The typical full-time schedule is three semesters (Fall, Spring, Fall) with summer courses as optional.  Students in F1 status are required to be full-time and may not extend beyond the three semesters, according to their visa.  There is no minimum number of courses taken per semester as long as all the program requirements are completed within a maximum of three semesters.   A small number of exceptional students are able to complete the program requirements within two semesters. 

Part-time domestic students complete the program in a maximum of four years.