The average semester load for full-time students is 12 to 18 semester (or credit) hours. Students must carry at least 12 semester hours during Fall and Spring semesters and 9 semester hours during Summer semester to be classified as full time. 

Academic overloads (19 or more semester hours in one semester) need special approval of the Academic Advising Center. Tuition for full-time students covers 12 to 18 hours. Credits over 18 carry additional tuition charges. Please see Tuition and Fees.

To request an overload, students should send an email to their academic advisor with the following information: 

• Intended number of credits in the overload semester 
• Proposed class plan 
• Reason for the overload 

Each petition will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, with the following factors under consideration: 

• Cumulative GPA greater than 3.00 
• Evidence of successfully completing past semesters with 17-18 credits (without any F, D, W, I grades) 
• Previous semester with a GPA above 3.00 (without any F, D, W, I grades) 
• Demonstration that the proposed plan helps the student to accomplish their objective