Policy 1.1: Graduate Degree Requirements – UW Graduate School Skip to content
Graduate School News

Policy 1.1: Graduate Degree Requirements

The Graduate School defines minimum degree requirements for all University of Washington graduate programs.

Individual graduate programs may have degree requirements that exceed the Graduate School minimum requirements. The Graduate Faculty with oversight of a graduate program have primary responsibility for assuring that students recommended for graduation have satisfactorily fulfilled the degree requirements for the program in which they are enrolled.

A student must meet the degree requirements in effect in the term they graduate.  When proposing changes to degree requirements, programs can work with the Graduate School to establish a transitional exception plan for students enrolled before the change.

1.1.1 Requirements Applying to All Graduate Degree Programs

A graduate degree program consists of a coherent body of study beyond the baccalaureate degree that includes a meaningful progression of coursework and includes a final culminating experience or an integrated experience across the curriculum.  [Note: Examples of culminating experiences include a thesis, dissertation, other creative work, capstone project, comprehensive examination, or supervised field experience. Integrated learning experiences are those that intentionally link courses, concepts, and practical activities across a program so students see how different parts of the curriculum work together.]

1.1.1.1 Minimum coursework requirements

  • Credits applied towards graduate degree requirements must include University of Washington coursework of (1) at least 18 credits at the 500 level and above; and (2) at least 18 numerically graded credits of 400- and 500-level coursework, excluding 499 and transfer credit (credit earned at a different institution).
  • Graduate degree requirements consist primarily of graduate-level coursework at the 500-level and above. Courses at the 300 level and 400 level may be part of a student’s course of study and applied toward graduate degree requirements when confirmed by the Graduate Faculty with oversight of a graduate program to have a level of rigor and depth appropriate to the graduate program and to have a subject matter closely aligned with the degree program’s outcomes.
  • Coursework at the 300 level may not be applied towards the minimum 18 graded credits and may not be applied towards more than one-third of total degree requirements, except by petition to the Graduate School from the graduate program.
  • A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 is required to earn a graduate degree, and a minimum of 2.7 is required in each course that is counted toward graduate degree requirements. [Note:  per Scholastic Regulations 110, The GPA for graduate students is calculated entirely on the basis of numeric grades in 400- and 500-level courses]

1.1.1.2 Credits taken prior to program enrollment.

  • With program approval and confirmation of policy compliance by the Graduate School:
    • Up to 6 credits of 400-level or 500-level coursework, completed as a senior while an undergraduate at the University of Washington, may be applied towards graduate degree requirements [Note: See Policy 1.6 for information on exceptions to this policy for Combined Undergraduate – Graduate (CUG) programs].
    • A restricted amount of Graduate Non-Matriculated (GNM) credit may be applied towards degree requirements, as described in Policy 3.3.
  • Credit taken while enrolled as a non-matriculated (NM) student or while matriculated as a post-baccalaureate student at the University of Washington may not be applied towards graduate degree requirements.
  • Credit by independent study or advanced credit examination from UW undergraduate or other institutions cannot be applied to graduate degree requirements.
  • The number of credits from other institutions (transfer credits) that can be counted toward UW graduate degrees depends on the degree type as described in sections 1.1.2-1.1.5.

1.1.1.3 Culminating Experience

  • If included as part of the degree requirements, a program may offer multiple culminating experience options, provided that the overall level of achievement for the degree remains the same.
  • A student must be registered for credit the quarter in which any required exam or presentation occurs.
  • A student must maintain registration as a full-time or part-time graduate student for the quarter during which the degree is conferred.
  • The Graduate School does not require that student presentations (such as Final Examinations/Defenses, thesis presentations, or capstone presentations) be public. Programs may elect to require public presentations, but must clearly state their expectations and requirements for presentations in their program handbooks, including:
    • Whether presentations are expected to be open to the public (i.e., not limited to departmental faculty or invited guests).
    • How presentations are typically advertised.
    • A process by which students may petition for a more limited audience. This process and the criteria used to evaluate petitions will be determined at the program-level.
    • [Note: This requirement was enacted in February 2026, programs should update their handbooks by Autumn 2026]
  • [Note: Advertising a presentation (e.g., via email, website, or posters) is distinct from the requirement that a presentation be public. Advertising must comply with FERPA. It is a FERPA violation to publish presentation information to audiences beyond departmental faculty for students who have opted out of UW Directory Information without receiving their written (on paper or digital) permission. It is best practice to obtain documented permission (written or through forms) from all students prior to advertising their presentation.]

