Academic Load
The following is a typical academic load for a CMU undergraduate:
| Semester/Session |
Typical Academic Load |
| Fall Semester |
14 -18 |
| Spring Semester |
14 -18 |
| 3 weeks of Summer Session |
3 |
| 6 weeks of Summer Session |
5-7 |
| 12 weeks of Summer Session |
12-14 |
A degree requires a minimum of 120 hours of credit. Some degrees and majors have minimums above 120. In order to graduate within four years with a degree, a student must average at least 30 hours of credit each year.
Abilities and circumstances of students vary greatly. Each student should carefully weigh these factors when deciding the number of hours to carry during a semester or session as well as the length of time to be expended in fulfilling requirements for a degree. Some students will carry lighter loads and take longer to fulfill the requirements. As a guideline, freshmen are advised to take no more than 15 hours of credit during the first semester on campus.
No undergraduate student will be permitted to be enrolled in more than 21 credits per semester. Exceptions may be granted with approval of the dean or dean's designee.’
CMU Online: No undergraduate student will be permitted to be enrolled in more than 21 credits during any of the following periods:
- Spring (January-May)
- Summer (May-August)
- Fall (August-December)
Senate Policy: Amended on 4/22/03 to include restriction to 21 credits per semester. Editorially amended 3/21/18 to change minimum hours to 120 and annual average to 30 for Senate-approved degrees with 120 minimum hours.