3.5. Completion Deadlines

Master’s Degree Coursework

Coursework, including transfer credit, more than seven years old cannot be used to satisfy the requirements of any or master’s degree. Current students or students returning within the seven-year time frame may petition for an exception to this policy for NDSU coursework only. The petition for exception is limited to one extension of at most one (1) calendar year. The exception must be approved by the student's advisor, the graduate program coordinator, and the Graduate College.

Doctoral Degree Coursework

Coursework, including transfer credit, more than ten years old cannot be used to satisfy degree requirements of any doctoral degree. Current students or students returning within the ten year timeframe may petition for an exception to this policy for NDSU coursework only. The petition for exception is limited to one extension of at most two (2) calendar years. The exception must be approved by the student's advisor, the graduate program coordinator, and the Graduate College.

Master's Paper, Thesis of Dissertation Completion Deadlines

The student will have one year from the date of the final defense to complete the Graduate College publication review process and any other outstanding degree requirements.

If all degree requirements are not completed within one year the student must repeat the final defense. If a period of time two years or greater lapses before the master's paper, thesis or dissertation is approved by the Graduate College, the student must reapply to the Graduate College, redefend the disquisition and register for a minimum of two credits.