Graduate Policies

Purpose

This policy identifies the credits required to be a full-time graduate student at Thomas Jefferson University.

Definitions

Full Time Graduate Student: A full-time graduate student at Thomas Jefferson University is registered for a minimum of 6 academic credits in a semester.

Half Time Graduate Student: A half-time graduate student at Thomas Jefferson University is registered between 3-6 academic credits in a semester.

Part Time Graduate Student: A part-time graduate student at Thomas Jefferson University is registered for less than 3 academic credits in a semester.

Policy

Thomas Jefferson University declares a graduate degree student to be full-time when registered for a minimum of 6 academic credits in a 15-week semester; half-time between 3-6 academic credits in a semester; and part-time less than 3 academic credits. The University has granted some academic programs exception to the full-time/part-time minimum in specific instances and following specific protocols as approved by the University Provost.  

Scope

This policy is applicable to students enrolled in graduate degree programs at either the masters or doctoral levels.

Components

• Student registration in the fall and/or spring semester determines status as a full-time, half-time or part-time student.
• Summer semester registration is not a factor in determining full-time student status.
• The University has granted some academic programs exception to the full-time/part-time minimum in specific instances and following specific protocols as approved by the University Provost.
• Some academic programs have been granted permission to allow their students to be full-time at less than 6 credits based on strict parameters and prior approval by the University Provost.  Graduate students should confer with their Program Director to inquire if their program has been approved for the reduced credits.  

Updated: 2026