduction to Creative Leadership (3 credits)
  2. Arts Marketing and Communications (3 credits)
  3. Financial Management and Grant Writing for Arts Organizations (3 credits)
  4. Arts Management and Strategy: Navigating Creativity, Impact, and Engagement (3 credits)

*NOTE that online.meca.edu always has the most current program and course requirements.

GPA Requirements

  1. Graduate students shall maintain a 3.0 (B) cumulative GPA or higher each e-Term, satisfying all course requirements as stated in course syllabi.
  2. Only grades of a B- or higher count towards a student’s degree or certificate completion.
  3. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher to receive their MAEd degree or a graduate certificate.
  4. Online graduate students admitted on a conditional basis must meet the conditions as stated in the letter of admission in order to remain in the graduate program.

Academic Probation and Dismissal

A student receiving a cumulative GPA lower than a 3.0 (B) will be placed on academic probation for the following e-Term. Students who are on academic probation for more than one e-Term may be dismissed from the program.

Students enrolled under the accelerated online graduate program who receive any grade below "B-­" in a graduate course while in dual status may be dismissed from the program.

Appeal

Students who are dismissed from the online graduate programs have the right of an appeal. Appeals follow the process articulated under Appeals of Academic Sanctions.

Attendance

Students are expected to accept the responsibility for satisfactory attendance/participation in each course for which they are registered. What constitutes satisfactory attendance shall be determined in each course by the instructor.

Academic Honesty Policy

Honesty is a core value at MECA&D. The members of its academic community both require and expect one another to conduct themselves with integrity. This means that each member will adhere to the principles and rules of the College and pursue academic work in a straightforward and truthful manner, free from deception or fraud.

Credit Transfer

The online MAEd program allows for up to 6 credits of graduate-level coursework to go toward the online MAEd with MECA&D approval. The credits must be from an accredited institution authorized to grant graduate degrees. Students may request that a maximum of 1 course, up to 3 credits from an accredited institution, be transferred to count toward their graduate certificate program.

Graduation Requirements

MAEd Students Must Have:

  • Earned at least 30 credits according to the curricular distribution requirements of the program with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of not less than 3.0.
  • Completed all academic requirements within the parameters of Satisfactory Academic Progress.
  • Submitted an Intent to Graduate Application to the College Registrar’s Office.
  • Completed a Financial Aid Exit Interview (for students receiving federal loans).
  • Satisfied all financial obligations to Maine College of Art & Design.
  • Returned all books to the Joanne Waxman Library (even if they are not overdue).
  • Returned all equipment borrowed from the College.
  • No classes below a B- can count toward degree completion.
  • NOTE: Students wishing to walk in MECA&D’s Commencement Exercises must be in good academic standing, be on track to graduate by the conclusion of the fifth e-Term in which they are enrolled, and be registered for their Capstone Experience class (e-Term 5).

Graduate Certificate in Expressive Arts Therapy (GCAT) and Arts Leadership and Administration (GCAL) Students Must Have:

  • Earned at least 12 credits according to the curricular distribution requirements of the program with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of no less than 3.0.
  • Completed all academic requirements within the parameters of Satisfactory Academic Progress.
  • Submitted an Intent to Graduate Application to the College Registrar’s Office.
  • Completed a Financial Aid Exit Interview (for students receiving federal loans).
  • Satisfied all financial obligations to Maine College of Art & Design.
  • Returned all books to the Joanne Waxman Library (even if they are not overdue).
  • Returned all equipment borrowed from the College.
  • No classes below a B- can count toward degree completion.
  • Graduate Certificate students do not participate in Commencement ceremonies.