Academic Credit

The semester hour is the unit of academic credit and represents one hour of lecture or recitation or a minimum of two hours of laboratory work each week for one semester or the equivalent.

Course Load

The normal load for a full-time graduate student enrolled during a semester is nine semester hours; a maximum class load is 12 semester hours. To be considered in full-time study, the student must be registered for not less than nine semester hours of work. Non-traditional students who are enrolled in an Alternative Program may enroll in 12 semester hours.

The academic load of a graduate student cannot always be measured in terms of formal courses. Frequently, his/her assignment will consist largely or entirely of research. The Chair and Graduate Program Coordinator in the student's department/program will determine the extent to which these assignments are the equivalent of a full academic load through the use of variable credit research and thesis or dissertation courses.

Part-time graduate students, in-service teachers, and other employed personnel are advised not to carry a load in excess of two graduate courses, except by special permission of the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies on the recommendation of the major advisor. Without special permission, the course load for part-time students may not exceed six credit hours.

During summer school, graduate students can carry six semester hours during both four-and-a-half­ week sessions. Thus, a student may earn 12 semester hours of credit by attending two sessions of summer school.

Course Numbers

Courses numbered at the 500, 600, and 700 levels are primarily for graduate students. These courses may be taken by other students with the permission of the instructor and department chair. Courses with numbers below 500 will not be applied to graduate degrees.

Continuing Education Credit

The CNED prefix and the 90 to 99 endings denote the off-campus education courses. Degree-seeking students can take CNED courses if they are included on their approved program card. Courses taken for credit through continuing education programs of other institutions must have prior approval from the major professor, the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies, and the Dean of the College.

Independent Study

An advanced graduate student may be allowed to pursue a course through independent study with the approval of his or her advisor, the instructor of the course, the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies, and the Provost. Approval will not be given when the regular course is available.

Auditing Courses

Students enrolled in a full program of study, or its equivalent, may audit a course that contributes to that program provided the student's advisor approves and the instructor of the course agrees. Credit or grades are not assigned for auditing. Audit courses are not accepted in seminars, practica, research courses, field courses, clinical courses, workshops, or similar courses. (See auditing fees under "Special Fees.")