How many years does it take to complete a master’s or doctoral degree?
Master’s degree seeking students typically can complete a 30-hour master’s program in 1 to 2 years with full-time enrollment of 9 hours fall and winter semesters. Doctoral degree seeking students are allowed 7 years to complete a doctoral program. Doctoral degree seeking students, also referred to as precandidates, typically complete coursework requirements in years 1, 2 and 3 with full-time enrollment of 9 hours fall and winter semesters. In year 3, the student is working on the comprehensive qualifying exam or the preliminary examination. In year 4, the precandidate achieves candidacy status and typically begins forming a dissertation committee and writing a proposal for committee approval. In years 5 and 6, the candidate is writing the dissertation. In year 7, the candidate should be in the final stages of writing and defending the dissertation. In some situations, a candidate is able to defend in years 5 or 6.
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- How many years does it take to complete a master’s or doctoral degree?
