Graduate students who wish to participate in NCAA Division I or II athletics must meet certain academic eligibility requirements. One of these requirements is having completed a certain number of classes.

Number of Classes Required
For Division I, graduate students must have completed 18 semester hours (or the equivalent) of course work in the previous academic year. For Division II, graduate students must have completed 12 semester hours (or the equivalent) of course work in the previous academic year.
Types of Classes that Count
The classes that count towards NCAA eligibility are those that are taken at an accredited institution and that are part of a degree program. Courses taken for continuing education or personal enrichment do not count.
Additional Eligibility Requirements
In addition to completing the required number of classes, graduate students must also meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Be enrolled full-time in a degree program.
- Have a minimum GPA of 2.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
- Be in good academic standing.
- Have not used up all of their eligibility from previous seasons.
Consequences of Failing to Meet Eligibility Requirements
Graduate students who fail to meet the NCAA’s academic eligibility requirements will not be allowed to participate in athletics. They will also be subject to additional penalties, such as being suspended from the team or losing their scholarship.
Strategies for Meeting Eligibility Requirements
Graduate students who are concerned about meeting the NCAA’s academic eligibility requirements can take the following steps:
- Plan ahead and make sure that they are taking the right classes.
- Get help from their academic advisor if they are struggling in any classes.
- Take advantage of tutoring and other academic support services.
- Stay on top of their studies and avoid falling behind.
Conclusion
The NCAA’s academic eligibility requirements are designed to ensure that student-athletes are making progress towards their degrees. Graduate students who take the time to plan ahead and meet these requirements will be able to participate in athletics and pursue their academic goals.
1. Can graduate students transfer credits from another institution to meet NCAA eligibility requirements?
Yes, graduate students can transfer credits from another institution to meet NCAA eligibility requirements. However, the NCAA will only accept credits that are from an accredited institution and that are part of a degree program.
2. What happens if a graduate student fails to meet NCAA eligibility requirements?
Graduate students who fail to meet NCAA eligibility requirements will not be allowed to participate in athletics. They will also be subject to additional penalties, such as being suspended from the team or losing their scholarship.
3. How can graduate students get help with meeting NCAA eligibility requirements?
Graduate students who are concerned about meeting NCAA eligibility requirements can talk to their academic advisor, the NCAA Eligibility Center, or the compliance office at their school.
4. What are some tips for graduate students who are trying to meet NCAA eligibility requirements?
Graduate students who are trying to meet NCAA eligibility requirements should plan ahead, take the right classes, get help from their academic advisor, and stay on top of their studies.
5. How many classes do graduate students need to take in order to be eligible to play Division I sports?
Graduate students who want to play Division I sports must complete 18 semester hours (or the equivalent) of course work in the previous academic year.
6. How many classes do graduate students need to take in order to be eligible to play Division II sports?
Graduate students who want to play Division II sports must complete 12 semester hours (or the equivalent) of course work in the previous academic year.
7. What types of classes count towards NCAA eligibility?
The classes that count towards NCAA eligibility are those that are taken at an accredited institution and that are part of a degree program. Courses taken for continuing education or personal enrichment do not count.
8. What are the consequences of failing to meet NCAA eligibility requirements?
Graduate students who fail to meet NCAA eligibility requirements will not be allowed to participate in athletics. They will also be subject to additional penalties, such as being suspended from the team or losing their scholarship.