Online Course Information for International Students

Please note that the following information does not apply to international students who are taking online courses while living in a country outside of the United States.

The use of online courses is a growing and integral part of most universities' academic curriculums. Please be aware that the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State requires F-1 and J-1 students to maintain a full course of study and that the course of study must lead to the attainment of a specific educational or professional objective.  At Gallaudet University, a full course of study is defined as:

12 credits each semester for undergraduate students

9 credits each semester for graduate students

F-1 and J-1 students who are taking classes that do not require him/her to be physically present on campus for an exam, class meeting or other purposes relating to the class can count only one online class (3 credits) per semester toward the full course of study requirement. 

For example, if an undergraduate student takes a full load of 12 credits, then only 3 credits can be from an online course, as shown below: 

Total: 12 credits (9 in class, 3 online) = Full Course of Study Requirement Met

However, if an undergraduate student is taking more than 12 credits, then she/he may take additional online courses:

Total: 18 credits (9 in class, 6 online) = Full Course of Study Requirement Met

Similarly, if a graduate student is taking a full load of 9 credits, only 3 credits can be from an online course. If a graduate student is taking more than 9 credits, and at least 6 credits are on campus, then they can take additional online courses.

An undergraduate student who takes 6 credits in class and 6 credits online (for a total of 12 credits), or a graduate student who takes 3 credits in class and 6 credits online (for a total of 9 credits) will be in violation of the full course of study requirement and would lose their F-1 or J-1 status, and would have to apply for reinstatement with the Department of Homeland Security or the Department of State.

STUDENTS WHO ARE IN THEIR LAST SEMESTER AND HAVE ONLY ONE COURSE LEFT, MUST TAKE THAT COURSE ON CAMPUS. The key to this rule is “physical presence on campus” which falls in line with the regulations governing F-1 or J-1 students. If students are in their last semester, students should not plan on taking an online course.