Degree requirements are set in part by the Graduate School and in part by the SAFS program. The Graduate School sets University-wide requirements for minimum scholarship (a grade point average of 3.0 or higher), residence at the University of Washington, certain numbers of required credits outlined below, and continuous enrollment.

The SAFS program requires a thesis and an integrated program of coursework and research during which the student learns the fundamentals of conservation, management, and the effective use of fish and shellfish resources. The schedule of M.S. degree timeline and procedures (Appendix A) provides guidance on the expected rate of progress.

Master’s Degree Requirements Established by the GraduateSchool:
A student must satisfy the requirements for the degree that are in force at the time the degree is
to be awarded.

1) Total credits required for the degree program must be completed:
a) All courses numbered 400-799 that are numerically graded 2.7 and above, or have a grade of
Satisfactory or Credit ('S' or 'CR') count towards the total credits. 499 courses are not
counted in the total credits.
b) Courses graded less than 2.7 do not count towards the total credits.
c) At least 18 credits must be in courses numbered 500 and above.
d) 18 credits must be numerically graded in department approved 400-level courses accepted as
part of the major and in 500-level courses. This excludes 499 and transfer credits.
e) No more than 6 graduate level quarter credits can be transferred from other academic
institutions to count towards the total credits.
f) No more than 12 UW Graduate Non-matriculated credits can be applied to the total credits.
g) No more than 12 credits derived from any combination of UW Graduate Non-matriculated
credits and transfer credits can be applied to the total credits.
h) If a student repeats a non-repeatable class, only one set of credits counts towards the total
credits.
i.) Minimum of 27 non thesis credits.
j.) Minimum of 45 credits total at the 400-level or higher.

2) A minimum cumulative GPA (grade point average) of 3.00 is required for a graduate degree at
the University

3) The Master's Degree Request must be filed according to posted quarterly dates and deadlines.

4) Must complete all degree requirements within six years.
a) The timeframe/clock begins on the first day of the quarter that the Graduate student uses a
course to satisfy degree requirements when he/she is coded as either a Graduate Nonmatriculated
student (department code with class 6) or as a Graduate student (department
code with class 8) in the department to which he/she is admitted.
b) UW Graduate Non-matriculated credits used towards the total credits are counted in the six
years.
c) Quarters spent On-Leave and out of status are counted in the six years.

5) Must maintain registration through the end of the quarter in which the degree is conferred or, if
eligible, pay the Graduate Registration Waiver Fee within 14 days following the last day of the
quarter in which all degree requirements were met.

6) Thesis track students are required to take a minimum of 18 thesis credits (FISH 700) in their total credits.

7) Thesis track students are required to submit their thesis to the Graduate School. See Final
Submission of Your Electronic Thesis or Dissertation (ETD).

The following courses are required for all students in the SAFS graduate program.

To be determined in conjunction with your Supervisory Committee. 12 or more credits of 400-, 500-, or 600-level courses that must be completed before graduation. Do not include FISH 700 in this section.

You can mix SAFS core requirements and Additional Required coursework but as noted above, you'll need a minimum of 18 graded credits at the 400-level or above. This excludes FISH 600 and FISH 700.