Residency Requirements:
The formal residency can be met in the following ways:
Residency Option 1:
Enrollment in two consecutive semesters following one of the three patterns outlined below:
- Spring enrollment of 9 credit hours and fall enrollment of 9 credit hours.
- Spring enrollment of 9 credit hours and summer enrollment of 6 credit hours.
- Summer enrollment of 6 credit hours and fall enrollment of 9 credit hours.
Residency Option 2:
Students who hold a 50% Graduate Assistant, Graduate Teaching Assistant, or a Graduate Research Assistant (GA/GTA/GRA) during residency need to enroll in two consecutive semesters following one of the three patterns outlined below*:
- Spring enrollment of 6 credit hours and fall enrollment of 6 credit hours.
- Spring enrollment of 6 credit hours and summer enrollment of 3 credit hours.
- Summer enrollment of 3 credit hours and fall enrollment of 6 credit hours.
NOTE: If a student cannot meet the above residency enrollment requirements, they should meet with their advisor to develop a plan that meets the spirit of the residency requirement. Such a plan must be approved in advance through departmental and School petition processes. These exceptions will not be automatically approved. See Residency Option 3.
Residency Option 3:
Scholarly Engagement Pathway:
Doctoral students who are unable to meet the traditional residency requirements through full-time enrollment or a graduate assistantship may fulfill the residency requirement by enrolling in a minimum of 6 credit hours per semester and engaging in substantive scholarly activities that demonstrate immersion in the academic and research community.
View the Ph.D. Residency form effective Spring 2026