from Doctoral Degree Requirements

Time Limitations
Doctoral degrees must be completed within seven (7) years from the student’s original date of admission for doctoral study. All courses applied to the doctoral degree must be completed within seven (7) years, including courses taken:

  1. prior to admission to the USF doctoral program,
  2. taken as non-degree seeking, or
  3. transferred in from other institutions, must be completed within seven (7) years.

There is no time limitation for courses from a completed master’s degree used toward a doctoral degree. For students who are readmitted, see Readmission Policy. Typically a student will reach candidacy within four years, but this may vary per discipline.

Time Limit Extensions
In the event that a student nears the end of the time limitation as specified above, but the student needs more time to complete the degree, the student may submit a request for an extension using the Time Limit Extension Request Form, available on the Graduate School website
http://www.grad.usf.edu/student-forms.asp

Requests must include:

  • the reasons for the delay in completion,
  • the anticipated time needed for completion,
  • endorsements from the graduate faculty advisor, graduate program, and College Dean or designee, prior to submission to the Graduate School for approval
  • a detailed plan of study and timeline for the remaining requirements for the degree

If approved, the time limit extension also applies to courses applied toward the degree. However, programs may require additional or repeat coursework as part of the condition of the time limit extension. Students who exceed the time limitations may have their registration placed on hold until a request for extension has been approved. Only one time limit extension request is permitted. Students who are temporarily unable to continue the program should submit a Leave of Absence Request, which extends the time limit for the duration of the approved Leave (see Leave of Absence in the Enrollment Requirements section for information; the Leave of Absence Request Form is available online at http://www.grad.usf.edu/student-forms.asp

Time Limit Policy History 1988-2012

 


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