Degree Completion Period

Springfield College utilizes a time limit (e.g. Degree Completion Period) for each graduate student to complete all of the degree requirements in their program.  The degree completion period is determined by intended degree and program, as follows:

• Post-Baccalaureate Certificate = 3 years
• Post-Master’s Certificate = 3 years
• Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study = 5 years
• Master’s Degrees = 5 years
• Doctoral Degree = 10 years*

*The Educational Leadership, Ph.D. and Psychology, Psy.D. programs have a candidacy period of 7 years.  

Whereas the length of time an individual student takes to complete all degree requirements in their program may differ based on a myriad of factors, there is the expectation that all students will receive conferral of their degree within their respective degree completion period.  Students who no longer anticipate an ability to receive conferral of their degree within their respective degree completion period due to extenuating circumstances may petition for an extension to their candidacy period from their department and Academic Affairs via the Graduate Study Extension of Degree Completion Period Request Form before their degree completion period expires.  Any student who has not yet received conferral of their degree before the conclusion of their candidacy period will be administratively withdrawn and required to be re-admitted through the Office of Graduate Admissions before they can take additional coursework and/or receive conferral of their degree.