General Information: Graduate Credit

Beginning Fall 2004, graduate credit at the University of Illinois at Urbana will be measured using semester hours. Previously, graduate credit was measured in units, with one unit being equivalent to four semester hours. Each course description indicates the credit available.

Minimum and Maximum Credit Loads

Graduate students and advisers should be guided by the Graduate College policy on minimum and maximum credit loads.

Guidelines for Registration in Independent Study Courses

Students who are well qualified to do independent study are eligible to enroll in Independent Study courses. Registration in an Independent Study course provides the opportunity for the student to carry out a planned learning activity under the direction of a faculty member. A description of the activity must be developed by the student and approved by the supervising faculty member and the appropriate department chair/head. A copy of the approved description must be on file in the department office prior to registration.

Repeated enrollment for credit in an Independent Study course is permissible. However, no more than 8 hours of Independent Study can be applied towards a master’s or Certificate of Advanced Study degree, and no more than 12 hours toward a doctorate except with the approval of the College of Education Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.

Grading System

Graduate students and advisers should be guided by the Graduate College policy on the grading system.

Minimum GPA Requirements

Graduate students are required to maintain a minimum graduate GPA of 3.00 (or the department minimum, whichever is lower). Failure to maintain a 3.00 GPA may result in the student being placed on probation (limited status). Students on limited status are not eligible to receive graduate degrees. Graduate students and advisers should consult the Graduate College Probation Policy for more information.

Limited Status

If the student’s record indicates some deficiency at the time of admission, the student enters the degree program on limited status as recommended by the departmental area of specialization to the Graduate College. The most common deficiencies are an unacceptable grade-point average, incomplete admission data, or the lack of a teaching certificate where it is an admission requirement. Limited status admissions clearly state the nature of the limitation(s), the conditions and the time limits for removal, and the consequences of removal or the failure to do so. Removal of limitations ordinarily results in full standing, and no graduate degree may be conferred until removal of limitations has occurred. Graduate students and advisers should consult the Graduate College Probation Policy for more information.