How many credit hours of course work I should take each semester?

Typically, a student will register for 3 credit hours in the Summer and 6 credit hours in the Fall and Spring semesters to be considered a full time student. Students may register for more credit hours if necessary to take course work. For example, students taking Graduate Neuroscience (5 credit hours) that is offered during the summer have to sign up for more than the minimum.

There are two exceptions in which a student may register for fewer credit hours.

1. A student may petition to register for 1 credit hour per semester once they have completed 18 credit hours post comprehensive exam. The petition form is available from the Office of Graduate Studies and we strongly encourage eligible students to apply. In our experience, it is very likely that the petition will be approved. This can save a lot of money in tuition.

2. A student may register for 1 credit hour in the semester in which they expect to defend.