Graduate degree candidates must either enroll for at least one credit or register for Continuous Registration (CR 500) during the term (Fall, Spring, or Summer) they will complete their degree.

Graduate Advising

Each graduate degree area has a program director/coordinator that serves as the initial graduate advisor to all graduate students in the program. The responsibilities of the graduate advisor and the graduate committee include advisement, approval of the degree plan, approval of a thesis or directed research topic & final document (if appropriate), and administration & approval of comprehensive and/or oral examinations & thesis/project defense.

Continuous Registration Requirement

All students admitted to a graduate program at Colorado State University Pueblo are required to be continuously registered in the Fall and Spring semesters throughout their degree programs. This policy applies from the time of first enrollment through the graduation term. Students may fulfill this requirement by registering for any graduate credit-bearing course (regular or non-regular). As an alternative, students may opt for a Continuous Registration (CR) status. Registration for CR status is accomplished in the same way as registration for courses. Students registering for CR will be assessed a fee for each semester of CR registration. Students graduating in Summer term are required to be registered for at least one credit or CR.

Subject to the established time limits for the earning of graduate degrees and the various academic requirements, CR registrants need not apply for readmission should they wish to take additional graduate courses. Such students are ensured a place in their graduate programs as long as they remain in good academic standing. However, students who do not register will need to apply for readmission for their next semester of enrollment.

The availability of the CR option shall not supersede any other registration requirements to which students may be subject. For example, a student’s advisory committee may require additional course work. Similarly, some departments may require credit-bearing registration until the degree is completed.

Course Loads

Graduate students enrolled in nine or more graduate credit hours are considered full-time students (five hours in Summer semesters); those enrolled for five graduate credit hours are considered half-time students (three hours in Summer semesters).