Each degree program has its own policy that defines degree candidacy. Students in this classification have completed 30 semester hours of acceptable graduate work beyond the bachelor's degree, or have received a master's degree in the same or related field from an accredited college or university, and have satisfied all other requirements for candidacy set by the committee in charge of the degree program. You should check with your advisor and graduate school office for the criteria that applies to you.

After the establishment of degree candidacy, a maximum of 5 years will be allowed for the completion of the degree requirements, unless an extension is granted by your graduate school. Information on the procedure to request an extension is available from your academic department or your graduate school office.

Course credits earned in the program of graduate study, or accepted by transfer credit, are valid for a maximum of 7 years unless an extension is granted by your graduate school.

A graduate student is considered full-time if enrolled in a minimum of 8 semester hours of credit per semester. Students will only be considered full-time if they are continuously enrolled for at least 2 consecutive semesters annually.

The following considerations also apply:

• Students for whom English is a second language, at the discretion of their academic department, will be considered full-time if enrolled in a minimum of 3 courses or are carrying 8 semester hours of credit per semester;
• Students who hold graduate assistantships (TA or RA) will be considered full-time if enrolled for a minimum of 6 semester hours of credit per semester;
• During the summer session, graduate students will be considered full-time if enrolled for a minimum of 4 semester hours of credit;
• Students enrolled in doctoral research are considered full-time;
• All graduate students who are in continuation status may be considered full-time at the discretion of their academic department. It is ordinarily assumed that such students will be in residence, but exceptions are permissible.
• Students who are engaged in a practicum experience as part of their degree requirements may be considered full-time at the discretion of their academic department.

No. Contact the Graduate Director in your college, who will assist you with this problem.

If the co-op is a requirement for the degree, no.

Yes.

The University has one commencement ceremony in May.

For more information, visit the Commencement Office website.

You will receive your undergraduate degree once you have completed the undergraduate portion of the program. You will receive your graduate degree when you have completed the master's portion.

Yes. The Commencement Office

The Commencement Office website will mail it to you. It may take several weeks for you to receive it. Please make certain to enter your correct post-graduation mailing address on My Commencement. Also, please note that changing your address on My Commencement does not update your information with the Office of the Registrar. Changes to your permanent address must be updated on myNEU! Please update that site also so you will receive future communications from the University.

No.

Majors will be printed for non-specified degrees.

Yes! As a degree candidate you must begin the commencement process by registering for commencement via your myNEU account. Using the Self-Service tab, you will find the Commencement link located at the bottom left corner of the screen. Choose the My Commencement option and complete the questionnaire provided. This task should take approximately 5 minutes for you to complete and is REQUIRED in order to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on your diploma.

Make sure to provide your name as you want it to be printed on your diploma and in the commencement program. Be clear. Be precise. Be accurate!

Changes made to your name after the diploma has been printed may be subject to a $50.00 fee and may not be corrected until after commencement.

Yes.

The type examination and number of them varies by program. Some PhD programs have both a qualifying exam and a candidacy exam. Each student must pass required examinations within the time limit set by the committee in charge of your degree program. For additional information on required examinations, you should check with your advisor or the graduate coordinator in your academic department.

Doctoral students enrolled in doctoral research, practicum, or clinical internship courses are considered full-time. Master's students enrolled in thesis or clinical continuation may be considered full-time at the discretion of their academic departments.