Doctoral Students: Allowable Credit Hours (A-7.5)

Original Implementation: April 21, 1998
Revision Date: October 18, 2010

  1. The doctoral degree typically requires a minimum number of credit hours beyond a master’s degree. Students who have reached ninety-nine (99) or more credit hours above a master’s degree shall be ineligible for student employment at Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA).
  2. Students who have completed ninety-nine (99) or more credit hours beyond a master’s degree shall pay the current rate for out-of-state tuition and fees, or the equivalent of full-cost-of-education as determined by SFA.
  3. After three years of full-time enrollment, a formal review of each student’s doctoral progress shall be conducted within the graduate program and shared with the student.  Students who have accumulated more than ninety-nine (99) credit hours beyond a master’s degree without completing doctoral degree requirements may be terminated from the program by the dean of graduate studies.  
  4. A student who is terminated from a program may request a post-termination review, conducted by the department chair, graduate program advisor, and dean of the college. The post-termination review may result in a recommendation for reinstatement to the dean of graduate studies.
  5. A student’s written appeal for reinstatement beyond the post-termination review must be made to the dean of graduate studies to be placed on the agenda of the University Graduate Council for final resolution.

Cross Reference: Graduate Bulletin; Tex. Educ. Code § 61.059(l)

Responsible for Implementation: Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Contact for Revision: Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Forms: None