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How Many Credits Are Required for a Doctorate Degree?

Doctorate degrees are an in-demand credential for people who want to be at the top of their field—whether they’re looking to advance their professional career or teach at the college or university level.

In this blog, we help you better understand the range of credit hours for doctorate programs, who determines the credit requirements, and provide estimates about how hours equate to credit, which will help you understand how long it may take to earn your doctorate degree.

How Many Credit Hours Does it Take to Earn a Doctorate?

The hours needed to earn a doctorate varies widely—from 60 to 120 credit hours. This range large range is impacted by:

• Degree Type: The type of degree you earn—from traditional Ph.D. degrees to professional doctorates—is influential in determining your required credit hours. Most Ph.D. programs require the full 120 hours, while professional doctorates can require as few as 58 hours.
• Area of Study: What you choose to study will greatly impact your required credit hours. Subjects like the hard sciences and humanities may require fewer credit hours than fields like psychology.
• Institutional Requirements: Each university determines its curriculum structure, number of credit hours per class and required credit hours for each program. Even if you’re earning the same degree, some schools will require more or less credits based on how their program is structured.
• Regional and State Requirements: Every university is governed by both regional and state accrediting bodies. These accrediting bodies determine the minimum credit required to earn a doctorate. For example, the State of Ohio requires students earn a minimum of 60 credit hours beyond their bachelor’s degree credits.

To determine how many credit hours will be required for the doctorate degree of your choice you’ll need to research individual programs at institutions.

Earning a doctorate is challenging and rewarding, but do you know what to really expect? Download this free guide for tips and insights to help you prepare for success.  

How are credit hours defined.

A credit hour is defined by the amount of time required—in the classroom setting, as well as outside researching and studying—to complete a course. For most terminal degrees, one course is worth 3 to 4 credit hours. The number of credit hours associated with a course is determined at the university level.

At Franklin University , each credit hour equates to 30 hours worth of work. Most of our major courses are 4 credit hours, meaning it will take 120 hours worth of lessons, research and study during the term to complete the course.

There are 4 fundamental ways you earn credits in a doctoral program:

• Major Courses: Your major courses are fundamental to the subject matter of your degree. They’re focused on providing you with a breadth of experience crucial to success in the industry.
• Electives: Electives or focus area courses give you the opportunity to explore areas of specialization or in-depth study within your chosen degree program.
• Research Core: Your core research courses will teach you how to perform quantitative and secondary research, use common tools and software and prepare you with the writing skills you’ll need to write your dissertation.
• Dissertation Requirements: Your dissertation requirements commonly include a comprehensive exam, research and writing of your dissertation and a dissertation defense.

What Counts As a Previous Credit for a Doctorate Program?

While your required coursework is an obvious way to earn credits toward your doctorate degree, there may be other ways to earn credit depending on your program and institution.

When evaluating doctoral programs, you should look for ways to get credit for your previous education and professional experience.

Credit for Master’s Degrees or Previous Graduate Study

Many programs accept master’s degree credit, or credits completed at the graduate level, toward the total hours needed for a doctorate.

For example, if a doctorate program requires 90 hours of post-baccalaureate credit, up to 30 hours of master’s credit may apply toward the total credits needed to complete a doctorate.

Transfer Credit from Other Institutions

The amount of transfer credit accepted at the doctoral level varies from institution to institution. Programs with liberal transfer credit policies, like Franklin University, may allow you to transfer up to 24 hours of previously earned credit.

Credit for Professional Experience or Credentials

Certain programs will give you credit for credentials, certifications or professional education courses completed outside of a degree program.

One example of this type of credit is for Franklin University’s Ed.D. program. This doctoral program will accept professional education completed for a superintendent’s license as up to 15 hours of credit toward the doctorate.

How Long Will it Take to Earn the Credit Hours Needed to Complete a Doctorate Program?

While the number of credit hours for a doctoral program is set in stone, the length of time to graduation is highly dependent on a number of factors.

Type of Doctorate and Program

A Ph.D. program, on average, takes longer to complete than a professional doctorate. The average Ph.D. takes 8.2 years to complete, while a professional doctorate can be completed in as few as three years. There is also variance between individual areas of study within these degree classifications.

Instruction Method

Whether you attend an online program , an in-person program or a blended program that offers both options, your instruction method can greatly impact time to graduation.

• Online programs offer greater flexibility, which as a full-time student, usually results in a shorter time to graduation.
• In-person programs usually take longer to complete, often due to the additional commitments of teaching and research outside of the individual’s degree requirements.
• Blended programs provide the benefit of both methods of instruction, so time to graduation usually depends on individual availability and preference of instruction methods.

Individual Pace

For students in a professional doctorate program, a full-time student can earn a degree in three years, while students who attend part time are likely to take 4-5 years to complete a degree. However you plan to pursue your doctorate, be aware of the maximum time to completion.

For example, Franklin University’s maximum time to completion for a doctorate program is seven years. It’s unlikely it would take this long to complete your degree unless you take time off during the program.

Professional and Personal Commitments The pace at which you complete a doctorate is a personal choice. Depending on where you are in your career, you may want to continue working as you pursue your doctorate. You also need to consider the amount of time you can commit to your studies based on your personal situation, as well as the financial commitment you’re willing to make.

Whatever path you take, doctorate programs are rigorous and require a passion for your work and dedication to your studies. You must be ready to commit to attending classes (online or in-person), studying, researching and completing your dissertation.

Is Faster Better When it Comes to Earning Your Doctorate?

The number of credits required to complete your doctorate degree, and the amount of time it takes to complete these credits, is only one consideration when choosing a doctoral program. When it comes to the investment of your time, energy and finances, quicker isn’t always better.

You need to consider the quality of the program and if it meets your personal needs and professional goals. For professionals looking to complete their doctorate while working full time, Franklin University offers flexible, online doctorate programs that can help you balance your short and long-term goals.

Explore Franklin University’s doctoral programs to advance your career while accelerating your time to graduation.

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Academic Catalog 2023-2024

Full-time status.

A graduate (nondoctoral) student is considered a full-time student if they are enrolled in 9 quarter hours of graduate credit for the quarter. An exception is made for students matriculated in master’s degree programs that only require 4 credit courses, in which case full-time student status is attained with enrollment in 8 quarter hours of graduate credit for the quarter.

A doctoral student’s full-time status is determined by the structure of the program.

Note that full-time status may be defined differently for federal loan purposes. International students have other considerations/requirements to maintain their visa eligibility.

Course Load

Federal financial aid recipients must be enrolled in and successfully complete a minimum number of credits each term to maintain eligibility. For more information, contact your financial aid counselor.

Course Overload

A maximum course load (different from full-time status) for a graduate (nondoctoral) student is 16 credits taken across a 12-week term, with no more than 8 credits per 6-week session.

To be eligible for a course overload (greater than 16 credits per 12-week term or greater than 8 credits per 6-week session), a graduate (nondoctoral) student must:

• Have a record of successful study with 12 or more credits a term at Northeastern University
• Have a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.500
• Provide a rationale to support the request

Students need to complete the appropriate form and return it to their career and academic advisor. Course overload is approved per term.

Each doctoral program has its own enrollment and course load requirements. Doctoral students who wish to seek a course overload must consult with the program director or designee.

International Student Enrollment Requirements

Importance of maintaining f-1 status.

International students studying at Northeastern are responsible for maintaining compliance with U.S. federal regulations. Failure to maintain full-time enrollment, in accordance with these regulations, can result in consequences.  Regular consultation with college academic advisors, as well as Office of Global Services international student advisors, is required before taking any action that may impact immigration status and educational endeavors in the United States.

Achieving Full-Time Enrollment Status

Full-time enrollment status must be maintained by F-1 students throughout the academic year. To achieve full-time status, graduate students must be enrolled in 8–9 credits throughout each academic term. Students can consult with their college academic advisor prior to each term to develop a course schedule to maintain full-time status. F-1 students are expected to study on-ground and cannot enroll in an online course without first speaking to a college academic advisor to confirm eligibility .  If approved , F-1 students who need to withdraw/drop from a course must withdraw/drop from the additional online course first and not from any of the on-ground core courses in order to maintain full-time status.

College of Professional Studies Academic Term

In CPS, each academic term in fall, winter, and spring is defined as a quarter term consisting of 12 weeks. Some courses are scheduled for the entire 12 weeks, while others are scheduled for either the first 6 weeks or the last 6 weeks (parts of a term). A full summer term consists of 8 weeks. Some courses are scheduled for the entire 8 weeks of a term, while others are scheduled for parts of a term.

F-1 students are required to maintain full-time enrollment status, except in the final academic term of degree completion. If the course requirements for degree completion are less than 8–9 credits, they must be completed on-ground throughout the entire final term.

Eligibility for Summer Term Off

All students, regardless of the term in which they begin studies, (e.g., CPS winter or spring quarter terms) are eligible to take the summer term off as their standard vacation term, as long as they confirm enrollment in the following fall term and they are not starting or ending their program of study in that same summer term.

Directed Study

Directed studies are offered when a course is required for a student’s program of study but said course is not available in a given academic term and there is immediacy for a student to complete said course. Academic deans/directors will make the decision if there is a compelling need to run a course as a directed study.

Independent Study

Independent study is an opportunity for a degree student to work independently under the supervision of an instructor to undertake special research, literature review, or experimental study projects in areas related to their program of study that they cannot accomplish as part of a standard course in the curriculum. A degree student may take up to two independent studies. The work to be done for an independent study is usually crafted by the student, with faculty input. Independent studies are entirely optional and not needed to graduate. A completed Request for Independent Study form, signed by both the student and the faculty member, must be submitted to the academic program for review and approval.

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• Office of Graduate Studies
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Ph.D. Credit Requirements

In their first year in the program, PhD students must register in the 0-credit online course INTD 799 (Responsible Conduct of Research) and receive a Satisfactory grade.

• Ph.D. coursework registration requirements
• Ph.D. students with a recognized Master’s degree or equivalent are required to take four 700-level 3-credit courses (12 credits). 
• Ph.D. students with a recognized Baccalaureate degree are required to take eight 600-level or 700-level 3-credit courses (24 credits) of coursework beyond the Baccalaureate degree as well as four additional 700-level 3-credit courses (12 credits), for a total of twelve 3-credit courses (36 credits). 
• Master’s project (course 700), Master’s thesis (course 701), or more than two independent study courses (courses 725 and 726) cannot be used to satisfy these coursework requirements.
• A Ph.D. student may substitute a 600-level course for a 700-level course only after the academic advisor appeals on behalf of the student to the Office of Graduate Studies and receives approval.
• A Ph.D. program may define an additional set of required courses that must be pre-approved by the academic college (multiple colleges may be involved for interdisciplinary programs).
• Whether or not a program requires additional courses above the aforementioned minimum requirements, a Ph.D. student's dissertation committee may ask the student to take additional courses.
• Ph.D. dissertation registration requirements
• Students who pass the Qualifying Examination (QE) must then register for 3 credits of pre-doctoral research (792B) per semester until they defend successfully the dissertation proposal.
• Students who have successfully completed the required courses, have not passed the QE and are in their second, third or fourth semester of the PhD program may fall into any of these categories:      → Students with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or better are expected to register for at least one 700-level 3-credit course (this course can be 792B).      → Students with a cumulative GPA below 3.5 must register for at least six credits. The academic advisor may appeal to the Office of Graduate Studies in order to count 792B toward this requirement.
• Students who defend the dissertation proposal successfully must then register for the 1-credit dissertation course (790A) each semester until they complete all degree requirements.
• Students may take courses simultaneously with the 790 or 792 course as per Ph.D. program guidelines or dissertation committee recommendation.
• Students who do not meet the following deadlines will be dismissed from the Ph.D. program.      → The required coursework for the Ph.D. program and the (major part of the) QE must be completed successfully by the end of the second year in the program.      → The dissertation proposal must be defended successfully either by the end of the third year in the Ph.D. program or four semesters after registering for the first time in the 792 pre-doctoral research course, whichever occurs earlier.      → The dissertation must be defended successfully by the end of the sixth year in the Ph.D. program.
• Dissertation Advisor(s) and Committee Appointment
• Ph.D. students with a prior M.S. degree must choose their dissertation advisor(s) by the fourth semester in the program at the latest . Students without an M.S. degree must make the decision by the end of the fifth semester.
• The  Dissertation Advisor(s) Designation form  must be submitted to the Graduate Studies Office as per the instructions at  http://www5.njit.edu/graduatestudies/forms.php .
• The  Dissertation Committee Appointment Report  must be submitted to the Graduate Studies Office,  as per the instructions at  http://www5.njit.edu/graduatestudies/forms.php ,  for approval before scheduling the dissertation proposal defense.

( Note : The credit requirements for any joint Ph.D. program, for which the names of multiple universities appear on the diploma, follow the explicit requirements of the joint program.)     

• PhD Requirements
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Ph.D. Requirements

The University of Oklahoma History Department prepares the next generation of professional historians—scholars with an understanding of and capacity for historical research, critical analytic and writing skills, and intellectual honesty and rigor. Drawing on the highest standards of our professional discipline, an OU graduate education involves the realization of an individual research agenda; diverse opportunities for professional career development; and active participation in an intellectual community.

ENROLLMENT AND REGISTRATION ADVISING TIME TO DEGREE COURSEWORK FIELDS OF STUDY LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT QUALIFYING EXAMINATIONS DISSERTATION FORMS 

Enrollment and Registration

Specific courses, course numbers, course descriptions, and special offerings will be emailed to the graduate students by the Graduate Program Administrator (Janie Adkins) each semester prior to enrollment for the following semester. For tuition waivers qualifying ts must be enrolled in a minimum of 5 credit hours to qualify unless it is their final semester, and they are defending. Students must enroll in their own courses but require special permission for individual courses through Ms. Adkins. Students must include their OU ID number and the correct course numbers/section numbers for the corresponding course desired. Once they are granted permission, students must enroll in courses as instructed by email.

If a student is a GA enrolling in less than 5 hours your final semester, they must complete A Graduate Assistant Final Semester Declaration online form. This allows qualifying graduate assistants to declare their final semester and enroll in fewer than 5 hours and still be considered full-time for the purpose of maintaining eligibility for a tuition waiver and FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act) tax exemption. This helps students avoid paying fees for coursework beyond the hours needed for completion of their degree.

Provisional Advisor

In a student’s first year, a member of the graduate committee will serve as their provisional advisor. The student will consult with the Director of Graduate Studies to determine who should serve in this role. The provisional advisor will advise the student about program requirements, coursework, and research plans and formally evaluate the student’s progress in the program at the end of the spring semester of their first year.  

PhD Advisor

Preferably by the student’s second, but no later than the student’s third semester, the student will consult with the Director of Graduate Studies to determine who the student would like to ask to serve as their PhD advisor. This time period will give the student an opportunity to interact with the department’s professors and consider who best fits their area of study. The advisor must agree to serve as the student’s advisor.

The PhD advisor will guide the student through each stage of the program—including coursework, preliminary dissertation research, qualifying exams, grant and fellowship applications, and dissertation research, writing, and defense. The adviser also helps the student with career planning and applications for jobs, fellowships and research grants. The advisor will meet with the student at least once every semester and will formally evaluate the student’s progress in the program at the end of each spring semester, including an assessment of grades and other developments. The Graduate College requires that the graduate student receive a copy of this evaluation no later than two weeks after the end of the spring semester. The Graduate Administrator will prepare the template and distribute it to advisors by March 1. Other faculty members who teach the student also may prepare evaluations, with copies going to the student, the advisor, and the Graduate Studies Committee.

The advisor will chair of the student’s qualifying exam committee and their dissertation committee and will help the student construct these committees.

Time to Degree

The department of history believes all students with MAs should complete the PhD within five years or less. The Graduate College sets a maximum time limit for students with MAs to pass the qualifying examination within four years of entering the program and sets a maximum of five years for completing the dissertation after passing the general examination.

Course Work

The university requires 90 credit hours of course work for the PhD degree. The 90 hours will include 26–36 credit hours from MA work, up to 31 credit hours of graduate course work (nine of these hours can be outside the department), and 23–33 hours of dissertation research and writing.

PhD students must take at least 27 credit hours (nine credit hours—three courses—in each of their three fields). A minimum of 18 of these credit hours (six courses) must be graduate seminars. Other credit hours can come from additional seminars or from directed readings if seminars offered do not meet a need in one of the fields. Of the six required seminars, a minimum of three (one from each of the three fields listed above) must be taken during the doctoral program. Others may be transferred from the MA degree. (This transfer applies to only the PhD seminar requirement and does not change the total number of credit hours required for the PhD.) Up to nine credit hours (three courses) can be taken outside of the History Department. All students will consult closely with their advisors on which graduate courses to take.

HIST 5001: Navigating the Historical Profession

Every incoming doctoral student must enroll in this course for one credit hour unless they took it as an OU MA student. This course does not count as one of the required seminars or other graduate-level courses.

Research Seminar

All PhD students should take at least one research seminar.

The United States to 1865

Students in this field must take two seminars in pre-1865 U.S. history and one in post-1865.

The United States from 1865

Students in this field must take two seminars in post-1865 U.S. history and one in pre-1865.

Latin America

Latin Americanists should take at least one seminar on the colonial era and two in the republican era (or in general Latin American history if specific time-period ones are not offered during the period the student is here).

Transnational Women’s and Gender History

Students in this field must take Contemporary Feminist Thought (WGS), offered each fall; Introduction to Transnational Women’s and Gender History (HIST), offered regularly during any student’s coursework; and at least one other graduate-level course in this core field offered in the History Department.

Directed Reading Courses

PhD students can enroll in directed readings courses listed as HIST 6050: Research Problems. HIST 6160, 6260, 6360, 6460, and 6560 are PhD Directed Reading Courses with specific titles such as “US Environmental History.” These directed readings courses are graded Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U). Students should only ask faculty to supervise a directed reading when seminars offered do not meet a need in one of their three fields.

Dissertation Hours

While researching and writing the dissertation, students should enroll in “HIST 6980: Dissertation Hours.” Once the candidate enrolls in dissertation hours, they must be continuously enrolled until they defend their dissertation. If they have previously enrolled in Dissertation Hours, they will not need permission to enroll again.  

Fields of Study

Each student will develop three fields of study: a general field, a specialized field, and a comparative field. Choice of fields and the composition of the advisory committee is subject to the approval of the student's advisor and the graduate studies committee.

General Fields

One of the following fields will normally be selected for the general area requirement in preparation for the general examination: the United States to 1865, the United States since 1865, or Latin America. It is possible to substitute another general area field for United States or Latin American history with the approval of the graduate committee.

Specialized Fields

Students will normally select a specialized field from one of the department’s five “core” areas: the American West, Native American History, Environmental History, either Colonial or Modern Latin American History, or Transnational Women and Gender History.

Comparative Fields

The comparative field must be outside of the primary area of study (general field) and should reflect geographical and/or thematic diversity. US Americanist graduate students, for example, must choose a field that includes regional history outside of the geographical boundaries of the United States (e.g., a European or Asian country), or that includes transnational, cross-boundary connections (i.e. borderlands, Pacific Rim, comparative environmental history, Indigenous peoples, Atlantic History and Culture, settler societies, imperialism, etc.) Creativity in this field is encouraged. Comparative fields must be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies.

Public History Field

Beginning in Fall 2022, students may develop a field in public history as an alternative to the comparative field. The field will consist of three courses. Students completing this field are required to take Readings and Research in Public History.” The field may be completed with other courses, including an approved internship or a course in another department in addition to offerings by the department. Creativity and initiative in this field are encouraged.

Language Requirement

All students must demonstrate reading competency in one language other than English. Students should complete this requirement by the third semester of the Ph.D program; the requirement must be completed one semester prior to the dissertation defense. The student’s choice of language is subject to the approval of the student’s qualifying exams committee. Some advisory committees may require a student demonstrate reading competency in more than one language, depending on the research field. Students may satisfy the language requirement in one of the following ways:

1. Complete 3-semester sequence of MLLL or NAS courses in an approved language with a grade of “B” or better (Arabic, Cherokee, Chinese, Choctaw, Creek, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Kiowa, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish).

2. Complete MLLL course designed for graduate students with a grade of “B” or better (i.e., SPAN 2970 : Spanish for Reading)

3. Pass a language proficiency exam in the approved language administered by History Department faculty (French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Latin, Spanish).

If the student’s desired language is not taught at the University of Oklahoma, the student's advisory committee, with the approval of the graduate committee, will determine the best method for measuring language proficiency.

The language proficiency exam consists of an excerpt from a scholarly article or book section. The student will be given two hours to translate the excerpt into English with the use of a paper dictionary. The student must demonstrate a clear understanding of syntactical structures and a basic knowledge of cultural references in the translated text. If a student does not pass the language exam on the first sitting, a re-examination can be scheduled for the subsequent semester. Language exams may not be taken more than one time per semester.

To schedule a language exam administered by History Department faculty, please contact the Director of Graduate Studies, Dr. Jennifer Davis: [email protected]

Qualifying Examinations

Qualifying Exam Committee

The student and the advisor will select a qualifying committee composed of OU History Department faculty members in each of their three fields of preparation and one member from outside the department, known as a graduate college representative or “outside member.” Usually, the advisor will be the faculty member from the general or specialized field. The student will meet with the members of the qualifying exam committee at the beginning of each academic year to review progress and plan coursework and exam lists. The student may petition to change the committee once it is established, but changes can be made only with the approval of the department’s Director of Graduate Studies. The qualifying exam committee will administer the student's exams under the general guidance of the advisor. An additional fifth external member from another university may be invited to serve on a student’s committee (this member will be known as a “special member”), but the department is not responsible for funding any expenses that may be incurred should the special member be invited to attend the oral exam portion of the student’s qualifying exam. The special member may participate in meetings, the oral exam, and the dissertation defense remotely. A majority of the committee must be members of the OU History Department, as per Graduate College rules.

