Credit Overload
Credit Overload
Undergraduate degree-seeking students at George Mason University who are in good standing are permitted to take 18 credits of coursework during the fall and spring semesters. During the summer sessions, this limit is set at 14 credits total. College of Science students may request to take an overload if all of the following criteria are met:
- Students must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or higher
- No grades of C- or lower may be present in the semester prior to the overload
- No remaining grades of IN from a previous semester
- Students must have an established record of coursework at Mason. No student in their first semester may get an overload of credits
- Must demonstrate the ability to handle a demanding course load while maintaining a high-level of performance in coursework taken at Mason
Students who have met the above criteria must provide the COS Office of Academic and Student Affairs with a credit overload form (linked below) that includes the following information:
- Every course they wish to take during the overload for that semester. Include course prefix, number, section and CRN.
- List any employment or time commitments which will be present during the overload semester
- Cumulative GPA and previous semester GPA
- Academic advisor’s signature. (no request will be considered without an advisor’s signature)
The credit overload form must be submitted in a timely fashion. No request for an overload will be accepted after the last day to add as published in the academic calendar.
If the overload of credits is approved by the College of Science’s Office of Academic and Student Affairs, students are responsible for adding themselves to the requested courses and for any additional payment prior to the official university deadlines.