Most colleges and universities consider 12 to 15 credit hours per semester as the typical full-time course load. This usually translates to about 4 to 5 classes per semester, with most courses being 3 credit hours each
- To qualify as a full-time student, you generally need to take at least 12 credit hours per semester
- Many students take between 12 and 18 credit hours per semester, which corresponds to about 4 to 6 courses
- Some students may take more than 18 credit hours, but 18-22 credit hours per semester is considered a heavy load
- One credit hour typically equals one hour of class time plus about two hours of independent study per week
- Semesters usually last around 15 weeks, so a 3-credit course involves roughly 45 contact hours in class over the term
In summary, a standard full-time semester involves taking 12-15 credit hours, or roughly 4-5 courses, with adjustments depending on individual degree plans and personal capacity.
