International students (F-1 and J-1 visa) are required by law to enroll in a full course of study during the fall and spring semesters. The tables below primarily represent enrollment requirements for international F-1 and J-1 visa students (Exchange or GEP). Failure to enroll in a full course of study or dropping below the minimum requirements may result in a student’s immigration status being terminated.
Below are additional factors that can impact enrollment requirements:
- Students with other visa classifications (H4, TD, S6, etc.) may have different enrollment requirements.
- Some students are required to enroll full time during the summer semester.
- Students are not permitted to enroll in all online courses in their final semester including summer sessions.
- Students may have concurrent registration at another institution to meet enrollment requirements.
- In some circumstances a student may take below the minimum required credit hours. Please see this page for more information about dropping below full-time enrollment.
Fall and Spring Enrollment Requirements
| Academic Level | Student Situation | Minimum Hours Required | Instruction Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intensive English Program (IEP) | All IEP students | 15 credit hours | Traditional |
| Undergraduate | New and continuing students | 12 credit hours | 9 hours must be traditional or hybrid instruction. Additional hours may be online |
| Post Baccalaureate | New and continuing students | 12 credit hours | 9 hours must be traditional or hybrid instruction. Additional hours may be online |
| Graduate (Masters and PhD) | New and continuing students | 9 credit hours or as determined by the Graduate program | 6 hours must be traditional or hybrid instruction. Additional hours may be online. |
| All Academic Levels | Student with visa status other than F-1 or J-1 | No minimum. Part time or full time enrollment allowed; varies with visa type | Varies |
| All Academic Levels | Student outside U.S. and approved to be enrolled in all online courses | 3 credit hours or as determined by the Graduate program | Online |
Summer Enrollment Requirements
| Academic Level | Student Situation | Minimum Hours Required | Length of Enrollment | Instruction Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intensive English Program (IEP | Students who start their studies in the U.S. in spring or summer | 7 credit hours | 10 weeks | Traditional |
| Continuing students who have been enrolled for at least 1 academic year. | None | Enrollment optional; Traditional |
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| Undergraduate | Students who start their studies in the U.S. in spring or summer | 6 credit hours | 10 weeks: Possible scenarios: - 3 credit hours in each Summer I and Summer II - 6 credit hours in a 10 week course - 3 credit hours in a 10 week session and 3 credit hours in either Summer I or Summer II | 3 hours must be traditional or hybrid instruction. Additional hours may be online. |
| Continuing students who have been enrolled for at least 1 academic year | None | Enrollment optional; Any instructional method |
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| Post Baccalaureate | Students who start their studies in the U.S. in spring or summer | 6 credit hours | 10 weeks: Possible scenarios: - 3 credit hours in each Summer I and Summer II - 6 credit hours in a 10 week course - 3 credit hours in a 10 week session and 3 credit hours in either Summer I or Summer II | 3 hours must be traditional or hybrid instruction. Additional hours may be online |
| Continuing students who have been enrolled for at least 1 academic year | None | Enrollment optional; Any instructional method | ||
| Graduate (Masters and PhD) | Students who start their studies in the U.S. in spring or summer | 3 credit hours | 3 weeks | 3 hours must be traditional or hybrid instruction. Additional hours may be online |
| Graduate continuing students | Continuing students who have been enrolled for at least 1 academic year | None | Enrollment optional; Any instructional method |