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Full/Half/Part-Time Student Credits

The Graduate School defines full time as nine or more credits, part time as eight or fewer credits, and for loan deferments, half time as six or more credits. Master's and doctoral candidates may be considered full-time or half-time students regardless of the number of thesis or dissertation credits for which they register, provided the major department certifies that they are working full time on research.

Maximum Credit Load

A graduate student may register for up to 16 credits during the fall and spring semesters and nine total credits during the Summer Session. Any student who wishes to register for more than the maximum credit load must secure written permission from the graduate program director in the major department and the Graduate Dean’s approval.

Continuous Enrollment

Graduate students are required to maintain continuous enrollment each semester by registering for course/thesis/dissertation credits or by paying the Continuous Enrollment (Program) Fee. Failure to be properly enrolled will result in a student's withdrawal at the end of the Late Registration Period.

Statute of Limitations

Doctoral students are required to complete their program within five years of achieving candidacy. Candidacy is recommended by the academic department upon satisfactory completion of coursework and passing the qualifying examination. Master's students have four calendar years from acceptance into the program (or five years for the M.F.A. and all part-time off-campus programs) to earn the degree. Dual master's degrees are given five years unless otherwise noted in the program description.