College of Liberal Arts & Education

Introduction

University of Detroit Mercy’s College of Liberal Arts & Education remains steadfast in its 142-year-old mission to inspire and prepare students for many possible careers, lives rich in meaning with an understanding and appreciation of diversity of thought and culture, and hearts touched and impassioned by social justice.

At the graduate level, the College offers a variety of programs and post-degree certificates to deepen knowledge and expertise, generate new knowledge, cultivate personal enrichment and contribute through leadership in their fields of study.

As part of a Catholic university, grounded in the Jesuit and Mercy traditions, our programs extend beyond academics. They encourage and incorporate applied learning experiences to serve those in need, develop lifelong friendships and strengthen our community. Our small class sizes, student-faculty relationships and the academic rigor of our professional faculty, create a unique and effective learning environment within the City of Detroit. Several graduate programs are also offered completely online.

The College also provides diverse undergraduate majors, minors and certificates as well as five-year accelerated bachelor’s to master’s programs.

ºÚÁÏÉç the College

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    Contact Information

    Mark Denham, Ph.D., Dean

    Briggs Building, Room 120
    McNichols Campus
    Phone: 313-993-3250
    FAX: 313-993-1266
    Email: denhamma@udmercy.edu

    Victoria Mantzopoulos, Ph.D., Associate Dean

    Briggs Building, Room 120
    McNichols Campus
    Phone: 313-993-3254
    FAX: 313-993-1266
    Email: armstrov@udmercy.edu

    College Office

    College of Liberal Arts & Education
    Briggs Building, Room 108
    University of Detroit Mercy
    4001 W. McNichols Road
    Detroit, MI 48221

    Phone: 313-993-1287
    FAX: 313-993-1166
    Email: clae@udmercy.edu

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    Degrees

    The College awards the following degrees: Master of Arts (M.A.), Master of Science (M.S.), and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.).

CLAE Policies

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    Academic Integrity and Plagiarism

    As members of an academic community engaged in the pursuit of truth and with a special concern for values, students must conform to a high standard of honesty and integrity in their academic work. Instances where academic misconduct occur include, but are not limited to, falsification or misrepresentation of material used in the admission process, presenting the work of others as one's own, theft, plagiarism and cheating. These actions pose a threat to the academic integrity of the University and its mission and will be treated accordingly. Academic misconduct is subject to disciplinary sanctions. These sanctions include, but are not limited to, reprimand, probation, suspension and dismissal. Students are required to familiarize themselves with the specific protocols of this college. Click here for the CLAE Plagiarism and Academic Integrity policy.
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    Grade Grievances

    In some instances a student may believe that the final grade received in a particular course is unjustified. In such cases the student may choose to appeal the grade received. Each college or school has published written grievance procedures which must be followed. In general, students are advised to consult with the instructor concerned prior to beginning the appeals process. All appeals should be filed in a timely manner, within 30 days after the final grade is issued. Click here for a copy the Academic Policy, Procedure, and Petition.

    The process includes moving the grievance through various stages including through the instructor, chairperson, a college committee composed of faculty and students, and then the dean. The decision of the dean is final. All grade appeals must be finalized before a degree can be conferred. Appeals to the vice president for Academic Affairs will be considered only on procedural grounds.

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    Residence

    Residence requirement for a master's program requiring 30 credits:
    a minimum of 21 semester hours of credit must be completed at University of Detroit Mercy.

    The residence requirement for a master's program requiring more than 30 credits:
    a minimum of 24 semester hours of credit must be completed at University of Detroit Mercy.

    The residence requirement for a specialist program or graduate certificate:
    at least two-thirds of the required credits must be completed at University of Detroit Mercy;
    the doctoral degree requires a minimum of one uninterrupted year of full-time attendance.

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    Transfer Credits

    Students may transfer up to nine credits for a 30- to 35-credit-hour master's degree program and up to 12 credits for a master's degree program greater than or equal to 36 credit hours. If the number of required credits differ, the transfer limit is of the lesser-credit program. Courses only transfer if taken for graduate credit with a grade earned of B (3.0) or higher. The approval of the department chairperson / program director is also required. Other restrictions may apply.

    Students may not earn more than 12 graduate credits toward a master's degree before formal acceptance into the program.

    The maximum number of credits a student can register for is 15 credits per semester. Some programs may restrict a student to less than 15 credits per semester.

Graduation & Commencement

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    Application for Graduation

    An “Application for Graduation” should be filed early in the academic year in which the student intends to graduate. Candidates for degrees must complete their application in the Self-Service portion in My Portal. Application deadlines are set by the University. Be sure to follow all necessary steps and additional deadlines outlined by the Registrar such as RSVPs, caps and gowns, etc. Applications received after the deadline or failure to RSVP by the deadline may result in denial to participate in the commencement ceremony and/or delay in the date of graduation.
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    Commencement

    The Commencement ceremony occurs once a year in May. Students must apply for graduation to be considered eligible for Commencement. Students who have completed their degree requirements at any point in the preceding academic year are invited to participate. June and August graduates may be permitted to participate in the May Commencement exercises with permission of the Dean’s Office as long as they are enrolled in all of the courses to complete their degree by August. Participation in commencement will be denied to students who have more than 12 credit hours remaining. Applications received after the deadline or failure to RSVP by the deadline may result in denial to participate in the Commencement ceremony. Commencement is ceremonial; participation in Commencement exercises does not assure that all requirements have been met or that a degree has been or will be granted.

My Portal

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