Timing of Examinations

A full-time student will ordinarily take the qualifying examination in their third year of study, in either October or March, when these exams are given. The student must have successfully completed a seminar or directed readings course with each member of the qualifying exam committee, except the graduate college representative (“outside member”).

The general examination consists of two parts: three written examinations and a two-hour oral examination.

Once the student’s request to take their qualifying examinations has been approved by the Graduate Studies Committee, the Graduate Program Administrator (Ms. Adkins) will schedule the written and oral examinations and ask the qualifying exam committee members to submit questions for the examination.

In the third or fourth semester of the program, the student will craft reading lists with each of their three examiners. These will generally have 50–150 books (or their equivalent) each. We encourage each examiner to look at all three bibliographies to ensure that they complement one another. These lists should ideally be set two semesters before the exam will take place (e.g., for a Fall 2023 exam, the lists should be set by the end of the Fall 2022 semester). The student and the examiner will meet regularly over the course of the semester-and-a-half leading up to the exam to discuss the material and possible questions.

Professional Development Statement

The student will share with the faculty members of their qualifying exam committee a 750-word statement describing their development as a scholar and the development of their dissertation project. The student may share the statement in advance of the oral exam but no later than the final day of classes in the semester in which they take exams. If shared in advance of the oral exam, the committee should add 30 minutes to the oral exam for discussion of the statement. If shared at the end of the semester, the student should send it by email to committee members who should return it with written comments within two weeks. While the student prepares the statement during the semester they take exams, the statement is not part of the exams. Rather the statement should facilitate the student’s progression from coursework and exams to dissertation.

Written Examinations

Qualifying examinations will be given only once a semester, in October during the fall semester and in March during the spring semester, and the three fields must be taken within a three-week period. The Graduate Program Administrator (Ms. Adkins) will provide information on the details of administering the examination.

Students will take three qualifying examinations, one per field. For each exam, the student will have four days to respond to the examiner’s questions with full access to books, notes, and other scholarly resources. Each exam must be at least 4,000 words and no longer than 6,000 words, including footnotes. In consultation with the examiners and Ms. Adkins, students will decide which four days of the week they will take the exams. In all cases, they will receive the questions at 9:00 AM on day one and will turn their answers in by 5:00 PM on day four (e.g., from Monday at 9:00 AM to Thursday at 5:00 PM). The exam will take place over three successive weeks.

The members of the qualifying exam committee grade the student’s examinations. Students are graded Pass with Distinction, Pass, Marginal or Fail. To take the oral examination the student must have a grade of pass in all three fields or a grade of pass in two fields and a marginal in one field on the written portion of the examination. In the latter case, the student does not need to rewrite the field in which a marginal grade was received. If the student receives a marginal grade in two fields, or a grade of failure in any field on the written portion of the examination, the student may not go on to the oral examination. In this case the student will retake the written examination only in those fields graded fail or marginal no later than the following semester. However, if the student receives more than two grades of marginal, or a grade of failure in two or more fields, then the student must retake the written examination in all three fields no later than the following semester. The student has two semesters to complete both the written and oral portions of the general examination. A student may take the general examination only twice. Failing the written portion constitutes an attempt at the examination. If the student, after failing the written portion on the first attempt but passing on the second attempt, should then fail the oral examination, the student will not be permitted to take the oral portion a second time.

Oral Examination

A two-hour oral examination will take place within two weeks after the successful completion of the written examinations. During the oral exam, each examiner will have the opportunity to question the student about the portfolio and the written exams. At the end of the oral exam, the committee asks the student to leave the room and determines whether the student has passed their qualifying exams (written and oral). Decisions on whether the student passes the exam must be unanimous.

Upon passing the qualifying examination, the OU Graduate College admits the student to candidacy for the doctoral degree the student becomes a “doctoral candidate.”

Within two weeks of the completion of the qualifying examination, the student meets with their advisor to discuss their performance on both the written and oral portions of the exam.

The student’s dissertation prospectus meeting must take place in the semester after exams are completed.

Dissertation

The doctoral dissertation is the final and most important component in the academic experiences that culminate in the awarding of the doctoral degree. The dissertation must be a work of original research and scholarship that contributes to existing historical knowledge. It must demonstrate the candidate’s mastery of research methods and tools of their field.

A history dissertation involves an original and compelling topic, outlines one or more research questions that require and facilitate analysis and construction of a historical narrative, and makes an argument or arguments in response to those questions based on extensive research and analysis, drawing on and engaging with the work of historians and scholars in other disciplines. Research questions, arguments, historical and historiographical positioning, sources, methods, and chapters should be outlined in the introduction. The chapters are the building blocks of the story and argument. They narrate the story the introduction previews, drawing on rich and diverse primary and secondary source material. The conclusion should reiterate the dissertation’s primary arguments, framing them in the context of history and analysis presented in the chapters and reaching out to comparative and interdisciplinary discussions.

According to Graduate College regulations, the dissertation must be completed, approved by the adviser and the dissertation committee, and defended in a public examination within five years of the time the student has completed the general examination.

The student prepares a prospectus of the dissertation and presents it to the dissertation committee members for comments and approval no later than four months following the successful completion of qualifying exams. The doctoral candidate’s dissertation committee will meet with the student to review and approve the student's dissertation prospectus and research plan. While the details of a prospectus may differ depending upon the expectations of individual advisers, the graduate committee recommends that the student prepare the prospectus in the form of a grant proposal adaptable to different funding sources. A prospectus generally illustrates the importance of the topic; lays out a primary research question; situates the dissertation topic and approach in the context of relevant scholarship (including a bibliography); identifies potential archives, funding sources, and oral history subjects (as applicable); offers a preliminary chapter outline; and sets out a research plan timeline.

Dissertation Committee

The dissertation committee may, but does not need to, consist of the members of the student’s qualifying exam committee. The dissertation committee is formed as soon as the student passes the general examination. It consists of at least four members, three OU History Department faculty members and one member from outside the department, known as the graduate college representative or the “outside member.” An additional fifth external member from another university may be invited to serve on a student’s committee (this member will be known as a “special member”), but the department is not responsible for funding any expenses that may be incurred should the special member be invited to attend the student’s dissertation defense. The special member may participate in meetings, the oral exam, and the dissertation defense remotely. A majority of the committee must be members of the OU History Department, as per Graduate College rules. Students often ask the members of their Qualifying Exam Committee to serve on their Dissertation Committee, but the composition need not be the same.

Dissertation Defense

When the dissertation is accepted and a degree check indicates that the student has completed all course work with acceptable grades, the student may schedule the final oral examination. This examination is a defense of the dissertation and is open to the public. The candidate may apply for the oral examination after presenting a reading copy of the dissertation, showing preliminary approval of the dissertation director, and showing receipts indicating that all fees have been paid. The final examination must be taken during the semester it is authorized to be given. The student and at least four members of the doctoral committee, including the outside member and dissertation director, must be present to conduct the examination. Any changes in membership of the doctoral committee require the approval of the original committee, the new committee members, the graduate liaison (Director of Graduate Studies), and the graduate dean. Changes must be approved at least thirty days prior to the final examination.

The dissertation committee may accept or reject the dissertation based on these three criteria: i) it is a work of original research and scholarship that contributes to existing historical knowledge. ii) it demonstrates the candidate's mastery of research methods and tools of the special field; and iii) It demonstrates the student's ability to address a significant intellectual problem and arrive at a successful conclusion.

If the committee rejects the dissertation, the student will be given another opportunity to submit an acceptable dissertation to the committee. The dissertation committee may also accept it, pending required changes and corrections.

Open Access

Per Graduate College rules, dissertations produced at the University of Oklahoma will be made available at OU’s Open Access site. Students have the option of deferring (embargoing) publication for three years. If you plan to pursue publication and/or an academic job, you will probably want to exercise the embargo option. Make sure you discuss this option with your dissertation director and/or the Director of Graduate Studies before your dissertation defense. If you wish to embargo your dissertation, please choose that option on the “Request for Authority to Defend” form.  

When Ms. Adkins contacts you to complete these forms or for any reason, it is essential that you respond to her promptly.

These and other important forms may be found at the Graduate College website:

Advisory Conference Report Request for Change in Committee Request for Degree Check Report of Reading Copy Submission Request for Authority to Defend

Please be certain that you are using the most up-to-date form as they change periodically.

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Estimate Graduate Education Costs

Estimate Your Graduate Education Costs

Graduate education costs vary by degree, the number of credits taken per semester, delivery method, and more.

The majority of degrees can be estimated using the formulas below, however, there are some exceptions :

• Students in designated online programs, deaf and hard-of-hearing students, and hearing NTID-supported students pay a lower graduate tuition rate. View  tuition and fees  and contact your admissions counselor for details.
• Ph.D. students typically receive full tuition and an RIT Graduate Assistantship that will pay a stipend for the academic year. Contact your  admissions counselor  for more information.

Master's and Advanced Certificate Students

Use the resources on this page to understand your graduate education cost of attendance.

Start estimating your tuition

Online Students

Tuition varies for online degree programs. View  online degree rates  and contact your online admissions counselor for details.  

Contact your online admissions counselor

Ph.D. Students

Ph.D. students typically receive full tuition and an RIT Graduate Assistantship that will pay a stipend for the academic year. Contact your Ph.D. admissions counselor for more information.

Contact your admissions counselor

What Factors into the Cost of Attendance?

Tuition and Fees

Graduate tuition for the 2024-2025 school year is billed:

• at $2,463  per credit hour  when enrolled in fewer than 12 credits per semester
• at a fixed rate  of $29,551 when enrolled for 12-18 credits per semester

The number of credits taken per semester varies by degree. Students registered for 9 or more credits per semester are considered full-time students and are billed a student activity fee ($200/semester) and a student health services fee ($275/semester). RIT offers graduate students a comprehensive, global health insurance policy . International students are automatically enrolled and billed each semester; enrollment is voluntary for domestic students (US citizens).

Additional Factors that Affect the Cost of Attendance 

Housing, Transportation, and Other Additional Expenses

Additional expenses are comprised of:

• estimated living expenses (housing and meals): $16,142 per year
• estimated transportation, books, supplies, and personal expenses: $3,016 per year

These vary by student and are usually not billed by RIT, unless a student resides in on-campus housing and/or purchases an RIT Dining meal plan.

RIT Scholarships

RIT may award a scholarship to you to reduce tuition. You are considered for merit-based scholarships when you apply for admission; no separate application is required. Scholarships are awarded as a percentage of tuition. The dollar amount of the scholarship will adjust based on the actual credit hours you enroll per semester. Please refer to the examples below.

RIT Assistantships

RIT Graduate Assistantships are offered to full-time matriculated graduate students to serve as teaching, research, or administrative assistants. Graduate assistants receive wages (determined by the department making the appointment) in exchange for work performed. The compensation varies depending on the assistantship type and could be a set dollar amount per semester based on an hourly wage.

How to Estimate Your Tuition

The number of credits taken each semester determines how tuition is billed.

Follow these instructions to determine credits by degree and then estimate one semester tuition or the entire degree tuition.

• 1. Each degree recommends a certain number of credits to be taken per semester. Identify if your degree recommends up to 11 credits per semester or 12-18 credits per semester by searching for your degree below.
• 2. Once you know the credits per semester and degree, you can estimate tuition per semester  and/or the total degree tuition . Use the formula that corresponds with the number of credits to calculate the estimated tuition.

Contact us if you have questions or need help.

Important Notes:

• These formulas provide estimates only. Each student's situation can vary in schedule, time to degree completion, and prerequisites.
• This estimate is based on the current year’s tuition and does not include fees and expenses. Typically, tuition rates increase 3-5% each academic year. A 30% scholarship is provided as an example only. Scholarships are not guaranteed.

Estimate Tuition per Semester

• Read the instructions , then use the applicable formula below to estimate your tuition for one semester. 
• You may have additional factors to consider in your graduate education costs. Review the tuition estimate notes .

Degrees up to 11 credits per semester

Tuition per semester = credits per semester  x per credit hour rate. Any scholarships are deducted, resulting in net tuition per semester.

Degrees with 12-18 credits per semester

Tuition per semester =  fixed rate per semester. Any scholarships are deducted, resulting in net tuition per semester.

Estimate Total Degree Tuition

• Read the instructions , then use the applicable formula below to estimate your total degree tuition. 

Degree tuition = credits required to complete the degree  x  per credit hour rate. Any scholarships are deducted, resulting in net degree tuition. 

Degree tuition  =  the number of semesters to complete the degree (credits to complete the degree / credits per semester)  x  fixed rate per semester. Any scholarships are deducted, resulting in net degree tuition.

Funding Your Education

Assistantships, loans, scholarships, co-op wages, and multiple other sources can help fund your graduate investment.

No Tuition or Fees While on Co-op

You won’t be charged fees or tuition while on co-op, because we believe you should be able to focus on developing your skills, gaining hands-on experience, and exploring your professional future without worrying about extra expenses.

Tuition Estimate Notes

It is possible that during the course of a student's study they may move from being charged on a “per-credit-hour” basis to the fixed rate, or vice versa, if the student takes 3 courses (9 credits) or fewer in one semester, then 4 or more courses (12+ credits) in another. 

Bridge or pre-requisite courses may be required by a department as a condition of admission to a degree program. Bridge or pre-requisite courses may add additional credit hours and costs. Academic courses assigned as pre-requisites or bridge courses are charged at the per credit hour rate.

All graduate students whose native language is not English are required to submit scores for an international test of English (TOEFL, IELTS, or the PTE Academic). Those who do not meet the requirements set by the graduate department to which they apply will be admitted contingent upon their taking English language courses in addition to their academic program. RIT scholarship funding is not applied to the charges associated with English Language Center courses.  View English language course tuition

Neither tuition nor fees are charged while you are on co-op.

Tuition for online degree programs vary. Students pursuing an online degree should visit their  degree program page  for more details about online degrees and tuition costs. 

Degree Requiring Up to 11 Credits per Semester

Example Degree

Computer Science MS

Degree: Computer Science MS Total credit hours required to complete the program: 30  Credits per semester: 9 Per credit hour rate: $2,171

Estimate One Semester Tuition

Credits required per semester  x  Per credit hour rate  =  Tuition per semester

Example Equation

Estimate Entire Degree Tuition

Total credit hours required to complete the program x  Per credit hour rate = Estimated degree tuition

The information, formulas, and examples provided on this page are designed to collectively help you estimate your graduate education tuition. The information should be read in its entirety in order to calculate the closest estimate to your tuition. The only way you will know for certain what it costs to attend RIT is by applying for admission and receiving official notification of your admission, any financial aid you are awarded, and any prerequisites required.

The scholarship amounts and percentages provided are examples only and must not be interpreted as the actual scholarship amount you may receive if admitted to RIT. Any financial aid offer will be determined by the RIT Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships and the Office of Graduate Admissions once credentials have been evaluated.

How many credits to take in grad school?

<p>I’m used to taking 15-17 credits per semester and my current choices for grad school tell me that i should take about 9, 12 at the most. Is this normal? Even if i take the 12 per semester i can finish a semester early and save myself a good chunk of money.</p>

<p>In the future, it helps if you give us more info so we don’t have to dig through your old posts to know what program you are referring to.</p>

<p>For a credit-based Masters, yes, 9-12 credits is normal. Speaking from my own experiences in the sciences, a 3-unit graduate class is equivalent to a 4-5 unit undergrad class in terms of work load. Before making any major decisions about graduating early, I would talk to several current students in the programs. If actual students tell you 9 is reasonable and 12 is the limit, then listen to them.</p>

<p>I presume you are using this program as an investment in your future. If so, don’t be too caught up on saving a bit of money that you rush through your education without properly absorbing the knowledge you’re paying for. The more classes you try to cram in each semester, the less well you learn from each one. From my uninformed end, I would say don’t try to finish more than that one semester ahead.</p>

<p>Your DGS may not let you do this. I sure wouldn’t.</p>

<p>I know this is an old thread, but has anyone taken 15 credits (5 courses) in a semester at the graduate level? Is it manageable?</p>

<p>Credits are not all created equal. I have a one credit class that makes a strong recommendation about showing up but requires nothing else at all. I have a “continuation” credit that is an administrative marker. I have a three credit class that requires two hours a week worth of class time and no outside work and another three credit class that requires a conservative 10 hours a week of outside work and six hours in class.</p>

<p>i’d say 5 graduate courses in one semester is not even remotely manageable. you will not have time to complete your coursework, let alone work on your own research.</p>

<p>at the moment, i’m taking 10.5 credits of coursework. 3 seminars, each worth 3 credits, all with heavy reading loads, presentations, and writing. and then i’m taking a 1.5 credit independent study that is just reading and discussion. on top of that, i’m trying to pull together research for my own masters thesis.</p>

<p>on average, not including my own research, i have around 60-70 hours of coursework each week (if i read something carefully and take note, i can cover 20 pages an hour). that’s about 10 hrs/day of work, and that doesn’t take into account my masters thesis stuff, going grocery shopping, doing laundry, cooking meals, commuting (i can’t read on the bus), and all the other time-consuming parts of life you can’t ignore.</p>

<p>the result has been that my own work has been put on the back-burner and i pull at least one all-nighter every week just to keep up. my advisor acknowledged it was a heavy courseload and we’re scaling back next semester so i can devote some time to my thesis, but every professor or grad student that learns my schedule always responds with “that’s way too much.” and they’re right.</p>

<p>so… based on my experience with 3 and a half classes, individual research, and no teaching requirements, i’d say that 5 grad courses would probably kill you. i work pretty hard and fairly efficiently and i’m burnt out.</p>

<p>^ Strangelight, I’m not working on a master’s thesis. I’m in a professional master’s program. The average courseload in my program is 12 credits (~4 courses).</p>

<p>It’s really going to depend on the school, but 3-4 is considered full time.</p>

<p>5 graduate courses is death. I’m in a doctoral program now and I take 4 courses a semester, because the rigors of my program requires 1) that we take 60 points (or 20 courses) and 2) that we finish these 60 points within 3 years. Also, normal degree progression requires me to finish the courses in 2 and a half years, thus, 4 courses per semester (roughly 12 points - some classes have an extra credit and I get points for doing various other things so I might get away with taking fewer classes in my final two semesters).</p>

<p>And even THAT is too much. The students have been complaining about the heavy courseload design of this program for a while. I don’t have to TA, so that’s a lifesaver, but if I had to TA I would never be able to get anything done. And I WANT to TA, but I can’t because the courseload would be too rough. I’m trying currently to see if I could get credit for TAing instead of a class.</p>

<p>I also don’t know of any grad program, professional or not, that requires its students to take 5 courses a semester just to keep up. The MPH program here effectively requires 4 courses per semester (students need 45 points to graduate and that usually is about 4 courses a semester depending upon what other for-credit opportunities they have, including their theses and practica). Theoretically a student could take 15 points a semester and graduate in 3, but I haven’t heard of or met anyone who has ever done that.</p>

<p>Presumably, you attend for the knowledge set, not for the degree by itself. Rushing through means that you won’t be able to seriously attend to the material. You might get the degree, but you’ll be less likely to retain what you’ve learned.</p>

<p>As for saving money, I thought most credit-based master’s programs charged by the credit, not by the semester, so taking extra courses crammed into fewer months doesn’t really save anything other than time. And surely that time will be miserably difficult.</p>

<p>Universities consider 12 credits for undergrads to be fulltime and 9 credits in grad school are fulltime. Grad school students often have funding jobs- teaching/research on top of those credits as well. Taking 12 credits per semeste rwould take 10, not 8 semesters to get 120 credits for an undergrad degree. By this logic taking more than 9 credits per semester seems to be needed to finish required grad coursework in a timely fashion. Also 18 undergrad credits is the most some schools allow without paying extra for undergrads, using this logic 50% more credits, or 14 credits would be an extreme grad school load. The 9-12 credits recommendation is logical.</p>

<p>Definitely pay attention to the above posters who talk about not rushing. The knowledge gained is why you are there, not just a piece of paper.</p>

<p>I don’t attend school for the knowledge I gain in the classroom (though perhaps you were talking about MS candidates). This is why I have been taking 3-4 classes a semester on top of being a full-time research assistant so that I can complete my coursework as fast as possible and work on research full-time. Frankly, I’m doing poorly in my classes because of this load, but I know that a 3.5 won’t matter too much as compared to maybe the 3.8 I would have if I had taken it slow.</p>

<p>Why aren’t you in it for the knowledge? You will find those that got the A’s learned more and will have an easier time of it taking the more advanced classes. Grad school is not about being a “jack of all trades and master of none”. However, just focussing on one area through your research will leave many gaps in your knowledge in your field. You will have to pass qualifiers in more than just your research field so take the time now to learn the material. Skipping the less interesting material in favor of doing what you are most interested in will hurt you in the long run. You need to be building a good foundation- that is why they have the requirements in schools. Undergrad life is too soon to superspecialize. It is no fun to learn all of the material presented but it does make it easier later on. Despite the fact that you are doing research it is at the undergrad level and expectations are not as high as for a grad student. You may be shocked at your poor knowledge base when the bar is set for the grad level. Of course if the nonA’s are in fields other than your major and B’s then it is good to have pushed yourself. Final thought- do you want to be well educated, or even consider yourself educated? Or are you in it for the job? You lead a much richer life if you take advantage of opportunities when you have them. You will never again get the chance to learn so much about so many different areas as you do as an undergrad. Years later the money spent now or the short extra year of your life spent won’t matter but the lost opportunities can’t be retrieved.</p>

<p>^ I see school as trying to absorb as much material as possible. That’s why taking 12-15 credits may sound demanding, but it is manageable. Plus, you get exposure to new ideas and perspectives.</p>

<p>I definitely graduated from undergrad with more credits than necessary. It was well worth it.</p>

<p>Business/professional school is different than other post graduate schooling.</p>

<p>Taking more undergraduate credit than is necessary is one thing. Taking 6-8 extra credits in graduate is quite another. </p>

<p>In graduate school, you are expected to use courses as springboards to more in-depth research/knowledge on your own. Many students make the mistake of believing grad school is merely a couple more years of undergraduate work, only more advanced. The type of learning and the expectations are entirely different.</p>

<p>bumping post because it comes up first in google results. sorry, but this may help someone else out</p>

<p>I am currently in a Masters program. I did my undergrad in computer science. I will not lie, I did not do my Bachelors degree for knowledge, for some college experience, etc. I did it as a means to get into grad school. I flunked out of the University of Texas in 1999 after half a semester and did not return to community college until i was 28 years old. I ended up dual enrolling in a community college and in my degree granting university, and completing the rest of my 3.75 years of college in about 2. I averaged 18 hours a semester, 12 hrs a summer, and because i was going to 2 schools at the same time, i actually got credit for 24 HRS my last semester of undergrad, however, only because i took 2 CLEP tests for history lol(there was no way i was taking 2 history classes and adding an extra semester to graduation . I made the lowest possible passing score on those tests without even studying, so i would say i payed enough attention in High School history. my gpa was 3.44</p>

<p>All that bragging about how good at school i am leads me to this point. I used undergrad as a means to get to where i wanted to be, graduate school. Now i take it very slow. Graduate school is nothing like undergrad. You dont learn things and memorize them and spit it out on an exam. You write papers, you do research, you use critical thinking. When your professor poses a question, you do not look it up in the index of a book, you actually use your brain for the first time in your schooling life. I only take 9 hrs MAX in grad school. sometimes 6. Graduate School is much more demanding. I did my undergrad at the same school i am doing grad work at, so its not because i am going to a harder school. It is largely the same teachers i had for undergrad classes.</p>

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A Complete Guide to College Credits for Graduation

College credits are units that measure the learning of students during their degrees. You may be wondering how many credits to graduate college are needed. In this article, we will determine how many hours you need to graduate college, along with other vital information like semester hours vs credit hours.

