An engineering student may not enroll in fewer than 14 credit hours of coursework except with the expressed approval of the dean. Twelve of the fourteen hours must be applicable to the degree. Required prerequisite courses (such as M 305G) or supplemental instruction courses (such as GE) may be used toward the 12 or 14 hours. Physical Education (PED) courses cannot be used toward the 14 hour minimum requirement.
Listed below are some common exceptions to the 14 hour rule:
- Working an appropriate number of hours a week:
Working 10-13 hours 13 hour course load
Working 14-17 hours 12 hour course load
Working 18-21 hours 11 hour course load
Working 22-25 hours 10 hour course load
Working 26-29 hours 9 hour course load
Working 30-33 hours 8 hour course load
Working 34-37 hours 7 hour course load
Working 38-40 hrs 6 hour course load - A medical disability with a recommendation from your physician.
- Taking a 5 hour beginning language course (with advisor approval).
- Commuting more than 50 miles to school.
- Parents whose schedule must accommodate care for children.
- Graduating senior with less than 14 hours remaining to complete degree requirements.
- Graduating senior with less than 28 hours over two semesters to complete degree requirements.
- Registering for less than 14 hours is recommended by the Department and/or Academic Advisor.
- Concurrent Enrollment
The following do not constitute exceptions to the 14 hour rule:
- Membership in student organizations.
- Student competitions.
If you qualify for an exception, and you will not be taking 14 hours in a long semester (Fall or Spring), please fill out the online application. (No application is necessary during the summer sessions).
Fall semester applications may be submitted beginning April 1st. Spring semester applications may be submitted beginning October 26th.
The deadline for submitting applications is the 12th class day of the semester for which you are petitioning. If you miss the application deadline, you may see an academic advisor for further discussion concerning your course load.
After a decision is made, you will be notified by email directing you to check the status of your application. Be sure to read any accompanying instructions (to do so, click on the status of the application).
If you register for fewer than 14 hours without receiving approval, a Cockrell School of Engineering bar will be placed on your record. This bar will affect your ability to register during the entire first access period for the following semester.
For additional information, please schedule an appointment with an Academic Advisor in the Office of Student Affairs, ECJ 2.200, 471-4321.