Technical standards for Wake Forest DMSc Program admission, continuation and graduation:


Students in the DMSc Program must possess the intellectual, physical, and emotional capabilities necessary to undertake the required curriculum in a reasonably independent manner and must be able to achieve the levels of competence required by the faculty.

A candidate for the DMSc degree must have abilities and skills in these areas:

  1. Observation: The candidate must be able to observe and obtain information in an online format.
  2. Communication: Candidates must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently with classmates and faculty in English. Candidates must be able to record information accurately and clearly.
  3. Technological: A basic knowledge of computer and internet skills is required to be successful in an online course. Students must possess the capacity to perform basic computer operations such as:
    • Using keyboard and mouse.
    • Managing files and folders: save, name, copy, move, backup, rename, delete and check properties.
    • Software installation, security, and virus protection.
    • Using software applications, such as Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).
    • Knowledge of copying and pasting, spell-checking, and saving files in different formats.
    • Using email, including sending and downloading attachments.
    • Internet skills (i.e., connecting, accessing, using browsers) and ability to perform online research using various search engines and library databases.
    • Using video call and/or video recording technology with audio and video components.
    • Familiarity with and use of online educational resources (i.e., accessing online library resources, podcasts, Webex, video calls).
    • Communicate using a discussion board and upload assignments to a classroom website.
    • Allowing pop-ups from websites (i.e., Canvas).
    • Knowledge of terminology, such as browser, URL and application.
  4. Intellectual, conceptual, integrative and quantitative abilities: These abilities include measurement, calculation, reasoning, analysis and synthesis. Problem-solving, and the ability to learn, retrieve, analyze, sequence, organize, synthesize and integrate information efficiently and to reason effectively is required.
  5. Adult learning: The DMSc program integrates principles of adult learning, encouraging students to engage in self-directed learning, apply their professional experience, and collaborate meaningfully with peers and faculty.
  6. Behavioral and social attributes: Candidates must possess the maturity and emotional health required for full use of their intellectual abilities. They must accept responsibility for learning, exercise good judgment and promptly complete all responsibilities. Candidates must demonstrate netiquette and interact effectively, respectfully, and professionally with faculty and peers. Candidates must be able to contribute to collaborative, constructive learning environments; accept constructive feedback from others; and take responsibility for making appropriate positive changes.
  7. Ethical and legal standards: Applicants for admission must acknowledge and provide a written explanation of any felony offense or disciplinary action taken against them prior to matriculation. Students convicted of any felony or misdemeanor offense while in the DMSc Program should immediately inform the Program Director. Failure to disclose prior or new offenses can lead to disciplinary action that may include withdrawal of an offer of admission or dismissal from the DMSc Program.