Progress

Degree-seeking graduate students and students completing graduate certificate programs are expected to make satisfactory progress toward their degree or certificate in a timely manner (10-year time limit). Some departments take action to dismiss students who absent themselves for periods of a year or more.

Demonstrated suitability for professional practice, as determined by faculty, is also a consideration for remaining in good standing in graduate programs leading to advanced certificates or other endorsements indicating advanced professional practice or achievement.

Students who complete graduate degrees at Wichita State University are transferred to nondegree, Category A, status in the academic field of their graduate degree which allows continued enrollment for graduate credit at WSU. Should such students desire to undertake a new academic program or change advising areas, a new application for admission to the desired area of study and application fee must be filed with the Graduate School office.

Load Definitions

At least 9 credit hours of graduate credit coursework is defined as full-time graduate enrollment during the fall or spring semester. During the summer session, a minimum of 6 credit hours is considered full-time graduate enrollment. Load (total credit hours) does not include audit enrollments. Students enrolling in all or a majority of courses for undergraduate credit must meet the undergraduate requirement for certification as full-time students (12 credit hours).

International students must enroll as full-time students (at least 9 credit hours of graduate credit coursework) each semester. Students placed on probation after admission are not allowed to enroll in more than 12 credit hours during semesters in which they are on probation.

Students holding assistantships should work with their advisors to arrive at a load appropriate to their situation.

Graduate students holding assistantships during a fall or spring semester are expected to enroll in at least 9 credit hours of graduate coursework, of which 6 credit hours must be at the graduate level. Approval to allow graduate assistants who hold a 20-hour appointment to be enrolled in 6 to 8 credit hours may be granted by the program in which the student is admitted. Special consideration for thesis, project, dissertation and research enrollments below 6 credit hours may be obtained by filing an exception with the Graduate School.

Enrollment While on Probation

Students placed on probation after admission are not allowed to enroll in more than 12 credit hours during semesters in which they are on probation unless specifically required by their academic program.