Academic Course Load / Overload

To complete the program requirements in a timely manner, students must carry a minimum load of 12 semester credit hours and a maximum of 18 semester credit hours per semester. This course load is considered full time.

The following minimum course loads apply to undergraduate students:

Full time students:

at least 12 semester credit hours

Three-quarter time students:

at least 9 semester credit hours

Half-time students:

at least 6 semester credit hours

The maximum course load recommended for students is 6 credit hours (approximately 2 classes) per term; however, Career Orientation (COR090, COR101, COR191) may be taken as a third course without being considered an overload.

Taking an academic overload is highly discouraged; however, a student can request additional courses on a limited, case-by-case basis. To be considered for an academic overload, the student must meet the following criteria:

  • Completed at least 18 semester hours
  • Earned at least a 3.2 GPA
  • Submitted the Academic Overload Request Form

If the student seeks to enroll in an online course as part of the overload, the student must demonstrate competency within the online environment by either satisfactorily completing the online orientation or by demonstrating successful completion of a previous online course.

Students who take an academic overload consisting of more than two courses in a term may reduce their eligibility for financial aid assistance in future semesters, which may result in greater out-of-pocket expenses. There will be an additional charge in the semester that the overload course is taken if the student takes more than 18 credits. Therefore, each student is responsible for checking with the Financial Aid office to determine the impact of schedule changes.