College of Graduate Studies

Jose Espiritu, Interim Associate Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies
College Hall Room 150
361-593-2809
Graduate Studies Website

A primary objective of graduate study is to develop habits of independent scholarship. The quality of work expected from a graduate student differs from that of an undergraduate. The graduate student must strive for an extensive knowledge of the chosen major and its related areas. The graduate student should anticipate lengthy reading assignments, term papers, laboratory work, frequent use of the library and other research facilities and attendance at workshops and conferences.

The Graduate Dean of the Office of Research and Graduate Studies is the general adviser for all graduate students. Each graduate program has one or more graduate coordinators who counsels the student concerning particular programs and/or courses and guides the student to the appropriate program adviser. The program adviser helps direct the student's academic program and chairs the student's graduate committee.

The Graduate Council recommends policy and assists in the direction of the Office of Research and Graduate Studies through the Graduate Dean. This body approves curricula leading to a graduate degree and the rules governing those pursuing such a degree.

A graduate faculty, consisting of members of the staff who are actively engaged in recognized scholarly activities and who are eligible to teach graduate level courses, are academically responsible for all graduate programs.

The ultimate responsibility for successful completion of an advanced degree or other program falls upon the student. Since changes in procedure do occur, the student should update any changes of mailing address, email or phone number(s) via Blue and Gold.

Graduate Courses Rigor

Master’s and doctoral courses and programs at Texas A&M University-Kingsville are progressively more advanced in academic content and rigor than undergraduate courses and programs. The advanced content and rigor in each graduate course and each graduate program is assured through the Graduate Council (elected and delegate body of the graduate faculty) policies and processes on graduate curriculum approval, periodic graduate program reviews and approval, and the graduate faculty membership approval regarding qualifications of graduate faculty. Graduate Faculty conduct research in their area of expertise and are qualified to supervise student research in their specific areas. In addition, no undergraduate credits are accepted toward any master’s/doctoral degree. Also, the qualifications of graduate faculty are continuously reviewed.

The Graduate Curriculum Committee of the Graduate Council reviews and evaluates every graduate course and program submitted for approval and makes recommendation to the Graduate Council. This evaluation process takes the following into account to make sure all university post-baccalaureate master’s and doctoral degree courses and programs are progressively more advanced in academic content and rigor than undergraduate courses and programs.

For Master’s-Level (5000-Level) Courses

Instructor

The instructor for the 5000-level courses must be broadly and deeply conversant with the field of study and be knowledgeable in the state-of-the-art information available in textbooks and scholarly articles or electronic networks, and must hold a terminal degree in the teaching field.

Course Content

5000-level courses should:

  • provide content knowledge beyond the undergraduate level,
  • make maximum use of modern technology and other available resources,
  • emphasize the analysis and synthesis of information and should expand the student's knowledge base and prepare the student for the job market at a more advanced level than those with baccalaureate degree.
  • provide knowledge of scholarly writing techniques and of research methodologies appropriate to the discipline, and
  • prepare the student for pursuing more advanced degrees.

For 6000-Level Courses

Instructor

The instructor for the doctoral level course must have prior scholarly activity experience and be broadly and deeply conversant with the field of study and be knowledgeable in the state-of-the-art information available in textbooks and scholarly articles or electronic networks, and must hold a terminal degree in the teaching field.

Course Content

6000-level courses will provide knowledge beyond the undergraduate level and be manageable by a graduate student who has completed a BS or MS in an appropriate field of study. These courses will:

  • present theoretical basis for topics covered and demand a higher level of critical thinking with more intellectual rigor beyond that of 5000-level courses,
  • address advanced knowledge of the major research methodologies of the discipline,
  • build on the current research available in the field of study, and
  • provide a profound knowledge of scholarly writing.