In general, students at the graduate level may not take challenge examinations to substitute for courses required in a graduate program; however, if a student has demonstrated competence in a required course for a degree, the student may petition to the director of the program for a course waiver with the substitution of an elective course to fulfill the requirement. The director may require an examination and/or other documentation to verify knowledge and competencies. Students may not petition to demonstrate competence in elective courses; rather, graduate students should enroll in elective courses that broaden their knowledge and competencies. The decision of the program director on challenge examinations for required courses is final.