Filing for Candidacy
Candidacy Checklist (PDF 43KB)
After the completion of six graduate credits and before the completion of twelve graduate credits, you will file your candidacy form. The candidacy form will list all courses that you have completed, including dates of completion and grades earned. You will then list all courses you plan to take to complete the requirements for your degree. The form should be completed with the assistance of your advisor and will need to be signed by the department chair and Dean. The department will determine if any substitutions should be made within the graduate program. At least 15 hours of coursework must be at the 600 level. If you do not have your certificate by this time, you will be unable to file for candidacy.
Up to 6 transfer credits may be included, up to 10 hours from SUNY units, (please consult your advisor). Only courses with grades of A or B will be accepted. Official transcripts must be sent by the college or university to the Office of Graduate Studies.
If you change a course listed on your filed candidacy form, you will need to submit a Change of Candidacy form which will need additional signatures from the Chair and Dean. All coursework and degree requirements must be met within a six-year period immediately preceding a student's graduation. In some cases, students may file an academic appeal to have older coursework included in their programs.
Literacy Specialist Program Candidates
Candidates who have completed at least 6 credit hours must submit an Admission to Candidacy form before completing 12 credits hours. Prior to meeting with the advisor to complete the form, the candidate must submit a portfolio which includes:
- At least 3 artifacts from completed graduate courses
- A brief written statement addressing growth and plans for continued development of the understanding of the five standards for reading professionals specified by the International Reading Association.
The advisor will evaluate the candidate's portfolio with a rubric based on the I.R.A. standards. The advisor and candidate will discuss the portfolio evaluation. Subsequent coursework will be based on the results of this conference and listed on the Admission to Candidacy form.