Degree Requirements

Unless otherwise specified by the major field of study, candidates for the Master's degree must complete a minimum of 10 course credits at the graduate level with satisfactory grades in order to receive the degree. One Trinity course credit is considered the equivalent of three semester hours, a designation used at some other institutions.

A thesis (normally two course credits) is required of all candidates in English and History, and of some candidates in American Studies, Economics, and Public Policy. The thesis or research project is expected to be the final project undertaken for completion of degree requirements. Although there is no foreign language requirement for the degree, it is expected that students whose research requires primary sources in a foreign language will acquire the necessary language proficiency.

In certain circumstances, Trinity will accept a maximum of two courses in transfer credit for graduate work completed at other accredited institutions. Grades received in such courses must meet the minimum standard for graduate study at Trinity ("B-"or higher) and be considered equivalent to Trinity's graduate offerings. Petition for credit(s) earned prior to matriculation may be made at the time of application to the degree and are subject to the approval of the appropriate graduate adviser. Courses taken after matriculation must be pre-approved for transfer credit prior to enrollment by the graduate adviser.  It is implicit in the conferral of any degree that study toward that degree will progress at a reasonable pace. At Trinity College, the requirements for the Master's degree must be completed within six (6) years of the date study began. The six-year time limit is specified in each letter of acceptance. Students who fail to complete the requirements within the designated time may apply for an extension of up to one year. If an extension is granted, but requirements are not completed within the specified time, the student may be withdrawn, and will be required to apply for readmission. This second application must be accompanied by a letter that includes a detailed explanation of the failure to complete the requirements. Readmission is not automatic and, if granted, may include a stipulation that no more than half of the credit previously earned will be applied toward the degree.

A graduate student, whether nonmatriculated or a candidate for the Master's degree, who receives a total of two grades of Low Pass or one grade of Fail, will be required to withdraw from the Graduate Studies Program. No more than one grade of Low Pass will be credited towards the Master's degree.