Credit Overloads

Credit Overload Policy

LSA students are expected to pursue a course load that allows for meaningful engagement in their academic, co-curricular, and personal responsibilities. To support student success, the college sets a term credit limit of 18 credits per Fall or Winter term (9 credit hours per Spring and Summer half terms). 

Students wishing to enroll in more than 18 credits (9 credit in a half term) must request and receive approval for a credit overload. This policy is intended to ensure that students undertake course loads that support both academic success and personal well-being, while providing a process for approving exceptions in cases where an increased course load is academically necessary.

Maximum Credit Limit

• The standard maximum course load for LSA undergraduate students in the Fall or Winter term is 18 credit hours (9 credits for the Spring or Summer term).
• Students may petition to enroll in up to 21 credit hours in a single term (11 credits in a half term).
• Exceptions for more than 21 credit hours will be considered only for graduating seniors in their final term, when required to complete degree requirements.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for a credit overload, a student must:

• Be enrolled as an undergraduate student in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts.
• Be in good academic standing (not on academic progress notice).
• Have demonstrated prior academic success in full course loads, ideally having successfully completed 15 or more credit hours in a previous term with strong grades.

Approval Process

• The student must submit the LSA Credit Overload Request Form. The form must include:
  • The term for which the overload is requested.
  • The number of total credits requested.
  • A rationale explaining the academic necessity for the overload.
• Requests will be reviewed by the Office of Student Academic Affairs and the student will receive a decision within 72 business hours. 

Additional Considerations

• Approval is not guaranteed, even if eligibility criteria are met.
• Overload requests are typically approved only when necessary for academic progression (e.g., meeting graduation requirements, fulfilling prerequisites, or completing required courses offered only in a specific term).
• Enrollment in credits exceeding the standard full-time tuition threshold will result in additional tuition charges. Students should consult the Registrar’s Tuition and Fees schedule for details.
• Students are advised to carefully evaluate the time commitment required for an overload and its potential impact on academic performance and overall well-being.

Questions? Please reach out to LSA.Student.Records@umich.edu.