MA Residence Status

The Division’s MA programs require a set number of courses, properly distributed, and a master’s thesis. Please see the specific program website for details on those requirements.

Students are expected to register in each quarter of the academic year, Autumn-Winter-Spring. Students who have not registered for four consecutive quarters (except with an approved leave) will be withdrawn from the program, and must petition to resume studies, subject to approval of the director of the master’s program and the Division’s Dean of Students.

MA Program Leaves of Absence
Students are permitted up to four quarters leave (counting Summer quarter) during their enrollment. 

The Division of the Social Sciences generally does not permit a Leave of Absence during the first quarter of study. Our MA programs are designed to begin in Autumn Quarter. An MA student who cannot begin in Autumn Quarter will need to defer admission and begin the following Autumn Quarter. An MA student who begins Autumn Quarter, but cannot complete the quarter, must withdraw from the program.

The student’s program and the Dean of Students must approve all leaves of absence.

MA Degree Time Limit
Students who do not complete all MA program requirements within ten years from the time of matriculation (regardless of leaves of absence) cannot have the MA degree conferred.