Students are allowed a maximum of sixty (60) months to complete the program. Students must submit assignments and complete a three (3) credit course every sixty (60) days to stay active in their enrollment. A total of 60 credits are required for graduation. Additionally, a research thesis topic must be approved by your instructor and a thesis satisfactorily completed to fulfill the requirements of the program. Students who are unable to complete their thesis course in the allotted time frame (including one 21 day extension) are required to register for a thesis continuation for ½ the tuition of the courses to maintain matriculation. Students are also required to take a proctored examination in every other course in the program via Skype (www.skype.com) and webcam. Students must clear all financial obligations and their student file must be complete before a diploma is awarded.
Students with advanced nutrition training may be eligible for advanced placement. Placement exams and written documentation of prior learning will be evaluated with a maximum of twelve (12) credits awarded to qualified students at the foundation level. Students are assessed on their mastery of factual information through foundation and advanced level exams, written assignments, and on their ability to develop and present client protocols. Students are also graded on their participation during interactive teacher-student instructional conferences. Students must resubmit assignments that have received a grade of 'F'. To advance through the program, students must complete all assignments and achieve an average grade of B or better. Students must successfully complete a Midterm Examination to enroll in advanced classes and must successfully complete a Final Examination before enrolling in their thesis course.
In the event that a student requires additional time to complete a course or program an extension or a leave of absence may be requested by filing out the appropriate form and receiving administrative approval.
Course Grading Scales
Letter grades are determined according to the following scale:
| Grade | Score | Description | Grade Points |
|---|---|---|---|
|
A
|
100-94
|
Excellent
|
4.0
|
|
A-
|
93-90
|
High Quality
|
3.7
|
|
B+
|
89-87
|
Very Good
|
3.3
|
|
B
|
86-84
|
Good
|
3.0
|
|
B-
|
83-80
|
Acceptable
|
2.7
|
|
C+
|
79-77
|
Fair
|
2.3
|
|
C
|
76-73
|
Poor
|
2.0
|
|
C-
|
72-70
|
Very Poor
|
1.7
|
|
F
|
Below 69
|
Failure
|
0.0
|
Grade Point Average
Students in a graduate program must maintain a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or above to graduate. The registrar calculates grade point averages according to the point values in the grading scale. A grade of W (Withdraw) does not calculate into the GPA. Withdrawals, however, may be counted toward credits attempted for academic progress requirements.
Students who deserve recognition for excellence in academic performance will be identified at graduation with the following designations:
Summa Cum Laude - 3.90 - 4.00
Magna Cum Laude - 3.80 - 3.89
Cum Laude - 3.70 - 3.78
Repeating a Course
Students who receive an F (Fail) grade in a course may repeat that course one time in order to earn a passing grade. Failure of the same course a second time may result in dismissal from the University. GPA will be computed by the grade earned in the second attempt. Both course grades will remain on the transcript.