Francis Marion University

 School of Education

 Graduate Q & A

1.  When are graduate courses offered?

During the fall and spring semesters, graduate courses meet from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Courses meet one day per week (Monday-Thursday). A weekend format is available for some courses. Courses are taught using Blackboard Collaborate which allows participants to attend face-to-face, online, or watch recorded sessions. Some courses are available as online only and a few are face-to-face only.

2.  Can I take courses online?

Yes. The graduate programs now offer some courses online. For more details, refer to question 1.

3.  When can I begin the graduate program?

Students may begin a graduate program at the start of any semester. (Fall, Spring, or any Summer Session) Contact the Graduate Office for application deadlines.

4.  Do I have to be accepted into a graduate program to take a graduate course?

You can take courses as a non-degree student. You must pay the application fee, complete the application, and submit a copy of your valid teaching certificate to register for graduate courses.

As a degree-seeking student, you are allowed to take up to 12 hours while completing your file.

Note: You must be fully accepted into a graduate program to be eligible for most financial aid—please check with your financial aid counselor for specific information and guidelines.

5.  How long does it take to complete the program?

The M.Ed. programs are 36 hours. If you took 6 hours each semester, you could complete the program in 6 semesters (1 ½ years).

The M.A.T.-LD program is 51 hours. If you took 3 semesters of 6 hours, 3 semesters of 7 hours, and 1 semester of 12 hours (final student teaching block), you could complete the program in 7 semesters (2 years).

Note:  The student teaching block (12 hours) can only be completed during the fall or spring semester in a public school setting. You cannot be employed by the school district during your student teaching block (EDUC 770).

6.  How do I contact the Graduate Office?

Contact Person: Gloria Keith, SAB115

Address: Francis Marion University

Graduate Office

P.O. Box 100547

Florence, S.C. 29501-0547

Hours of Operation: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon-Fri (contact for summer hours)

Phone Number: (843) 661-1284; FAX: (843) 661-4688

7.  Who do I contact when it is time to register for courses?

For the Instructional Accommodation, please contact Dr. Tracy Meetze, Coordinator (843-661-1558 or email tmeetze@fmarion.edu).

For Learning Disabilities (M.Ed. and M.A.T.) Programs, please contact Dr. Shirley Carr Bausmith, Coordinator (843-661-1487 or email Sbausmith@fmarion.edu).

If you are unable to reach Drs. Meetze or Bausmith, please contact the School of Education office @ 843-661-1460.

***Please list “graduate program information” or “graduate registration” on the subject line of your email. ***

8.  Where do I find information on financial aid?

Available online (fmarion.edu) or Financial Aid Office (SAB117)

Note: Graduate students are usually eligible for loans only.

To determine your loan eligibility, complete the FAFSA online at www.FAFSA.ed.gov .  You must register for a Personal Identification Number (PIN), if you don’t already have one.  If you use the electronic format, it should take approximately 3-5 days for the Financial Aid Office to receive it. Manual transactions take approximately 4-8 weeks to process.  Financial Aid will review your form and award money based on your eligibility.

Financial aid counselors are assigned by applicant’s last name.

Hours of Operation: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon-Fri

Phone Number: (843) 661-1190; FAX (843) 661-1195

9.  How do I confirm my schedule and pay tuition fees?

Confirm your schedule online (www.fmarion.edu) if you have financial aid (scholarships, loans, etc.). Click “apply fee”…or pay fees with a credit card…or…submit your bill to the Cashiers Office, SAB 103.  You will need your ID (or SSN) and your password to complete this process.

Note: Paying your fee confirms your schedule

Hours of Operation and Phone Number: See above for Cashiers Office.

You can take care of your account at any time online.

10.  What does it cost to take one 3-hour graduate course?

On campus tuition rate can be determined by contacting the cashier’s office. Discounted tuition is available through a school district cohort with a minimum of 15 participants per course. Please contact Mrs. Lindsay Sturkie (LSturkie@fmarion.edu or 661-1466), Graduate Recruiter, for more information on cohort options.

11.  Where do I go to purchase my textbooks?

At either of two local bookstores:  The Patriot Bookstore located on campus (Smith University Center) or Text Book Brokers Bookstore (located across the street from the main campus). 

Hours of Operation and Phone Number:

Patriot Bookstore: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Mon-Fri (843) 661-1345

Text Book Brokers Bookstore: 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m., Mon-Fri (843) 667-3200

12.  Where do I get a parking sticker? How much does it cost?

Cashiers Office in the Stokes Administration Building (SAB) 103

Cost: $15 Please bring specific vehicle information (model of car, tag #), which is necessary to complete the vehicle registration card.

Hours of Operation: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon-Fri (contact for summer hours)

Phone Number: (843) 661-1595

13.  Where do I get an ID?

The James A. Rogers Library.  Go to the front desk and someone will direct you to the location where you will have your picture taken. 

Hours of Operation: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Mon-Fri (*lunch break 1-2 p.m.)

Phone Number: (843) 661-1300

If you need to go after hours, please call to schedule an appointment. 

Please note that a valid* FMU ID is necessary to access most of the Library's subscription databases from off-campus. 

*If you have never used your current ID card to check out books, please go to the Library Circulation Desk to have your card validated.

****Live Text membership is required for submission of course assignments for all degree-seeking students.  Live Text information is available via the School of Education website. **** http://www.fmarion.edu/academics/schoolofeducation