Time Limitations

Students are responsible for knowing the following time limits and academic deadlines.

• Maximum Time Span Between Application for Admission and Initial Registration Initial registration for courses must occur within two (2) years from the date of the submission of the application for admission. Applicants who surpass the two (2) year maximum must reapply if admission is desired.
• Maximum Time Span Between Initial Enrollment and Master's Degree Completion All requirements for a master's degree must be completed within six (6) calendar years after initial enrollment in course work.
• Minimum Time Span Between Applying for Graduation and Degree Conferral At least six (6) months before the expected date of graduation, candidates for master's degrees must file an Application for Graduation at the following link: https://publichealth.indiana.edu/student-portal/graduation/index.html.

Failure to file this application by the deadline may result in failure to graduate at the expected time. The responsibility for checking degree requirements rests with the student.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Question: I am completing my Master's degree in the online recreational therapy program. I have skipped some semesters due to professional obligations. It looks like I will not complete my master's degree within the six-year limit. Are there any exceptions to this rule? Is it possible for me to earn my degree now?
Answer: Please reach out to the member of Degree Administration staff assigned to graduate student services, who will facilitate asking for an exception from the assistant dean of graduate studies.

Question: I forgot to apply to graduate six months before my desired graduation date. Can I still apply?
Answer: Yes, you may still apply for graduation. When you have satisfied both requirements of applying for graduation and finished your degree requirements, the degree administration staff will certify your degree at the first opportunity. However, applying late for graduation may result in an omission of your name in print materials related to graduation. If the application comes in extremely late, it could result in a later graduation date than you desire.

Question: If I plan to complete my requirements in July, but I wish to attend the graduation events in May, what do I do?
Answer: Apply for July graduation but attend the May graduation events. All students graduating between January and August are invited to participate in the May graduation events. All students graduating between September and December may participate in the December graduation events. Just be sure to apply six months before your expected graduation date.