Academic and Course Load Faq's

Only with prior approval from your international student advisor.

When allowed:

• Medical reasons: Doctor’s note required, reduced load authorized
• Academic reasons: Difficulty with English, course availability issues
• Final semester: If you need fewer credits to graduate
• Program structure: Some programs have lower requirements initially

Process:

1. Talk to academic advisor first
2. Meet with international student office
3. Complete “Reduced Course Load” form
4. Get approval BEFORE dropping courses
5. Keep approval documents

Not allowed for:

• Personal preference
• Work schedule conflicts
• Saving money

Only 1 online class per semester can count toward full-time enrollment.

The rule:

• For F-1 student, full-time requires “in-person” classes
• Online/distance learning classes limited
• Only 3 credits (1 class) of online allowed for full-time

Example (Undergraduate):

• Need 12 credits for full-time
• Can take: 3 credits online + 9 credits in-person ✅
• Can’t take: 6 credits online + 6 credits in-person ❌

COVID-era flexibility:
Temporary rules allowing more online classes have ended. Check with your DSO for any exceptions.

Yes, with permission. This is called concurrent enrollment.

Rules:

• Must be enrolled full-time at home university
• Need prior approval from both universities
• Credits must count toward your degree
• Home university must authorize in SEVIS

Process:

1. Get approval from academic advisor
2. Fill concurrent enrollment form
3. International office updates SEVIS
4. Register at other college
5. Send transcript back after completion

Common scenarios:

• Taking language classes at community college
• Specialized course not offered at home university
• Summer classes to catch up credits

Academic probation is warning status when your GPA falls below minimum required.

Typical probation triggers:

What happens:

• You get formal notice from university
• Required to meet with advisor regularly
• Limited course load sometimes
• Must raise GPA within specified time (usually 1 semester)

If you don’t improve:

• Academic suspension/dismissal
• SEVIS record terminated
• Must leave US

How to avoid:

• Attend classes regularly
• Use tutoring services
• Meet with professors during office hours
• Drop difficult courses early (before deadline)

Yes, you can change your major, but process varies.

Within same department:

• Usually easy – fill change of major form
• Advisor approval needed
• New I-20 issued (with new major code)

To different department:

• May need new application
• Department must accept you
• Credit evaluation for previous courses
• New I-20 required

When changing majors:

• Check if new major is STEM (affects OPT)
• Ensure enough time to complete requirements
• International student office must update SEVIS

Impact on I-20:

• Must get updated I-20 with new major
• Can’t change before receiving new I-20
• Usually takes 1-2 weeks

Failing a class affects your GPA and progress, but isn’t automatically status violation.

Immediate steps:

1. Check GPA – still above minimum?
2. Meet with academic advisor
3. Discuss retake options
4. Check financial aid/scholarship impact

GPA impact:

• F grade = 0 points
• Calculate new GPA
• If below minimum → probation

Retaking classes:

• Most universities allow retake
• New grade may replace F (check policy)
• Must pay tuition again
• Can retake while maintaining full-time status

Visa implications:

• One F grade usually fine
• Multiple failures = academic progress issues
• May affect ability to complete within I-20 timeline

Yes, summer classes are optional but can be beneficial.

Summer options:

F-1 rules for summer:

• If enrolled in summer → counts toward full-time rules
• If not enrolled → still maintain status (annual vacation)
• Can work full-time (40 hours) during summer

When summer classes help:

• Catch up if behind on credits
• Graduate earlier
• Focus on difficult subjects
• Improve GPA

Two paths for Master’s degrees:

Thesis option:

• Work closely with professor
• Conduct original research
• Write 50-100 page thesis
• Defend before committee
• Better for PhD applications

Non-thesis option:

• Take more courses
• May have capstone project
• Comprehensive exam at end
• Better for industry jobs

Choose based on:
Your career goals, research interest, time available, and program requirements.

Typically 1.5 to 2 years for full-time students.

Duration varies by:

Typical timeline:

• Fall admission: Start August, graduate December (1.5 years) or May (2 years)
• Spring admission: Start January, graduate May (1.5 years) or December (2 years)

Maximum time:
I-20 issued for expected completion time + grace period. Can extend if valid academic reasons.

Comprehensive exam (or “comps”) is a final exam for non-thesis Master’s students, testing knowledge across your field.

Format varies:

What’s covered:

• Core courses in your program
• Current research in field
• Ability to synthesize knowledge
• Critical thinking

Preparation:

• Review all course materials
• Form study groups
• Meet with professors
• Practice past exams if available

If you fail:

• One retake usually allowed
• May need additional coursework
• Worst case: program dismissal

Yes, if you have valid academic reasons and apply before I-20 expires.

Valid reasons:

• Difficulty with English
• Change of major
• Thesis taking longer
• Medical issues
• Research delays

Not valid:

• Want to work longer
• Save money by slowing down
• Personal preference

Extension process:

1. Meet with academic advisor
2. Get recommendation for extension
3. Meet with international student office
4. Complete extension form
5. Receive new I-20 with new end date

Timing:
Apply before current I-20 expires. If expired, you’re out of status.