Let’s look at the credit hours required for different degree levels and subjects. Find out what transfer credits are and what schools accept transfer credits. Learn how many credits you need to graduate college, how many transfer credits colleges accept, and more. You can meet the education requirements for your degree and graduate with a strong academic record.

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What are college credits.

College credits are units that measure how much learning a student will complete during a college degree. Each course that you take has a specific number of credits assigned to it. Usually, each credit represents one hour of attendance in class and two hours of independent work each week.

Most college courses have three credits per class. During each three-credit course, students will spend three hours per week in the classroom listening to lectures and six hours per week completing assignments and studying independently.

Types of College Credits

There are a few different college credit types depending on different kinds of courses. You get elective credits, major credits, and general education credits. The course will award you a specific type of credit, and each degree program has specific college credit hour requirements. You will need a particular number of major, elective, and general education credits for graduation.

Area of Study

Area of study credits, also known as major credits, are credits earned through courses directly related to your major. A student’s major is the main subject they are studying during their degree programs, such as economics, engineering, or graphic design. Each degree has a specific number of credits you need to earn by taking major courses.

General Education

General education credits are aimed at giving students a broad knowledge of subjects such as mathematics, oral communication, and writing. Math courses, literature courses, and history courses will help students earn general education credits. Each university usually has a list of general education courses students can choose from.

Elective credits are earned through elective courses, which are courses that students can choose from. These elective courses will make up the additional credit hours needed to meet the graduation requirements. Taking easy electives can help you meet education requirements while getting a higher grade point average.

How Many Hours Do You Need to Graduate College?

You will need 120 credits to graduate college with a bachelor’s degree. You need to earn a specific number of credit hours depending on your degree program. Each degree level has a particular number of credits required for graduation. If you are pursuing an associate program, you need to earn approximately 60 credit hours.

For example, an Associate of Arts degree takes two years to complete, meaning students will need to earn 15 credits per semester. While completing a bachelor’s degree, students usually need to earn 120 course credits to qualify for graduation. Undergraduate degree programs typically require more credit hours than graduate degrees.

A student pursuing a master’s degree will need to earn 30 to 60 credits to reach degree completion. In comparison, doctoral degree credit requirements vary greatly and usually have between 30 to 90 credit hours. This depends on your major requirements and the type of program you’re enrolled in.

Semester Hours vs Credit Hours

Credit hours are the amount of credits a student will receive for the courses they are enrolled in. In comparison, semester hours are the number of credit hours students will earn and are enrolled in during a semester.

Some private and public institutions use these two terms interchangeably, so do your research and contact an advisor at your school of choice to understand the difference. Your credits can affect both your class schedule and your cumulative grade, so make sure you know what credits you’re getting.

How Many College Credits Is Full-Time?

Undergraduate college students need to be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credits per semester to be considered full-time students, according to the University of Nebraska Omaha. This rule applies to most colleges and universities, so do your research first.

Most full-time undergraduate students complete 12 to 15 credit hours per semester. Graduate students should be enrolled in at least nine credits per semester to be considered full-time students. These numbers will differ if you’re in summer classes or a specialized career field.

How Many College Credits Is Part-Time?

Students completing an undergraduate degree at a university or college must be enrolled in six credit hours per semester to be considered part-time. In contrast, graduate students usually must be enrolled in four credits each semester to qualify as part-time students. Completing a degree as a part-time student may take much longer than if you complete a full-time degree.

How Many Credits to Graduate College With an Associate Degree?

Each associate degree program has specific degree requirements to be able to graduate. Usually, an associate-level degree takes two years to complete and has 60 or more credit hours. Look at the table below of education credits required to graduate from an associate program in subjects like accounting, business administration, and computer science .

How Many Credits to Graduate College With a Bachelor’s Degree?

You will need to earn 120 credit hours or more during your bachelor’s degree to qualify for graduation. Each bachelor’s degree program has a specific amount of credit hours depending on the school and program requirements.

You can find particular credit requirements on each university’s official website. Read the table below of the credit requirements for an industrial design, economics, or artificial intelligence bachelor’s degree .

How Many Credits to Graduate College With a Master’s Degree?

The credit requirements for graduation from a master’s degree vary depending on the program. Most master’s degrees require 30 education credits or more to qualify for graduation. The list below will look at various master’s degrees in game development , advertising, and more. Read below to find out how many credits each program requires.

How Many Credits to Graduate College With a Doctorate Degree?

To graduate with a doctorate degree , you will need to earn around 30 education credits. A doctoral degree usually requires students to earn 30 or more academic credits to qualify for graduation, but special programs will differ in credit requirements.

Look at the detailed list below of different PhDs and their credit requirements. We will discuss how many credits you need to earn a PhD in Cyber Security and many more subjects. If your career goals include an advanced program like a doctoral degree, these credit requirements are important to look at.

What Are Transfer Credits?

Transfer credits are education credits students have earned during previous educational experiences in a different college or program. Students can transfer these credits to another university, which will count towards the minimum credit requirements of their degree or diploma at another higher education institution.

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Many colleges and universities accept transfer credits from transfer students, but some do not. Research transfer credit information on the school’s official website to determine whether it accepts transfer credits.

Colleges That Accept Transfer Credits

• Southern New Hampshire University . This highly reputable university allows transfer students to transfer up to 90 college credit hours. Southern New Hampshire University accepts transfer credits for both on-campus and online programs.
• University of Phoenix . Prospective students transferring to the University of Phoenix can transfer their credits as long as they have attended an accredited academic institution. Other students who have transferred credits to this postsecondary institution have saved between $5,000 and $12,000 on tuition.
• University of North Texas . Full-time students and part-time students at the University of North Texas can transfer up to 44 education credits. To transfer credits, there are also specific GPA requirements for students. Check the school’s official website to find out detailed transfer credit information.
• Saint Louis University . This four-year institution accepts college credits from other universities but requires students to have a grade of C or above to be eligible. Students can transfer an unlimited number of semester credits to Saint Louis University .
• Clemson University . Clemson University accepts transfer credits but requires students to submit their academic transcripts beforehand.

How Long Are College Credits Good For?

College credits are good for life and do not usually expire, although this can depend on the area of study. This is helpful for students who need to take breaks from studies for some reason or want to further their education later in their lives. However, several factors influence whether you can transfer your credits, such as the age of credits, their relevance, and the transfer policy of the school you choose to attend.

Do College Credits Expire?

No, college credits do not usually expire. However, certain credits may not be transferable for several reasons. Credits earned from courses in rapidly changing areas such as science, technology, engineering, and math, have a shelf life while general education courses do not. Reach out to the university or college of your choice to see how many of your credits earned are still usable.

How Many Credits Do You Need to Graduate College?

You will need between 30 and 180 credits to graduate college, depending on the degree level of your program and the subject. Each program is unique, and it’s up to you to determine how many credits are needed to graduate from the program.

Typically, undergraduate degrees consist of 60 to 180 credits, while graduate degrees require students to earn 30 to 90 credits to graduate. Make sure to do your research and become familiar with your chosen school’s credit transfer guidelines.

How Many Credits to Graduate College FAQ

Yes, you can complete a bachelor’s degree in less than four years if you have already completed an associate degree. This will allow you to transfer your credits earned during your associate degree to your bachelor’s degree. Transferring credits will save you time and money.

No, you cannot earn an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree without earning credits. However, many universities offer non-credit programs which will award you a certificate upon completion of the program.

Yes, online degrees will require the same credits as in-person degrees. The only differences between an online degree are that you will attend online classes, and it may take less or more time to finish depending on how much time you spend on your studies each week.

Yes, community colleges do accept transfer credits. Each community college has different transfer credit policies, so research these policies before transferring your credits.

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Even with reasonable tuition rates, financing a college education can be difficult, especially if you have other financial obligations. For more information on how you can meet your educational costs, visit CUNY’s Financial Aid for Graduate Studies website .

Graduate Student Tuition

Graduate fees, tuition for cuny graduate programs.

(Effective for Fall 2019)

Tuition for Advanced Certificates & Master’s degrees

Tuition for doctoral & juris doctor degrees.

*Tuition rates are subject to change.

Some programs charge additional fees, please check with the college’s Office of Graduate Admissions.

Fees – Graduate

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Costs Per Semester

Standard costs per semester, 2024-2025 academic year.

*These estimated amounts are used in determining financial aid eligibility. These items are not charged to the student account and actual student expenses will vary.

Financial Aid

Enrollment in 5 or more credits is required for financial aid eligibility . Financial aid applicants are offered financial aid to meet the billed expenses for tuition and fees, and an allowance to cover living expenses, etc.

**Mandatory Student Fees

Continuous registration.

This status is for graduate students who have completed all requirements of their program but, are still working on their thesis. Costs associated with continues registration status depends on the level of work that the student performs during the semester (full-time, half-time, or less-than-half-time enrollment equivalency).

Financial Aid for Continuous Registration

Financial aid applicants whose level of effort is at least half-time will be offered financial aid to meet the continuous registration fee, student senate fee, and to cover estimated living expenses, book, supplies, etc. Students whose level of effort is considered less-than-half-time are not eligible for aid.

Enrollment in Continuous Registration & Other Credits

Students who enroll in continuous registration along with other coursework at the same time will be billed tuition and fees for both the continuous registration and the additional enrolled credits. Financial aid eligibility will be based on the total enrollment.

Standard Costs Per Semester, 2023-2024 Academic Year

Mandatory student fees, programs of study with non-standard costs.

Select your program of study below.

Direct Entry Program in Nursing (DEPN) Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) Food Systems MS and PhD Master of Accountancy (MAcc) Master of Arts in History (MAHST) Master of Professional Studies in Leadership for Sustainability (MPS) Master of Public Administration (MPA) Master of Public Health (MPH) Master of Science - Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) Master of Science in Counseling Master of Science in Dietetics (MSD) Master of Science in Historic Preservation (MSHP) Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) Sustainable Innovation Master of Business Administration (SI-MBA) Certificate of Graduate Studies

What Else You Need to Know About Tuition & Fees

Vermont tuition rate vs. out-of-state tuition rate.

Residency status is determined when you are admitted to the university and generally remains the same throughout a student's UVM career.

Audited Courses

Tuition and fee charges are the same whether a course is taken as an audit or for credit.

Enrollment in Multiple Degree Programs

If you are enrolled in multiple degree programs simultaneously, standard tuition rates will apply to all courses (including specific approved special reduced tuition rate programs).

Accelerated Master's Programs

Students accepted into accelerated master's programs will continue to pay the standard undergraduate tuition rate until they have completed their undergraduate degree.

Enrollment Changes

• Your bill reflects the number of credits you were enrolled in when your bill was generated.  Enrollment changes will display on your next bill.
• Please take a moment to review the UVM tuition refund dates and policy .

Student Health Insurance

Health insurance is mandatory for graduate students enrolled in 9 or more credit hours.  Each year students must either elect to purchase the UVM Student Health Insurance Plan (UVM SHIP), or waive UVM SHIP by providing information about their current non-UVM insurance policy. More details about UVM SHIP are available at The Center for Health & Wellbeing Website .

UVM Health Fee

The UVM Health Fee is mandatory for students enrolled in 9 or more credits. For students enrolled in 9 or more credits, the UVM Health Fee is incorporated as part of the comprehensive fee. For students enrolled in Continuous Registration, the UVM Health Fee will be billed as a separate charge to the account if UVM SHIP is purchased.

Students enrolled in 5 to 8.99 credits who choose to purchase UVM SHIP will be billed the UVM Health Fee.

Mandatory Comprehensive Fee

The comprehensive fee is a fee paid by all students in support of programs and services that support student success and strengthen the University community. The Comprehensive Fee supports a wide range of services, including those that students have access to whether taking their courses on campus or through remote/online options. The Comprehensive Fee supports the University’s maintenance of critical academic, athletic, health, technology, and community infrastructure, as well as library resources, academic support services, online learning platforms, career counseling, student organizations, and more.

• Professional and Continuing Education Tuition and Fees

By the Numbers

37,367 UVM alumni live and work in Vermont (18,843 in Chittenden County), creating the “brain gain” for the state.

Admission Deadlines

Course Catalog | Liberty University

Academic information and policies.

​Jason Byrd , B.S., M.B.A. University Registrar

Lori Baker, B.S., M.A. Senior Associate Registrar for Student Services and Records Program Manager for Commencement

Jaime Velastegui, B.S., M.A. Assistant Registrar for Student Services and Records

Jason Suitt, B.S., M.Div. Assistant Registrar for Transfer Evaluations

Martin Granda, B.S., M.A. Assistant Registrar for Transfer Operations

Travis Hoegh Associate Registrar for Academic Operations

Amanda Collins, B.S. Assistant Registrar for Academic Curriculum

Clark Strawser, B.S., M.A.P.P. Assistant Registrar for Academic Operations

Tracy Godsey, B.S. Assistant Registrar for Academic Policy

​Ben Bailey , B.S., M.A.T.S. Assistant Registrar for Academic Support

Tom Calvert, B.S., M.A. Associate Registrar for Academic Success

Ashley Coleman, B.S., M.Ed. Assistant Registrar for Academic Success

Dina Johnston, B.S., M.A. Associate Registrar for Degree Conferral

Carrie Hodges , B.S., M.A.  Assistant Registrar for Graduate Degree Conferral

​Jess Clark , B.S., M.A. Assistant Registrar for Undergraduate Degree Conferral

​Allison Davis , B.A., M.A.  Associate Registrar, College of Osteopathic Medicine

​Brett Brenner , B.S., M.A.  Assistant Registrar, College of Osteopathic Medicine

​Carol Cordle   Associate Registrar, School of Law

Luke Gentala, B.S, M.A.R. University Ombudsman

Semester Credit System

The University operates on the semester system. The unit for counting credit is the semester hour. A semester hour of credit consists of the equivalent of one 50-minute period of class work for 15 weeks, with an assumption of two hours of outside preparation or two 50-minute periods of laboratory work for each semester hour. Online courses are equivalent to the number of classroom contact hours (750 minutes per credit hour) expected in a synchronous residential course.

Enrollment Verification

A student is enrolled when they are registered for a course and have attended the course and/or completed academic work for the course after its start date. For enrollment verification purposes, the University policy can be viewed in the  Policy Directory .

Semester Load and Overload

To ensure students are successful in their academic endeavors, the University has placed a limit on the maximum number of semester hours students are able to take.

Graduate, post-graduate, and doctoral students

• Master’s-level graduate students are considered to be full-time when enrolled in nine or more hours per semester. Post-graduate and doctoral students are considered full-time with a semester load of six or more semester hours.
• Graduate, post-graduate, and doctoral students have a maximum semester limit of 15 hours.
• Graduate, post-graduate, and doctoral students must have a Liberty University cumulative GPA of 3.5 or above to be eligible for overload up to 18 hours and above a 3.5 to be eligible for overload up to 21 hours.

Undergraduate students

• Undergraduate students are considered to be full-time with a semester load of 12 or more semester hours. 
• Undergraduate students have a maximum semester limit of 18 hours. 
• Undergraduate students must have a Liberty University cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above to be eligible for overload up to 21 credit hours, and a GPA of 3.5 or above to be eligible for overload up to 24 credit hours.

All students

Students must seek permission to take more than the maximum hours in a semester and will be required to pay additional tuition for each credit hour they take over the maximum semester limit.  Students may review potential overload charges by accessing this  chart  in the Academic Catalog or by contacting Student Financial Services to confirm the exact charges.

Certain degree programs may require a higher Liberty University cumulative GPA for approval. 

Due to financial aid regulations, if students use their semester overload to take courses outside their degree completion plan requirements, they should be advised that this could cause issues with their financial aid.  Students can check to see whether the course is required for their degree by reviewing the Degree Completion Plan Audit or by contacting their Academic Evaluator to confirm.

Students who want to request overload must secure permission from the Registrar’s Office and may seek this approval by submitting a request at  www.liberty.edu/overload .

Grades, Quality Points, and GPA

All work is graded by letters which are assigned quality points as indicated below:

A student’s cumulative GPA comprises all Liberty University coursework completed at the current academic level (Undergraduate, Graduate or Doctoral) regardless of prior degree conferral, broken enrollment or a program/major change. To determine the grade point average (GPA), the quality points earned are divided by GPA hours completed. GPA hours are hours that are used in the calculation of the GPA. The following grades are included in GPA hours: A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, D-, F, and FN. Grades of AU, I, IP, NF, NP, P, PR, Q, R, and W are not included in GPA hours. A grade of B, for example, in a course bearing three semester hours of credit would be assigned nine quality points and a grade of C in that course, six quality points. Thus, if a student takes 16 semester hours of work and earns 40 quality points, his GPA is 2.50 (40 quality points divided by 16 semester hours). Only courses taken at Liberty are used in computing the GPA. Cumulative GPA is calculated to the hundredths place and is not rounded.

Grading Scales

Liberty University incorporates a standardized 1,000-point system across all undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. The undergraduate programs utilize a 100-point scale, and the graduate and doctoral programs utilize an 80-point scale to differentiate between letter grades. The grading scale will be posted within the syllabus for each course. Students are encouraged to review the syllabus for each course individually to verify the grade scale.

Student Classification

The classification of students at Liberty is based on their degree level and number of earned semester hours.

Advisors and Course Selection

Each resident student will be assigned a faculty advisor upon acceptance to the University. The advisors will guide students in course selection. All questions concerning academic issues should be directed to the advisors. Students are encouraged to contact their advisors for help with any school-related problems they may encounter during the academic year.

Liberty University Online will assist online students throughout their studies. Liberty University Online serves to guide students in their course selection as well as help answer questions regarding academic issues or school-related problems.

Course Planning

A course planning schedule is provided in order for students to plan their classes for upcoming semesters. The planning schedule presents every class offered and the terms where it is scheduled to be taught. This schedule is sorted alphabetically by class. The course planning schedule is available online at: https://www.liberty.edu/registrar/course-planning-schedule/ .

Transfer of Credits

Only courses and degrees from institutions accredited by agencies recognized by the Department of Education will be evaluated for transfer credit (e.g., SACSCOC, TRACS, ABHE, etc.). Applicants must request official transcripts to be sent directly from the Registrar(s) of the previous school(s) to the Offices of Graduate Admissions. These transcripts must be received before an admission decision will be made. Credits transferred from other institutions are awarded grades of P for Pass, and do not impact a student’s Liberty University GPA or academic standing.

In order to receive direct credit for a course, the description must overlap the Liberty University course content at least 80%. Courses that do not match a Liberty University course by at least 80% are eligible to transfer as elective credit where allowable. Elective credit is coded as 5XX to 9XX, depending on the level of the course.

Course work from a degree on the same academic level previously earned through Liberty University is considered transfer credit, and is subject to the same restrictions as course work completed through other institutions.

See additional information about the evaluation of graduate transfer in the Graduate Admissions Section.

Experiential Learning Credit

In order to demonstrate they have met the learning outcomes of a course, students who have already applied to Liberty University may submit an Experience Plus portfolio. Students are responsible for identifying the courses for which they intend to show equivalency, but they are encouraged to first make sure that their program does not involve any kind of licensure or other certifications that are received from state or other government entities or military branches as these circumstances prevent a student from going through this process. The portfolio review requires a nonrefundable $100 assessment fee. Students seeking credit for more than one course must submit a separate portfolio per course for which credit is requested. A maximum of 50% of experiential learning credits can be awarded and applied toward a graduate degree at Liberty University.

