Narrative:  

Troy University is in compliance with this Comprehensive Standard.

The institution defines and publishes requirements for its graduate and post-baccalaureate professional programs annually in the Graduate Catalog. The Graduate Catalog provides all program requirements to obtain a master’s degree from the University. The University web page hosts graduate program requirements for the individual departments, colleges and schools. Master’s degree program requirements are determined by the graduate faculty in the discipline and approved by the Graduate Academic Council and Executive Vice Chancellor/Provost. Minutes of the Graduate Academic Council meetings approving program changes are provided. Also provided is a chart with links to each graduate program published in the 2007-2008 Graduate Catalog.

The requirements of the graduate programs conform to commonly accepted standards and practices for degree programs. Through both internal (program assessment)and external (specialized accreditation) reviews, graduate program requirements are evaluated and adjusted accordingly to keep pace with a national requirements, discipline changes, and dynamic work and research environments.

Graduate program requirements are internally reviewed and assessed as a part of the annual program assessment of course and program outcomes. Graduate faculty members provide recommendations for program improvements and course changes based upon current research and emerging trends in the field and/or identified weaknesses in student performance. Plans for Improvements are developed to address the concerns.

The following external organizations and agencies review and approve specialized accreditation of various graduate programs across the University:

• Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (Master of Business Administration, Executive Master of Business Administration, Master of Science in Management, Master of Science in Human Resources Management)
  
• Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (Master of Science in Counseling and Psychology)
  
• Council on Rehabilitation Education (Master of Science in Counseling and Psychology)
  
• National Association of Schools of Music (Master of Science in Education)
  
• National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (Master of Science in Education)
  
• National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (Master of Science in Nursing)

In addition to specialized accreditation reviews, the University is a member of the following associations and councils that direct the development and focus of numerous graduate programs.

• Alabama Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (Master of Science in Education and Master of Science in Post Secondary Education)
  
• Alabama Association of Higher Education in Business (Master of Business Administration, Executive Master of Business Administration, Master of Science in Management, Master of Science in Human Resources Management)
  
• Alabama Association of College Administrators (Master of Science in Education, Education Specialist in Educational Administration)
  
• American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (Master of Science in Education)
  
• American Association of State Colleges and Universities Council on Education
  
• American Council on Education
  
• American Association of Colleges of Nursing (Master of Science in Nursing)
  
• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (Master of Business Administration, Executive Master of Business Administration, Master of Science in Management, Master of Science in Human Resources Management)
  
• Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (Master of Science in Education, Master of Science in Post Secondary Education)
  
• National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (Master of Public Administration)
  
• Southern Business Administration Association (Master of Business Administration, Executive Master of Business Administration, Master of Science in Management, Master of Science in Human Resources Management)
  
• Southern Council on Collegiate Education for Nursing (Master of Science in Nursing)

The Alabama Commission on Higher Education also reviews and approves all new graduate programs offered by the University. The Alabama State Department of Education approves all teacher certification programs and assures compliance with state mandated standards.

Summary

The institution defines and publishes requirements for its graduate and post-baccalaureate professional programs. The Graduate Catalog and the University web page represent locations where information concerning the educational programs, including philosophy, goals, and required courses is prominently posted for student access. Graduate program requirements conform to commonly accepted standards and practices for degree programs through a variety of internal and external reviews.