MFA Forensics Transfer Policy

Policy for Transfer of Credits from MA/MS to the MFA-Forensics

The Department of Communication Studies has a policy allowing students who have previously completed a master's degree to apply all or part of their graduate credits toward the MFA-Forensics degree. The policy has two components:

1. to allow students who have completed an MA/MS at Minnesota State University, Mankato to return to the university and apply their MA/MS credits toward the MFA;
2. to allow students who have earned an MA/MS from other institutions to transfer a portion of those credits to MSU and apply the MA/MS credits toward the MFA. The specific policy is detailed below.

Applicants with an MA/MS in Communication Studies from Minnesota State University, Mankato

1. Allow prospective MFA students to apply up to 33 credits earned during the MA toward the 48 credits required for the MFA-Forensics. The exact number of credits shall be determined by the Director of Graduate Studies and graduate faculty in the Department of Communication Studies after a review of graduate transcripts.
2. The six-year period for completion of the degree began with the start of graduate courses for the MA/MS.
3. Upon completion of all requirements for the MFA, the MA/MS shall be rescinded and the MFA-Forensics degree awarded

Rationale: The MA/MS and MFA degrees require a similar set of foundation courses. Graduate policy does not allow the same credits to apply toward two degrees. Rescinding the MA will allow the credits to apply toward the MFA. Precedents for conversion of one degree to another exist at other universities (e.g., Illinois State University, State University of New York).

Applicants with MA/MS in Communication from other institutions

1. Allow prospective MFA students to transfer and apply up to 16 graduate credits earned at another institution toward the 48 credit MFA-Forensics degree. The exact number of credits and the courses toward which they may apply shall be determined by the Director of Graduate Studies and graduate faculty in the Department of Communication Studies after a review of graduate transcripts.
2. The six-year period for completion of the degree began with the start of graduate courses for the MA/MS.

Rationale: The 16-credit maximum transfer from another institution is consistent with a policy already approved by the graduate college for the English Department's MFA program. The policy is consistent with the common practice at other institutions which allow credits from a non-terminal degree to apply to a terminal degree. The policy is also consistent with programs at other institutions (e.g., Colorado State University, Wichita State University, Indiana University, University of Iowa).