Graduate Credit Load and Full-Time Status

Master's Students

To be considered full-time, master’s students must register for:

• At least 9 academic credits, or

• A combination of academic and equivalent credits totaling 9 per semester.

Doctoral Students

To be considered full-time, doctoral students must register for:

• At least 7 academic credits, or

• A combination of academic and equivalent credits totaling 7 per semester.

International Students

International graduate students on F-1 visas must maintain full-time enrollment each Fall and Spring semester:

• Master’s students: Minimum of 9 academic or equivalent credits

• Doctoral students: Minimum of 7 academic or equivalent credits

Maximum Credit Load

Students may not register for more than 18 credits in the Fall or Spring semester without written approval from the Office of Graduate Studies.

Full-Time Certification

Students may be officially certified as full-time if enrolled in the following:

• Master’s students: 9 or more academic and/or equivalent credits

• Doctoral students: 7 or more academic and/or equivalent credits

Equivalent Credits

Students may receive 1–6 equivalent credits for approved academic activities, including:

• Teaching assistantships

• Research assistantships

• Thesis research or writing

• Comprehensive exam preparation

• Fieldwork

Note: Equivalent credits do not count toward degree completion but may be used for full-time certification. Departments are responsible for verifying and documenting equivalent credit activities.

Credit Definitions

Academic Credits

Credits earned through coursework listed in the department’s official degree requirements. These count toward the total credits required for graduation.

Equivalent Credits

Credits earned for qualifying academic activities. These may be used to determine full-time status but do not count toward the degree’s credit total.