Academic Load

For most degree programs, a student can complete requirements on schedule by carrying an average of 16 hours a semester. This, however, is an average, and students are usually encouraged to adjust their academic loads according to their individual aptitudes, academic situations and extra-curricular commitments.

The maximum academic load is 18 credit hours for liberal arts and sciences, business, and communication students; and 20 credit hours for pharmacy and health sciences, education, and fine arts students in a regular semester and 18 credit hours in the summer term. These limits can be exceeded only with the special written permission of the student’s academic dean. Hours in excess of 20 in a regular semester will be approved only under the most unusual circumstances; they will also carry an additional tuition charge at the credit-hour rate published on the Student Accounts website.

Graduate students must carry at least six hours in a regular semester to be considered full-time.