Course Registration and Programs FAQs
What courses should I register for first?
Students beginning in the fall semester must register for SPST 501: Survey of Space Studies I as an introductory core course. Students that begin in the spring or summer semesters may choose a course of their best interest, as long as the instructor approves any missing pre-requisites. SPST: 502 Survey of Space Studies II is recommended in your first spring semester in the program. It is recommended to consult your assigned advisor for academic decisions.
Where do I find the schedule of courses planned to be offered each semester?
The space studies class schedule is available on the course offerings page. We try to have about two years of class schedule available to assist students with planning their program of study. You will also find the class schedule at Campus Connection, but that is for the coming semester only.
How do I register for courses?
To register for courses, update your student account information, and view your tuition account balance and grades, you will need to log on to Campus Connection. Your User ID and Password will be emailed to your UND email account after you accept admission. To retrieve your forgotten or lost user ID and password, go to the account info help desk.
Remember your user ID and password and keep it secure.
How do I enter a special permission number in Campus Connection?
Various courses may require special permission for registration in Campus Connection. Examples are student-initiated courses, such as SPST 593: Individual Research, SPST 996: Continuing Enrollment, SPST 997: Independent Study, SPST 998: Thesis, and courses requiring missing pre-requisites overrides.
Please contact the Space Studies Department for special permission numbers when registering for these courses. You will be given a student-specific number for successful course registration. Follow these directions:
- Log in to Campus Connection
- Click 'Student Center' in the Main Menu
- Click on 'Enroll'
- If you are eligible to register, a link will appear for that semester; select the term and click continue
- Enter the class number in the box, then click enter
- Enter permission number under the class preferences page, then click next
- Click 'Proceed to Step 2 of 3' and 'Finish Enrolling'
If the permission number was accepted, the status will show a green check mark indicating success. If you receive an error, the status will show a red "x" and the error message information.
I have a hold on my Campus Connection account and cannot register; what do I do?
There are many issues that may result in a hold being placed on your Campus Connection account that prevents registration and the release of transcripts and diplomas.
Below are a few common reasons for a hold in Campus Connection that will prevent you from registering for a course:
- Prerequisites not completed on time as stated in your admission letter
- Enrolled in the maximum amount of SPST 996: Continuing Enrollment credits
- Failure to complete certain admission stipulations (e.g. GRE tests)
- Dismissal
- Special permission to register required
- Unpaid tuition from previous semester or other financial matters, such as an unsigned financial obligation agreement
How do I add a course after the deadline?
To add a course after the published deadline for registration, you must complete a Registration Action Card form. Obtain the required signatures as indicated on the form from the department and submit the form to the School of Graduate Studies for approval and processing.
How do I drop a course after the deadline?
To drop a course after the deadline, you must complete a Registration Action Card form. This form, with signatures from the department, must be sent to the School of Graduate Studies for the Graduate Dean's approval.
Can I skip a semester?
Students who wish to take a leave of absence from their program must notify their graduate program and the School of Graduate Studies by submitting a Readmission or Leave of Absence form in advance of their leave; this form requires department approval. Degree-seeking students who do not submit a leave-of-absence will be required to apply for readmission using this same form when they return to taking classes.
I forgot to request a leave of absence last semester and now I can't register; what do I need to do?
Students who do not submit a leave-of-absence form will be required to submit a Readmission or Leave of Absence form. This form requires a departmental signature before sending to the School of Graduate Studies for approval.
I've been called to active duty; who do I notify?
Please review the FAQs at the Veteran & Nontraditional Student Services website. Also, please notify the instructor for the course you are enrolled.
What are UND's course drop and withdrawal policies?
Please refer to the UND drop and withdrawal policy page.
Where do I go for technical support?
For general School of Aerospace tech support, go to the Aerospace Help Desk.
For general UND tech support (e.g. Campus Connection, email, etc.), go to the NDUS Help Desk.
Can I forward my UND email account to my preferred email address?
Please refer to the How do I forward Office 365 email? article.
Can I get grades over the telephone?
No, it is not possible for us to give out grades over the telephone; they are available via Campus Connection.
How do I find my final grade?
Students may check their grades using Campus Connection.
Can I take 400-level courses for the Space Studies Master's Degree?
Yes, but they must be approved for graduate credit. At least one-half of the credits for your degree must be in courses numbered 500 or higher. Refer to the course catalog for approved 400-level courses.
Are the policy courses aimed mainly for American students or does the program have sufficient international policy material (i.e. European or Russian) to be of benefit to international students?
The focus on the United States in policy courses will reflect its relative position in the world as one of the two major space-faring nations since the 1960s. However, as civil space activities are, by nature, global activities, courses also reflect the growing role of cooperation and the contributions of many nations. The specific roles of a number of organizations like ESA, UNCOPUS, EUMETSAT, and others, are raised in some courses, as well as policies of individual nations.
