Frequently Asked Questions

Question 5: How do I obtain a Research Assistantship position?

Answer: Research assistantships are awarded by faculty to qualified students in order for them to perform the required work affiliated with a research project that the faculty has been granted. Occasionally the Graduate Coordinators can appropriately guide the students to faculty who have been recently awarded grants, and consequently they are looking for students. But essentially, what works out in most cases is the establishment of direct contact between student and faculty. If the faculty deems that the student has the required academic background and skills to perform the work, a research assistantship is awarded to the student.

Question 6: What is the difference between Thesis and Non Thesis?


Answer: Thesis- You need to complete 24 credit hours of course and you also need to complete 6 hours of thesis work under the supervision of a faculty advisor. The courses will be chosen in consultation with your thesis advisor. By the completion of your thesis work you need to defend your research findings to a Master’s thesis committee.
Non-Thesis- You need to complete 36 credit hours of coursework. An academic advisor (faculty of the ECE Department) will help you fill out a program of study consisting of a right mix of 12 graduate level courses.

Question 7: What is a full-time course load?

Answer: A full-time course load for graduate students is 9 credit hours for the Fall and Spring semesters and 6 credit hours for the Summer semester.

Question 8: What should I do if I am not able to enroll for a full-time course of study this semester?

Answer: Unless this is your last semester at UCF, please see an ISC (International Student Services) advisor before making the decision to register for less than a full-time course load or withdrawing from a class that will result in less than a full-time course load. The ISC adviser will be able to determine if your reason for falling below full-time enrollment is valid under F-1 visa regulations. You will be asked to complete a Reduced Course Load Form and to obtain a letter from your academic advisor verifying your specific situation.

Question 9: I am working on my thesis or dissertation and my academic advisor said that I do not have to enroll full-time this semester. Why do I still need to submit something to the ISC (International Student Services) office?

Answer: Even if your department does not require you to be enrolled full-time, you must submit a Reduced Course Load Form with your department’s approval to the ISC office or you will be at risk of falling out of status. Graduate students who are completing their thesis or dissertation must comply with the Graduate Studies policies for students on thesis or dissertation.