Full-time status is defined as 9 or more credits per semester (Fall and Spring) of coursework. After passing the Ph.D. qualifying exam, a student can maintain full-time status by taking 3 or more credits per semester (Fall and Spring).

If the first semester of study is also the student’s first semester in an English-speaking country, then a 6-credit load is allowed as full-time status for that semester only, but if and only if the student is enrolled in a Polytechnic-approved English language course during the semester. This course need not be at Polytechnic, but must be approved by the International Student Adviser. Further, the course need not be for credit.

International students must maintain a valid I-20. If the purpose of the study shifts from M.S. to Ph.D., an appropriate I-20 must be sought.

A Ph.D. student, including international student, who has completed all credits toward the degree but has not completed the actual dissertation, is allowed to take two semesters of “maintenance of study” (RE 8880 course) to fulfill the Full Time Equivalency (FTE). This course (1) carries no credit, (2) attests that the student is pursuing full-time work on the dissertation, and (3) involves no tuition payment, but fees are required. Students who plan to take RE 8880 course should complete the application form of FTE available from the Office of Academic Affairs. (NOTE: This policy may change)

Exceptional and rare cases may require additional semesters of “maintenance of status”. This requires the approval of the Department Head, Dean, and International Student Advisor (if applicable). (NOTE: This policy may change)