It is anticipated that by making the space studies degree available through distance learning technologies, participation of students from a variety of nations will strengthen the international component of all classes.
Where do I find all the necessary forms and instructions?
The School of Graduate Studies forms page contains many forms that you may need. The Graduate Student Guide to Graduation is a helpful guide for the forms process; please refer to it as you move through your program. Most importantly, the Space Studies Student Handbook can answer many questions about the Space Studies Master's program.
Where can I find important dates and deadlines that I need to follow?
Please refer to the following calendars and lists of upcoming events:
Can I include transfer credits to the space studies degree?
The UND School of Graduate Studies and the Department of Space Studies have certain criteria and guidelines for transfer of credits.
Can I take courses for S/U grading?
Graduate students do not have the option of electing S/U grading for graduate courses, unless that is the only way they are offered, like in the case of thesis or colloquium credits.
I received a D or F in one of my courses; can I retake it?
All courses taken by graduate students for which a grade of D, F, or U was received may be repeated once for credit, with only the second grade to count in the grade point average. This option does not apply to a student who has been dismissed. Courses with grades of C or better may not be repeated without the written approval of the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies.
It is up to the student to notify the School of Graduate Studies when a course has been retaken so that the grade point average can be recalculated. Courses taken as an undergraduate may not be taken again as a graduate student and used on a program of study.
What happens if I can't complete a course on time?
If you can't complete a course on time because of something beyond your control, you may request to receive an incomplete grade. Your instructor may allow this if they feel that there is reasonable certainty that you will successfully complete the course without retaking it. The Report of Incomplete Grade form will need to be completed by the instructor. Please be aware that the work needs to be completed by the specified deadline that your instructor indicates on this form or the grade may be reported as an "F." Refer to the academic catalog for details.
What is considered full time?
To be considered full time, the minimum credits taken in the fall and spring semesters are 9 and during the summer semester are 6. Students with an assistantship will be considered full time by registering for a minimum of 6 credits. To qualify for Federal Financial Aid you must be registered in a minimum of 6 credits (half-time status).
What happens if my GPA falls below 3.0?
The academic standing of all graduate students whose cumulative GPA falls below 3.0 will be reviewed at the end of each academic term by the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies. Students having accumulated 9 or more credit hours will be placed on Academic Warning for one semester; students having accumulated fewer than 9 credit hours will be placed on Academic Warning until either 1) the GPA is raised to at least 3.0, or 2) 9 graduate credit hours are accumulated, whichever occurs first. If, at the end of the probationary period, the GPA is still less than 3.0, the student will be dismissed. Refer to the academic catalog for details.
Where can I find information about the School of Graduate Studies' policies and procedures?
Contact the School of Graduate Studies regarding their specific policies.
How do I change my advisor or committee?
Typically, an advisor is assigned to you in your admission letter from the UND Graduate School. If you wish to change this selection, please complete the New Committee or Change to Advisor or Committee form and submit it to the School of Graduate Studies with the proper signatures.
How do I change my program of study?
After consulting with your advisor, fill out the Change to Program of Study form. This will indicate which courses are to be removed, and which courses are to be added. After your advisor signs the form, submit it to the School of Graduate Studies for the Dean's approval.
Can I change from a thesis option to a non-thesis option or vice versa?
As you develop your program of study, work with your advisor on making this choice, to determine the practicality of the change. It is more common to change from the non-thesis option to the thesis option as students work through their program and determine their research focus. If a program of study has already been submitted and a change is desired, submit the Change to Program of Study form to indicate the change for approval by the School of Graduate Studies. Keep in mind the number of credits required for the thesis vs. non-thesis options. Note that the thesis option will require the formation of a thesis committee and required form for approval.
A permanent SP or UP grade for thesis or independent study credits already taken will remain recorded on your transcript. Refunds for course tuition paid prior to the change cannot be granted.
What are the residency requirements for the thesis option?
ND residency for tuition and fees is not to be confused with the department's residency requirement for the thesis option. Students selecting the thesis option are required to spend a minimum period of time in residence during their course of study. Please check with your academic advisor on your particular residency requirement.
Typically, online students must spend approximately one week per semester during their thesis research period. This starts with the semester in which they present their thesis proposal. Generally, a one-week visit for both your thesis proposal presentation and your thesis defense is required.
What can I enroll in if I'm finishing my independent study or thesis?
