Credit Load and Ranges

Credit Load

The enrollment system does not allow students to enroll for more credits than their maximum credit limit or drop below the minimum credit limit, if applicable.

Students must obtain the approval of their academic dean’s office for exceptions to the credit load maximum. Exceptions to the credit load minimum are typically managed by population-specific offices such as International Student Services for international students, Athletics for student athletes, and the Graduate School’s Academic Services Office for graduate students.

Fall and Spring Term Credit Overload Process

  1. Student should add classes through Course Search & Enroll until the maximum term credit load has been reached.
  2. Student should contact their academic dean’s office to see if a credit overload exception is likely to be considered. (L&S students can get information and make requests for overloads on the L&S Policies and Forms site)
  3. If the credit overload request is approved, staff in the academic dean’s office will edit the student’s “Max Total Units” in the Student Information System for that term and will notify the student that they may proceed with enrolling in credits up to the approved maximum.
  4. If denied, the academic dean’s office will notify the student of the decision.

Note: Undergraduate and special students will be subject to additional tuition if they exceed their credit load based on all credits for which they may have enrolled during the term. Students should consult with their academic dean regarding credit loads.

Summer Credit Load

Students are limited to course enrollment equal to one credit per week of session with the exception of the eight week general session (DHH). That session allows for 9 credits over the eight week period. The enrollment system does not allow students to enroll for more credits than their credit limit. In addition to the session credit limit, undergraduate students will be allowed to enroll in a maximum of twelve credits across the duration of the summer term. Students must contact their academic dean’s office to inquire about exceptions.

Summer Credit Overload Request Process

  1. Student should add classes through Course Search & Enroll until the maximum session credit load has been reached.
  2. Student should contact their academic dean’s office to see if a credit overload exception is likely to be considered. (L&S students can get information and make requests for overloads on the L&S Policies and Forms site)
  3. If advised by the academic dean’s office to proceed with submission of a formal request, student should go to MyUW>Student Center>Manage Classes>Course Change Request. Scroll to the bottom of the page to “Use this section to request a late add of a class” and add the five digit course number for the course that would result in an overload.
  4. Student should save their request, print the form, obtain the appropriate signatures, and take the form to their academic dean’s office for approval. The “Dean” signature will be completed after the form is submitted to the academic dean’s office.
  5. The academic dean’s office will approve or deny the request.
  6. If approved, the Office of the Registrar will finalize enrollment into the class.
  7. If denied, the academic dean’s office will notify the student.

Note: Undergraduate and special students will responsible for any additional tuition that is assessed as a result of exceeding their maximum credit load for the summer term. Graduate and professional school students should check with their academic dean regarding maximum credit loads.

Credit Ranges

Fall/Spring Full-time Credit Ranges

Undergraduate 12-18 cr.
Graduate (non-dissertator) 8-15 cr.
Dissertator 3 cr.
University Special 12-18 cr.

For information on full-time status for careers not listed, please contact the Office of the Registrar

Summer Full-time Credit Ranges

Undergraduate 6-12 cr.
Graduate (non-dissertator) 4-12 cr.
Dissertator 3 cr.
University Special 6-12 cr.

For information on full-time status for careers not listed, please contact the Office of the Registrar