Credits
Academic advancement is measured in terms of semester credit hours or, simply, credits. Each program has its own requirements for specific courses and minimum credits needed for completion. Refer to the degree audit for a specific program for details. Students may receive an undergraduate degree in approximately eight semesters, depending on their semester course load and degree requirements.
Class Standing
Class standing is determined by the number of credit hours a student has earned, including Advanced Placement credit, transfer credit received, and credits earned at Michigan Tech. Class standings are defined as follows:
- Freshman 0–29.5 credits
- Sophomore 30–59.5 credits
- Junior 60–89.5 credits
- Senior 90+ credits
Full-Time Load
Full-time load is defined as 12–18 credits per semester. Students must be enrolled for at least 12 credit hours to be considered full-time for the semester. When deciding the pace of academic advancement, students should consider their cumulative course workload as well as number of credit hours. Two hours of outside preparation are expected for each hour of lecture and recitation. A student in a 4-credit class would be expected to spend eight hours weekly in outside preparation.
Maximum Credit Load
The maximum load a student may carry will be subject to the following limits:
- The student load is prescribed by individual departments; the maximum is 18 credits per semester.
- A student with a 3.00 cumulative grade point average may be permitted to take additional credits with the approval of the student's academic advisor.
- A student on academic probation shall not be permitted to register for more than 16 credits per semester unless approval is granted by the Dean of Students Office.
Disabilities (ADA)
Michigan Tech is committed to ensuring that all qualified individuals with disabilities have the opportunity to take part in educational programs and services on an equal basis. The aim is to provide this opportunity in an integrated setting that fosters independence and meets the guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Please see the Michigan Tech Student Disability Policy.
Satisfactory Academic Progress
Federal financial aid regulations require students to make satisfactory academic progress towards their degree to remain eligible for financial aid.
NCAA Eligibility Requirements
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) requires that student-athletes be in good academic standing and maintain satisfactory academic progress toward a baccalaureate degree to remain eligible to represent an institution in intercollegiate athletics competition. See the Michigan Tech Athletics page for NCAA regulation information.
Veterans’ Standards of Progress
The veterans' standards of progress are the same as for all other University students as listed under Academic Policies and Procedures.
- All students receiving veterans’ benefits must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.00. Failure to maintain that GPA will result in the student being placed on probation. A student will be allowed two terms, including the summer session, to raise the cumulative GPA to that required for graduation to come off probation. If the student fails to remove himself or herself from probation, the US Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA) will be notified in writing. Requests for reinstatement of VA benefits will be made only after a veteran has been removed from probation and has attained a cumulative GPA of 2.00 (on a 4.00 scale).
- All student veterans receiving benefits must schedule a minimum of 12 credits of their major core requirements to receive full benefits.
- Repeated courses are authorized for student veterans receiving benefits only if the course being repeated is a major, minor, or core requirement. Repeating a non-failing grade is not considered VA certifiable.
- All accepted applicants who are requesting veterans' benefits will be given credit for previous training, where appropriate. The total length of time will be reduced proportionately toward completion of degree requirements. All students receiving veterans' benefits must submit transcripts and other documents showing credit for previous training to the Admissions Office by the end of the first term of enrollment. Failure to do so will result in no further certification for veterans' benefits until those transcripts have been provided.