Time Limit to Degree

This section will provide the timeframe policy for student completion of degree and describe the procedure for when students go over or approach the time limit maximum.

Graduate School policy for Master’s Degrees

All work for the master’s degree must be completed within four consecutive calendar years. On the recommendation of the student’s supervisory committee, the dean of The Graduate School can modify or waive this requirement. If the student exceeds the time limit and is not granted a modification or waiver, the department has the option to discontinue the student. Students whose studies have been interrupted for long periods of time and who have been granted extended time to complete their degrees may be required to complete additional courses, pass examinations, or otherwise demonstrate that they are current in their field. PPM 6-201 III.C

Graduate School policy for Doctorate Degrees

The time limit for completing a Ph.D. degree in the Department of Mechanical Engineering is seven consecutive calendar years. Requests to exceed established time limits must be recommended by a candidate’s supervisory committee and approved by the departmental director of graduate studies and the dean of the Graduate School. Students whose studies have been interrupted for long periods of time and who have been granted extended time to complete their degrees may be required to complete additional courses, to pass examinations, or otherwise demonstrate that they are current in their field. PPM 6-203 III.B

You may wish to provide information about the procedure for petitioning an extension for students who go over the official time limit to a degree. Make sure to list all departmental procedures for this situation, as well as Graduate School policy and procedure for an extension petition.

Graduate School Petition for a Time Limit Extension