Non-degree students may take up to 12 credits before they are required to matriculate into a degree program. Once a student completes 9 credits, they should begin the process of applying to a degree program to avoid exceeding this limit. Taking more than 12 non-degree credits without official approval may result in registration holds or loss of financial aid eligibility.

Students may transfer up to 12 graduate credits from other accredited institutions completed prior to earning a degree, as well as up to 12 credits of graduate coursework taken at Lehman College as a non-degree or approved student. Additionally, up to 6 credits previously applied toward a completed graduate degree may be eligible for transfer.

All transfer courses must be graduate-level, from an accredited institution, and completed with a grade of B or higher (for courses taken outside Lehman). Capstone experiences, including theses, internships, practicums, and student teaching, are not eligible for transfer. If a student has more than 12 eligible credits prior to matriculation, Lehman courses that meet transfer requirements will take priority. Transfer credit can only be evaluated once a student has matriculated into a graduate program at Lehman.

An INC grade is assigned when a student is unable to complete course requirements due to extenuating circumstances but has attended and completed most of the course. INC grades must be resolved within a two-semester period. Unresolved INCs automatically convert to a FIN (Failure due to Incomplete) and may impact your GPA and academic standing.

Graduate students may register for undergraduate-level courses only with prior advisor approval. Such courses do not count towards graduate degree requirements.

Matriculated students may take graduate-level courses at other CUNY campuses on permit, subject to departmental and Graduate Studies approval. These credits apply toward your Lehman degree.

Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Falling below this threshold results in academic probation and a required remediation plan with your advisor. Graduate students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. If your GPA falls below this threshold, you will be placed on academic probation. Students on probation are required to meet with their program adviser to develop a remediation plan. Probation status is reviewed each semester. Continued poor performance may lead to dismissal.

Failing to meet your probation terms or maintain academic progress may result in dismissal. Dismissed students must formally reapply.

Students absent for three or more years must reapply as new applicants to reinstate their graduate status.

Students must complete their graduate degree within five (5) years of initial matriculation. A one-time extension of up to two additional years may be requested through the Time Extension Request Form, subject to departmental and Office of Graduate Studies approval.

Full-time graduate students must enroll in 9 or more credits per semester. The maximum credit load per semester is 18 credits unless approved by your department and the Office of Graduate Studies.

At least half of your total graduate credits must be completed while matriculated at Lehman College

Graduate students must pay the maintenance of matriculation fee each semester they remain enrolled in their program to keep their status active.

Residency, Graduation Requirements, and Degree Completion Timelines