Policy on Classification of Students

Classification by School and Program

Students are classified according to school and program, as well as attendance statuses that include full-time, half-time, or less-than-half-time.

Students are also classified according to their schools and programs. This is also known as the institution’s academic structure. Students are associated with one of the institution’s six schools, as well as his or her academic program under that school and, if applicable, a track under that academic program. These designations may be found on students’ enrollment verifications and official transcripts.

Classification by Attendance and Number of Hours Enrolled

A graduate student is considered full-time if he or she is registered for a minimum of:

• 9 semester credit hours during a fall or spring semester; or
• 6 semester credit hours in a summer semester.

A graduate student is considered half-time if he or she is registered for a minimum of:

• 5 semester credit hours during a fall or spring semester; or
• 3 semester credit hours in a summer semester.

A graduate-level certificate-seeking student is considered full-time if he or she is registered for a minimum of:

• 8 semester credit hours during a fall or spring semester

Any hours less than those enumerated above for graduate students prompt classification as less-than-half-time.

An undergraduate student is considered full-time if he or she is registered for a minimum of:

• 12 semester credit hours during a fall or spring semester; or
• 12 semester credit hours in a summer semester.

An undergraduate student is considered half-time if he or she is registered for a minimum of:

• 6 semester credit hours during a fall or spring semester;
• 6 semester credit hours in a summer semester.

Any hours less than those enumerated above for undergraduate students prompt classification as less-than-half-time.

Schools may impose additional semester credit hour requirements for students holding assistantships or fellowships which exceed the minimum stated above. Exceptions to the above criteria are rare, but include students enrolled in academic programs where the combination of hours of academic coursework, work, research, or special studies is sufficient to warrant a classification of full-time. These exceptions are specified elsewhere in the catalog in the applicable program description(s).

It is also imperative that international students contact the Office of International Services to verify the minimum number of hours required to maintain specific visa statuses and types.