Master's Program Information

Academic Load for Master's Programs

The following chart shows the enrollment status for a graduate student according to the number of hours for which he/she is registered per semester or term. This chart functions as a guide to determine status for veteran’s certification. Please note this chart does not determine status for Financial Aid purposes. Students registering for more than 12 credit hours during any semester must have the approval of the appropriate academic dean.

Term of Enrollment Full-Time 3/4-Time 1/2-Time Less Than 1/2-Time 1/4-Time or Less
Fall 9 hours or more 6.75-8.99 4.50-6.74 2.26-4.49 0.50-2.25
Spring 9 hours or more 6.75-8.99 4.50-6.74 2.26-4.49 0.50-2.25
Long Summer 3 hours or more 2.25-2.99 1.50-2.24 0.76-1.49 0.50-0.75
Summer 1 3 hours or more 2.25-2.99 1.50-2.24 0.76-1.49 0.50-0.75
Summer 2 3 hours or more 2.25-2.99 1.50-2.24 0.76-1.49 0.50-0.75
Long Winter 3 hours or more 2.25-2.99 1.50-2.24 0.76-1.49 0.50-0.75
Short Winter 3 hours 2.25-2.99 1.50-2.24 0.76-1.49 0.50-0.75
Mini-Terms 3 hours 2.25-2.99 1.50-2.24 0.76-1.49 0.50-0.75

Audit Policy for Master's Programs

Occasional visitation of classes by currently enrolled students is allowed with the consent of the instructor. Any extended attendance requires registration and payment of appropriate fees. Auditors are admitted to classes on a space available basis under the following guidelines:

  • Any interested person, including currently enrolled students, may audit one or more courses.
  • Non-students must complete an application for admission and be approved for enrollment by the Office of Admissions.
  • Individuals who desire to audit graduate courses must be admitted for graduate study or have documentation indicating the completion of a baccalaureate degree and approval from the Director of Admissions.
  • The only period during which students may register for an audit, change a credit class to audit, or change an audit class to credit is during late registration as published in the University calendar. Appropriate tuition and fees will apply. Individuals must complete a Registration Form or Change of Schedule Form (add/drop) as appropriate. The audit class(es) should be clearly marked as such by the advisor by placing "AUDIT ONLY" in the course description section of the appropriate form.
  • Enrollment as an auditor is subject to the approval of the dean of the related college. It is recommended that prospective students consult the instructors of courses in which they are interested before they register.
  • Policies governing prerequisites and academic load will be applicable.
  • An auditor is not entitled to have work evaluated by the instructor and the degree of participation is determined by the instructor and dean. Individuals who wish to participate fully and engage in all instructional activities must register for credit and pay full tuition.
  • Auditing grants only the privilege of hearing and observing and does not grant credit. An auditor’s name will appear on the instructor’s class roll. In order for the designation “AU” to appear on the transcript; however, the instructor must certify at the end of the course that the individual attended at least 75% of the class meetings as an auditor. If the student attends less than 75% of the class meetings, the designation of “X” will appear on the transcript.
  • Audit and other appropriate fees, as prescribed in the University Online Schedule of Classes information, are due at the time of registration.
  • Full-time faculty and staff members are eligible for audit tuition benefits consistent with the guidelines established in the University Tuition Remission Policy.

Probation and Suspension for Master's Program

A student whose cumulative grade point average drops below 3.0 will be placed on academic probation and must raise his/her cumulative GPA to 3.0 or better during the next semester. A student placed on academic probation for two consecutive terms or a total of three times in nonconsecutive terms will be suspended from academic studies.