The Portfolio Guidelines are as follows:

• Students must be accepted into a program at Liberty University.
• Prepare a portfolio(s) using the guidelines established at  http://www.liberty.edu/online/credit-experience-by-portfolio .
• Portfolios will be evaluated by appropriately credentialed faculty to determine if credit can be awarded for life experiences. Students are not guaranteed credit for these experiences.
• Portfolios may not be submitted for internships, practica, dissertations, thesis courses, or other courses that are identified as non-transferrable.
• The hours awarded are counted as transfer hours and are not considered as hours earned at Liberty University. These credits will not be applied to a student’s GPA calculation.
• Credit earned through this process will not be counted toward the required minimum institutional credits that must be completed through Liberty University for a graduate degree.

Military Evaluations

Liberty University will evaluate students’ prior military experience and develop a degree plan for each student to follow. Evaluations will be based solely upon the recommendations of the American Council of Education (ACE) guidebook,  A Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services . Military applicants should send in military transcripts or documentation from their particular branch of service. If those documents are unavailable, applicants should submit a copy of their DD214, 2-1, 2A, or DD295 for evaluation.

Outgoing Transfer Credit  

Transferability of credit earned through Liberty University is at the discretion of the receiving institution.

Priority Registration for Residential Military Students

All residential students who have verified their status as a current military service member or veteran will be assigned a unique PIN number before registration opens each semester. The PIN will be emailed to students and allow access to course registration on the early registration date associated with Special Groups. More information about the specific dates in the registration schedule will be posted on the Registrar's Course Registration web page each semester.

Online Course Registration, Activation, and Completion Dates

Online students may register for courses online via the Course Registration Tool at the following link: https://www.liberty.edu/registrar/course-registration/ . A student’s enrollment period (course activation) begins the first day of the sub-term, provided the student is in good academic standing and has paid the tuition or secured financial aid approval. Students are encouraged to allow sufficient time to review their course materials before the beginning of the sub-term. See the University calendar for sub-term dates.

The full policy statement and procedures are published in the  Policy Directory .

Online Course Materials

Online students must purchase all course materials from MBS Direct. Materials for some practicums and intensives may be purchased from the University Bookstore. Students should purchase materials after registration but prior to the sub-term begin date (course activation). Liberty does not guarantee that required course materials will be available after the sub-term activation date. Tuition does not cover the cost of course materials.

Class Attendance

Regular attendance in courses is expected throughout the length of the term. The U.S. Department of Education requires that every university monitor the attendance of their students.

The full policy statement and procedures are published in the Policy Directory online at https://wiki.os.liberty.edu/display/IE/Class+Attendance+Graduate .

Class Cancellation Policy

From time to time, it may be necessary to cancel a class because of insufficient enrollment or other extenuating circumstances. The decision for such a cancellation is ultimately that of the Provost of the University. The full policy and procedures are published in the  Policy Directory .

Late Assignment Policy for Residential Courses

Course assignment should be completed on time. If the student is unable to complete an assignment on time, then he or she must contact the instructor prior to the assignment due date.

The full policy and procedures are published in the  Policy Directory .

Late Assignment Policy for Online Courses

Course assignments, including discussion boards, exams, and other graded assignments, should be submitted on time.

If the student is unable to complete an assignment on time, he/she must contact the instructor immediately by email.

Assignments that are submitted after the due date without prior approval from the instructor will receive the following deductions:

• Late assignments submitted within one week of the due date will receive up to a 10% deduction.
• Assignments submitted more than one week and less than two weeks late will receive up to a 20% deduction.
• Assignments submitted two weeks late or more or after the final date of the class will not be accepted outside of special circumstances (e.g., death in the family, significant personal health issues), which will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the instructor.
• Group projects, including group discussion board threads and/or replies, and assignments will not be accepted after the due date outside of special circumstances (e.g., death in the family, significant personal health issues) will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the instructor.

Course Audits

Students who wish to audit an online course may do so for a fee (see Expenses and Financial Policy section). Audit fees are not covered in block-rate tuition, and audited courses will not be used to determine full- or part-time status. Auditors will not be expected to take quizzes or examinations. A grade of AU will be recorded on the auditor’s permanent record.

Audited courses will not count toward graduation requirements.

Resident Students

Course audits may not be added via the Course Registration Tool, but must be requested in person at the Registrar’s Office. Requests to audit a residential course will only be accepted during add/drop week (or the week before the start of a summer term for summer courses). Audit requests for residential courses will be processed and added on the last day of the add/drop period, pending seat availability. A student wishing to change from credit to audit status for a course may only do so until the last day of the add/drop period. Requests to change to or from audit status after the add/drop period will be denied. Lecture-only courses may be audited. Courses considered lecture/lab, labs, private instruction, etc. may not be audited.

Online Students

Course audits may not be added via the Course Registration Tool, but must be requested by emailing the Registrar’s Office at [email protected] . Requests to audit an online course will only be accepted during the registration timeframes before a term starts.  Audit requests for online courses will be processed and added, pending availability. A student wishing to change from credit to audit status for a course may only do so until the last day of the registration deadline. Requests to change to or from audit status after the registration deadline will be denied.  Courses considered lecture/lab, labs, private instruction, etc. may not be audited.

Academic Standing

Students must maintain satisfactory academic standing to remain at Liberty.

Academic standing is calculated at the end of each Fall and Spring term, or upon completion of all courses within a term, and is based on the student's cumulative GPA. At the discretion of the Registrar’s Office, a student may have his/her standing updated to good standing after completion of all courses in the Summer term. Please refer to the end of this sub-section for a chart listing the cumulative GPA’s required for good academic standing for all current degree programs.

A student’s cumulative GPA comprises all coursework completed at the current academic level (Undergraduate, Graduate or Doctoral) regardless of prior degree conferral, broken enrollment or a program/major change.

Academic Warning

Students failing to attain and maintain the cumulative GPA required for good academic standing in their degree program will be placed on Academic Warning . Students on Academic Warning will be required to take GRST 501 Graduate Success Strategies (0 c.h.) in their next semester of enrollment, unless they have already taken and passed the course.

Academic Probation

At the end of the term on Academic Warning, students who fail to raise their cumulative GPA to the required level will be placed on Academic Probation . Students on Academic Probation will be required to take GRST 501 Graduate Success Strategies (0 c.h.) in their next semester of enrollment, unless they have already taken and passed the course.

Additionally, students who are enrolled full-time and fail all courses will be placed on Academic Probation, unless they were previously on Academic Probation or Academic Suspension. Students who are enrolled full-time and fail all courses while on Academic Probation or Suspension will progress to the next academic standing level.

Academic Suspension

At the end of the term on Academic Probation, students who fail to raise their cumulative GPA to the required academic level will be placed on Academic Suspension .

All graduate and doctoral students, both residential and online, who desire to return to Liberty in the future must appeal to the Registrar’s Office in writing through the designated portal. Appeals will be considered by the academic department. If the student’s appeal is approved, an Academic Contract will be formulated. The student must agree in writing to abide by the terms of the Contract before being permitted to register for courses.

Academic Dismissal

Students who fail to raise their cumulative GPA to the required academic level (see above) by the end of the subsequent term and/or who fail to meet the terms of their Academic Contract will be Academically Dismissed and will not be allowed to appeal to return to Liberty unless a period of at least two academic years has passed.

When academic standing is updated, students on Academic Warning , Probation , Suspension , and Dismissal will be sent a notification by the Registrar’s Office.

Students on Academic Suspension or Academic Dismissal are not eligible for admission as Special (non-degree-seeking) Students.

Academic Standing GPA Chart

• Advanced Graduate Certificates - ALL (excluding Executive & Post-Graduate Certificates)
• Graduate Certificates - ALL (excluding the Graduate Certificate in Epidemiology)
• Master of Arts in Applied Ministry (MA)
• Master of Arts in Biblical Exposition (MA)
• Master of Arts in Biblical Languages - 36- & 45-hour (MA)
• Master of Arts in Chaplaincy (MA)
• Master of Arts in Christian Ministry (MACM)
• Master of Arts in Church Planting (MA)
• Master of Arts in Educational Ministries (MA)
• Master of Arts in Humanitarian Action & Human Rights (MA)
• Master of Arts in Religion (MAR)
• Master of Arts in Sports Chaplaincy (MA)
• Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MATS)
• Master of Arts in Worship Studies (MA)
• Master of Divinity (MDiv)
• Master of Divinity-Chaplaincy – 72-hour (MDiv) 1
• Master of Divinity-Chaplaincy – 75-hour (MDiv) 1
• Master of Divinity-Chaplaincy – 93-hour (MDiv) 1
• Master of Divinity in Professional Chaplaincy (MDiv)
• Master of Religious Education (MRE)
• Master of Arts in Executive Leadership (MA)
• Master of Arts in Human Services (MA) 1
• Master of Arts in Human Services Counseling (MA)
• Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Research (MA)
• Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (MA)
• Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling (MA)
• Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction (MEd)
• Master of Education in Teaching & Learning (MEd) 1
• Master of Education in Higher Education (MEd)
• Advanced Standing Master of Social Work (MSW)
• Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
• Doctor of Business Administration - project (DBA) - students admitted for Fall 2020 forward 1
• Doctor of Criminal Justice (DCJ)
• Doctor of Education in Administration & Supervision (EdD)
• Doctor of Education in Christian Leadership (EdD) - 54-hour
• Doctor of Education in Christian Leadership (EdD) - 60-hour 1
• Doctor of Education in Community Care & Counseling (EdD)
• Doctor of Education in Curriculum & Instruction - 54-hour (EdD)
• Doctor of Education in Curriculum & Instruction - 60-hour (EdD) 1
• Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership - 54-hour (EdD)
• Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership - 60-hour (EdD) 1
• Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration (EdD)
• Doctor of Education in Instructional Design & Technology (EdD)
• Doctor of Education in School Administration & Supervision (EdD) 1
• Doctor of Education in Special Education (EdD)
• Doctor of Health Sciences (DHSc)
• Doctor of Law and Policy (DLP)
• Doctor of Ministry (DMin)
• Doctor of Music Education (DME)
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Advanced Educational Studies (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Apologetics (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Anatomy & Cell Biology (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Aviation (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Bible Exposition (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical Studies (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Christian Leadership (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Christian Worship (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Communication (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling (PhD) 1
• Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education & Supervision (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Education (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Research (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education Administration (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in History (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Organization & Management (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Practical Theology (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Public Policy (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Strategic Media (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Theological Studies (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Theology & Apologetics (PhD)
• Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD)
• Doctor of Public Administration (DPA)
• Doctor of Strategic Leadership (DSL)
• Doctor of Worship Studies (DWS)
• Education Specialist in Administration & Supervision (EdS)
• Education Specialist in Community Care & Counseling (EdS)
• Education Specialist in Curriculum & Instruction (EdS)
• Education Specialist in Educational Leadership (EdS)
• Education Specialist in Educational Research (EdS)
• Education Specialist in Higher Education Administration (EdS)
• Education Specialist in Instructional Design & Technology (EdS)
• Education Specialist in School Administration & Supervision (EdS) 1
• Education Specialist in Special Education (EdS)
• Executive Certificates - ALL
• Graduate Certificate in Epidemiology
• Juris Master (JM)
• Juris Master in American Legal Studies (JM)
• Juris Master in International Legal Studies (JM)
• Master of Arts in Addiction Counseling (MA)
• Master of Arts in Applied Industrial/Organizational Psychology (MA) 1    
• Master of Arts in Applied Psychology (MA)
• Master of Arts in Biblical Studies (MABS)
• Master of Arts in Christian Apologetics (MA)
• Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MA)
• Master of Arts in Communication (MA)
• Master of Arts in Composition (MA)
• Master of Arts in Digital Content (MA)
• Master of Arts in Educational Studies (MA)
• Master of Arts in English (MA)
• Master of Arts in Ethnomusicology (MA)
• Master of Arts in Geography (MA)
• Master of Arts in Global Studies (MAGS)
• Master of Arts in History (MA)
• Master of Arts in History - Comprehensive (MA) 1
• Master of Arts in Human-Centered Design (MA)
• Master of Arts in Linguistics (MA)
• Master of Arts in Literature (MA)
• Master of Arts in Marriage & Family Counseling (MA)
• Master of Arts in Marriage & Family Therapy (MA)
• Master of Arts in Medical Sciences (MA)
• Master of Arts in Military Operations (MA)
• Master of Arts in Music & Worship (MA)
• Master of Arts in Music Education (MA)
• Master of Arts in Professional Communication (MA)
• Master of Arts in Professional Counseling - 60-hour (MA) 1
• Master of Arts in Professional Writing (MA)
• Master of Arts in Promotion & Video Content (MA) 1
• Master of Arts in Public History (MA)
• Master of Arts in Public Policy (MAPP)
• Master of Arts in Strategic Communication (MA)
• Master of Arts in Teaching - 36- & 45-hour options (MAT)
• Master of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education Curriculum (MAT) / Education Specialist in School Curriculum & Instructional Planning (EdS)  dual degree
• Master of Arts in Teaching in Middle Education Curriculum (MAT) / Education Specialist in School Curriculum & Instructional Planning (EdS)  dual degree
• Master of Arts in Teaching in Secondary Education Curriculum (MAT) / Education Specialist in School Curriculum & Instructional Planning (EdS)  dual degree
• Master of Arts in Teaching English as a Second Language (MA)
• Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education - 36- & 45-hour options (MAT)
• Master of Arts in Visual Communication Design (MA)
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Master of Education (MEd)
• Master of Education in School Counseling (MEd)
• Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing (MFA)
• Master of Fine Arts in Digital Media Production (MFA)
• Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design (MFA)
• Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art (MFA)
• Master of Laws in International Legal Studies (LLM)
• Master of Music in Performance (MM)
• Master of Nonprofit Management (MNM)
• Master of Public Administration (MPA)
• Master of Public Health (MPH)
• Master of Science in Accounting (MS)
• Master of Science in Aeronautics (MS)
• Master of Science in Athletic Training (MS)
• Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences (MS)
• Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MS)
• Master of Science in Cyber Security (MS)
• Master of Science in Engineering (MS)
• Master of Science in Engineering Management (MS)
• Master of Science in Exercise Science & Wellness (MS)
• Master of Science in Finance (MS)
• Master of Science in Geographic Information Systems (MS)
• Master of Science in Healthcare Administration - 42- & 48-hour options (MS)
• Master of Science in Health Informatics (MSHI)
• Master of Science in Homeland Security & Disaster Management (MS)
• Master of Science in Human Biology (MS)
• Master of Science in Human Performance (MS)
• Master of Science in Human Resource Management (MS)
• Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS)
• Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT)
• Master of Science in International Relations (MS)
• Master of Science in Marketing (MS)
• Master of Science in National Security (MS)
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)/Master of Business Administration (MBA) – dual degree
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)/Master of Science in Healthcare Administration (MS) – dual degree
• Master of Science in Nutrition (MS)
• Master of Science in Political Science (MS)
• Master of Science in Project Management (MS)
• Master of Science in Psychology (MS)
• Master of Science in Public Safety (MS)
• Master of Science in Social Media Management (MS)
• Master of Science in Sport Management (MS)
• Master of Social Work - Advanced Generalist (MSW)
• Master of Theology (ThM)
• Post-Graduate Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
• Doctor of Business Administration - dissertation (DBA) 1
• Doctor of Business Administration - project (DBA) - students admitted prior to Fall 2020 1

Degree program is no longer offered for new and re-applying students

Academic Amnesty

Students Academically Suspended or Academically Dismissed from Liberty University may appeal for readmission under Academic Amnesty per the following protocols:

• The student must not have been enrolled at the University for a period of two (2) years. (Example:  If the student’s last enrollment was in the Fall 2023 term, he/she would not eligible to appeal for Academic Amnesty until after the Fall 2025 term.)
• the circumstances which contributed to the academic performance which resulted in the student’s Academic Suspension or Dismissal and
• why the student’s present circumstances are more conducive to improved academic performance if permitted to resume his/her studies.
• Corroboration may be requested of the student (e.g., transcripts from other institutions, certificates, awards).
• Students who were Academically Dismissed because of academic dishonesty are not eligible for Academic Amnesty.

The Registrar’s Office, upon reviewing the written appeal, must receive approval from Community Life and the academic department indicating the student is eligible for readmission.

If the student is approved by Community Life and the academic department, the Registrar’s Office will submit the appeal for Academic Amnesty for review by the Office of the Provost.

If the student’s appeal is approved, the grades will be revised as follows, and as determined by the Office of the Provost:

• Programs with a graduation GPA of 2.50, 3.00, or 3.25: Grades of C, D and F (including +/- grades) will be revised to Q and will no longer be included in the calculation of the student’s cumulative GPA. Grades of A and B (including +/- grades) will not be revised and will continue to be included in the calculation of the student’s cumulative GPA.
• Programs with a 2.00 graduation GPA: Grades of D and F (including +/- grades) will be revised to Q and will no longer be included in the calculation of the student’s cumulative GPA. Grades of A, B, and C (including +/- grades) will not be revised and will continue to be included in the calculation of the student’s cumulative GPA.
• Students who have been granted Academic Amnesty are not eligible for graduation honors.

If any prior certificate or degree has been awarded through Liberty University, grades earned during that time cannot be excluded when Academic Amnesty is applied. All grades earned toward a previously awarded certificate or conferred degree will remain on the student’s transcript.

Once the approved student’s grades have been revised, he/she is eligible to apply for readmission. If the student meets all other applicable admission requirements, he/she will be readmitted on Academic Caution.

If the student desires to pursue a degree program that is different than the one for which he/she was approved for Academic Amnesty, he/she must submit a new appeal to the Associate Registrar for Academic Success, who in turn will submit the appeal to the Associate Dean over the student’s desired program.

All previously assigned academic standings will not change and will remain part of the student’s academic records for the respective terms for which they were earned.

If, after the first term of enrollment following readmission, the student’s cumulative GPA falls below the minimum cumulative GPA required for good academic standing in the student’s degree program, the student will be Academically Dismissed, and will not be permitted to submit any further appeals for permission to continue his/her studies through Liberty University.

If the Office of the Provost denies the student’s appeal, that decision will be final. The student will not be permitted to resume the pursuit of any Graduate or Doctoral degree through Liberty University.

Course Substitutions

A Course Substitution request may be made when a student wishes to substitute one course for another required course when a clear relationship exists between the two. This request may also be used when an academic department approves a complete replacement for a Liberty course requirement. Students requesting these exceptions must submit a “Course Substitution Request” through the Transfer Suite portal for review. Approval of the course substitution is under the oversight of the Registrar’s Office and the academic department presiding over the required course. Please note that an approved substitution will apply toward the degree requirement(s), but will not change the course number on the student’s transcript. Changing programs or breaking enrollment may invalidate the request.

Multiple Degrees

Credit from a degree completed through Liberty University may be applied toward a second degree of the same academic level (e.g., master’s) earned through Liberty. The number of credits allowed to be applied toward the second degree may not exceed the maximum number of transfer credit for that degree as listed on the Transfer Credit Matrix .

In cases where the two degrees shared required courses in excess of the maximum amount of transfer credits allowed for the second degree, the student must take additional courses and use them as substitutions for the shared courses.

Any established exceptions to this policy will be noted either in the Transfer Credit Matrix and/or in the pertinent college/school section(s) elsewhere in this Catalog.

Dual Cognates or Concentrations

Students may not earn a degree with two or more cognates or concentrations (e.g., a Master of Arts in Human Services Counseling with cognates in Business and Executive Leadership). Any exception to this policy for an individual degree program will be noted in the Catalog information pertaining to that program.

Students who have graduated with a degree may not apply for admission to pursue the same degree with a different cognate/concentration (example: a student who has earned a Master of Divinity [MDiv] degree with a cognate in Biblical Studies may not apply for admission to pursue a second MDiv with a cognate in Church History).

Change of Program

All requests to change degree programs, majors, cognates, and concentrations must be submitted through the online form by accessing  https://www.liberty.edu/registrar/change-of-major-or-minor/ for resident students and Liberty University Online Academic Advising for online students. The student will be placed on the Degree Completion Plan (DCP) or Certificate Completion Plan (CCP) in effect for the term for which the request is processed. All requests for a change of major will be processed by the Registrar’s Office upon receipt and will be effective the following full term of enrollment.

Any Master of Business Administration (MBA) student seeking multiple cognates is required to complete all requirements for all cognates before his/her degree will be conferred. Changes to the degree will not be permitted once the student is in final courses for the current semester and the Degree Completion Application is on file. The Registrar’s Office will process the conferral of a degree once all degree requirements have been met, including the minimum GPA requirement and Degree Completion Application.

A student must be admitted to a degree program before he/she may matriculate in that program.

Dropping/Adding Courses

Changes are discouraged after a student and advisor have arranged the student’s schedule for the semester.

Residential students desiring to take a Liberty University Online course must enroll in the course during the registration period. The course must be completed by the last day of the sub-term unless an extension is granted.

Remember: Any change in status (e.g., from full-time to part-time, etc.) may cause the reduction or cancellation of your financial aid award. In other words, your out-of-pocket expenses may increase.

Online students may drop a course for a full refund, any time prior to the sub-term start date.

The full policy statement for online students who are seeking to add or drop online courses are published in the  Policy Directory .