1.1.2 The Master’s Degree

In addition to the requirements listed under Policy 1.1.1 :

  • Master’s degree requirements must include a minimum of 36 credits.
  • Time to master’s degree limits should be established at the program level and clearly communicated to all newly enrolled students. In the absence of program-level limits, the Graduate School’s default policy is that all work applied to the master’s must be completed within six years from the time of first enrollment. Periods spent on leave or out of status count toward this time. Students nearing or past the program’s limit should be placed on Academic Alert (potentially leading to Final Academic Alert and Academic Drop; Policy 3.7.3). Extensions of time to degree limits can be made at the program level.
  • A master’s program must require a final culminating (such as a thesis or capstone course), or integrated experience across the curriculum except for applied professional programs when justified in the program proposal and where a coursework-only program is the standard in the field.

1.1.2.1 Coursework that may be applied towards master’s degree requirements.

  • With program approval and policy compliance confirmation by the Graduate School:
    • A maximum of 6 quarter credits of graduate-level (500-level or equivalent) coursework taken at another recognized academic institution may be transferred and apply to UW master’s degree requirements.
    • Up to 12 credits from a previously enrolled UW graduate or professional degree program may be applied toward current degree requirements. These credits may not be used to satisfy the thesis or culminating experience requirement. If a degree was completed, then credits:
      • Cannot count toward the minimum 36 total credits required for master’s degrees.
      • Cannot count toward the 18 numerically graded credits required for graduate degrees.
    • Any number of credits applied to a UW graduate certificate in the same program may be counted towards master’s degree requirements. These credits may not be applied towards the degree’s thesis or culminating experience requirement.
  • No more than 12 credits derived from any combination of GNM credits, previous UW credits and transfer credits may be applied towards the total degree requirements. These credits may not be applied towards the thesis or culminating experience requirement.

1.1.2.2 Thesis Programs

  • The master’s thesis provides evidence of the graduate student’s ability to conduct independent investigation and to present the results in clear and systemic form. [Note: See Policy 4.2.1for any thesis that will include human or animal subjects.]
    • The thesis must be written in the English language. If there are circumstances that warrant a thesis in another language, the program may petition the Graduate School.
    • A thesis program must include a minimum of 9 thesis credits (700, per Policy 4.2).
    • Thesis credits cannot be applied to requirements for a non-thesis master’s degree.

1.1.2.3 Final Examination

  • If a master’s program requires a final examination, it may be either oral or written. A majority of the supervisory committee (see Policy 4.2.1) must approve for satisfactory completion, and all members of the supervisory committee must certify examination results (either through a Committee Signature Form or through a department or school-level process).
  • If an examination is unsatisfactory, and if permitted by the graduate program, a supervisory committee may, with notification to the Graduate School, allow the student to take another examination after a period of further study. A maximum of two re-examinations is permitted.

1.1.3 The Educational Specialist Degree

In addition to the requirements listed under Policy 1.1.1 :

  • Educational specialist degree requirements must include a minimum of 54 credits. An educational specialist program may require more than this minimum.
  • Degree requirements must include at least 6 credits of capstone experience (750 – Educational Specialist Capstone, per Policy 2.1)
  • Time to educational specialist degree limits should be established at the program level and clearly communicated to all newly enrolled students. In the absence of program-level limits, the Graduate School’s default policy is that all work applied to the degree must be completed within six years from the time of first enrollment. Periods spent on leave or out of status count toward this time. Students nearing or past the program’s limit should be placed on Academic Alert (potentially leading to Final Academic Alert and Academic Drop; Policy 3.7.3). Extensions of time to degree limits can be made at the program level.”

1.1.3.1 Coursework that may be applied towards educational specialist degree requirements.

  • With program approval and confirmation of policy compliance by the Graduate School,
    • Up to 12 credits from a previously enrolled UW graduate or professional degree program may be applied toward current degree requirements. These credits may not be used to satisfy the thesis or culminating experience requirement. If the previous degree was completed:
      • Credits cannot count toward the minimum 54 total credits required for educational specialist degrees.
      • Credits cannot count toward the 18 numerically graded credits required for graduate degrees.
    • A maximum of 12 quarter credits of graduate-level (500-level or equivalent) coursework taken at another recognized academic institution may be transferred and apply to UW educational specialist degree requirements.
    • Any number of credits applied to a UW graduate certificate in the same program may be counted towards educational specialist degree requirements. These credits may not be applied towards the degree’s capstone requirement.
  • No more than 12 credits derived from any combination of GNM credits, previous UW graduate credits and transfer credits may be applied towards the total degree requirements. These credits may not be applied towards the capstone requirement.

