Sixty core, or approved, credits are required for the master of fine arts (M.F.A.) degree. All M.F.A. in visual arts courses are 4 credits, and a normal semester load is 16 credits per semester. To maintain full-time status, students must be registered for a minimum of 12 credits each semester. Students may not exceed the maximum 20-credit limit for registration. Students may take one course each semester outside the program with approval of the instructor and graduate director. Classes outside of the department may not be 4 credits, so students need to make sure to maintain a normal semester load.