Course Repeat Policy

Students who want to repeat a course taken at Liberty and have the lower grade removed from the cumulative GPA must satisfy each of the following guidelines:

• All Master's-level programs will allow the repeat policy to be applied for a maximum of nine hours or three courses of repeated course work, with the exception of Master of Divinity programs, which will allow the repeat policy to be applied for a maximum of fifteen hours or five courses of repeated course work.
• All post-Master's and Doctoral programs will allow the repeat policy to be applied for a maximum of three hours or one course of repeated course work.
• All Graduate (including Advanced Graduate, Executive, and Post Graduate) Certificates will allow the repeat policy to be applied for a maximum of three hours or one course of repeated course work.
• For Special (aka non-degree-seeking) students, the repeat policy may be applied for a maximum of three hours or one course of repeated course work.
• Both the original course and the repeat of the course must be taken at Liberty University in order to activate the policy.
• The repeat policy may be applied for the following grades: A, B, C, D, F, FN, P, NP, or PR  (including+/- grades).
• The repeat policy may not be applied for the following grades: AU, I, NF, Q, or W.
• The higher grade, whether it is the original grade or the repeat grade, will apply toward the cumulative GPA.
• When a course is repeated, the lower grade will be followed on the student's transcript by the letter "A," which will indicate that the lower grade has been excluded from the earned hours, but is still included in the GPA hours, quality points, and the computation of the cumulative GPA. The lower grade will also remain on the student's transcript as attempted hours.
• The higher grade will be followed by the letter "I," which will indicate that the higher grade will be included in the earned hours, GPA hours, quality points, and the computation of the cumulative GPA.
• Once the repeat policy has been applied, the letter "A" following the lower grade is replaced by the letter "E," which indicates that the lower grade is excluded from the earned hours, GPA hours, quality points, and the computation of the cumulative GPA. However, the lower grade will remain on the student's transcript as attempted hours.
• This policy is retroactive to include any course taken at Liberty University.
• Use of the repeat policy for a prior semester will not affect the academic standing for that semester.
• Once a student has a conferred degree, the Graduate repeat policy may not be used on a course taken prior to degree conferral to improve the cumulative GPA which was recorded at the time of degree conferral.  The repeat of a course after degree conferral could, however, be used to improve the student's overall Graduate or Doctoral GPA at Liberty, provided the student has not already used the repeat policy for the maximum allowed number of hours/courses.
• If a student has earned a degree, and goes on to pursue a second degree, any use of the repeat policy in the pursuit of the first degree will not count toward the total number of uses of the repeat policy allowed under the second degree.
• If a student is pursuing a degree, and changes to another degree without completing the first degree, any use of the repeat policy in pursuit of the first degree will count toward the total number of uses of the repeat policy allowed under the second degree, even if the first degree, or course work completed in the pursuit of the first degree, are in a different discipline than the second degree.
• Any approved exception to this policy pertaining to a specific degree program will be stated in this Catalog in the Graduation Requirements information for that degree program.

Independent Study / Directed Research

A request for an independent study or directed research course will need to be initiated in the  Independent Study and Directed Research Form  prior to the semester or sub-term the student will be taking the course. Once the form is submitted it will be sent to the department chair, followed by the dean, and lastly the Office of the Provost for approval. If all three parties approve, the request will be sent to the Registrar’s office to create the approved course and proceed with registration, provided there are no holds or errors that prevent it. Once the course is registered, all standard registration policies will apply.

Students are responsible to verify their registrations are degree-required. If all degree requirements have been met, the student's degree will be conferred.

Students should contact the academic department that oversees their degree program to determine whether completing a course via an independent study or directed research would be the best option for them.

More information can be found at the following link:  https://www.liberty.edu/registrar/independent-study-directed-research-courses/ .

Incompletes

Students who are unable to complete coursework by the last day of class due to unavoidable circumstances such as personal illness/injury or family emergencies may appeal to their instructor for a temporary course grade of “I” (Incomplete). The authority for the decision to grant an incomplete completely lies with the instructor. Denial of the request for an incomplete may include, but is not limited to, the student’s inability to earn a passing grade with completion of the remaining requirements, as well as an insufficient reason for the request. Students must initiate the request for an incomplete directly to the instructor by the last day of class (before the final exam period for residential classes).

The instructor will establish a new deadline for the completion of the remaining coursework, based on the circumstances. The instructor may grant up to two weeks beyond the last day of the term (or sub-term for Liberty University Online courses) for non-medical circumstances and up to four weeks beyond the last day of the term (or sub-term for Liberty University Online courses) for personal medical circumstances.

For extreme personal medical circumstances, a maximum of eight weeks for Liberty University Online courses and 16 weeks for residential courses may be given as long as sufficient medical documentation (from a medical professional) is presented along with the request. However, while the decision to grant an extended incomplete remains with the instructor, the request and medical documentation needs to be submitted to the Registrar’s Office. The instructor will be responsible to communicate the remaining requirements, as well as the extended deadline, to the student.

The instructor will post a final grade within two weeks from the deadline established for the incomplete. If a final grade is not posted within two weeks of the deadline, a grade of “F” will be posted by the Registrar’s Office. A grade of “I” can be changed to a withdrawal as long as the withdrawal is requested by the student within official course dates.

The GPA is unaffected by the incomplete until a final grade is posted after the deadline. However, grades of “I” will count as hours attempted and not completed and will negatively affect a student’s Satisfactory Academic Progress.

Note:  For undergraduate students in the School of Aeronautics, Incompletes for Online flight courses are subject to the Incomplete Policy outlined in the most current revision of the Flight Training Affiliate Student Handbook.

Military Incompletes

Military service members are eligible for a military incomplete, for coursework that they are unable to complete on time, due to deployments, extended cruises, unit operational tempo, or other duty-related extenuating circumstances. To obtain an incomplete, a military student must send either a current copy of official military orders (as proof of professional conflict during enrollment in the course) or a signed letter on official letterhead from the student’s commander or supervisor. Incomplete requests and supporting documents should be emailed to the professor. Please Note: Incompletes must be secured no later than 2 weeks prior to the course end date. 

Extensions may be requested from the professor and students may be granted up to 4 weeks in extreme circumstances but should typically remain in a 2-3 week time-frame to stay within compliance for grade reporting policies with the Department of Defense. Students can request a military withdrawal only up to the original end date of the course. Once the original end date of the course has passed, students will not be able to request a withdrawal for any reason. Professors should use discernment when reviewing military documentation to avoid awarding an incomplete to a student who will not feasibly be able to complete the course.  Military students should notify their military education office of a course incomplete if they are using Tuition Assistance. 

The Office of Military Affairs is available to help professors review military orders, as needed, phone: (434) 592-5990, fax: (434) 455-1287, email: [email protected] .

Grade Appeals

Liberty encourages students to have open and respectful communication with their instructors to resolve any concerns regarding individual course assignment grades and/or the final grade for the course.

Criteria for Appeal:

Students may appeal a final grade within 30 days of the end of the class. Only final posted grades may be appealed. Individual assignment grades may not be appealed under this Policy. Questions regarding individual assignment grades should be directed to the instructor.

Appeals are accepted for review only on one or more of the following three ground(s):

• When the final grade assigned does not comport with the published grading rubrics for the course assignments
• When the final grade assigned conflicts with written communication (e.g., email, announcements, etc.)
• When there is a calculation error on an assignment, leading to an incorrect final grade

Appeals, other than those asserted on one or more of the ground(s) above, will not be reviewed. The student must provide written documentation that supports his/her specified ground(s) for appeal. Documentation may be in the form of email correspondence, graded assignments, proof of timely submission, etc. After submitting the appeal, if additional information is needed to process the appeal, the student will be notified via the complaint/appeal portal.  If the student does not respond to the request for additional information, the appeal will be denied. 

Appeal Process:

A student dissatisfied with his/her final grade should first seek to resolve the situation with the instructor. However, if the student wishes to appeal the final grade under this Policy, the student must follow the process outlined below:

• Within 30 calendar days of the end of the class, the student may submit a written appeal that will be reviewed by the Program Director/Chair (or designated reviewer). The student should submit his/her appeal through the grade appeal form found on the Beacon complaint/appeal portal ( www.liberty.edu/beacon ). The student must include the information required above, including the ground(s) for the appeal and documentation supporting the claimed ground(s). The instructor will also be notified of the appeal and will be able to provide pertinent documentation, prior to the Program Director/Chair (or designated reviewer) rendering his/her decision. The Program Director/Chair (or designated reviewer) will have 7 days to review the appeal from the time of submission. When the review is complete, the student will be notified of the decision via his/her Liberty Webmail and the appeal portal.
• If the student is dissatisfied with the Program Director/Chair’s (or designated reviewer’s) decision and the student has additional support for his/her appeal, the student may re-appeal (second-level appeal) to the Associate Dean (or designated reviewer) through the appeal portal after receiving the decision of the Program Director/Chair (or designated reviewer). The student’s written re-appeal and additional supporting documentation must be submitted within 7 days of the Program Director/Chair’s (or designated reviewer’s) decision. The Associate Dean (or designated reviewer) will review the student's re-appeal, as well as any information provided by the instructor. The Associate Dean (or designated reviewer) will have 7 days to review the re-appeal from the time of submission. When the review is complete, the student will be notified of the re-appeal decision via his/her Liberty Webmail and the appeal portal.
• If the student is dissatisfied with second-level appeal decision and has additional support for his/her appeal, the student may re-appeal (third level appeal) to the Dean (or designated reviewer), through the appeal portal after receiving the decision of the Associate Dean (or designated reviewer). This written re-appeal and additional supporting documentation must be submitted within 7 days of the Associate Dean’s (or designated reviewer’s) decision. The Dean (or designated reviewer) will review the student's re-appeal, as well as any information provided by the instructor. The Dean (or designated reviewer) will have 7 days from the time of submission to review the re-appeal. When the review is complete, the student will be notified of the decision via his/her Liberty Webmail and the appeal portal. The Dean’s (or designated reviewer’s) decision on a third level appeal is final.

Grade appeals that are submitted using the student complaint form will be converted to the grade appeal form and reviewed according to this Policy.

Appealing an approved decision within the published timeframe may require use of the student complaint form.

The following are not able to be appealed through the grade appeal Policy/Process:

• Appeals of grades of FN, NF, W, I, IP, R, Q, P, or A. 
• Academic misconduct appeals.  For information about how to submit an academic misconduct appeal, see https://www.liberty.edu/students/community-life/academic-misconduct/
• Potential Scrivener’s Errors (e.g., typographical) identified outside of the 30-day appeal period. For information about reporting a potential Scrivener’s Error, see www.liberty.edu/ferpa/

Withdrawal from Liberty University

Remember : Any change in status (e.g., from full-time to part-time, etc.) may cause the reduction or cancellation of your financial aid award. In other words, your out-of-pocket expenses may increase.

Students withdrawing from the University during the semester must meet with a Professional Advisor in CASAS for exit counseling. In order to formally request the withdrawal, the student must request the withdrawal through their Liberty University e-mail address to the Advising office, or the student can go through the withdrawal process while meeting with an Advisor.  The student’s official withdrawal date is the date they begin the withdrawal process by notifying a representative from the Student Advocate Office of his/her intent to withdraw.

Students seeking removal from courses before the semester begins must contact a Professional Advisor in CASAS in order to initiate the enrollment termination process.

If a student withdraws from all classes in a term, the student has officially withdrawn from the University. Financial Aid Recipients are subject to the Title IV withdrawal calculation.

Students receiving all grades of FN will be considered to have unofficially withdrawn from Liberty. The withdrawal date will be determined by the Registrar’s Office and will be based upon the student’s last date of attendance in class. Students with Federal grants and/or Federal loans will be subject to the Title IV withdrawal calculation. The Title IV withdrawal calculation will result in the reduction and/or cancellation of all Financial Aid. Consideration will be given to students withdrawing due to circumstances beyond their control.

An expulsion resulting from violation of the disciplinary system will result in an administrative withdrawal. A grade of W will be recorded in all active courses for which the individual is officially registered.

A $50 fee will be charged for the processing of an official, unofficial, or administrative withdrawal. This fee will be deducted from any refund due on the student’s account or he/she will be responsible for payment of this fee.

Illinois Residents

Withdrawals for students with Illinois residency status suffering documented significant financial or physical hardship will be processed in accordance with the standard withdrawal refund schedule outlined in the academic catalog under the respective “Expenses & Financial Policy” sections. LU Student Accounts will waive the $50 withdrawal fee for all physical/financial withdrawal students with an Illinois address to the extent required by applicable law. Students dissatisfied with the result of the University’s decision regarding withdrawals may submit an appeal, accompanied by supporting physical or financial hardship documentation or information to the University Ombudsman (residential students) or the Liberty University Online Student Advocate Office (online students) via the student complaint form (Beacon).

Liberty University Online Withdrawal

Online students withdrawing from the University must contact the Liberty University Online Academic Advising Department via the student’s Liberty University email account or via the phone to start the process. 

Online Program Unofficial Withdrawals

In accordance with Title IV regulations which require that universities have a mechanism in place for determining whether or not a student who began a course and received or could have received a disbursement of Title IV funds unofficially withdrew, the University has established a procedure for students enrolled in online courses. This procedure is used to determine if students are progressing toward the completion of their courses.

Unofficial Withdrawal for Non-Attendance Appeal Process: Students who receive a grade of "FN" may appeal to their professor to have the grade removed to resume work in the course. All professors have the right to approve or deny FN appeals at their own discretion.

Institutional Challenge Examinations (ICE)

Institutional Challenge Examinations (ICE) are available to students in the Rawlings School of Divinity who possess a satisfactory justification of previous knowledge in a subject area based upon a non-college training program, job, or self-learning. Through ICE, students have the opportunity to earn credit toward their chosen degree program. For more information about ICE, including courses that may be challenged, and to complete the ICE Request Form, visit https://www.liberty.edu/registrar/credit-by-exam-or-test/ice/ .

The Liberty Way | Student Honor Code

Liberty University's student honor code, known as The Liberty Way, is a set of guidelines governing academic and personal conduct, reflecting the institution's commitment to Christian values. It encompasses expectations for academic performance and community standards aligned with biblical principles. The code outlines disciplinary actions for violations, ranging from warnings to expulsion. The university provides appeal processes, allowing students to seek reconsideration of disciplinary actions. For the latest and most detailed information, please refer to the official Liberty University website .

Theses and Dissertations

Some graduate degrees require a thesis, thesis project, or dissertation for graduation. Graduate thesis and dissertation requirements will not be considered complete until receipt of an acceptable copy of the approved thesis or dissertation is confirmed by the Jerry Falwell Library in accordance with current library deposit policies.

Certificate Completion Plan (CCP) Audit

The Certificate Completion Plan (CCP) Audit (found under Degree Completion Plan Audit via ASIST) provides real-time advice and counsel, making it possible for students to track progress towards certificate completion at their convenience. It also enables students to immediately view how their credits will apply towards a different program. PDF versions of all  CCPs are available online .

Degree Completion Plan (DCP) Audit

The Degree Completion Plan (DCP) Audit (found under Degree Completion Plan Audit via ASIST) provides real-time advice and counsel, making it possible for students to track progress towards degree completion at their convenience. It also enables students to immediately view how their credits will apply towards a different program.  Degree completion plans outlining the program of study and other requirements for each degree program are available online at http://www.liberty.edu/dcps . 

Dual Enrollment

Undergraduate students may enroll in master’s-level courses during the semester in which they have nine or fewer semester hours remaining to complete their bachelor’s degrees. Students must meet the cumulative GPA requirement for admission in good standing into a graduate program to be eligible to register under dual enrollment for that program.

Students may be dually enrolled for a maximum of two semesters and may enroll for a maximum of nine semester hours of graduate course work. 

Non-Liberty University undergraduate students must send in their Graduate admission application, official transcripts, and a letter from their current Registrar’s Office indicating their current Grade Point Average, the specific degree they are pursuing, the estimated date of graduation, and the number of remaining credit hours for degree completion. Once these documents have been received by the Office of Graduate Admissions, the student must contact the Liberty University Registrar's Office to request approval for dual enrollment.

Currently enrolled Liberty University undergraduate students do not need to send in an application; they must submit a request via the Dual Enrollment Request Form .

For information concerning how dual enrollment impacts tuition rates and financial aid eligibility, visit the following links: 

• Student Financial Services > Eligibility & Enrollment for Aid

Policy Directory > Enrollment Levels and Types

Dual enrollment is not available to the following students:

• Students already enrolled at the Graduate level and pursuing either a Graduate degree or a Graduate Certificate.
• Students who are pursuing an Associate degree.
• Students pursuing an undergraduate Certificate.
• Students who plan to pursue a Graduate Certificate rather than a Graduate degree.

Time Limits for Certificate Completion

Students pursuing a certificate must complete the certificate requirements within three (3) years of the date of matriculation.

Any student who does not complete coursework within the permissible time limit for any reason, including discontinued enrollment, must reapply for readmission and will be subject to the requirements of the Catalog and Certificate Completion Plan (CCP) in effect at the time of his/her readmission.

A break in enrollment occurs when the student fails to enroll in at least one course during an academic year. The academic year begins with the start of the fall semester and ends with the conclusion of the summer term. Students who break enrollment must apply for readmission and will be subject to the requirements of the Catalog and certificate requirements in effect at the time of their readmission.

Time Limits for Degree Completion

All 30-47 semester hour masters’ programs have a maximum time limit of five years from the date of matriculation. All 48-60 semester hour master’s programs, doctoral programs, or degrees offered outside the regular semester have a maximum time limit of seven years from the date of matriculation. All over-60 semester hour master’s programs and doctoral programs have a maximum time limit of ten years from the date of matriculation.

Any approved exceptions to the policies noted above, pertaining to a specific degree program, will be stated in this Catalog in the Graduation Requirements information for that degree program.

Any student who does not complete coursework within the permissible time limit for any reason – including discontinued enrollment – must reapply for admission. The respective program director will determine if any previous courses are sufficiently time sensitive and must be repeated. Beginning with the date of readmission, the time limit for degree completion is determined by the number of hours remaining: less than 48 hours – five years; 48-60 hours –seven years; more than 60 hours – ten years.

For resident students , a break in enrollment occurs when the student fails to enroll in either the Fall or Spring semesters. For online students , a break in enrollment occurs when the student fails to enroll in at least one course during an academic year. The academic year begins with the start of the fall semester and ends with the conclusion of the summer term. Students who break enrollment must apply for readmission and will be subject to the requirements of the Catalog and degree requirements in effect at the time of their readmission.

Grading Policies and Procedures

Liberty University Faculty members, both residential and online, must submit final grades for all students to the Registrar at the end of each term. Faculty teaching online courses should have grades submitted to the Registrar on or before the second Wednesday after the course ends. Faculty teaching residential courses should have grades submitted to the Registrar one week after the end of each semester. Liberty University Faculty members, both residential and online, are urged to promptly complete and submit final course grades. Confidentiality of student grades falls under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974. Please see the FERPA section and policies for more information.

Recording of Grades

All grades will be recorded in the Registrar’s Office as reported by the instructors in charge of the various courses. Requests for grade changes may be submitted in writing only by the instructors.

Any extra-credit assignments that are a part of the instructor’s syllabus must be completed prior to the final exam for the course. A student may not submit an assignment for extra credit after the semester has ended and a final exam has been given.

Academic Transcripts

Official transcripts are made only at the request of the student. Official transcripts may be withheld until the student has met all his/her financial obligations to Liberty University. (Students who reside in the following states are excluded from this policy: California, Colorado, Illinois, Maine, New York, and Washington.)

Official transcripts are not released directly to the student. Requests for transcripts are to be made directly to the Registrar’s Office. There is a $10.00 fee for one transcript. Additional transcript requests made at the same time are $1.00 each.  Transcript requests may be made at the following link:  Transcript Information | Registrar | Liberty University .

FERPA – Privacy of Student Records: Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

Students attending, or who have attended, Liberty University are given certain rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 as amended (20 U.S.C. 1232g) and Rules of the Department of Education (34 C.F.R. Part 99) implementing this Act.

Additional information and University policies regarding the protection of student records are published online at http://www.liberty.edu/ferpa .

Graduation Requirements

The following general guidelines for graduation apply to each candidate for a graduate degree. Any additional requirements are specified in the section which describes a particular program.

• Post-baccalaureate, graduate, or professional programs must be at least 30 semester credit hours.
• The complete program of study for the degree, as outlined in the catalog in effect when the student is accepted as a degree candidate, must be successfully completed before graduation.
• The student must have a cumulative GPA of 3.00 unless otherwise stated.
• The cumulative GPA will be used (a) to determine eligibility for (1) conferral and (2) graduation honors and (b) as the “Degree Awarded GPA” that will be posted on the student’s transcript. The cumulative GPA comprises all Liberty University coursework completed at the academic level of the degree being awarded (Graduate or Doctoral) regardless of prior degree conferral or certificate completion, broken enrollment, or a program/major change.
• At least one-third of the course work for any program of study must be earned through Liberty University. The minimum number of hours which must be completed through Liberty for each degree program is noted in this Catalog in the Graduation Requirements section for that program.
• Students in post-graduate programs are permitted to use up to 15 hours of 500/600-level courses if permitted by their Degree Completion Plan.
• The student must submit a Degree Completion Application to the Registrar’s Office at the beginning of his/her final semester.
• Changes to the degree will not be permitted once the student is in final courses for the current semester and the Degree Completion Application is on file.
• Any student seeking multiple cognates is required to complete all requirements for all cognates before their degree will be conferred.
• The Registrar’s Office will process the conferral of a degree once all degree requirements have been met, including the minimum GPA requirement and Degree Completion Application. If a student wishes to take further non-applicable coursework, he/she must do so under a new application.*                                                                                                              *If previously completed courses (regardless of academic level) may complete requirements for a student’s current degree, they will be applied to the graduation requirements where applicable.