1.1.4 Doctoral Degrees other than Practice Doctorates

In addition to the requirements listed under Policy 1.1.1, the following requirements apply to all doctoral degrees other than practice doctorates:

  • Doctoral degree requirements must include a minimum of 90 credits beyond the baccalaureate. A doctoral degree program may require more than this minimum.
  • Doctoral programs require a culminating experience, with PhD programs requiring original research reflected in the dissertation. [See Policy 4.2.2for any dissertation that will include human or animal subjects.]
  • Time to doctoral degree limits should be established at the program level and clearly communicated to all newly enrolled students. In the absence of program-level limits, the Graduate School’s default policy is that all work applied to the doctoral degree must be completed within ten years of enrollment in the PhD program or master’s program in the same unit. Periods spent on leave or out of status count toward this time. Students nearing or past the program’s limit should be placed on Academic Alert (potentially leading to Final Academic Alert and Academic Drop; Policy 3.7.3). Extensions to time to degree limits can be made at the program level.

1.1.4.1 General Examination

The student must successfully pass a general examination.

Prior to the General Examination:

  • At least 18 credits of coursework at the 500 level and above must be completed prior to scheduling the general examination.
  • At least 18 graded credits of 400- and 500-level coursework, excluding 499, must be completed prior to scheduling the general examination.
  • At least 60 credits must be completed before taking the general exam. Some of these credits may be taken the same quarter of the exam.
  • All members of the supervisory committee (Policy 4.2.2) must approve that the student’s background of study and preparation is sufficient to schedule the General Examination.

The General Examination:

  • Registration as a graduate student is required the quarter that the General Examination is taken.
  • At least four members of the committee (including the Chair(s), GSR, and one additional Graduate Faculty member) must be physically or virtually present at the General Examination.
  • If the General Examination is satisfactory, the supervisory committee members who participate in the examination sign the Committee Signature Form.
  • If an examination is unsatisfactory, and if permitted by the graduate program, a supervisory committee may, with notification to the Graduate School, allow the student to take another examination after a period of further study. A maximum of two re-examinations is permitted.
  • If members of the doctoral supervisory committee do not agree with the majority recommendation concerning the examination, the minority report portion of the Committee Signature Form must be used.

See also: Guidance (Academic Requirements) – Instructions for Virtual Doctoral Examinations, Guidance (Academic Requirements) – If a Committee Member is Missing, and Committee Signature Form – GPA/GPC Resources.

1.1.4.2 Advancement to Candidacy

  • Advancement to Candidacy indicates successful completion of the general examination and all other requirements for the doctoral degree except satisfactory completion of the dissertation and the final examination. This is recognized for the Doctor of Philosophy, Doctor of Musical Arts, and Doctor of Education degrees that are not practice doctorates [See also Scholastic Regulations Chapter 114.7].

1.1.4.3 Dissertation

  • Requirements must include preparation of and acceptance by the Dean of the Graduate School of a dissertation that is a significant contribution to knowledge and clearly demonstrates research training.
  • The dissertation must be written in the English language. If there are circumstances that warrant a dissertation in another language, the program may petition the Graduate School.
  • The student must satisfactorily complete a minimum of 27 credits of dissertation (800, per Policy 4.2) over a period of at least three quarters, with at least one quarter occurring after the general examination.
  • Students are limited to a maximum of 10 credits of dissertation per quarter, unless they receive program approval to register for up to 18 credits.

1.1.4.4 Final Examination

The student must pass a final examination usually focused on the dissertation and the field with which it is concerned.

Prior to the Final Examination:

  • When the reading committee has read a draft of the entire dissertation and the members of the doctoral supervisory committee agree that the Candidate is prepared to take the Final Examination, all members of the doctoral supervisory committee must give the student approval to schedule the Final Examination.
  • The General Examination and Final Examination cannot occur during the same quarter.

The Final Examination:

  • At least four members of the committee (including the Chair(s), GSR, and one additional Graduate Faculty member) must be physically or virtually present at the Final Examination.
  • At the Final Examination, the dissertation is evaluated and, if a majority of the supervisory committee members in attendance agree that the evaluation is positive, the recommendation is made to the Dean of the Graduate School (via the Committee Signature Form) that the degree be awarded.
  • If members of the doctoral supervisory committee do not agree with the majority recommendation concerning the examination, the minority report portion of the Committee Signature Form must be used.
  • If an examination is unsatisfactory, and if permitted by the graduate program, a supervisory committee may, with notification to the Graduate School, allow the student to take another examination after a period of further study. A maximum of two re-examinations is permitted.

See also: Guidance (Academic Requirements) – Final Examination: Dissertation Defense, Guidance (Academic Requirements) – Instructions for Virtual Doctoral Examinations, Guidance (Academic Requirements) – If a Committee Member is Missing, and Committee Signature Form – GPA/GPC Resources.

