Carnegie Mellon University

Master's Student Statute of Limitations

POLICY TITLE: Master’s Student Statute of Limitations
DATE OF ISSUANCE: March 27, 2012
RESPONSIBLE DEPARTMENT/UNIT:

Office of the Provost. Direct specific questions about your status to your home department/school. Questions on general Policy content should be directed to the University Registrar’s Office, 412-268-8250.

ABSTRACT: Policy covers time to degree limits on master’s degrees.

Statement

Students will complete all requirements for the master’s degree within a maximum of seven years from original matriculation as a master’s student, or less if required by a more restrictive department, school or college policy. Once this time-to-degree limit has lapsed, the person may resume work towards a master’s degree only if newly admitted to a currently offered master’s degree program under criteria determined by that program.

Under extenuating circumstances, such as leave of absence, military or public service, family or parental leave, or temporary disability, a college/school may, upon the relevant department's recommendation and with the written approval of the dean (or designate), defer the lapse for a period commensurate with the duration of that interruption. Students who are pursuing the master’s degree as part-time students for all semesters of their program, as approved by their program, may also appeal to their program or department for extension of the time to degree limit.