Grades

The Graduate School permits instructors to assign final grades using the "plus or minus" grading system. The available letter grades and corresponding quality point values used for grade point average calculations are as follows:

If no grade is given to a student, the student automatically receives a No Mark on his or her record at the end of the term. The NM remains on the record until a final letter grade is submitted. All No Marks and Incompletes on a student’s record must be reconciled (i.e., given the appropriate terminal grade) before the student graduates.

Since graduate students must maintain an overall B grade point average (a B- average does not constitute satisfactory academic progress), every credit hour of C in course work must be balanced by a credit hour of A. However, a grade of A in master's thesis or doctoral dissertation research will not balance a grade of C in a course. Students who earn a grade lower than a B may repeat the course. The grade on the repeated course, whether it is higher or lower than the original grade, takes the place of the original grade. Students must repeat courses in their designated degree program in which they receive a D or F. No student may graduate with an unresolved F on the record. Programs may use a pass or fail (P or F) grading system at their discretion for independent field work, special projects, independent study, seminars, workshops, and departmental courses in instructional methods.

Temporary and Final Grades
Students should complete all the requirements of graduate course work during the semester in which they take the course. The graduate faculty should issue final grades by the date listed on the final report of grades. Students failing to meet this requirement may, upon request, receive a temporary grade of Incomplete (I). Faculty needing additional time for the grading process may award a temporary grade of No Mark (NM).

Incomplete Grades
Graduate faculty must change Incomplete (I) grades to final letter grades for all courses required for the degree. They must assign letter grades within one academic year of the time at which the required course ended. For courses not required for the degree, an Incomplete (I) may remain on the student's transcript. This policy does not apply to the 799 and 899 research grades, where the graduate faculty may assign letter grades, pass or fail (P or F) grades, or Incomplete grades. Incomplete grades should be replaced by appropriate terminal grades before the examining committee approves the applicable research.

Academic Record (Transcript)
A graduate student’s academic record (transcript) should serve as a complete history of the student's academic progress at the University of Maryland. As such, it will not change except in accordance with stated Graduate School policies. Under no circumstances will the academic records change because of dissatisfaction with a grade or other academic accomplishment.

Appeal of Grade
A student who believes that a final grade in a course is the result of arbitrary or capricious grading may appeal to the Graduate School Dean. The procedural guidelines for handling allegations of arbitrary and capricious grading appear in the "policy" section of this catalog.

Back to Top