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Grade Scales – Graduate Studies

Ryerson University is a fully accredited university with full membership in the Council of Ontario Universities (COU), the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC), and the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU).

Grading System
Additional Grading Categories
Academic Standings
Length of Programs

Grading System:

Additional Grading Categories

Academic Standings

Master's Degrees

Clear: Students must have at least a minimum passing grade of B- (or PSD in the case of a pass/fail graded course) in each Graduate Studies registered course, and satisfactory progress in the Thesis, Major Paper or Project.

Students with a CLEAR standing may continue in their program of studies without restriction as to academic standing, although their registration in subsequent courses is subject to prior completion of any pre-requisite courses.

Provisional: The student has UNS (UNSatisfactory) progress/grade for the Thesis of Major Project OR a grade of less than B- (F in the case of a pass/fail graded course) in only one Graduate Studies registered course OR has failed to meet a specific program requirement.

Students with PROVISIONAL standing may not continue their program of studies until a specific plan of studies to correct academic deficiencies has been authorized in writing by their Program Director and recorded with the Office of the Registrar.

Students who fail to have a provisional plan of study approved by their Program Director prior to the official last date to add a course may have their course registration(s) cancelled for that semester.

Withdrawn: The student has a second term of UNS grade for the Thesis of Major Project OR has more than one grade of less than B- (F in the case of a pass/fail graded course) in a term OR has failed to meet the requirements of the provisional plan of study OR has failed to complete the graduate studies program within its maximum time limit.

Open: An academic standing has not been assigned and the student may continue in the program.

Doctoral Degrees

Clear: Students must have at least a minimum passing grade of B (or PSD in the case of a pass/fail graded course) in each Graduate Studies registered course, and satisfactory progress in the Candidacy or Comprehensive Exam, and the Dissertation.

Provisional: The student has UNS progress in the Candidacy or Comprehensive Exam, or the dissertation OR a grade of less than B (F in the case of a pass/fail graded course) in only one Graduate Studies registered course OR has failed to meet a specific program requirement.

Students with Provisional standing may not continue their program of studies until a specific plan of studies to correct academic deficiencies has been authorized in writing by their Program Director and recorded with the Office of the Registrar.

Students who fail to have a provisional plan of study approved by their Program Director prior to the official last date to add a course may have their course registration(s) cancelled for that semester.

Withdrawn: The student has more than one grade of less than B (F in the case of a pass/fail graded course) in a term or has failed to meet the requirements of the provisional plan of study OR has a final performance designation of F for the Candidacy or Comprehensive Exam or the Dissertation or has failed to complete the graduate studies program within its maximum time limit. A student who has been withdrawn from the program is not eligible for readmission into the program.

Open: An academic standing has not been assigned and the student may continue in the program.

Length of Programs

Master's: Full-time programs leading to a Master's Degree are normally one to two years (three to six semesters) in length. Part-time programs may be available.

Doctoral: Full- and part-time programs leading to a Doctoral Degree must be completed within six years (18 semesters).