Normal Load
The normal load for a 16 week semester is usually 15-18 hours per fall and spring semesters.
A regular undergraduate student, defined as one carrying a minimum of 12 semester hours, is expected to register each semester for a normal load of work. A student registered for fewer than 12 semester hours is considered a part-time student.
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. Only in exceptional circumstances, and only with the approval of the college dean, will undergraduate students who do not meet these criteria be allowed to exceed the course load limitations. If a student is concurrently enrolled at other institutions of higher education in the same semester, the total course load at all institutions is to be considered in applying these policies. It is the responsibility of the student to inform his/her academic advisor of any concurrent enrollments. The maximum load for a student registered for any graduate credit is 15 hours a semester.
Maximum Hours of Enrollment in Shortened Terms
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board limits the number of semester credit hours students may take in shortened terms. Students may enroll in:
- No more than 3 credit hours in a three-week term
- No more than 6 credit hours in a five-week term
- No more than 8 credit hours in an eight-week term
- No more than 10 credit hours in a ten-week term
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. Students who earned a 3.0 or higher GPA in their most recent semester may take up to 8 credit hours in a single five-week or eight-week summer term.