Master's FAQ

1. Who is my academic advisor?
2. Where will my classes be held?
3. How do I add or drop a class after classes have started?
4. How can I add my name to the waitlist for a course?
5. How do I transfer credits earned in non-degree status into my program?
6. How do I register for a consortium course?
7. When do I complete my graduation application?
8. What are typical course loads?
9. How do I take a semester off from the program?
10. Can my G.P.A. result in dismissal from the program? 
    
     

1. Who is my academic advisor?
   Advisors are located in Founders Hall, Student Services, Suite 560 and are assigned to master's students according to program. Please contact 703-993-3762 if you are unsure of your advisor information.
    
2. Where will my classes be held?
   Master's-level courses are typically held on the Arlington campus with an occasional offering in Fairfax.
    
3. How do I add or drop a class after classes have started?
   The add and drop periods are published each semester on the Academic Calendar, and schedule changes can be made using Patriot Web during the schedule adjustment period. Generally, you may add a course up to two calendar weeks into a 14-week semester and drop a course up to five calendar weeks after the first day of class (for a partial refund). After the drop deadline has passed, students are only permitted to withdraw from classes for extenuating, non-academic circumstances.
    
4. How can I add my name to the waitlist for a course?
   Certain classes in SPP have a waitlist option. If you attempt to register for a course that is full, and a waitlist exists for that particular course, Patriot Web will permit you to add your name to the waitlist. The waitlist is an automatic process; each time a student drops the course, the first person on the waitlist receives an override permitting that student to register for the course. The override is in effect for three days. If you fail to register for the course during the three-day time frame, the next student on the list is issued the override. Students who are waitlisted should check Patriot Web on a regular basis to determine if such an override has been issued.
    
5. How do I transfer credits earned in non-degree status into my program?
   A maximum of four courses completed while in non-degree status in the School of Public Policy can be transferred into a master's program. Students must submit a Non-degree Transfer Credit form to the academic advisor for their program. Requests should be filed during the first semester of enrollment as a degree-seeking student.
    
6. How do I register for a consortium course?
   Graduate students are permitted to take up to six credits through consortium classes during the course of their program. You should meet with the academic advisor assigned to your program to discuss the process for obtaining approval and registration procedures. Additional consortium information can be found on the consortium web site.
    
7. When do I complete my graduation application?
   You will receive instructions for completing the steps to graduation, including the graduation application, via e-mail during the semester in which you intend to graduate. The application cannot be completed prior to that point. Additional details about the graduation application process can be found on the registrar's web page.
    
8. What are typical course loads?
   The university considers nine credits to be a full-time load at the graduate level. International students on F-1 or J-1 visas are required to carry nine or more credits each semester. Students wishing to take more than the recommended credit load, 13 hours for master's students, should first meet with their academic advisor to discuss their course load. Students taking fewer than nine credit hours are classified as part-time students.
    
9. How do I take a semester off from the program?
   Students requiring a leave of absence from their program for a single semester must contact the appropriate academic advisor to request a leave of absence. Any student taking two or more consecutive semesters off must obtain permission to re-enroll from the School of Public Policy. In certain circumstances, The School may review the student's academic standing prior to granting re-enrollment permission.
    
10. Can my G.P.A. result in dismissal from the program?
    Students enrolled in the School of Public Policy must maintain good academic standing. Master's students are encouraged to consult their Student Services Guide for additional information. Students should pay particular attention to the following:

• Students may apply a maximum of six credits of "C" work toward graduation.
• Receiving a grade of "F" in a single course will result in dismissal from the program.
• Receiving a grade of "C" in nine or more credit hours will result in dismissal from the program.
• Although a B- is an admissible grade for a course taken in degree status, a 3.0 average must be maintained and presented on the student's application for graduation.