Certificate Completion Requirements

• The complete program of study for the certificate, as outlined in the catalog in effect when the student is accepted to the certificate, must be successfully completed.
• The student must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.00.  Students pursuing Executive certificates, Post-Graduate certificates, or the Graduate certificate in Epidemiology must have a minimum cumulative GPA of at least 3.00.
• The cumulative GPA will be used (a) to determine eligibility for conferral and (b) as the “Certificate GPA” that will be posted on the student’s transcript. The cumulative GPA comprises all Liberty University coursework completed at the Graduate academic level, regardless of prior degree conferral or certificate completion, broken enrollment, or a program/major change.
• No grade of D may be applied to the certificate (includes grades of D+/D-).  For students pursuing Executive certificates or Post-Graduate certificates, no grade below B- may be applied to the certificate.
• A maximum of 50% of the program hours may be transferred if approved and allowable, including credit from an earned degree from Liberty University on the same academic level.
• The student must submit a Certificate Completion Application to the Registrar’s Office at the beginning of his/her final semester.
• Changes to the certificate will not be permitted once the student is in final courses for the current semester and the Certificate Completion Application is on file. 
• The Registrar's Office will process the conferral of a certificate once all certificate requirements have been met including the minimum GPA requirement and certificate completion application. If a student wishes to take further non-applicable coursework, he/she must do so under a new application.*                                                                                                              *If previously completed courses (regardless of academic level) may complete requirements for a student’s current certificate, they will be applied to the certificate completion requirements where applicable.

Graduation Approval

All candidates for graduation must be approved by the faculty and the Board of Trustees. Conditions such as transfer credit and incomplete grades should be removed by the beginning of the candidate’s last semester.

Graduation Honors

Graduation honors are available for all graduate, post-graduate, and doctoral programs. Certificate students do not receive graduation honors.

Honors for graduation will be determined by the cumulative GPA earned at Liberty. Note: The cumulative GPA comprises all Liberty University coursework completed at the academic level of the degree being awarded (Graduate or Doctoral) regardless of prior degree conferral, broken enrollment or a program/major change. Cumulative GPA is calculated to the hundredths place and is not rounded. Students must meet the following GPA standards to earn the corresponding academic distinction:

The specific honor calculated on April 1 of the student’s graduation year will be printed in the commencement program and the student will wear that particular honor regalia; however, the final cumulative grade point average will be recorded and that final cumulative GPA will determine the specific honor that will be printed on the diploma and transcript. Students in certificate programs are not eligible for graduation honors.

Graduation Ceremony

Degrees are granted throughout the academic school year. All candidates for degrees may participate in the annual graduation exercises which take place in May.

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Liberty University 2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog

A PDF of the entire 2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog.

Liberty University 2023-2024 Graduate Catalog

A PDF of the entire 2023-2024 Graduate Catalog.

2023-24 Graduate Program Cost of Attendance

Click on the educational area below to find the 2023-24 cost of attendance for your graduate program. The cost of attendance is based on the number of credit hours for which you enroll in each semester. We have provided an average cost of attendance budget, but your final cost of attendance will depend on your individual enrollment plan. Please contact your financial aid advisor at the start of each semester if your credit hours change.

Direct expenses are charges that will incur on your billing statement from the Office of Revenue and Receivables . Indirect expenses are other associated costs that are averages you may incur from your education.

Mandatory fees include a Graduate Student Activity fee and, if you register for eight or more credit hours, a Georgetown University Health Insurance charge.

Arts and Sciences

Biomedical graduate education, biomedical graduate programs.

Clinical Quality, Safety, and Leadership Executive Masters Program

Physiology, Special Master’s Program

Clinical quality, safety, and leadership executive master’s program, full time mba.

Evening MBA

Executive MBA

Master’s of science in finance, master’s of science in business analytics.

Master’s in Management Program

Master’s of Arts in International Business & Policy

Master’s of Global Real Assets

Master’s of Science in Management Program

School of nursing, clinical nurse leader program (cnl), doctor of nurse anesthesia practice (dnap), public policy, full-time public policy, part-time (evening) public policy, international development policy, data science for public policy, executive master of policy leadership, master of policy management, school of health.

Health Systems Administration (MHSA)

Cost of Attendance table for Health Systems Administration

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Tuition & Aid

Financing Your Graduate Studies

The choice to pursue a graduate education is an investment in your professional future that never loses its value. At Hofstra University, we work to make your graduate studies as affordable as possible. Our Student Financial Services team is here to assist you with everything from filing your FAFSA, to navigating the financial aid resources available to you.

Student Financial Services Suite 206 Memorial Hall Phone: 516-463-8000 SFS Fax: 516-463-4936 Email: [email protected] Hours: Monday-Friday, 9am to 5pm* *4pm on Fridays in the summer

Get Started

The first step to applying for financial aid for your graduate education is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at fafsa.gov. The toll-free telephone number for FAFSA is 1-800-4-FEDAID. Hofstra’s federal school code is 002732. We encourage continuing students to file the FAFSA every year by November 15 to be considered for federal aid.

The U.S. Department of Education offers a variety of federal grants. Grants are often called “gift aid” because they do not have to be repaid. Grants are often need-based.

For example, the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant provides grants of up to $3,752 per year to undergraduate and graduate students in eligible education programs who intend to teach in high-need fields in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income families (for awards received October 1, 2018 - September 30, 2019). A service (work) obligation is required, or the grant converts to an Unsubsidized Stafford Loan. Students apply for this grant by filing the FAFSA and completing TEACH Grant Counseling and an Agreement to Serve.

Learn More About Federal Grants

Loans are available to assist students in meeting the cost of their education. To allow adequate processing time for bill payment and avoid late fees, students beginning classes in fall 2019 should apply for loans by  June 1, 2019 ; students beginning classes in spring 2020 should apply by  December 1, 2019 .  Please note:  If you are attending in both fall and spring and you are applying for loans, please apply for the amount you need for the full academic year, not just one semester.

Direct Loan (DL) Program

The federal government guarantees low-cost Unsubsidized Stafford and Graduate PLUS Loans to qualified students through the Direct Loan Program. The loans are originated by Hofstra to the federal government. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually to determine their DL eligibility. Direct Loans must be certified prior to the end of the student's enrollment period.

• Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loans Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loans are available for graduate students. Graduate students may borrow up to $20,500 per year (not to exceed the student's cost of attendance). A 1.062 percent loan fee is withheld from disbursement. The interest rate is fixed at 6.6 percent. Interest begins accruing on this loan during the in-school period. If a student chooses not to pay the interest while in school, the interest is capitalized and added to the outstanding principal on an annual basis. Repayment of principal and accrued interest begins six months after the student graduates, leaves school, or becomes enrolled less than half time (4.5 credits per semester at Hofstra). The aggregate limit for all Stafford Loans borrowed is $138,500.
• Federal Graduate PLUS Loans Federal Graduate PLUS Loans are available to graduate students to assist with educational expenses. These loans require a credit check, and the Direct Loan Program has final discretion on approval. Students must be enrolled at least half time (4.5 credits per semester at Hofstra) and meet all other federal eligibility criteria. The interest rate of the Federal Graduate PLUS Loan is fixed at 7.6 percent. A 4.264 percent loan fee is withheld from disbursement. The annual limit is the student's cost of attendance minus any other type of financial aid received. No aggregate limit exists. Repayment of principal and accrued interest begins six months after the student graduates, leaves school, or becomes enrolled less than half time (4.5 credits per semester at Hofstra), unless deferment is not selected on the application. A FAFSA must be filed and the Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan annual limit must be exhausted to enable the student to apply for the Federal Graduate PLUS Loan.

Steps to Apply

• File the FAFSA after October 1 (every year) using tax information from two years prior (e.g., 2019-2020 FAFSA

requires 2017 tax information).

• Accept offered loans at  my.hofstra.edu  (every year).
• Entrance Counseling (one-time requirement)
• Loan Agreement for an Unsubsidized Loan (Master Promissory Note (MPN); one-time requirement)
• Apply for a PLUS Loan (every year)
• Loan Agreement for a PLUS Loan (MPN; one-time requirement)

Please note that Hofstra University is required to submit loan information to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS). This information is accessible to guaranty agencies, lenders, and institutions determined to be authorized users of the data system as well as borrowers.

Alternative Student Loans

Alternative student loans are private loans offered by lenders to help meet educational costs. These loans usually have variable interest rates, which, unlike loans from the Direct Loan (DL) Program, are not set by the federal government. Most lenders require students with limited credit history to have a cosigner. Some alternative loans can be borrowed retroactively to cover outstanding bills. For help in choosing a lender and evaluating loan benefits, visit  hofstra.edu/learnaboutloans .

For a list of alternative student loan lenders, please visit  http://www.finaid.org/ .

Links are provided as a general information resource for the use of visitors to the website. The links provided are maintained by their respective organizations and they are solely responsible for their content. Hofstra does not favor one link over the other, nor does Hofstra endorse or profit, in whole or in part, from any products or services offered or promoted by any of the websites whose links appear.

The Office of Student Employment offers on-campus employment options for graduate students while enrolled at the University. The office, located in the Human Resources Center on North Campus, provides services on a walk-in basis.

Employment Opportunities

Graduate student positions include graduate assistants, resident directors, and tutors. Federal Work-Study positions may also be available for eligible students who have completed a FAFSA. For all on-campus graduate student positions, applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree and be enrolled in graduate-level classes at Hofstra University. For a list of current employment opportunities, please visit  hofstra.edu/jobs  and click on "Student Jobs." Job listings are also posted on bulletin boards located on the second floor of the Sondra and David S. Mack Student Center, North Campus. For more information, please call the Office of Student Employment at 516-463-6782.

Graduate Assistantships

Graduate assistantships are part-time positions within a campus administrative office or student services area. Some assistantships offer a compensation package that includes a tuition waiver, while others offer a stipend or hourly wage. For all graduate assistantship positions, the applicant must hold a baccalaureate degree and be accepted as a matriculated student in a graduate or professional degree program at Hofstra University.

Scholarships are generally awarded by Hofstra and other organizations for academic or other merit. When you apply for admission, your academic credentials are evaluated for scholarships. As you continue through your program with the University, scholarships may be possible based on academic excellence. Students can also contact their major department chairperson or Dean's Office to inquire about scholarship opportunities. Please refer to the Scholarship Award letter for the renewal conditions for each award. If you receive a scholarship from an outside source such as a community group, business or other organization, please forward a copy of the award notice you received to Student Financial Services. The award must be accounted as part of your financial aid package. Obtaining scholarships from outside sources can require a bit of research, but there are tools to help you with that research. Certain scholarship and grant funds that you have received may be deemed taxable.  Learn more about payments to students and their taxability .

Honors, Prizes, Awards, Or Scholarships

Office of Vocational Rehabilitation or the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Funds for educational purposes may be available to individuals who have physical or mental disabilities or visual impairments that are handicaps to employment. Please contact an office near your home for further information. Contact information may be found in your telephone directory under "State Agencies."

Private Agencies

Private agencies such as religious organizations, unions, foundations, and social, civic, and cultural groups may offer scholarships to students. Please contact any organizations in which you participate to see if they offer scholarships. Please also visit  fastweb.com  or  finaid.org  for additional outside scholarship information.

Veterans GI Bill Benefits

Funds for educational purposes are available to veterans of the armed forces. Please call the veterans representative at Hofstra at 516-463-8000 for information.

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Office of international affairs, graduate (master or doctoral) costs & financial aid.

Your total cost to attend CU Denver includes more than your tuition & fees - you will also need to consider your housing, food, travel, health insurance, textbooks, etc. Before you can apply for your US student visa, you must prove to CU Denver that you have the necessary funding to support your first year of study. 

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Utilize our International Graduate planning spreadsheet (Microsoft Excel required) to help you estimate your budget while attending CU Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus.

Estimated Cost of Attendance Figures for 2023-2024

The total estimated cost includes both direct expenses like tuition and fees, and indirect expenses such as standard estimates for housing, meals, books and supplies, travel, health insurance, and incidental expenses. This is an estimate. Actual expenses may vary depending on the student’s choice of housing and lifestyle.

Please note that actual costs will likely increase for the 2024-2025 academic year and are otherwise subject to change without notice and may not reflect all costs for every program. Taking more credit hours may increase the cost of the program . Students should add $6,750 per year for each dependent family member (spouse and/or unmarried children under the age of 21) who will accompany them to the United States.

*** For cost estimates for Anschutz Medical Campus programs please contact  [email protected]

University of Colorado Denver - Downtown Campus Programs

Note: Estimated Costs are for a 9-month period and based on 12-18 credit hours per semester for graduate students in the College of Architecture and Planning, and 6 credit hours per semester for other graduate students .

Student Finances Office (Graduate Tuition & Fees)

Additional financial options.

CU Denver understands that students may require extra help and effort in order to cover all of the fixed and variable costs related to studying in the U.S. Here are some resources to consider when planning to finance your CU Denver education.

Financial Wellness Program

The Financial Wellness program strives to provide resources, guidance, and activities to help students manage their money and build healthy financial habits towards stability. Take advantage of 1-on-1 financial coaching and financial workshops in order to create a budget and plan for managing your finances while studying at CU Denver.

University Payment Plan

The university offers payment plans each term that divide the remaining costs of tuition, fees, and on-campus housing into installments.

Payment Plan Information

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This section details the general School-wide degree requirements that apply to all NYU Tandon School of Engineering graduate degrees. Academic departments may place additional requirements on individual degrees. Such additional requirements are explained in the programs section of this catalog. In no case may a department specify requirements less stringent than those indicated here.

Outcomes Assessment

NYU Tandon School of Engineering conducts outcomes assessment activities to monitor student academic achievement, effective teaching methods and continuous improvement of the School, as well as to comply with accreditation standards. To obtain periodic measurements of student perceptions and intellectual growth, graduate students are strongly encouraged to participate in surveys, focus groups, interviews or related activities. While individual input is collected, data resulting from these assessments is published only in aggregate form.

Definition of Credits

Graduate studies are expressed in terms of credits. One 50-minute period of graduate class work for a 15-week, single semester carries 1 graduate credit. A standard graduate course meeting for two-and-a-half hours per week in a single semester of 15 weeks is equivalent to 3 credits. This format is the most common for graduate courses. Graduate laboratories meet three times per graduate credit (i.e., two-and-a-half-hours per week in a single semester of 15 weeks is equivalent to 1 credit). Courses meeting more or less than two-and-a-half hours each week are assigned credits in the correct proportion. The final examination period is an integral part of the 15-week semester.

Graduate Degrees and Advanced Certificates

Graduate advanced certificate programs.

NYU Tandon School of Engineering offers several graduate advanced certificate programs in specialized subject areas for students who do not wish to enroll in a full-degree program. Detailed descriptions of the certificate programs are available from the responsible departments.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements for certificate programs are the same as those for related M.S. programs. Applicants must have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher, and GREs are required from those applying for full-time study. Applicants must be admitted formally to a certificate program before beginning graduate course work.

Graduation Requirements

Depending on the program, 12 to 15 credits must be taken at NYU Tandon School of Engineering to earn a certificate, and no transfer credits for certificates are permitted. Courses taken for a certificate may be applied toward the future pursuit of an M.S., M.E., or Ph.D. graduate degree, but not to another certificate program. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in all graduate courses taken at the NYU Tandon School of Engineering to receive a certificate.

Students in such a program who subsequently decide to pursue a graduate degree must file a separate application for admission to the respective graduate program. 

Master of Science

Admission to Master of Science programs requires a bachelor’s degree and at least four years of college-level courses in a preparatory discipline from an institution acceptable to the NYU Tandon School of Engineering. An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better is required for admission. GRE scores are recommended for all applicants, and are required for anyone applying for full-time study or seeking merit-based scholarships. Applicants seeking admission to the M.S. in Integrated Digital Media are exempt from the GRE requirement, and those seeking admission to technology management-related degrees are encouraged to submit GMAT scores instead of the GRE. Letters of Recommendation, a Statement of Purpose, and a professional resume are also required from all applicants seeking admission to any graduate program.

Candidates for the degree of Master of Science must complete no fewer than 30 credits of graduate courses and research beyond the bachelor’s degree in the program selected. Academic departments may require additional credits for individual degrees. Individual programs may specify required courses, minimum GPAs in specific courses or course groups, or require a comprehensive examination, presentation of a seminar, or completion of a project or thesis. Specific course requirements for each M.S. program are detailed in the programs section of this catalog. To obtain the M.S. degree, students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (equivalent to a B letter grade) or better in all graduate work undertaken at the NYU Tandon School of Engineering and any other school of NYU, including courses not used to fulfill specific program requirements. The average of B or better includes all guided studies, readings, projects, theses and dissertations. Students may use no more than a total of 3 credits of internship towards fulfillment of M.S. degree requirements. Students may offer no more than a combined total of 9 credits of project, guided studies, readings, or thesis toward fulfillment of the M.S. degree requirements. Students taking project or thesis must register for at least 3 credits of project or thesis every semester until the work is completed and a grade recorded (also refer to the section Maintenance of Studies ).

M.S. students may elect to complete an M.S. project or M.S. thesis and may be required to do so in certain programs. Consult the programs section in this catalog for details. A project usually entails 3 to 6 credits, while an M.S. thesis is generally a more extended piece of research, usually entailing 6 to 9 credits.  At this level, research should exhibit a thorough understanding of advanced scientific thought and an ability to apply advanced principles constructively to engineering planning and design.

Manuscript Presentation 

Degree candidates must present their research to the appointed guidance committee (if required) in final manuscript form for official acceptance no later than two weeks before the end of the semester. The accepted format for the research document is detailed in the Master’s Thesis and Project Report Guidelines .

Graduate students registered for M.S. thesis credits must submit the final thesis to their department for required signatures of the thesis advisor, committee members (if required) and department chair, and upload to University Microfilms International (UMI) Proquest before the end of the semester. M.S. theses are published by UMI Dissertations and Theses Publishing (ProQuest). The cost of this service is free to the student. Publishing with UMI ensures that the thesis gains the widest possible audience. Any interested person can purchase copies of a dissertation through the company’s website.

Master of Engineering

All regulations and requirements for the Master of Engineering degree, including those governing admissions, graduation, and residency, are identical to those for the Master of Science degree.

Candidates for the degree Master of Engineering must complete no fewer than 30 credits of graduate courses (including a maximum of 9 credits of research) beyond the bachelor’s degree in the program. The Master of Engineering is for students seeking in-depth knowledge in fields requiring courses from multiple disciplines, especially those taught by several different academic departments. Students create their study program, including at least one graduate certificate, with the approval of a graduate advisor. A capstone experience is required for graduation.

Doctor of Philosophy

Students may apply to a doctoral program either directly after a bachelor’s degree or after completing a master’s degree. In either case, a GPA of 3.0 or better is required in all previous degree programs and a GPA of 3.5 or better is typically expected. GRE scores are required for all full-time Ph.D. applicants. The admissions process for the doctoral program follows the same path as that of the Master of Science and Master of Engineering applications. Highly qualified candidates whose interests are incompatible with the faculty’s research interests may not be admitted. Additionally, most departments admit only the number of students that they can financially support, and qualified candidates may not be admitted due to limited availability of funding.

Graduation Requirements

All doctoral candidates must complete a minimum of 75 credits of graduate work beyond the bachelor’s degree, including a minimum of 21 credits of dissertation research (or more, depending on major). Requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy are qualitative and quantitative. Students will find that the formal requirements of residence, course credits, and dissertation provide a framework within which they are free to construct individual programs for creative learning at an advanced level. Students must satisfy the detailed requirements of the selected degree program.

Each Ph.D. student must complete a Ph.D. dissertation. Research at this level must demonstrate critical and constructive thought, as well as the ability to use the techniques necessary to explore and develop new knowledge in mathematics, science, or engineering. A successful dissertation must demonstrably advance the subject area of research. School requirements for dissertations set a minimum of 21 credits of registration. All research should be characterized by accuracy of observation and measurement, and by clarity and completeness in presentation. The conclusions presented must be supported by adequate studies and investigations, and supplemented by a complete bibliography.

Graduate students in a Ph.D. program should confer with an advisor in the department of major interest regarding: 1) selection of courses; 2) major and minor fields of study; 3) formulation of a guidance committee; 4) qualifying and language examinations; 5) degree candidacy.

Students in a Ph.D. program must take and pass doctoral qualifying examination(s) administered by their major department. These examinations are generally scheduled once or twice yearly, and students should consult their academic department for further information. Students may not register for dissertation research until they have passed the examination(s). Students are encouraged to take the examination(s) in their first year. If students have not passed by the beginning of their third year, they may be disqualified from the Ph.D. program. Within six months of passing the examination(s), students and their dissertation advisor must form a dissertation-guidance committee that will oversee course selection, provide research guidance, and ensure that satisfactory progress is being made toward completion of the dissertation in a timely manner. Course selection must ensure that requirements of major and minors set forth by the respective programs are met. The committee, at its discretion or bound by departmental regulations, may require students to present a dissertation research proposal. The committee is expected to meet at least once per semester to assess student progress, and doctoral students must defend their dissertation in front of this committee.  Doctoral students must obtain a checklist of the milestones and requirements for the Ph.D. program from the Office of Graduate Academics.

All doctoral students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or better at all times and a B or better for the dissertation, and some departments have further specific course or grade requirements that must be fulfilled. Once students begin their dissertation research, they must register for at least 3 credits of dissertation every semester until the dissertation is completed and successfully defended (also refer to the section on Maintenance of Studies ).

Manuscript Presentation

Degree candidates must present their research to the appointed guidance committee in final manuscript form for official acceptance no later than two weeks before the end of the semester. The accepted format for the research document is detailed in the  Ph.D. Dissertation Guidelines .

