Time Limit for Degree Completion

The MS, MA, and MFA degrees shall be completed within three years after the first registration for study leading to the master’s degree. In extenuating circumstances, a student may petition with the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences (GRS) for more time in which to complete the degree.

Online master’s programs must be completed within five years after the first registration of study for that degree.

PhD degrees must be completed within seven years after the first registration for that degree, except for periods of GRS-approved leave of absence. In addition, a full-time or certified full-time PhD student who is in good academic standing and who becomes the primary caregiver of an infant or adopted child will receive a one-year extension of their approved time to degree.

Petitions for extensions of time to complete degree requirements must be submitted prior to the end of the above limit. Students exceeding this time limit without an approved petition for an extension of time will not be permitted to register.

Students who fail to register for consecutive terms without first notifying the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences about their intention to withdraw or take a leave of absence from the University will be administratively withdrawn from their program. Students may petition the college to be reinstated. Students should be aware that reinstatement is not guaranteed. To begin the petition process, students should submit a request at least 8 weeks prior to the start of the semester of their intended return.