Students who previously have registered for all of the necessary credits of coursework, research, Independent Study (SPST 997), Thesis (SPST 998), or Dissertation (SPST 999) on their approved Program of Study, but who have not completed their independent study, thesis, or dissertation, must register for SPST 996: Continuing Enrollment each additional semester or summer session they are utilizing university facilities or the time of the faculty (i.e. laboratories, libraries, examinations, advisement, etc.). The number of credits should be determined by the advisor to reflect the proportion of time devoted by the student to academic study that term.
A master's student may enroll in two regular semesters of 6-9 credits of SPST 996 and a doctoral student may enroll in four regular semester of 6-9 credits of SPST 996. A regular semester is defined as the spring or fall term. A student wishing to enroll in additional SPST 996 credits will be required to petition the School of Graduate Studies' Dean.
Continuing Enrollment (SPST 996) credits will not count toward the requirements for the degree. All students must be enrolled for either SPST 996 credits or other credits in the semester of graduation. Students may register for both regular credits and SPST 996 credits in a given term if all other conditions have been met. Continuing enrollment credits may be used to define a student's enrollment status (i.e. part-time or full-time).
Will my credits for SPST 997: Independent Study or SPST 998: Thesis remain incomplete until I am finished?
Yes, they will remain an incomplete until your final copy is finished. A grade of "SP" (Satisfactory Progress) or "UP" (Unsatisfactory Progress) will be assigned. The "SP" or "UP" grade, which usually spans several semesters, will be replaced by a grade at the conclusion of the activity, usually a student's final semester. Grades of "SP" or "UP" are not calculated into term or cumulative GPA values and will be expunged from the record upon submission of final grades.
Where do I get a policy manual for writing my thesis?
You will find all of the information you need on completing your thesis or dissertation at the Graduate School thesis and dissertation webpage.
Where do I take my thesis for a format check?
A list of formatters or editors is available if you would like to hire someone. Please contact the School of Graduate Studies for a list of names.
What are the requirements for submitting my final thesis/dissertation?
Review the guidelines for electronic submission at the Graduate School thesis and dissertation webpage.
Where should I get my thesis/dissertation printed for the department requirement?
The Department of Space Studies requires a printed, bound copy of your final thesis/dissertation. In some instances, your committee may each also want a bound copy. This may be done rather inexpensively through the Chester Fritz Library on the UND Campus, at a cost of roughly $25 per copy. To order, you may stop by the Periodicals desk to pick up an order form. You must provide the library with the printed pages, ready for binding. A source for inexpensive printing is the UND Duplicating department or a local copy shop.
When you submit your final thesis to Pro-Quest as the official graduate school record, you are required to order one printed copy that will be the property of the Chester Fritz Library at an approximate cost of $30 (subject to change). You may order additional copies, but note that it is less expensive and more reliable to have the extra copies made at the Chester Fritz Library or a local print shop.
Don't forget, the department administrative assistant also needs an electronic copy of your thesis/dissertation for department records!
How do I apply to graduate?
You must be advanced to candidacy before you can apply to graduate. This means you need to be on approved status (not provisional) and have your program of study and topic proposal approved by the School of Graduate Studies.
When the above requirements are met, you may apply to graduate. Please be aware of application deadlines, which are posted on the Graduate School's calendar.
Where do I find commencement information?
Please visit the UND Commencement website.
Do I need to notify UND if I am planning to attend commencement?
Graduation candidates do not need to notify UND of their participation in the graduation ceremony. Organizers plan for a certain percentage of graduates to attend. Guests are welcome, and notification of their attendance is not necessary. It is recommended that online students notify the department of your intent to attend the graduation ceremony, so that they can plan accordingly.
Is there a time limit on finishing my degree?
Yes, graduate courses more than seven years old are considered obsolete and may not be counted to fulfill course requirement for an advanced degree program. Programs of study more than seven years old also are obsolete. Obsolete UND graduate courses may be revalidated and may be counted toward an advanced degree on the recommendation of the student's faculty advisory committee and the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies.
Please contact your advisor for more information on the revalidation process, which generally includes a form of testing to show that your knowledge of the course is still current. Graduate work from another institution, which is over-age, cannot be revalidated and will not count towards transfer to a UND degree.
Do I need to be enrolled during the semester of my graduation?
Students who have previously registered for all of the necessary credits of coursework to complete their program of study in previous semesters MUST register for SPST 996: Continuing Enrollment for each additional semester that they continue on completion of their degree. See the UND academic catalog for additional information.
How do I obtain an official transcript from UND?
Please go to the UND transcript request page.
When will I receive my diploma and final transcript?
It will take approximately six weeks to process verification of your degree, record this information on your permanent record, and prepare your diploma for mailing. These documents will be mailed to the address listed as address type "home" in Campus Connection. Please make sure you have the correct address listed. Your diploma will simply state "Master of Science" as the earned degree, and will not indicate the program as "Space Studies."