Full-time Status, Reduced Course Loads & Dual Enrollment

Full-Time Status

F-1 and J-1 students must have full-time student status by enrolling in a full course load each fall and spring semester.  Full-time student status requirements for fall and spring semesters at Edgewood College are:

Undergraduate students: a minimum of 12 credits

Masters and Doctoral students: a minimum of 6 credits


Important enrollment notes for F-1 and J-1 students:

  • Summer Enrollment:

o   Enrollment during the summer term is generally optional.  Full-time enrollment during the summer term is only required if:  1) a student is starting a program of study or resuming studies after a break in status or 2) a student is graduating during the summer term.  Edgewood College defines full-time enrollment during the summer as 8 credits for undergraduates and 6 credits for graduate students.

  • Students enrolled in session 1 or session 2 courses:

o   Students in academic programs in which the semester is divided into two sessions must have enrollment in at least one face-to face course during each session and must meet the minimum credit requirement for the semester when adding the credits for session 1 and session 2.

  • Online classes:

o   F-1 students: No more than one online class (with a maximum of 3 credits) may count towards the student’s full-time credit minimum for the semester.  

o   J-1 students: You cannot take online classes to count towards your full-time status requirement.


See the Reduced Course Load section of the website for information about exceptions to the full-time status requirements.  Consult with the Center for Global Education if you have any questions.

Reduced Course Loads

Students in the situations listed below can apply for a reduced course load by submitting an Application for a Reduced Course Load to the Center for Global Education:

  • Students encountering academic or language difficulty (only for one semester of your entire degree program; typically during your first semester at the College)
  • Students who have encountered a medical problem (maximum of 12 months; requires documentation from a medical professional or a licensed psychologist)
  • Students who are in their final term of study and do not need a full course of study to complete the degree.

*The CGE must approve your Application for Reduced Course Load BEFORE you drop below a full course load.

Dual Enrollment

If you plan to take a class at another college or university and would like those credits to count towards your full-time enrollment, you must submit the Dual Enrollment Approval Form to the Center for Global Education by the last day to add a class at Edgewood for the current semester. You are still required to maintain full-time enrollment between your attendance at Edgewood College and the other institution.

Undergraduates must enroll in a minimum of 12 credits of which at least 6 credits must be taken at Edgewood College. Graduate students must also take half of their full-time credits at Edgewood College.

To receive approval for dual enrollment:

Submit the Approval for Dual Enrollment Form to CGE by the last day to add a class for the semester at Edgewood. Before making any decisions about dual enrollment, discuss your plans with your academic advisor to ensure that the course(s) you plan to take at another institution will transfer to Edgewood and fulfill requirements for your program.

**Please Note: If dropping courses at the other institution makes you less than full-time, you will need to consider if you are eligible to apply for a Reduced Course Load (see information above). Submit an application for a Reduced Course Load to CGE BEFORE dropping the course. You must maintain at least half of your full-time credits at Edgewood College.