Josh, Lindsay, and Mackenzie

In 2002, I filled out my masters and doctoral degree plans with the two other new I/O students in my program. After consulting with the head of the program, the degree plans were signed and filed. This summer (2006), it was discovered there were 17 hours too many on the masters degree plan; thus, 17 hours too few on the doctoral degree plan. Now, because it is a pass-through masters program, one would expect this is not a problem because the total hours are correct. Apparently that isn't the case. Despite the six professors and advisors that reviewed the documents and subsequently signed them, it has been determined by the University and the State Commissioning Board that the clerical error is wholly my fault. To obtain my PhD from UNT I would have to take 17 more hours of coursework (which would take multiple years since I have a full-time job I can't just quit).

As there are no more I/O courses (I have taken all of them), I would be taking courses which a) are not directly pertinent to my degree, and b)cause me to pick up a minor. Assuming the school did not make me re-take my major comprehensive exams or take minor comprehensive exams, I refuse to put off my degree to take 17 hours I don't technically need.

I have discussed all my options with Josh and my boss (Kirk), and are in agreement that in a couple of years this will all be moot. With a masters degree and ample experience I will hold the same stature as a PhD; it is the principle of the thing that gets me. The fact a University would allow a clerical error to make 4 years of my time and effort worthless is unfathomable. I hope other Universities care more about graduating their students and perpetuating the success of the school.

Overall, I am okay with this situation. I have had the entire semester to deal with it, fight with the administration, etc., and am ready to move on. I have a great life, a great boss, a great job, and when all is said and done, I would rather come home and have fun instead of writing draft after draft of a dissertation. I just wanted to let you all know the situation. :)