Graduate programs are offered on a part-time and full-time basis. Part-time and full-time are dependent on the number of registered credits. Once admitted to a graduate program, a student may move from full-time to part-time or part-time to full-time by simply changing the number of credits registered. However, a student is initially admitted to full-time or part-time status. There are tuition and financial aid ramifications associated with full time and part time status.

Defined by Credits

SBS Students:  Full-time status for graduate programs is defined as 12 to 15 credits. A student must be registered for at least 12 credits to be considered full-time. A maximum of 15 credits is allowed.

Students must complete and have approved an Excess Course Petition Form if they plan to register for more than 15 credits. The only exception to this policy is the semester in which a student registers for the 1 credit courses, MBA 600 and/or GMBA 601.

CAS Students: Full-time status is defined as 12 credits for CAS graduate programs except for the Ph.D in Economics which is defined as 9 credits.   Students must complete and have approved an Excess Course Petition form if they plan to register for more than 12 credits (9 in Ph.D Economics program). 

Tuition Implications 

Full-time: The University sets a full-time tuition rate charged Fall and Spring semesters.   If a student enrolls in excess credits, the additional credits are charged at a pro-rated per-credit fee.

Part-time: The University sets a part-time per-credit tuition rate.

Summer: All students registered for credits in a summer term are charged at the per-credit tuition rate.

For current full-time, part-time and excess tuition rates visit the Bursar's Office.  

Visit Student Financial Services for information regarding full-time or part-time status and elibility for financial aid.