Full- and Half-time Equivalency
The University defines full-time course work to be a minimum of 9 credits each term, though most MA programs in Educational Theatre require a minimum of 12 credits. To qualify for full-time equivalency you are expected to spend no less than 40 hours per week on a combination of course work and/or appropriate activity required by your department for 12 credits; 30 hours per week for 9 credits. For part-time students, a minimum of 4.5 credits or 15 hours per week is required.
Equivalency may be granted only for the purposes of visas, student loans, student loan deferral, TAP and Veterans’ Benefits requirements. Generally, MA students only seek equivalency in their final semester of study, when the number of remaining credits for the degree fall below the minimum number of credits.
International students on an F-1 or J-1 visa must have full-time status (9 credits or full-time equivalency) every semester.
If you have a scholarship from Steinhardt that requires you to be a full time student, you must be registered for the minimum number of credits for full time study for your individual program (12 credits for EDTC, ETED, and ETSS; 9 credits for EDTA) to maintain eligibility for the scholarship. In the final semester of study, if the number of remaining credits for the degree falls below the minimum number of credits, you may contact the admissions office to request a prorated scholarship and they will render a decision on your request.
Domestic students who are seeking to maintain deferrals for student loans need only meet the part-time minimum (half-time equivalency). However, financial aid is based on the actual number of units for which you are enrolled rather than your equivalency status.
You are not eligible for equivalency if you are not registered for any credit-bearing course work; therefore, students registered for a leave of absence, maintenance of matriculation, or zero unit courses will not be considered for equivalency.
Signatures: The adviser’s signature is required at all times Final approval by Steinhardt Advisement and Registration Services is required.
Download a Full- or Half-Time Equivalency form.
Enrollment Mismatch Hold
If you see an Enrollment Mismatch Hold in your Albert Student Center, follow these instructions to correct the mismatch.