Course Load
These rules limit how many credit hours students can take each term. The maximum number of credit hours depends on academic standing and the term. If a student is concurrently enrolled at other institutions of higher education in the same semester, then the total course load at all institutions is considered in applying these policies. Students should inform their academic advisors of any concurrent enrollments at other institutions.
| SHORTENED TERM | SPRING/FALL MAXIMUM | Summer Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Good Standing | 18 credits | 14 credits |
| Academic Warning | 18 credits | 14 credits |
| Scholastic Probation | 13 credits |
13 credits |
Students are considered full-time if enrolled in 12 or more credit hours in a fall or spring semester. To graduate in four years, students need to average 30 credits per year, which typically means taking about 5 credits per semester. Summer coursework can count toward this total.
MAXIMUM ENROLLMENT IN SHORTENED TERM
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board limits the number of semester credit hours students may take in shortened terms. The table below shows the maximum credits.
| SHORTENED TERM | SPRING/FALL MAXIMUM | Summer Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| 3-week term* | 3 credits | 3 credits |
| 5-week term | 6 credits | 6 credits |
| 8-week term | 9 credits | 8 credits |
| 10-week term | 10 credits | 10 credits |
*Deans may approve offering a 4-credit course during a three-week term. If a 4-credit course is offered in a three-week term, students may enroll without any additional approval.
A student may take no more than 14 credit hours during the entire summer, across all summer terms.
Exceptions for Course Overloads
Only in exceptional circumstances and only with the approval of the department chair will undergraduate students be allowed to exceed the course load limits. Undergraduate students with an institutional GPA of 3.25 or higher and students who are graduating seniors may register for 19 or more hours. Students meeting these criteria must consult with their academic advisors before registering for 19 or more hours.