Graduate School: Minimum Graduate Residence Credit Requirement

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Policy Number:
UW-1246
Responsible Office:
Graduate School

University Policy

Rationale/​Purpose:

The Graduate School’s minimum graduate residence credit requirement is in accord with accreditation standards and ensures the integrity of a degree granted by the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Definitions:
Credit Hour
Defined in UW-1011, The Credit Hour
Dissertator
A graduate student pursuing a PhD who has completed all requirements for a doctoral degree except for the dissertation. The Graduate School automatically places a graduate student who passes the preliminary examination into dissertation fee status which restricts enrollment to exactly 3 graded research credits per term. A student may opt out if they wish to enroll in other than 3 graded research credits. Dissertator status is not a requirement to graduate with a doctoral degree.
Residence Credits
For purposes of this policy, credits earned in a UW-Madison course, or taken as a traveling scholar, while enrolled as a graduate student at UW-Madison.
Scope:

Graduate students pursuing Master's or PhD degrees in academic programs under the purview of the Graduate School.

Policy:
  1. The Graduate School’s minimum graduate residence credit requirement for graduation can be satisfied only with UW-Madison courses numbered 300 and above taken while enrolled as a graduate student at UW–Madison
  2. Graduate residence credit minimums:
    1. Master’s degree (except MFA): 16 credits
    2. MFA/Specialist degree and certificate: 24 credits combined
    3. Doctoral degree: 32 credits, earned prior to achieving dissertator status and may include master’s degree credits taken at UW–Madison
  3. In rare circumstances, credits earned as a University Special student may be allowed to count toward the minimum graduate residence credit requirement. These credits generally are not allowed to count toward the 50% graduate coursework minimum and degree requirements unless taken at the 700-level or above.
  4. Some programs may require more rigorous credit requirements than the Graduate School’s minimum requirements as indicated in the Graduate Guide.
Related UW-Madison Policies:
Related UW–Madison Documents, Web Pages, or Other Resources:
External References:

Policy Administration

Approval Authority:
Dean of the Graduate School
Policy Manager:
Director, Academic Services, Graduate School
Contact:
Director, Academic Services, Graduate School -- Kipp Cox, ervin.cox@wisc.edu, (608) 262-2433
Revised Dates:

04-26-2023

Retrieved:
07-10-2025 18:53:04