Publication

Doctoral students must submit the final dissertation to their department for required signatures of the dissertation advisor, committee members, and department chair, and upload to  University Microfilms International (UMI) Proquest  before the end of the semester.

Doctoral dissertations are published by UMI Dissertation Publishing (ProQuest). The cost of this service is free to the student. Publishing with UMI ensures that the dissertation gains the widest possible audience. Any interested person can purchase copies of a dissertation through the company’s website.

The faculty regards publication of the major content of a doctoral dissertation in a recognized scientific journal as a necessary final step if the work performed is to achieve maximum usefulness. The publication must indicate, by footnote or otherwise, its basis as a NYU Tandon School of Engineering dissertation.

Graduate Credits and Requirements

To satisfy residency requirements for a graduate degree at the NYU Tandon School of Engineering, students must complete the following minimum number of credits at the School:

• Graduate Certificate: All credits (12-15, depending on certificate)
• Master of Science: Total number of credits required, less 9 (at least 21 credits of residency)
• Master of Engineering: Total number of credits required, less 9 (at least 21 credits of residency)
• Doctor of Philosophy: 27 credits (including all dissertation credits)
• Once matriculated into any Tandon degree, graduate students may not count any credits taken at the NYU School of Professional Studies towards fulfilling Tandon degree requirements.

Transfer Credits

Applications for transfer credits must be submitted for consideration before the end of the first semester of matriculation. Courses with grades below B are not eligible for transfer. Transfer credits for courses taken after matriculation at the NYU Tandon School of Engineering are rarely accepted and must be approved by the student’s academic department and by the Office of Graduate Academics before the course is taken. Grades for transferred credits or courses are not recorded and are not included in GPA calculations.

Certificates

No transfer credit is permitted for graduate certificates.

Master of Science and Master of Engineering

A maximum of 9 credits may be accepted as transfer credits towards an M.S. or M.E. degree. Transfer credits must be approved by the student’s department, the Associate Dean for Graduate Academics, and the Office of the Registrar. Courses that have been counted towards an awarded undergraduate or graduate degree, whether taken at NYU or another institution, may not be transferred toward a master’s degree at the NYU Tandon School of Engineering. Credits submitted for consideration must be: 1) from accredited institutions; 2) consistent with NYU Tandon School of Engineering’s residency requirements; 3) completed with grades B or better; 4) consistent with the curriculum in which the student is registered; 5) taken after receipt of a bachelor’s degree, with the exception of NYU undergraduate students (See section: Transfer Policy Exceptions: NYU Undergraduate Students). Theses, projects and guided studies or readings courses cannot be transferred.

External Credits

A maximum of 48 credits may be transferred from an external institution or school to a Ph.D. degree. Departments may choose to do a blanket credit transfer, individual course transfer, or a combination. For a blanket transfer of a prior M.S. degree – transferring a number of credits in toto instead of individual courses - the most common number of transfer credits is 30. However, blanket credit transfers can never exceed the actual number of credits earned in a prior M.S. or the number of credits in an equivalent Tandon M.S. degree. Departments may also choose to transfer courses individually from a graduate degree, whether or not the graduate degree was completed and awarded. This might be advisable in a case where the prior M.S. is not suitable for a blanket transfer, but does include some relevant coursework. Individually transferred courses cannot include credits earned from independent study courses including projects, guided studies, guided readings, a thesis, or a dissertation. Departments may also do both a blanket credit transfer and an individual course transfer for courses not included in the blanket transfer, up to a maximum of 48 credits. No method of transfer credit can be used to circumvent the policy on the maximum number of credits that can be awarded for a prior M.S. degree (e.g., if the student’s external M.S. was worth 36 credits and the Tandon equivalent MS is only 30 credits, departments may not do a blanket 30-credit transfer and then individually transfer the remaining 6 credits from the 36-credit M.S., and they may not individually transfer all 36 credits).

Internal Credits

If a student earned an M.S. at any NYU school, their GPA will be restarted when the student begins their Ph.D. program at Tandon. Departments who wish to count an NYU M.S. towards the Ph.D. would need to submit a transfer credit request to award a blanket transfer and/or the transfer of individual courses towards the Ph.D. The NYU M.S. credits will show on the student’s transcript the same as credits transferred from an outside institution. For residency purposes, credits from a Tandon M.S. degree are considered in residence even though they will show on the transcript as transfer credits. As well, Tandon M.S. credits do not count against the maximum 48 transfer credit limit.

Some programs have additional restrictions; students should also consult the program specific portion of the bulletin for further information.

Transfer Policy Exceptions

Nyu undergraduate students.

While transfer policies normally preclude the transfer of graduate credit taken prior to the receipt of a bachelor’s degree, an exception is made for NYU students who take graduate courses while pursuing an undergraduate degree at any school of NYU. Such graduate courses may be applied subsequently to a graduate degree at NYU Tandon provided that students earned a B grade or better, that the individual courses were not used to fulfill requirements for the undergraduate degree, and that the courses are acceptable based on the particular graduate degree curriculum requirement.

The sum of transfer credits from other institutions and internal transfer credits from other NYU schools (including graduate courses taken while matriculated as NYU undergraduates) cannot exceed the total number of transfer credits permitted for Advanced Certificates, M.S and Ph.D. degrees as specified above in the section on “Transfer Credits.”

These exceptions to the Transfer Policy are effective for any student admitted for the Spring 2017 semester forward.

NYU Tandon School of Engineering B.S./M.S. Students

NYU Tandon School of Engineering students enrolled in a joint B.S./M.S. program with a study plan pre-approved by an academic advisor may take graduate level courses prior to receiving their bachelor’s degree, and may apply these courses towards the requirements of their M.S. program without credit restriction. Graduate courses used to satisfy undergraduate degree requirements, however, cannot be used to satisfy graduate degree requirements. B.S./M.S. students must maintain a minimum 3.0 CGPA in all graduate level courses, or they risk being disqualified from the B.S./M.S. program.

Period of Validity

Graduate courses reflect the current state of the art in their respective fields. Thus, all courses that are more than 10 years old at the beginning of graduate study at NYU Tandon School of Engineering, whether taken previously at the School or at another institution, are ineligible for transfer and will not count towards the satisfaction of degree requirements. The blanket 30-credit transfer of an M.S. degree taken at the NYU Tandon School of Engineering or elsewhere towards a Ph.D. program is exempt from this period of validity and does not expire.

Graduate Validation Credits

When it is unclear whether a course taken outside the NYU Tandon School of Engineering is suitable for transfer credit, students may qualify for transfer credit for that course by passing a validation examination. Permission to take the examination must be recorded in advance on the student’s transfer-evaluation form. The examination format is at the discretion of the department giving the course. Scheduling of the examination is by mutual agreement, but in no event can it be scheduled more than one calendar year after the student begins study at NYU Tandon School of Engineering. A grade of B or better is required for graduate students. An examination may not be taken more than once. A student who registers for or attends the course at NYU Tandon School of Engineering forfeits the right to take a validation examination.

The sum of validation credits and transfer credits is limited to 9 credits for the M.S. and M.E. degrees.

One exception to the paragraphs above regarding transfer credit and graduate validation credit: Mathematics graduate students (M.S. and Ph.D.) will be permitted, with advisor approval, to exceed the 9-credit limit on transfer credits and validation units by taking specified, advisor-approved courses at the Courant Institute of NYU. In the case of M.S. students, such approval may not raise the number of such courses above four.

Maximum Time for Completion

Certificate Students

Graduate certificate programs must be completed within 3 years from the time of admission to graduate studies at NYU Tandon.

M.S. and M.E. Students

M.S. and M.E. degree programs must be completed within 5 years from the beginning of graduate studies at NYU Tandon.

Ph.D. Students Admitted Prior to Spring 2019

Ph.D. programs must be completed within 6 years for full-time students and 12 years for part-time students, counting from the time of admission to graduate studies at NYU Tandon (not from the beginning of Ph.D. studies).

Ph.D. Students Admitted as of Spring 2019

Full-time Ph.D. students transferring in 24 or more credits are granted 6 years to complete their Ph.D. studies, counting from the time of admission into the Ph.D. program at NYU Tandon. Full-time students transferring fewer than 24 credits have 7 years to complete the Ph.D. program, counting from the time of admission into the Ph.D. program. Part-time Ph.D. students must complete all requirements for the Ph.D. within 9 years, counting from the time of admission into the Ph.D. program.

Extensions of these time periods are rarely granted and require prior approval from the Associate Dean of Graduate Academics. Students must request an extension at least 60 days prior to the deadline for completion. If an extension is granted, not all courses taken previously may count towards the degree. The Associate Dean, consulting with the department, will prepare a plan for the student to follow to obtain the degree.

Graduate Registration Policies

All graduate students must be registered for a minimum of 1.5 credits each fall and spring semester until they graduate. However, if students begin an M.S. project or thesis, or a Ph.D. dissertation, they must register for at least 3 credits of project, thesis, or dissertation every fall and spring semester until it has been completed and accepted. Thus, while students who have not previously enrolled in research credits may satisfy registration requirements and maintain their student status by registering for 1.5 credits, students who have begun a project, thesis, or dissertation in a previous semester and who have not yet completed must register for a minimum of 3 credits (of research) each fall and spring until complete. (Also refer to the section on Maintenance of Studies.)

Graduate Registration Status

Graduate students pay tuition at the per-credit rate. Full-time status is defined by the following:

• Full-time M.S. students must be registered for 9 credits or more each semester. Students who are normally full-time may register for fewer credits during their last semester by registering for only the number of credits necessary for graduation. During this last semester they are part-time, but can be treated as full-time-equivalent for immigration purposes only (not for the purpose of financial aid eligibility) by requesting full-time-equivalency status from the Office of Global Services.
• Full-time M.S. students in the lock-step, cohort-based, executive-format M.S. programs are registered for all courses specified by the program as published in the catalog each semester. These programs require distinct courses and/or projects, each bearing credits approved for the program.
• Prior to passing the qualifying exam, full-time Ph.D. students must register for a minimum of 9 credits per term. Upon passing the qualifying exam, students may maintain full-time status by registering for a minimum of 3 credits of dissertation per semester.  Students who are not officially enrolled in a Ph.D. program, irrespective of whether or not they have passed the qualifying exam, must continue to take a minimum of 9 credits per semester until they are formally admitted to a Ph.D. program.

A status of non-matriculated or visiting student allows students to take up to three graduate courses at NYU Tandon School of Engineering (maximum of 2 courses or 6 credits per semester) without formally applying for admission to a graduate program. If these students desire to continue at NYU Tandon School of Engineering as matriculated students in a graduate degree or certificate program, they must follow the formal application process, and admission is not guaranteed.

Maintenance of Studies

M.S. Students: Upon completing the number of M.S. thesis/M.S. project credits required by their department, students may enroll in Maintenance of Studies (MOS) for one semester in lieu of enrolling in more thesis/project credits. If the remaining work is not completed after one semester of MOS, students must resume enrollment in thesis/project credits in the following term and all subsequent terms until the thesis/project is complete. Once students elect to enroll in M.S. thesis/M.S. project, they must continue to enroll in research credits or MOS every semester until completion, even if they are taking other courses that will maintain their student status in the same semester. However, summer enrollment in thesis/project or MOS is only required if students plan to graduate in the summer term.

Ph.D. Students: Upon completing 75 credits towards the Ph.D. and all required dissertation credits, Ph.D. students may continuously enroll in MOS every semester until all remaining work for their dissertation is complete. Summer enrollment in dissertation credits or MOS is only required if students plan to graduate in the summer term.

Modifications to Curricula

Curricula and courses change from time to time in order to keep students abreast of the latest knowledge and methods within subject areas. Students are required to satisfy the curriculum and degree requirements in effect at the time of their matriculation and must obtain current degree requirements from their program advisor.

In order to accommodate curriculum and course revisions, it is sometimes necessary to substitute a course for one specified in the curriculum. Students may also request course substitutions to tailor their studies to their interests. Both the program advisor and the Office of Graduate Academics must approve all course substitutions.

Graduate International Students

Full-time status, program and degree changes.

To maintain non-immigrant student status, international students must maintain full-time enrollment every fall and spring semester for the entire semester (i.e., withdrawing from a course during the semester may jeopardize full-time status). Students are not required to enroll during the summer semester and may enroll for credits at their discretion. International students may register for online courses, but generally must be registered for a minimum of 6 credits of on-ground course work per term. All questions concerning this regulation should be addressed with the Office of Global Services (OGS) . Students may take less than a full course of study if fewer credits are needed during the last semester prior to graduation, but they must notify OGS prior to the beginning of the semester and obtain approval for a reduced course load (RCL). Students may also qualify for RCL for valid academic and medical reasons. All exceptions must be approved by OGS, preferably before the last day of registration (the add/drop deadline) each semester so that courses can be added to the student’s schedule if the request is not approved. Additionally, one semester of RCL for academic reasons is permitted per degree level. See OGS for details.

Students in F-1 and J-1 status must obtain written permission from OGS for any Leave of Absence request, or to withdraw from classes if the withdrawal results in less than a full course load. They also must obtain written permission and the pertinent I-20/DS-2019 form before enrolling in a new degree program. The process of withdrawing from a course, changing programs, changing degree level, or taking a Leave of Absence through the Office of the Registrar keeps a non-immigrant student in good standing only with the School, but not with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) , unless proper approval is obtained from OGS. Students planning on employment as part of their course work must obtain prior approval from OGS for any such employment.

Failure to comply with the immigration requirements for full-time status, course withdrawals, program changes, degree level changes, or Leave of Absence violates the non-immigrant student’s status and renders a student ineligible for any benefit of that status. According to DHS, lack of compliance may also result in deportation.

Policies on Grading and Grades

Computing the grade-point average for graduate students.

For the purposes of computing GPAs for graduate students and graduate courses, the following schedule is used.

Grades S and U reflect progress on research efforts. Once the thesis or dissertation is completed, the letter grade is entered on the transcript for all research registrations. Noncredit seminar courses are graded P or F. Other than research credits, no credit-bearing courses can be assigned S or U grades. A student cannot graduate if a grade of U is on the transcript for any credit-bearing course or for research efforts at the time of graduation. A grade of Incomplete cannot be assigned to M.S. thesis, M.S. project, or Ph.D. dissertation courses. These courses are continuing research courses, and must be assigned either Satisfactory (S) or Unsatisfactory (U) grades until the project, thesis, or dissertation is completed. Upon completion, all prior and current registration for these courses should be assigned the same, regular letter grade. Grades S, U, I, W and AUD are not included in computing the GPA.

Grade Appeal Process

Grades on file with the Registrar, with the exception of Incomplete/I grades and temporary grades (S or U), are considered final unless an error in calculating or recording the grade is discovered, or if it is determined that the student was graded unfairly due to personal prejudice. No correctly reported final grade may be changed based upon re-taking an examination or completion or submission of work beyond the last day of the term.

Final grades may be appealed only under the following circumstances:

a) If there has been an error on the instructor’s part in calculating or recording your grade; or b) If the student believes that the instructor graded unfairly due to personal prejudice. The instructor’s judgment of the quality of a student’s submitted work may not be appealed.

If a student believes they have received an inappropriate grade, based on the criteria enumerated above, they may appeal in writing to the instructor for a grade change. The deadline for appealing a grade to the course instructor is the add/drop deadline of the semester following the semester in which the grade was given. The instructor will consider the appeal and respond to the student in writing, stating their reasons for their decision and copying the Department Chair. If the instructor agrees with the appeal and decides to change the original grade, they must submit a grade change in Albert. The grade change will need to be approved online by the department chair and the Associate Dean for Academics.

A student may appeal an instructor’s decision in writing to their Department Chair, using the same criteria enumerated above.  A Chair may not substitute their own judgment of the quality of a student’s work for that of the instructor’s. The Chair will review the submitted evidence, consult with the instructor, and render a decision in writing, stating their reasons for their decision and copying both the student and the instructor.

The student or instructor may appeal the Chair’s decision in writing to the Student Affairs Committee, a standing committee of the NYU Tandon School of Engineering.  The only possible basis of such an appeal are that the Department Chair did not review the submitted evidence, did not consult with the instructor, did not render a decision in writing, or there is evidence of personal prejudice on the part of the Chair. The Committee will review the submitted evidence and render a final, written decision in the matter. There is no appeal of a decision rendered by the Student Affairs Committee.

Graduate Bridge and Preparatory Courses

Many programs offer graduate bridge or preparatory courses to accommodate the needs of students who lack certain undergraduate preparation. Generally, bridge or preparatory courses cannot be used to satisfy degree requirements, particularly for degrees within the department that offers the course. However, these courses are included in the calculation of a student’s graduate GPA. Some graduate students may be required to take certain undergraduate courses as preparation for advanced graduate study. Undergraduate courses are not included in the student’s GPA calculation.

Repeating Courses

The first time a graduate student repeats a course, the lower grade is not counted towards the GPA. All subsequent grades in a course repeated more than once are included in the GPA, although degree credit is earned only once.

Course Withdrawal: The W Grade

Students may drop a course or courses without academic penalty until the add/drop deadline of the semester, as published on the academic calendar . After the add/drop period ends, students may elect to withdraw from a course or courses until the published withdrawal deadline. Withdrawals differ from drops in that withdrawn courses are awarded a grade of W on students’ transcripts, and students may be financially liable for tuition for the course or courses withdrawn. Students are encouraged to consult with their academic advisors before withdrawing, as withdrawing from certain courses may delay their planned graduation date. International students should make sure that they do not drop or withdraw below full-time status (9 credits). Students who have been placed on final academic probation are not permitted to withdraw from courses without prior approval from their academic advisor and the Office of Graduate Academics.

When the course duration varies from the norm, such as in 6-, 9- or 12-week courses, please see the NYU Tandon School Calendar  for deadline information. Withdrawn courses remain on the students’ transcripts with a grade of W and are not calculated into the GPA. Once entered on students’ records, a W cannot be changed to any other grade. An F grade is recorded for any student who ceases to attend a course without formally withdrawing by the required deadline.

International students who wish to withdraw from a course, or courses, must have prior approval from OGS if withdrawing will leave them with fewer than 9 credits of registration.

Auditing Courses

Graduate students may audit courses instead of receiving credits and grades for them. Regular tuition is charged and courses are treated as part of a full-time load. An AUD notation is made on the student’s permanent record.

Interested graduate students should see their advisors and must notify the NYU Tandon School of Engineering Office of Records and Registration within the first two weeks of the semester if they select courses for audit status. Under no circumstances may an audit status be changed to credit status once elected. Audited courses do not count toward satisfying graduation requirements.

Incomplete Grades 

If a student cannot complete the course work at the usual time because of valid reasons, such as illness or other critical emergency, the instructor may give a grade of Incomplete/I. In such cases, the instructor and the student must develop a detailed plan for completion that includes a specific completion date. Ordinarily this date should not extend beyond the intersession, in fairness to students who finish course requirements on time and to ensure that students complete prerequisites for advanced courses. An Incomplete grade converts to an F if the student fails to complete the work within the specified completion timeline, or at most by 180 days after the end of the semester in which the student was enrolled in the course. All Incomplete grades must be converted before graduation.

The grade of Incomplete/I is used sparingly and only in cases with valid reasons, not merely because students have planned poorly or overloaded themselves. An Incomplete grade should not be issued if a student is unable to complete the course requirements without attending or participating in the course a second time. If the student reregisters for a course in which an Incomplete grade was given, the Incomplete grade lapses to an F. If successful resolution of an Incomplete grade would require the repetition of any course or portion of a course, the instructor should not assign an Incomplete, and should instead counsel the student to withdraw from the course.

Change of Grade

Grades on file with the Registrar, with the exception of Incomplete/I grades and temporary grades (S or U), are considered final unless an error in calculating or recording the grade is discovered. No correctly reported final grade may be changed based upon re-taking an examination or completion of additional work. Incomplete/I grades are handled according to the policies described under Incomplete Grades. Temporary grades (S or U), used for continuing projects, thesis or dissertation, will be converted to standard letter grades upon completion of the project, thesis or dissertation. Once recorded with the Registrar, these grades are treated as all other final grades. If an error in calculating or reporting a grade is discovered, the instructor will submit the change of grade request to the Department Chair. If approved by the Department Chair, the request will be submitted to the Associate Dean for Graduate Academics for consideration. Any incorrectly assigned grade must be corrected within one semester.

GPA Restart

If a student who has completed a master’s degree at any school of NYU wishes to pursue another master’s degree at NYU Tandon, the student’s GPA is restarted. In this way, the academic performance for each degree is accurately represented. The GPA is also restarted at the beginning of a Ph.D. degree program.

Academic Standing and Probation

Graduate students are expected to progress in their studies and maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA at all times. Failure to do so results in the student being placed on academic probation. Graduate students are permitted a maximum of 2 semesters of probation, and these semesters need not be sequential in order to count towards the maximum limit.

Student academic progress is evaluated at the end of the spring and fall semesters (and at the end of the summer for summer admits only), irrespective of Incomplete or temporary (S/U) grades, and irrespective of whether students have dropped or withdrawn from any course(s). Any student whose GPA drops below 3.0 will be placed on probation and notified by the Office of Graduate Academics.

Students on probation must submit a signed Graduate Acknowledgement of Academic Probation and Potential Disqualification form to the Office of Graduate Academics before the start of the next semester. Students who are not yet registered for the following term will not be permitted to do so until the form is submitted to the Office of Graduate Academics. Students already registered will be de-registered from their courses if they do not submit the form. Further, any student who is on a second (final) semester of probation must obtain permission from the Office of Graduate Academics if they wish to make registration changes. The registration hold and the probation form serve to remind students on probation that they are not meeting required academic standards. No indication of academic probation appears on a student’s transcript, but a record is kept on file. Academic disqualification, however, is noted on the student’s transcript.

