Time Limits

All coursework and degree requirements must be met within seven years of enrolling in the first course at Hood College that applies towards the degree and/or certificate program. If a student enrolls in a different certificate or master’s program, and one or more of the courses from the first program will satisfy a requirement of the second program, the program director will evaluate the transcript to determine whether previously completed courses may count in the new program and how the seven-year time limit will be applied.

For students beginning their program of study during a summer term, their time limit will begin that Fall semester. 

In extenuating circumstances, a student who is in good academic and financial standing at the College and who has completed the majority of their degree coursework, may request a one-year extension beyond their seven-year time limit through the Associate Registrar for Graduate Studies.  The student must submit the request and proposed timeline of completion, along with a recommendation from their or project or academic adviser. Based on this information, the program director may grant an extension not to exceed one year.  The student may appeal the outcome of the extension request to the Dean of the Graduate School.  A student may request an extension exceeding one year by petitioning the Graduate Council Committee on Student Petitions (please refer to the section titled Exceptions to Academic Policies).