Classification of Students

Classification of Students

The number of credits which each student has accumulated per the graduate / professional course scheme determines that student’s classification.

Student Load

Nine credit hours are considered to be a full-time schedule for students prior to being admitted to candidacy. After admission to candidacy, enrollment for at least one credit hour of dissertation research or dissertation writing may constitute a full-time schedule.

The maximum load for a graduate student is fifteen credit hours. Enrollment in more than twelve credit hours requires approval by the Graduate Studies Committee of the department. Courses for no credit allowance will not be included as part of the regular student load. Other professional and postdoctoral programs determine the number of credit hours required to be full time.

School of Social Work - Master of Social Work Programs

The number of units/credit hours are based on the selected matriculation; full-time, advanced standing, advanced standing accelerated program and part-time. 

On-Campus (Flagship Program)      
Traditional (Full-time) 4 semesters (15 credit hours per semester)
Advanced Standing (Full-time) 3 semesters (15 credit hours per semester)
Advanced Standing Accelerated Program (Full-time) 2 semesters (15 credit hours per semester)

 

Online Program      
Traditional (Full-time) 4 terms (15 credit hours per term)
Advanced Standing (Full-time) 3 terms (15 credit hours per term)
Traditional (Part-time)(2) 9 terms (students can take a minimum of 6 credit hours per term)
Advanced Standing (Part-time)(2) 6 terms(1) (students can take a minimum of 6 credit hours per term)
  1. For those students who entered the on-line program in January 2022 (6 terms), they can take a minimum of 6 credit hours per term.
  2. Part-time students should complete the program in four years and must take at least 3 credit hours per semester.