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). Students with other visa classifications (H4, TD, S6, etc.) may have different enrollment requirements. Some students are also required to enroll full time during the summer semester. 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.
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 |