The number of classes or hours spent in class during college is referred to as course load. It usually determines whether a student is a full-time or part-time student. Some academic programs require students to study full-time and take a minimum number of courses per semester, trimester, or quarter, while others may have a maximum course load and don’t allow students to take more than a certain number of classes per period, as doing so may jeopardize academic success.
Different types of colleges have different ways of defining course load, as well as determining minimums, maximums, and full-time or part-time status. When students study at the graduate level, there is usually a change as well. To achieve full-time status, fewer courses are required. In some programs, a single class that lasts several hours can be considered a full-time course load, whereas in others, students must take four or more undergraduate classes to be considered full-time students.
One of the reasons that course load is important is because of the way aid is distributed, particularly in the United States. The majority of state and federal grants are only given to full-time students. However, student loans may be available for part-time or half-time attendance. Many scholarships require students to take a certain number of courses, and it can be beneficial to know if the minimum can be met while keeping the scholarship.
In most semester-based classes at the undergraduate level, a full load is four to five classes. Each of these classes is usually divided into units, with one unit equaling one hour of class time per week. A few science and math classes may be four units, but the majority of liberal arts courses are three. If a person works full-time or takes 12 units per semester, they will not be able to graduate in four years. To meet graduation requirements in four years, most people must take five classes per semester.
However, students who work and attend college, as well as some students with learning disabilities, may benefit from working at a slower pace. An extra year may be worthwhile if it results in a more manageable schedule or improved grades. Some students are more capable and can work at a much faster pace, with six or more classes per semester being no problem. They may be able to petition their school to allow them to take more classes so that they can finish in less than four years or complete two majors in four years if there is a course load limit.
When attending a college with a quarter system or a trimester system, students should be aware that the way units are apportioned and course load is determined can differ. Each system has its own quirks, and it’s crucial to understand them. In this regard, school counselors are excellent resources and can assist students in determining the most appropriate course load.