least th ree months before his pro posed date of enrollment, the student cannot be sure of having his applica tion processed in time for admission . Foreign students should also be aware of the tuition and living costs in volved, as well as of the fact that the University has no special funds for foreign students. Loan funds are not available since they are restricted to U.S. citizens. International students who wish to pursue the programs of the Universi tys Graduate School of Management should consult with GSM directly con cerning specific admissions require ments.
Admission as a Special Student Applicants over 21 who have com pleted an undergraduate degree may be permitted to take certain graduate courses with permission of the depart ment concerned . These students are not considered regular students until such time as their departments formally recommend a change in status. At that time, the student's department may indicate that part or all of his previous work at the University of Dallas should be ac cepted for graduate work. A special student may not be admitted to can didacy until he has been reclassified as a regular graduate student. Subject to the approval of the Grad uate Dean, a person of matu re years who does not have a bachelor's de gree may be permitted to take courses as a special student.
Graduate School Requirements The Graduate School sets minimum standards for all graduate degrees. Each department establishes rules and requirements which supplement those of the Graduate School. The student is responsible for knowing all rules and requirements pertaining to the degree he seeks.
University Requirements for 'Ihe Master's Degree According to the University of Dal las concept of education, the Master's degree is a professional degree . Therefore, no set number of hours constitutes any given program; rather an acceptable proficiency in a suffi cient scope of the discipline or profes sion constitutes the criterion for the degree. A minimum of twenty-four course credits, is required for the Master's degree. Specific departmen tal requirements must be consulted in each instance with respect to pro grams leading to the master's degree and the course work required .
Examination As part of his M.A. degree program the candidate must pass a compre hensive examination administered by his major department, which may be oral, written, or both, at the option of his department. Eligibility for the comprehensive ex amination is determined by the de partment . It ind icates that the stu dent's record is clear of incompletes and that he will satisfy degree require ments by completing the work of the semester.
Thesis Where required, the candidate must present a thesis. (In some programs a project or exhibit is required in lieu of a thesis.)
Languages Proficiency in a foreign language is required, except where otherwise indi cated. It is suggested that a student refer to the Institute Student Hand book and Departmental guidelines for specific language requirements. Stu dents are expected to be familiar with the guidelines of the Institute, the va rious Departments, and the Graduate Office. 159