When you are approaching your program time limit of six years (ThM) or seven years (PhD)*, and you realize you will not be able to finish your work in your final year, it is possible to apply for a single extension. 

How many times may I request an extension?
There is only one extension allowed, but that extension may be for one or more years. Your new deadline should be realistic and tailored to your unique situation.   

How many more years can my program be extended?
This will be proposed by you and agreed upon by your advisor and your field committee. International students are limited to an extension of one year only with documentation from the student's advisor on the academic circumstance necessitating extension.

How do I submit my petition?
Submit your petition to the Registrar using this form. They will forward your petition to your advisor. Our team will then bring your petition to the field committee for review in March.

What happens if I cannot complete my work by the revised deadline?
If you are unable to complete your degree requirements by the extended deadline, you will be administratively withdrawn from the program without opportunity for re-entry. In cases of extreme hardship, exceptions may be considered.

What's next after it's approved?
If your request is approved, you will receive notice from the Registrar and a digital form to sign, which lists the revised deadline. That document then becomes part of your student file.

What happens if the request is denied?
Depending on the nature of individual cases, if your extension request is denied, you will either be given until the normal submission deadline for the year in which you expect to graduate, or be withdrawn from the program.

If you have any questions about this process or policy, please email support@wts.edu or call 215-572-3841.

*PhD students who began their program prior to the 2018-19 academic year have a total of eight years to complete their program, since they have been grandfathered from the previous time-limit policy.