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The minimum course load per semester is 3 units, and the maximum is 4.5 units. Normal progress toward the degree (30 units) typically requires greater than the minimum semester course load.
Overload
An overload is a semester course load greater than the maximum 4.5 units. Students in their first semester are not permitted to overload. For all other students, academic adviser approval is required to carry a course load over 4.5 units. To qualify for an overload, students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and no grade lower than a B- in the previous semester. For overloads greater than 5 units, or for students who do not meet the qualifications but have a compelling rationale, a petition for waiver of policy is required.
Underload
An underload is a semester course load less than the minimum 3 units. Prior to the start of the term, or during the first two weeks of the semester, students may submit a petition for waiver of policy for a course load below the minimum 3 units. Successful petitions will receive reduced tuition. After the first two weeks of the semester, dropping or withdrawing to fewer than 3 units requires approval from the academic adviser and, if an international student, International Student Services. After the second week of the semester, students are assessed the full semester’s tuition, even if approved to carry a course load below 3 units.
Seniors in their thesis year must carry a semester course load of no fewer than 2 units, including thesis. (See Thesis Year below.)
A course load below the miniimum 3 units may have implications for international students, tuition, financial aid and Satisfactory Academic Progress, fellowship eligibility, and academic status. Consut with the Registrar’s Office before submitting a petition for a course load below the minimum 3 units or a request to drop or withdraw to fewer than 3 units.
Thesis Year
The thesis year consists of two consecutive semesters of enrollment. Seniors must carry a minimum total course load of 6 units (including thesis) across the two semesters that comprise their thesis year, with a semester course load of no fewer than 2 units (including thesis) in either semester. (See Underload above.) The same procedures, processes, and implications outlined in the Underload section above apply to seniors who petition for a course load below the minimum 3 units or request to drop or withdraw to fewer than 3 units.
Seniors who successfully petition to complete a 1-semester, 1 unit thesis must carry a minimum course load of 3 units in the thesis semester. Seniors who successfully petition for a double major must carry a minimum course load average of 3 units across all semesters in which they are enrolled in thesis, with at least one unit of non-thesis work each semester. (See Double Majors under Declaration of Major .)
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