FAQs - Graduate Students

Q: What degrees does Wayne State College offer?

A: WSC is authorized to grant three degrees: Master of Science in Education, Education Specialist in School Administration/Educational Leadership, and Master of Business Administration.

Q: As a senior undergraduate student, can I take graduate-level courses?

A: Seniors enrolled at WSC who are in their last semester of completing their requirements for the baccalaureate degree may enroll for graduate study if they meet the other requirements for graduate admission. They are limited to six graduate hours and fifteen total hours for that term.

Q: How do I apply for Graduate Studies?

A: Complete the Application for Graduate Study, health form, and request a transcript from the undergraduate institution conferring the baccalaureate degree be sent directly to the Admissions Office. Students who wish to be admitted to a graduate degree program should have the baccalaureate degree from a regionally-accredited institution.

Students also need to meet the specific admission requirements listed for each program in addition to the general requirements as listed on pages 144-145 of the WSC 2006-07 General and Graduate Catalog.

There is a required non-refundable $30 application fee for people attending WSC for the first time.

Q: What is the deadline to apply to Graduate Studies?

A: Preferably, two weeks prior to the intended date of enrollment.

Q: Please explain the newest teaching format (Learning Community) offered as a Curriculum and Instruction degree.

A: This new learning format was developed by teachers for teachers. It focuses on your needs as a professional educator. Classes meet one weekend a month, five times a semester. No regular meetings during June and July. Weekend classes are interactive and involve group activities, not lecture. Your readings, writing, and discussions will be applicable to your classroom. The focus is on the participants supporting one another in a “family” environment.

As a student, you design and implement your own learning plan. Your learning is based on what you are doing in your educational setting. You are assessed using a growth portfolio. Your learning can be done alone and with others. You have colleague and advisory support groups. Your action research will apply to your educational setting.

Please contact the School of Education and Counseling for more specific information.

Q: How do I apply for a Graduate Assistantship?

A: The Application for a Graduate Assistantship can be obtained by contacting the Graduate Office. Completed applications, along with a current resume, must be submitted to the Graduate Office by April 1 for the upcoming academic year.

Consideration for Graduate Assistantships is given only to applicants who plan to earn the graduate degree at WSC. Candidates must have a scholastic record above average, teaching experience, and appropriate recommendations.

Q: What is the maximum number of hours I can take each semester?

A: The maximum load of graduate credit hours for graduate students, without special permission, is 9 hours during regular sessions, 4 hours during the May session, and 7 hours during summer sessions. A graduate student who wishes to register for more than the maximum number should consult with his/her advisor, then contact the appropriate School office for approval and forward that information to the Office of Records and Registration.

Q: Do I need to maintain a certain GPA during my graduate career?

A: Graduate students working on a graduate degree must maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 to continue in good standing. Graduate students who do not maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 will be placed on probation for the next 6 credit hours. If they fail to raise their GPA to a 3.0, they will be removed from their program.

Q: Is there a time limit on how long I can take to complete my degree?

A: Commencing with the date of the first course registration, all requirements for the degree must be met within seven calendar years. Courses can be no more than 7 years old at the time of graduation.

Q: Can courses I took at another institution count toward my master’s degree at Wayne State College?

A: Courses taken at another institution must be approved first by your advisor.

A maximum of nine graduate credits (15 from another Nebraska State College or University), subject to evaluation by the Dean of Education and Counseling or the Dean of Business and Technology, may be transferred from another graduate institution and applied toward a degree from WSC. Only transfer credit of “B” grade or better will be accepted. Credit that has been applied toward an earned degree from any college will not be accepted for advanced studies for a master’s degree at WSC.

Credit earned through correspondence courses will not be accepted. A course receiving a S/NC grade cannot be used in a Master’s or Specialist degree program. A maximum of 3 hours of Workshop credit (568 or 590) can be included on a program of study.

Q: Who is my advisor and how do I contact him/her?

A: At the time of admission to a degree program, the appropriate academic school will assign to the student a faculty advisor whose function is to help in selecting a program of study, render guidance and support whenever possible, and represent the student in any matter pertinent to his/her graduate program. Students may request a new advisor at any point during their program.

The advisor can be contacted by calling Wayne State College at 402-375-7000 and asking for their advisor by name.

Q: How do I go about setting up my Program of Study?

