Current Students: Frequently Asked Questions

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I missed the registration deadline for this term. How do I enroll in classes?

You will need to complete a registration exception request to add or swap classes after the registration deadline. Note that a late registration fee will probably apply. 

I forgot to register last semester and I am now listed as 'discontinued.' What can I do to correct this?

You will need to apply for express readmission to the graduate program. If you have only allowed your enrollment to lapse by one semester, the readmission fee may be waived. Please email [email protected] with questions. 

Are there any courses that I am required to take as an NRSM student?

Two courses are required: the NRSM Orientation (NR 8101), and the NRSM Seminar (NR 8107). You should meet with your faculty advisor(s) to discuss other coursework that may be appropriate for your degree program.

I'm a Master's student but I've decided to pursue the PhD (or vice versa). Can I do this? Could I pursue both at the same time?

You may switch degree objectives or pursue both degrees at once provided you have your advisor’s approval. If you are a PhD student who would like to add on a master's degree while in pursuit of your doctoral degree, you can file a document called the "Master's Along the Way" form. Please check with the NRSM program office for more information. If you are a master's student who would like to pursue the doctorate, you will need to file a Change of Status application with the Graduate School’s Office of Admissions, as you are changing or adding a degree objective. You will need to pay a fee as well.

I want to switch from one track to another. How do I do this?

You should carefully consider this, as the track you are enrolled in has little to no bearing on the coursework you take. If you and your advisor agree that changing to a different track in our program is still desirable, then you should file a Change of Status application with the Graduate School Admissions office. You may have to pay a fee. Note that the program allows students the option to not choose a track at all. 

What exactly are you looking for on the Research Plan and Statement of Education & Career Goals form? How long should it be?

The purpose of this statement is to help faculty determine whether or not you are taking appropriate coursework to meet your research objectives, and ultimately your career objectives. We want you to explain, as clearly as possible, what your research project is/will be:

  • What question are you trying to answer?
  • What is your methodology?
  • How will you collect data?
  • Interpret and report results?

We realize that it isn’t always possible to answer these questions ahead of time, but without knowing how you will conduct research, faculty have no way of knowing whether or not your coursework will adequately prepare you for research. Master's students should limit their prospectus to about 1500 words; doctoral students should stay within a 3000-word maximum. 

Do I need to take my thesis credits according to any particular pattern? Can I take all of them at once?

Masters Students

Provided you have your advisor’s permission, you may take your thesis credits according to any pattern that seems logical to you. You may also take all 10 of your Plan A thesis credits during one semester. Bear in mind that any time you go over the 14 credit threshold, additional tuition costs are incurred. Even if you have an assistantship, it will not cover the cost of the additional credit(s). You will get a bill for them and will be expected to pay it unless you’ve made a prior arrangement with your advisor or department.

Doctoral Students 

Students typically do not take all 24 thesis credits at one time due to the tremendous cost it would incur. Because the program allows students to register for thesis credits at any time, many decide to "fill in" their semesterly credit load with thesis credits if they are beneath the 14-credit maximum allowed by an assistantship.

I've finished taking classes, but I need to remain a full-time student in order to keep my assistantship (and/or maintain my visa). What are my options?

Plan A Masters Students: You may qualify for Advanced Masters Status, which grants you full-time equivalency for the cost of only one credit if:

  • you have an approved degree plan (GPAS) on file with the Grad School;
  • all coursework included on the degree plan is complete, with grades posted prior to the term of application;
  • ten thesis credits have been taken.

Plan B Masters Students:  You may qualify for Advanced Masters Status, which grants you full-time equivalency for the cost of only one credit if:

  • you have an approved degree plan (GPAS) on file with the Grad School;
  • all coursework included on the degree plan is complete, with grades posted prior to the term of application.

Doctoral Students: You may qualify for Advanced Doctoral Status, which grants you full-time equivalency for the cost of only one credit if:

  • you have successfully completed both the written and oral prelims, with the appropriate paperwork on file with the Grad School;
  • you have an approved degree plan (GPAS) on file with the Grad School;
  • all coursework on the degree plan is complete, with grades posted to the transcript;
  • 24 thesis credits have been taken.

Next semester I will be registering for fewer than six credits. How do I maintain full-time status?

There are several options that may be available to you, depending on your student status. Please contact the NRSM program office ([email protected]) for more information