GRADUATE STUDENT COURSE LOAD

A full-time graduate student is defined as one who is enrolled in 9 semester hours during the fall or spring semester. Summer course loads vary depending on the length of the session in which a student is enrolled. These course loads pertain to registration status--see Enrollment Status Descriptions for Financial Aid requirements.

Semester Hours: 16-week (Fall/Spring) | 10-week (Summer) | 8-week session | 5-week session

Max Load:            16 hours                        12 hours                   9 hours                6 hours

Full Load:             9 hours                         6 hours                     6 hours                3 hours

International Student Enrollment Requirement – International students on an F-1 visa must enroll in a minimum of 9 credit hours per fall and spring semester to maintain their visa status. Of these 9 credit hours, at least 6 credit hours must be taken in an on-site, face-to-face format.

Enrollment Status Descriptions for Financial Aid – For financial aid purposes, enrollment requirements remain consistent across all semesters (Fall, Spring, and Summer). Graduate students must meet the following credit hour thresholds to qualify for various enrollment statuses:

• Full-time: 9 or more graduate-level credit hours
• Three-fourths time: 7 to 8 graduate-level credit hours
• Half-time: 5 to 6 graduate-level credit hours

Note: Enrollment exceeding the maximum load requires prior approval from the dean of the Graduate School.

Audit Policy – A student may audit regular academic courses, provided space and required instructional equipment are available. Audited courses do not carry credit, require examinations, or result in grades. Attendance, preparation, and participation requirements are determined by the instructor. To audit a course, students must submit a completed Course Audit Request Form and pay the required fees before the registration deadline. Fees include the audit fee and any applicable course-related charges (e.g., lab, materials, field fees), as determined by the institution. Audit fees are nonrefundable unless the institution denies the audit request.