What is the role of the School of Graduate Studies (SGS)?
The School of Graduate Studies (SGS) oversees over 80 graduate degree and certificate programs at Rutgers. SGS continually ensures academic quality, enforces policies, and supports student success. SGS guides governance, funding, academic progress, and professional development while handling administrative processes like faculty approvals and curriculum reviews.
How does SGS ensure academic quality?
SGS maintains graduate education standards by evaluating academic programs, setting admission and degree requirements, overseeing faculty membership, and conducting program reviews. SGS also establishes policies on academic progress, student support, and professional development.
What is the role of Graduate Directors?
Graduate Directors are responsible for admissions, curriculum oversight, student advising, and program assessment. They ensure academic integrity, review student progress, and serve as liaisons between students, faculty, and leadership within SGS.
What are Academic Cluster Committees, and what do they do?
Academic Cluster Committees oversee graduate programs in four broad disciplines:
- Biological, Biomedical & Health Sciences
- Arts & Humanities
- Physical & Mathematical Sciences & Engineering
- Social & Behavioral Sciences
These committees review curriculum changes, approve faculty nominations, and ensure alignment with SGS policies.
Can graduate students participate in program governance?
Yes, graduate students can serve on program governance committees, provide input on curriculum changes, and participate in planning events. However, they cannot be involved in faculty hiring, student evaluations, or admissions decisions.
What bylaws govern SGS and its policies?
SGS operates under the bylaws outlined on our policies page. SGS bylaws detail policies on faculty membership, program governance, student participation, and academic integrity.
How does one change the title, requirements, or course number of a graduate course?
Departments must complete an MCL Revision Form (https://scheduling.rutgers.edu/sites/default/files/pdf/mcl-revision-form.pdf) and submit it to the SGS Dean’s Office for each course. This form is used to update the Master Course List (MCL), which serves as an inventory of all courses a department may offer.
Please note that adding a course to the MCL does not automatically make it available for registration in the Schedule of Classes. To activate a course for registration, departments must send a separate notification to the Scheduling Office.
Courses that are not offered in a given semester should remain on the MCL. However, if a department decides to permanently discontinue a course, the MCL Revision Form should be used to remove it from the list.
Once a course revision is approved by the SGS Dean’s Office, the completed form should be emailed to the Scheduling Office.
Is the School of Graduate Studies a part of Graduate Admissions?
No. Graduate Admissions is a separate entity from the School of Graduate Studies. The School of Graduate Studies does not handle the processing of admissions applications. Please contact Graduate Admissions directly for any questions, issues, or status updates on admission applications.
How do I contact Graduate Admissions?
Please visit the Graduate Admissions contact page. You can also reach out to your prospective program directly for more information.
What are the general admission requirements for SGS?
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Some programs require GRE scores; international students must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores to demonstrate English proficiency. Please see graduate admissions for more information on requirements from individual graduate programs.
Is the GRE required for admission?
SGS does not require the GRE, but individual programs may have different policies. Applicants should check with their specific program to see if the GRE is required or optional.
Can I enroll as a non-degree student?
Yes, but non-degree students are limited to 12 credits. Visit the graduate admissions website for more information on how to apply.
What degrees are offered at the School of Graduate Studies?
All current degree programs offered are listed on our program webpage.
Do you offer part-time study?
Most of our graduate programs accommodate part-time students. Please consult the individual program pages to see if the program you are interested in accommodates part-time students.
What is considered full-time status as a graduate student?
SGS RBHS students: To be considered a full-time student, a minimum of 9 credits per semester is required.
SGS Non-RBHS students: Full-time status is defined as nine credits per semester. Full-time status for non-RBHS doctoral students who have completed the qualifying exam is one credit.
International students must consult Rutgers Global to verify that visa and other requirements are being met. International students who have completed all requirements except for research should consult Rutgers Global about filing for a “reduced course load” to maintain visa status.
Some “E” credits, such as those representing assistantships, count toward the full-time credit requirements, although they do not count toward credits required for graduation. Please refer to your individual degree program for more information.
Where do I submit my immunization records?
Immunizations are mandated by New Jersey state law and university policy. Requirements are designed to protect your health and the health of others, including fellow students, staff, and patients. Please see current Rutgers immunization policies here.
What are the credit requirements for a PhD?
A PhD requires 72 total credits total. Of the 72 credits, at least 24 must be research credits. Individual programs can require a higher minimum of research credit out of the 72 credits required.
How many credits are required for a master’s degree?