Students on final probation must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above at the end of that semester, or the student will be disqualified from the School. Disqualified students will not be considered for readmission. If a student is disqualified, any grade of Incomplete, S, or U at the time of disqualification will remain as such on the student’s transcript.

In addition to the academic probation process described above, a major department may request that a graduate student be placed on academic probation at any time. The request and its justification are signed by the Department Chair and sent to the Office of Graduate Academics for approval.

The probationary policies outlined above differ from the policies governing conditionally admitted students; please refer to the Conditional Admission section on Conditional Admit status for more information, or address specific questions to the Office of Graduate Academics .

Conditional Admission

At the discretion of NYU Tandon faculty, applicants to a graduate program may be conditionally admitted with a requirement to maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative graduate GPA in the first six (6) or more attempted credits to avoid academic disqualification. Additionally, at the discretion of NYU Tandon faculty, applicants to a graduate program may be conditionally admitted with a requirement to complete certain prerequisite courses in addition to the academic requirements stated for the graduate program to which admission is offered. Conditionally admitted students are not entitled to a period of academic probation, but instead will be academically disqualified if they fail to meet the requirements of their conditional admission at any point.

Leaves of Absence and Readmission

Leave of absence.

A student who wishes to temporarily suspend graduate studies may request a Leave of Absence. If a Leave of Absence is being requested for medical reasons, please consult with the Office of Student Affairs.  A request for a Leave of Absence for any reason other than medical must be approved by the Office of Graduate Academics.  If the leave is approved, the student’s matriculated status is maintained, and the student may resume his or her studies after the Leave of Absence. The Registrar will record a Leave of Absence on the student’s transcript.

Leaves of Absence, if approved, are granted for a maximum of one year except in extreme cases, such as compulsory national service (if such service is for more than one year). International students must also receive approval for the leave from OGS, as an approved Leave of Absence is an academic decision and does not override OGS concerns. For students admitted prior to Spring 2019, the Leave of Absence does not extend the time limit for earning a degree. For students admitted as of Spring 2019, any approved Leave of Absence does not count against the maximum time to completion, and the time limit will be extended by the number of semesters granted for Leave of Absence. (See section on Maximum Time for Program Completion.) The approval of a Leave of Absence does not preclude subsequent academic disqualification.

Readmission

Students who do not maintain continuous registration and who are not on an approved Leave of Absence must apply to NYU for readmission if they wish to continue their graduate studies. Re-admitted students must pay accrued fees for the lapsed semester(s). If readmitted, their subsequent program attendance will be guided by the terms and conditions of the readmission and by the Bulletin and rules in effect at the time of readmission. Lapsed semesters do not extend the maximum time permitted to complete the degree. If students who re-apply cannot complete their studies within the allotted time permitted from the date of their initial admission to NYU Tandon School of Engineering, they can be re-admitted as a new student, but prior courses will be treated as part of the total transfer credits permitted (see section on Transfer Credits).

Leave of Absence and Readmission for Veterans

Students in graduate programs taking a Leave of Absence to perform military services are reinstated into the same degree program with the same academic status that they had when last in attendance at the institution. The length of absence from the institution cannot exceed five academic years unless the student requests and receives an exception from the Office of Graduate Academics. Such requests when approved by the Office of Graduate Academics constitute assurance of reinstatement to the degree program from which the leave was taken. If the period of absence exceeds the approved leave, students must apply for readmission.

Withdrawal from the University

Voluntary withdrawal.

Graduate students who wish to withdraw completely from NYU Tandon School of Engineering (as opposed to a term withdrawal) must first withdraw from all courses in which they are currently registered, and then they must complete the online total withdrawal form. To receive W grades for the semester, the withdrawal must be completed by the withdrawal deadline indicated in the academic calendar. The mere absence from courses does not constitute official withdrawal, but results in F grades recorded for courses not completed. No complete withdrawal is official unless and until this form is completed and submitted to the NYU Tandon School of Engineering Office of Records and Registration and approved by all required signatories. Students who submit an online total withdrawal request which is approved must reapply to NYU Tandon School of Engineering should they wish to resume their studies in the future, and readmission is not guaranteed.

Involuntary Withdrawal

NYU Tandon School of Engineering is concerned about the health, safety and well-being of its students. Students judged to be a threat to themselves or to others may be withdrawn involuntarily from the School. The School seeks, whenever possible, for such students to be allowed to continue as active students if they agree to undergo professional care. Full details concerning this policy are available from the Office of Student Affairs.

Application Process for the Award of Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy Degrees

Graduate students must file a formal application via Albert Student Center for the award of any NYU Tandon School of Engineering degree or certificate. Filing dates for each semester are published by the University Registrar . Students who do not file by the published deadline dates become candidates for the next conferral period.

Degrees are conferred and diplomas issued three times per year, typically in January, May, and September. All work for the degree must be completed and submitted before the graduation date.

NYU policy prohibits the awarding of a degree to members of the School teaching staff who hold a rank above the grade of Instructor.

Please note that a degree is not awarded unless the student applies for graduation, even if all requirements have been met. The date of the degree follows the application date for its award, not when all requirements are completed. If the application is filed more than two years after completion of degree requirements, the approval process is not automatic, and additional administrative actions may be required on a case-by-case basis.

Diplomas are mailed to the student about eight weeks after the degree conferral date. Diplomas are issued only once, subject to rare exceptions made on a case-by-case basis. Replacement diploma procedures and fees are published on the University Registrar’s website . Replacement diplomas for the NYU Tandon School of Engineering will be printed with the school name at the time of the student’s graduation.

Continuation of Studies Beyond the Initial Certificate or Master of Science

Students planning to pursue additional studies immediately following the award of an advanced degree by NYU Tandon School of Engineering should complete a new application for admission and submit it to the Graduate Admissions Office for review and approval by the department in which the new degree will be pursued. Examples are: 1) progressing from a certificate program to an M.S. program; 2) progressing from an M.S. program to a Ph.D. program; 3) seeking a second M.S. degree from NYU Tandon School of Engineering. For rules governing the application of prior NYU Tandon School of Engineering credits towards a new degree program, please refer to the section on Transfer Credits and Transfer Policy Exceptions.

Internship Policies and Guidelines

Graduate internships provide an opportunity for students to pursue practical work experience in their field of study, to enhance and augment classroom learning, while also enhancing their overall educational experience.

Eligibility and Requirements: Students

F-1 international students are required to complete at least two semesters of full-time study in the United States (U.S.) to be eligible for internship authorization. This may include time spent studying at another U.S. institution, including completion of a bachelor’s degree immediately prior to studying at NYU. Please contact the Office of Global Services for details on  F-1 internship eligibility .

All graduate students must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0, as reflected on their academic transcript. Students cannot enroll in internship courses if they have an incomplete grade (I) in any course from a prior semester. Students cannot enroll in a subsequent internship course if they have an incomplete or a fail grade (F) from a previous internship course. Students cannot be approved for an internship via thesis, dissertation, or any other course, if they have received a Time Extension for their current degree program. As stated above in the Graduation Requirements section for Master of Science, M.S. students may use no more than 3 credits of internship toward fulfillment of M.S. degree requirements.

Eligibility and Requirements: Work Experiences

During the academic year, work experiences must be at least 12 weeks long. During the summer, they must be at least 8 weeks long. Additionally, the work experience must be a minimum of 240 hours. Start and end dates need not coincide with the first and last day of the semester, but must fit within the semester in order to ensure that final reports may be submitted and grades may be submitted in a timely manner.

During the academic year, students cannot work more than 20 hours per week while classes are in session. Internships requiring more than 20 hours of participation per week are considered full-time. Students who are in their final semester of study and who require, and are registered for, no more than 3 non-internship credits plus 0.5 to 3 internship credits – for a total of 3.5 to 6 credits for the term – may be approved for a full-time internship. During the summer, students are permitted to work full-time, provided that they are not also taking more than 3 credits. Work hours must be consistent with the organization’s regular work schedule.

Work experiences must comply with the Fair Labor Standards Act . As such, students must be paid at least minimum wage unless specific exceptions apply. The Department of Labor outlines a six-point test regarding unpaid internships . Employers should consult their legal counsel for more information.

Students must be hired as employees of the participating organization and must be paid directly by the organization using a W-2 form. Employers cannot pay students as independent contractors using an IRS 1099 form.

Employers must agree to assign a responsible, ranking employee as the student’s supervisor. This individual will provide appropriate supervision and mentoring, including establishing clear goals and expectations regarding tasks and projects. Employers must be willing to submit written midterm and final evaluations of the student’s work. Experiences will not be approved for companies that are not permitted to submit written evaluations. Employer supervisors must review the student’s final report so that proprietary and/or confidential information can be removed.

Students must obtain an offer letter on organization letterhead from the prospective employer. This letter must identify the company, its address, contact information, the student’s job title, and start and end dates of the internship.

Students must update their placement information through their NYU CareerNet account Profile, per instructions provided by the Wasserman Center for Career Development.

Prospective employers must complete the Employer Registration Form, which includes a detailed job description.

Students will submit their offer letter, Employer Registration Form, and printed NYU CareerNet Profile to their departmental advisor who will identify a suitable faculty advisor. The faculty advisor will be responsible for all academic matters related to the work experience. The faculty advisor will evaluate the relevancy of the work experience and, if approved, will direct the student to register for the appropriate CP course.

For approved International Students, the faculty advisor will provide the Office of Global Services (OGS) with all relevant information in order to process work authorization. International Students cannot begin working until they have received work authorization.

The company supervisor must provide a mid-term evaluation and a final evaluation to the faculty supervisor. The student will submit a project report at the end of the term. Some departments or programs may also require a presentation. The report (and presentation, if required) will be included as a part of the assessment for the student’s grade. Faculty advisors will provide guidelines for the reports. All CP courses will be graded as Pass (P) or Fail (F).

With the faculty advisor’s approval, consecutive work experiences may be completed with the same employer. Students must complete the same registration process and follow all procedures for re-applying and enrolling in another CP course. International Students must obtain prior permission from OGS for every period of employment. Students are not authorized to work during the interim period between the end of their prior CPT and the beginning of their next even if they will have an internship with the same company; this jeopardizes their visa status.

Anti-Reneging Policy

NYU Tandon does not permit graduate students to renege on internship offers, as it is unfair to companies, harms the school’s reputation, and discourages companies from continuing to hire current and future students. Even when at-will laws apply, students may not renege on an internship offer once accepted. Students may turn down an offer if it is not to their satisfaction. However, once an offer has been accepted, students are expected to and required to honor their agreement with that company, even if they should later receive a better offer from a different company. Once an internship has been approved by a student’s department for academic credit, no other internship will be approved for the same student in the same semester. Students must complete their internships; leaving an internship before the end date is prohibited.

Penalties for violating the anti-reneging policy include, but are not limited to: receiving an  F  for the internship course and not being permitted to do another internship. For international students, this means no further CPT will be approved.

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What’s the difference between part-time and full-time college students.

Senior Associate, JPMorgan Chase

If college is on your radar, you may be deciding if you want to be a part-time or a full-time student.

If you have responsibilities outside of school, such as a job or family obligations, you may be considering enrolling as a part-time student. On the flip side, if you feel that you can afford the time and monetary commitment that comes with full-time enrollment, then this may be the option that you’re leaning towards.

In this article, we’ll break down the differences between full-time and part-time student statuses, including the number of credits students can expect to take in these two statuses and how long it may take to graduate if you're a part-time or full-time student.

Also, of note, you don’t necessarily have to think of this decision as a permanent one. Some schools and programs allow students to change their enrollment status between full-time and part-time for a semester or trimester, depending on their needs. Another thing to remember as you make this choice is not all schools and programs offer the opportunity for students to enroll part-time.

What’s considered full-time college enrollment?

There are three definitions to be aware of when understanding what it means to be a full-time student – your school’s definition, the U.S. Department of Education’s definition, and the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) definition.

First, colleges and universities each have their own definitions for what’s considered full-time. To be considered full-time by a college, most colleges require students to be enrolled in a certain number of classes and credits for a semester, although the requirements may vary.

The U.S. Department of Education defines full-time student status as being enrolled in at least 12 credit hours per term. This definition is important to understand because it may relate to your eligibility for financial aid provided by the federal government.

There’s also a legal tax status in order to be considered a “full-time student” by the IRS. Having this status may enable you to take certain exemptions on your taxes. To be a full-time student as defined by the IRS, you must:

• Be a full-time student as defined by your school.
• Be a student for five calendar months of the year (these months don’t need to be consecutive).
• Be a full-time student at a school that has a regular teaching staff, course of study, and a regularly enrolled student body. A student taking a full-time, on-farm training course offered by a school, state, county, or local government agency may also qualify.

How many classes do full-time students take a semester?

There’s no set number of classes that are considered full-time across the board. However, for many schools, full-time enrollment often involves taking between three and four classes a semester, depending on how many credits each class is worth. The same is true to meet the U.S. Department of Education’s definition of being a full-time student.

Remember that all schools are not on a semester schedule, so the guidelines may differ.

How many credits do full-time students take a semester?

To meet the U.S. Department of Education’s definition of being a full-time student, students must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours per semester. Individual schools may have different credit requirements for students to be considered full-time. As a refresher, credit hours are a measure that determines the weight of a particular class. Since all schools aren’t on a semester schedule, this may vary.

How much does college cost for a full-time student?

According to data from College Board, a nonprofit organization that helps students with college admissions, the average cost for a full-time student was $10,940 for those attending in-state public colleges and $28,240 for those attending out-of-state public colleges in the 2022-23 school year. For students who attended private schools, tuition was on average $39,400.

Remember, these numbers are averages, which means tuition varies depending on the exact school. The other thing to keep in mind is that these numbers reflect the sticker price of tuition at schools – many students ultimately pay less because of financial aid.

How long does it take to graduate from college as a full-time student?

It takes most full-time students four years to graduate from college with a bachelor’s degree. For students seeking an associate degree, it most often takes them two years to graduate.

Keep in mind, these timelines can vary. It takes some students less time to graduate with a college degree if they’re able to enter a degree program with college credits in hand, if they’re able to load up on credits during some terms, or if they take classes in summer or winter sessions (or some combination of this). On the flip side, it can take some students longer than the traditional two or four years to graduate with a college degree in some instances.

What’s considered part-time college enrollment?

A part-time student enrolls in fewer classes than a full-time student. They may have a day job or other responsibilities that they juggle in addition to classes. As a result, they may pay less in tuition per term (since they’re taking fewer classes), but it may take them more terms to graduate. They also may have less access to financial aid, including scholarships and grants.

How many classes do part-time students take a semester?

Most schools consider a student taking less than three or four classes a semester (depending on the credit hours of the class) a part-time student. This may vary depending on if a school is on a quarter or trimester schedule.

How many credits do part-time students take a semester?

A part-time student usually takes fewer than 12 credits a semester, though that may differ based on a school’s definition of what a part-time student is. Again, this may vary if a school is on a quarter or trimester schedule.

How much does college cost as a part-time student?

How much a school costs as a part-time student will depend on the school. Typically, as a full-time student, you pay by the term (quarter, trimester, or semester), but as a part-time student, you often pay by the credit hour or how many classes you enroll in for a term.

It’s important to note that even if being a part-time student is cheaper in the short term, in the long run, it may ultimately cost more to graduate as a part-time student than as a full-time student. This is because students who are enrolled part-time are often charged by the number of credit hours they’re enrolled in and also may encounter additional fees, while full-time students may be charged a flat rate for a term, enabling them to take anywhere from 12 to 18 credits a term. Full-time students who enroll in enough credits a term may ultimately see cost-savings.

You may want to speak to an academic advisor to fully determine the costs of part-time and full-time enrollment to make the best choice for your situation.

How long does it take to graduate college as a part-time student?

A 2023 study by the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, a nonprofit, found that 20% of students from the class of 2017 who were enrolled exclusively part-time graduated in six years . The same study found that 51.1% of students with mixed enrollment (a combination of part-time and full-time) graduated within six years.

How long it takes you to graduate as a part-time student will heavily depend on how many credits you ultimately end up taking each term, and your consistency in enrolling in classes each term.

Does the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA ® ) cover part-time students?

The FAFSA ® is used by students to access federal student aid including federal student loans, grants, and work-study, if they’re eligible. Part-time students may be eligible for federal financial aid if they’re enrolled in at least a half-time class load (usually around six credits per semester).

If you’re enrolled half-time as a part-time student, you apply for federal financial aid in the same way a full-time student would via the FAFSA ® .

Part-time students who are eligible for federal financial aid may receive less aid than full-time students, including a reduced Pell Grant award , because of their enrollment status.

How to decide whether to enroll as a part-time or full-time student

By looking at your immediate financial circumstances as well as the time commitment you can make to school, you may be able to get a gauge of whether you should attend college part-time or full-time.

When it comes to enrolling full-time, on the pro side, full-time students may be able to immerse themselves fully in their academic pursuits, allowing for deeper engagement with their studies and the college experience. Being enrolled full-time often leads students to graduate quicker and enables graduates to enter the workforce or pursue more advanced studies sooner. Additionally, full-time status may qualify students for more scholarships and financial aid opportunities, which may reduce the cost of obtaining a degree.

When it comes to attending college part-time, one significant advantage is the flexibility it offers, allowing students to balance their education with work, family responsibilities, and other commitments. This can make attending college more accessible, especially for those who need to maintain a job or care for family members. Part-time enrollment can provide an opportunity to gain practical work experience while in school, too.

Final thoughts

At the end of the day, your status as a part-time or full-time student may change throughout your college career. Sometimes, life happens, and you may want to change from being a full-time to a part-time student, for instance. Even if you find yourself in this situation, know that if you stay the course, you’ll still graduate with a diploma; it may just take a bit longer.

15-to-Finish: FHSU’s commitment to student success

By FHSU University Communications

HAYS, Kan. - Fort Hays State University is pleased to announce its continued commitment to student success through the “15-to-Finish” initiative. With the aim of ensuring undergraduate students persist in their studies and graduate on time, FHSU encourages students to complete 15 credits per semester or 30 credits per academic year, setting them on track to complete their degree within four years.

Drawing on Kansas Board of Regents Strategic Plan and FHSU’s goals for student success, “15-to-Finish” is significant in that it extends beyond expediency and focuses on persistence, ensuring that students graduate.

There are many benefits to adhering to the “15-to-Finish” approach. By staying on track and completing their degree on time, students can lower their overall tuition and educational expenses, decrease student loan debt, and maximize their financial aid opportunities. Additionally, they can fast-track their path to employment or graduate school while establishing early earnings and savings instead of paying further tuition costs.

To support students in achieving the “15-to-Finish” goal, FHSU offers the following recommendations:

• Collaborate with academic advisors to develop a personalized four-year degree plan, ensuring completion of essential courses like English composition and college-level mathematics within the first two semesters.
• Regularly monitor academic progress on Workday.
• Schedule meetings each semester with academic advisors to review degree plans and status.

Recognizing that completing 15 credits per semester may not suit every student, FHSU acknowledges the importance of flexibility and offers alternative strategies based on individual circumstances, such as:

• Working closely with academic advisors to craft customized degree plans for success.
• Utilizing advanced placement, CLEP, and other credit-by-exam options to accelerate progress.
• Enrolling in FHSU summer and intersession courses to reduce academic year course loads.

“FHSU’s mission continues to focus on accessibility and affordability for students – leading to a credential that prepares students to be productive members of the workforce and society,” said Jill Arensdorf, provost/vice president of academic affairs. “Taking an average of 30 credits per academic year puts students on a path to complete their degree in four years, which can lead to an overall cost savings for students.”

 “While this path is not for everyone, we encourage students to have conversations with those in their university support system to make good academic and scheduling decisions.” 

For more information on the “15-to-Finish” initiative and how it supports student success at FHSU, please visit: www.fhsu.edu .

University Communications Fort Hays State University 600 Park Street Hays, KS 67601 785-628-4208

Student Financial Services

2024-2025 estimated cost of attendance.

Cost of Attendance (COA)  is the estimated cost to attend one year of college.  The components include tuition, fees, housing, food, transportation, books and supplies, personal expenses, and other costs, depending on individual choices.

These estimates do not reflect your actual bill as not all components are directly charged by the university. To review the direct charges you may see on your bill, please refer to the university's Official Notice of Student Charges.

Please note that the health insurance opportunity provided by Howard University is not a typical cost of attendance component. If a student is unable to secure insurance from an insurance provider of their choice, they may request a cost of attendance increase via the Office of Financial Aid.

Undergraduate Program

• Based on full-time enrollment per semester. 
• Subject to change each academic year.

Graduate Programs

College of dentistry.

† - based on 11-month academic year (Fall/Spring/Summer)

• Based on full-time enrollment per semester.
• May vary based on the year in the program: Includes Books and Instruments
• Loan fees vary based on acceptance of Direct Federal Unsubsidized loan and Graduate PLUS loan credit decision
• May vary based on the year in the program: Includes Books and Instruments.
• Loan fees vary based on acceptance of Direct Federal Unsubsidized Loans and Graduate PLUS loan credit decision
• Loan fees vary based on acceptance of Direct Federal Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans and Parent PLUS loan credit decision

College of Pharmacy

College of medicine.

• Loan fees vary based on acceptance of Direct Federal Unsubsidized loan and Graduate PLUS loan credit decision.

School of Law

School of divinity, school of business - mba | emba | omba, school of education - online human development.