Effective fall 2006 for all new students, and all first and second year degree students opting into the new program requirements, four years (eight semesters) of enrollment are required for all undergraduate students. 

Students are allowed one year (two full-time semesters) of approved full-time away programs after matriculation.  Approved programs may consist of study abroad, academic transfer work, other away programs, or a combination.  The final 14 credits of studio must be taken at the Museum School.  Note that transfer coursework taken at schools like Harvard Extension while simultaneously enrolled at SMFA will not count toward the away program allowance.

In addition, students may accelerate their program by a maximum of one semester, from eight semesters to seven semesters, by taking four academic courses in Tufts summer school or 14 credits of studio in SMFA summer programs, or by doing equivalent transfer course work. Additional summer session courses will not count as additional semesters. Note that a maximum of three academic courses and six studio credits may be transferred in one summer. See related policies on transfer work for studio (Dean of Students) and/or academic courses (Associate Dean of Academic Affairs).    

Transfer students who enter with the maximum allowable studio and academic credits must be enrolled for a minimum of two years and are allowed one semester of approved away programs, plus one semester of acceleration from summer studio enrollments. The residency requirement for students entering with less than the maximum transfer credits will be determined in consultation with the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and the Registrar. Final transcripts must be submitted along with any required supplemental materials before such determination can be made.

Students enrolled in the Combined Degree program with Tufts must be enrolled for no fewer than five years (ten semesters).  See the Tufts Bulletin for additional information.

Part-time students earn credits on a per-block basis and are subject to the same residency policies as all other students.