A master’s degree requires at least 30 credits, for a thesis-based master’s at least 6 credits must be in research. Some programs may require a higher number of total credits. See individual program websites for more information.
What is a qualifying exam?
The PhD qualifying exam assesses a student’s readiness to advance to doctoral candidacy. It typically includes written and/or oral components.
What happens if I fail my qualifying exam?
Students who fail once receive an academic warning and may retake the exam. A second failure may result in dismissal, depending on individual program policies.
How often is academic progress reviewed?
Individual programs review student progress at least once per semester. Academic warnings may be issued if a student is not making satisfactory progress.
What is the policy on academic warnings?
Students who receive two consecutive academic warnings may face dismissal. Programs must provide formal notices and an opportunity for improvement.
How do I apply for dissertation committee approval?
Students must submit a list of proposed dissertation committee members to their program for approval before scheduling their dissertation defense.
What is the deadline for completing a doctoral degree?
Doctoral students must complete their degree within seven years. Students in their 7th year or later must request an Extension of Time (EOT) with a detailed plan for completion.
Can I repeat a course if I receive a low grade?
Yes, students can repeat a course, but only with program approval. Both grades remain on the transcript. A course can only be retaken once for up to three different courses.
What happens if I do not maintain continuous registration?
Students who fail to register for one or more semesters must apply for readmission and may need to meet updated degree requirements.
Can I change programs while enrolled?
You will need approval from your current program and perspective program. Both programs must be a part of the School of Graduate Studies. Please find the transfer from one graduate program to another form for further instructions.
Can I enroll in two different degree programs simultaneously?
Yes. You will first need approval from your current program, and perspective program. Both programs must be a part of the School of Graduate Studies. Please find the addition of second degree form for further instructions.
Can I transfer graduate credits from another institution?
A maximum of 24 credits for a doctoral degree and a maximum of 40% of required credits for a master's degree may be transferred. All transfers are subject to departmental approval. Individual graduate programs may have lower transfer limits. Currently enrolled students who have completed 9 credits of coursework and are in good academic standing can apply to transfer graduate credits from another institution. Official transcripts must be provided. Credits must be course credits relevant to the program, earned with a grade of B or higher, and the coursework must not be older than six years. Please review and complete the Transfer of Credit form if you are eligible to transfer credits to your current graduate program.
I finished my graduate degree requirements; where do I submit my degree paperwork?
Please follow the appropriate degree checklist here and submit all degree requirements by the deadline listed.
When can I file for graduation?
There are multiple deadlines to submit degree paperwork throughout the academic year. Students must refer to their specific checklist of requirements for current deadline dates.
There are multiple deadlines to submit graduation paperwork are there multiple graduation ceremonies?
No. There is only one convocation ceremony at the end of the academic year for masters and Ph.D. students. The SGS convocation takes place in May. Please see below the links for the master’s and Ph.D. convocation dates.
When is the School of Graduate Studies convocation?
Please view our website for more information on the Ph.D. ceremony.
Please view our website for more information on the master’s ceremony.
What types of financial support are available for PhD students?
Funding options include:
- Teaching Assistantships (TAs)
- Graduate Assistantships (GAs)
- Internally funded fellowships
- External research grants and fellowships
How can I find out more information about funding for my graduate education?
The opportunities available will depend on several variables. Please visit our funding webpage to explore what options are available to you.
Is there advising services for currently enrolled students who want to apply for external funding?
Yes, GradFund Fellowship Advising services host meetings to help students apply for external funding. To see if you qualify and to schedule a meeting, please visit the GradFund webpage located here.
Does the School of Graduate Studies have a Student Association?
Yes, The Graduate Student Association (GSA). The GSA is officially recognized by the University as the collective voice of the graduate students. The GSA comprises degree-seeking graduate students across five different campuses at Rutgers University-New Brunswick/Piscataway. The GSA’s mission is to enrich the graduate student experience by providing resources, services, and networking opportunities to students interested in being a part of our greater graduate student community. For more information about the GSA and how you can join, please visit their webpage here.
How can I access mental health support?
Students can book free counseling sessions through CAPS (Counseling, Alcohol, and Other Drug Assistance Program & Psychiatric Services).
What is the academic integrity policy?
Students must follow Rutgers' Academic Integrity Policy, which prohibits plagiarism, cheating, and research misconduct.
Is there a Rutgers Alumni Association?
Yes, the School of Graduate Studies has an Alumni webpage, and there is also the Rutgers Alumni Association with news, updates, and events.