Credit Overload

• How many credits am I allowed to take in my first semester?
• I want to register for over 18 credits - Do I need permission?

How many credits am I allowed to take in my first semester?

We encourage entering freshmen and transfer students to take a full-time program of between 12 and 15 credits. We set no minimum number of credits you must take, but you may not register for more than 18 credits. We strongly urge entering freshmen not to work if you can avoid it. If you must work, work for as few hours as possible. If you have a full-time job, taking more than two or three courses is very likely to jeopardize your career at Baruch.

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I want to register for over 18 credits - Do I need permission?

Students in all three schools may apply for a credit overload (download form) at the Center for Advisement and Orientation. The credit overload allows students to register for 19 to 21 credits in either the Spring or Fall semesters. For those students seeking permission for the summer session(s) a maximum of 5 courses is allowed with 3 courses in one session.

Please note the following restrictions:

• The minimum cumulative GPA required for a credit overload is 3.0; with the exception of Zicklin School of Business majors which must have a minimum GPA of 3.5.
• First semester transfer students and first semester freshmen are not permitted credit overloads.
• Students who receive permission for a credit overload may not resign from any courses.
• Students enrolled in CSTM, CSTE or ESL courses are not permitted credit overloads.
• Students with unresolved INC, ABS or PEN grades are not permitted credit overloads.
• Approval of credit overload does not waive individual course prerequisites.
• Approval of credit overload is not equivalent to permission to enter a closed course.
• Students who register for more than 18 credits are subject to an Accelerated Study Fee. The fee is based on the credits registered. Please consult the Undergraduate Bulletin or the Schedule of Classes for additional information.

  Download the Credit Overload Form.

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