1.1.4.5 Coursework that may be applied towards doctoral degree requirements.

With the approval of the graduate program and confirmation of policy-compliance by the Graduate School:

  • A master’s degree in a relevant field of study from an accredited institution, including UW, may substitute for up to 30 of the required 90 credits. No other transfer credits are allowed for doctoral programs. Transfer credits may not be applied towards the dissertation or culminating experience requirement.
  • Any number of credits applied to a UW master’s degree in the same program may be counted towards doctoral degree requirements. These credits may not be applied towards the dissertation or culminating experience requirement.
  • Up to 12 GNM credits or graduate-level credits from an incomplete degree in a different UW graduate program may count towards doctoral degree requirements as outlined in Policy 1.1.1and Policy 3.3.3.

1.1.5 The Practice Doctoral Degree

A practice doctorate is intended as preparation for professional practice at the frontiers of existing knowledge (see Policy 1.7.3). A practice doctorate involves extensive coursework and a culminating project/capstone that is in lieu of a traditional PhD dissertation. The nature of this project/capstone may be specific to each program [Note: The project/capstone is not filed with the Graduate School].

In addition to the requirements listed under Policy 1.1.1 :

  • Practice doctoral degree requirements must include a minimum of 90 credits beyond the baccalaureate.
  • The practice doctorate requires successful completion of 12 credits of project or capstone credit (801 Practice Doctorate Project/Capstone).
  • Time to practice doctorate limits should be established at the program level and clearly communicated to all newly enrolled students. In the absence of program-level limits, the Graduate School’s default policy is that all work applied to the practice doctorate must be completed within ten years from the time of first enrollment. Periods spent on leave or out of status count toward this time. Students nearing or past the program’s limit should be placed on Academic Alert (potentially leading to Final Academic Alert and Academic Drop; Policy 3.7.3). Extensions of time to degree limits can be made at the program level.

1.1.5.1 Practice Doctorate Milestones

  • It is the responsibility of the program to establish appropriate milestones towards the degree. Requiring a general exam or other milestones is at the discretion of the program and is not reported to the Graduate School.
  • Two milestones are formally recognized by the Graduate School:
    • admission to the program
    • approval of the final project/capstone (through the Committee Signature Form)
  • After the practice doctoral supervisory committee has evaluated the final project/capstone, if a majority of the supervisory committee members agree that the evaluation is positive, the recommendation is made to the Dean of The Graduate School (via the Committee Signature Form) that the degree be awarded.
  • If members of the practice doctoral supervisory committee do not agree with the majority recommendation, the minority report portion of the Committee Signature Form must be used. (see: Committee Signature Form – GPA/GPC Resources)
  •  

1.1.5.2 Coursework that may be applied towards practice doctoral degree requirements.

  • With program approval and confirmation of policy compliance by the Graduate School:
    • A Ph.D. or a master’s degree in a relevant field of study from an accredited institution, including UW, may substitute for up to 30 of the required 90 credits (hereafter, substituted credits).
    • Any number of credits applied to a UW master’s degree in the same program may be counted towards practice doctoral degree requirements.
    • A maximum of 10 quarter credits of graduate-level coursework taken at another recognized academic institution may be transferred and apply to UW practice doctorate degree requirements.
    • Up to 12 GNM credits or graduate-level credits from an incomplete degree in a different UW graduate program may count towards doctoral degree requirements as outlined in Policy 1.1.1and Policy 3.3.3.
  • No more than 12 credits derived from any combination of GNM credits, previous UW graduate credits, and transfer credits may be applied towards the total degree requirements.
  • No more than 30 credits derived from any combination of GNM, previous UW graduate credits, transfer, and substituted credits may be applied towards the total degree requirements.
  • No GNM, transfer, previous UW graduate credits, or substituted credits may be applied towards the capstone requirement.
  • When a Ph.D. and practice doctorate are earned concurrently, departments may petition the Graduate School to count 30 specified credits toward the total minimum credit count of each degree, for a total minimum of 150 credits. Core credits for either degree, as (defined as part of the core curriculum by the graduate program) may not be included in these 30 credits applied to both degrees, and this option may not be used on top of previously waived credits for either degree. It is the responsibility of each unit to assure that the credits applied toward its degree are relevant to that degree. The student must meet Graduate School minimum requirements (18 credits 500 level and above, 18 numerically graded 400/500 level credits) for each degree.

Policy 1.1 revised: October 2021; October 2022; November 2022; February 2026.

Policy 1.1.2.2 and 1.1.4.3 revised March 2023

Policy 1.1.4, 1.1.4.1, and 1.1.4.4 revised March 2023

Policy 1.1.1 revised April 2023

Policy 1.1.1 revised July 2023

Policy 1.1.5 revised October 2023

Policy 1.1.1 revised November 2023

Policy 1.1.4.5 revised March 2024

Policy 1.1.2.2 revised March 2024

Policy 1.1.4.3 revised April 2025