Course structure

Undergraduate students

Graduate Students
Generally, graduate students have smaller classes that are taught by full-time or adjunct faculty. Classes in the social sciences and humanities tend to be almost entirely discussion in nature, while those in the sciences may be more lecture and lab oriented. Graduate students are less likely to be tested on material in an individual class; instead, professors assign papers and projects.

In many courses students are required to write a term paper based on study and research. It is often assigned early in the semester and due late in the semester. A term paper is a time-consuming project. The grade received usually constitutes a significant portion, if not all, of the final grade.

Master's students often have a final thesis or project that is required for the degree. It may be done in conjunction with a course or independently, depending on the department's requirements. Often, a student at this stage academically may only be registered for matriculation. To comply with F and J regulations, international students in this situation must obtain OISS authorization prior to finalizing registration. Enrollment for fewer than 12 credits without OISS authorization subjects a student to loss of F-1 or J-1 status in the U.S. and must be reported to the DHS, as required by law.

This requirement also applies to Ph.D. students, who upon completion of oral exams, are researching and writing full time on the dissertation, which can take several semesters. Ph.D. students should ensure that their registration status is classified as "FM," full matriculation, for every semester of dissertation work. In the event that a student is not registered for 12 credits or full matriculation, a on-line part-time enrollment form must be submitted to the OISS and approved before registration is finalized, no later than one week from the first day of classes.