A: In the term of the enrollment immediately following admission to a graduate degree program, the student should complete a Program of Study indicating the courses that have been agreed upon and approved by the advisor and department chair. After the forms are completed, they should be signed by the specified individuals. Students wishing to make changes in their Program of Study need approval of their advisor, department chair, and the Dean of Education and Counseling or the Dean of Business and Technology. Substantial changes may require a new Program of Study form. Approved Programs of Study are on file in the Graduate Office.

Q: What do I do if I want to appeal a decision or action?

A: The policy-making body for the graduate program is the Graduate Council, which is responsible to the Graduate Faculty. Recommendations for degree requirements and curriculum originate with the Graduate Council, subject to review by the Graduate Faculty, and require action by the President and the Board of Trustees of Nebraska State Colleges.

Students who wish to appeal a decision or action must approach the following people/groups in this order: Department Chair, the appropriate Committee within the School (MBA students-MBA Appeals Committee, MSE and Ed.S. students-Professional Progress Committee), the Dean, the Graduate Council (through the appropriate School office), and finally the Vice President for Academic Affairs. The decision reached by the Vice President for Academic Affairs is final.

Q: What services can I access via Webcat Online?

A: WebCat Online provides the ability to register online for most classes, access your midterm low grades and final grades, and inquire regarding billing and financial aid information.

WebCat Online is NOT for online course work. You must connect to WebCT for those services.

WebCat Online is available Monday through Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 11:55 p.m. and Sunday 1:00-11:55 p.m.

Q: How do I get my pin number for Webcat Online?

A: New students need to contact the Admissions Office to obtain a PIN number. Current students need to contact the Registrar’s Office.

For User ID or PIN problems, please contact the WSC Registrar’s Office at (402) 375-7239.

Q: How do I register online for courses?

A: To register online, go to www.wsc.edu and click on WebCat. You must use your social security number and PIN to login on WebCat Online. Once logged in, click on Registration and Schedule menu, click on Select Term, then to Register (drop/add).

You may also use the instructions in the student registration tutorial that is accessed through the WebCat icon on the WSC homepage.

Q: How do I register to take the GRE?

A: You can register to take the GRE by contacting an authorized Sylvan Learning Center. You can also register online at www.gre.org

WSC students must take the general exam (not the subject).

Q: How do I register to take the GMAT?

A: You can register to take the GMAT by contacting an authorized Sylvan Learning Center. You can also register online at www.mba.com

Q: How do I register to take the TOEFL?

A: You can register to take the TOEFL by contacting an authorized Sylvan Learning Center. You can also register online at www.ets.org/toefl

Q: When do I apply to take the comprehensive examination?

A: The Request to Take Comprehensive Examination form must be signed and filed in the Graduate Office no later than two weeks prior to the examination.

Q: When do I request for my portfolio to be reviewed?

A: The Request for Portfolio Review form must be signed and filed in the Graduate Office at the beginning of the semester in which the portfolio will be reviewed.

Q: How do I know if I am required to take the comprehensive examination or complete a portfolio or both?

A: Students should consult with their advisor about this.

Q: When do I apply for graduation?

A: Students must file an Application for Graduation with the Graduate Office no later than the end of the second week of the semester in which they intend to graduate.

Q: When are degrees awarded?

A: Commencement ceremonies are held each academic year in December and May.
All graduating students are expected to attend commencement, which is ceremonial in nature. August graduates with no more than six credit hours of course work and/or an internship remaining to complete their degree during the summer are eligible to participate in the May commencement ceremony.

Q: When can I expect to receive my diploma?

A: Actual diplomas will not be issued until completion of all degree requirements has been verified. Generally diplomas are mailed within six weeks after the end of the term of degree completion.

Q: How do I request the sending of my official WSC transcript?

A: To request a copy of your transcript from WSC, please send a written request or our printable Request for Transcript to the following address: Wayne State College, Office of the Registrar, 1111 Main Street, Wayne, NE 68787.

Transcripts are not faxed to any party.

In the body of your letter, please print or type the following information: your full name, all former last names, your current address, your social security number, dates of your last term of attendance at WSC, the number of transcripts requested, a complete address where each transcript should be sent, and your signature. If you are requesting a final transcript after graduation, your request should also include the phrase, “hold for degree statement.”

Please Note: The following guidelines apply to all WSC transcript requests: (1) All copies are $4 each. (2) All copies mailed to you are marked “issued to student.” (3) We do not accept e-mailed transcript requests. (4) We do not accept any faxed requests for transcripts. (5) We do not fax transcripts to any party. (6) Transcripts cannot be sent if you have any financial holds.