What is a normal course load for Fall or Winter Term? 🔹 How many courses should I take each term? 🔹 What’s considered full-time at Acadia? 🔹 Can I take fewer courses in the fall or winter?

Understand what’s considered a normal or full-time course load at Acadia during the fall and winter terms, and how it may vary by program.

Your course load depends on whether you're a full-time or part-time student, and what program you're in.

🎓 Full-Time Students

• A normal full-time course load is 30 credit hours per academic year, or 15 credit hours per term (Fall or Winter).
• This usually means taking 5 courses per term (most courses are 3 credit hours each).
• Some programs, like Applied Science or Music, may require a heavier course load.
  👉 See the Academic Calendar for program-specific course load requirements.

🕘 Part-Time Students

• If you’re registered in fewer than 9 credit hours per term, you’re considered part-time.

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📘 Helpful Definitions

• Credit hour: A unit that reflects the number of hours spent in class per week. Most courses are worth 3 credit hours.
• Full-time student: A student enrolled in at least 9 credit hours per term (typically 3 or more courses).
• Part-time student: A student enrolled in fewer than 9 credit hours per term.

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📝 Special Notes

• If you’re unsure how many courses to take, speak with your academic advisor to make sure your course load fits your program and personal goals.
• Your course load can also affect scholarships, student loans, and international student status, so it’s important to plan carefully.