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Do I have to register for courses in my graduating semester?

If a master’s thesis option or doctoral student has completed ALL degree requirements, including being CLEARED by the Thesis Office, by the last day to add courses for a semester, the student is not required to register for courses but must apply for graduation and pay the diploma fee. This rule does not apply to students on assistantships, scholarships and fellowships. A department and/or college may have requirements in addition to the University. International students should consult with International Student and Scholar Services regarding additional registration requirements.
 

Do I have to register in my last semester?

Students who were registered for at least one credit hour in the preceding semester and have passed their final exam as well as submitted and been cleared for graduation by the Graduate and Professional School for that semester will not have to register for coursework. Students not meeting those requirements or on an assistantship must be registered for at least 1 hour in the semester they take their final exam. International students may need to consult with ISS about registration requirements in their final semester. The Graduate & Professional School does not require non-thesis students who have completed all degree plan coursework to register, but individual departments or programs may.
 

If I am graduating in August, do I need to register for a course in the summer?

Graduate students taking their preliminary or final exam and/or submitting their thesis/dissertation to the Graduate and Professional School during the summer semester are academically required to be registered for at least one credit hour. Students on assistantships or fellowships must be registered full time during the summer. International graduate students should consult with International Student and Scholar Services to determine their summer registration requirements. For more information please refer to the Thesis and Dissertation Services.
 

What are Excess Hours

Students are allowed to enroll for a maximum of 15 hours during the fall/spring semesters, 6 hours for the 5-week summer session, and 10 hours for the 10-week summer session. The Dean of the College can approve (and register) students for 18 hours (fall/spring), 9 hours (5-week summer sessions), and 15 hours (10-week session). Registration in addition to the 18, 9, and 15 hours, respectfully, will require the Grad School approval and must be submitted via the Petition for Waivers or Exceptions through the DPSS portal that includes the course prefix, number, section, hours and the semester. With the approval of the request, the course(s) will be added by the Grad School.

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