Enrollment Requirements - Graduate Students

Enrollment Requirements for Master’s and Educational Specialist Degree Candidates

After completing courses, students expecting to take examinations, present a thesis, manuscript, project, portfolio, or other capstone project must be enrolled when that activity occurs. If a master's or educational specialist candidate only needs to take exams or defend a thesis or project, the candidate can enroll for "Graduate Examination" hours in myZou. Registration in the "Graduate Examination" does not count toward enrollment certification. Students enrolled in the "Graduate Examination" would not be considered full-time or part-time. If students need to use the library or computers on campus, they should enroll in at least one hour of regular credit hour instead of "Graduate Examination."

Enrollment Requirements for Doctoral Candidates

Candidacy for a doctoral degree is established by passing the comprehensive examination. Status as a continuous enrollment doctoral student begins the term following the one in which the comprehensive exam was successfully completed (e.g., if they defend at the beginning of the Fall semester, they begin continuous enrollment for the Spring semester). The continuous enrollment requirement is met by enrolling in 2 hours each spring and fall semester and 1 hour each summer semester.

Important Note on Graduate Examination Registration and Financial Aid

Students with financial aid should check with the Student Financial Aid office before registering for the Graduate Examination option. Failure to do so could result in serious consequences for the student's financial aid status.

Important Note for International Students regarding Graduate Examination Registration and Your Visa Status

International students must check with the International Center before registering for the Graduate Examination option. Failure to do so could result in serious consequences for the student's visa status.