A graduate degree program requiring fewer than 42 credit hours must be completed within six years from the end of the semester of completing the first applicable course. Seven years is allowed for completion of graduate programs 42 credit hours or more. Students in doctoral programs with a dissertation may request a one-semester extension for a maximum of 2 years by petitioning the Dean of their Graduate School. When requesting any extension beyond the allotted time, students need to present evidence of significant progress toward completion.