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Master's Degree Program Time Restraints

Policy
Purpose: 

To define maximum time limits for completion of a master's degree.

Applies to: 

All master's-level students on the Lawrence and Edwards campuses

Campus: 
Edwards
Lawrence
Policy Statement: 

Normal expectations are that most master’s degrees (excluding some professional terminal degrees) should be completed in two (2) years of full-time study. However, master’s degree students are allowed seven (7) years for completion of all degree requirements.

In cases in which compelling reasons or circumstances recommend a one-year (1-year) extension, the Graduate Division, on recommendation of the department/committee, has authority to grant the extension. In cases where more than eight (8) years are requested, the appropriate appeals body of the school considers petitions for further extensions and, where evidence of continuous progress, currency of knowledge, and other reasons are compelling, may grant them.

Some departments may have more stringent rulings about time restrictions. Students should ask about the policy in effect in the department in which they plan to study.

Contact: 

Office of Graduate Studies
785-864-8040
graduate@ku.edu

Approved by: 
Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor
Approved on: 
Friday, June 12, 2009
Effective on: 
Friday, June 12, 2009
Review Cycle: 
Annual (As Needed)
Keywords: 
time limits, time to degree, progress to degree, degree progress
Change History: 

07/25/2023: Updated Approved by to Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor.
03/09/2018: Updated missing required information
10/16/2014: Policy formatting cleanup (e.g., bolding, spacing); keywords added.
06/12/2009: Policy approved

Academic Categories: 
Academic Work & Evaluations
Graduation & Degrees

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