Bryn Mawr College

Course Load

Normal course load is four units per semester. One Bryn Mawr unit of credit is the equivalent of 4 semester hours or 6 quarter hours.  Most courses carry one unit of credit. Elementary and intermediate language courses designated as intensive carry 1.5 units of credit. There are also some courses that meet for only half the semester that carry 0.5 units of credit. In order to make satisfactory progress towards the degree, students should plan to earn at least 8 units per year. 

 

Many students consider taking 5 units of credit in some semesters. Their motivation may be related to credits (they want to make up a missing credit; they want to graduate early), or there may simply be five classes in a certain semester that they really want to take. For most students, most of the time, taking five classes has significant drawbacks: it may lead to a decline in academic performance, limit time available for meaningful activities outside the classroom, or simply take a toll on physical or mental health. For this reason, all students are asked consult with their dean (and major adviser) before enrolling in 5 units. Students also have until the end of the third week of the semester to drop a fifth class, no questions asked. Fifth course drop forms are available from the Dean's Office.  A student may fill out the form and leave it for her dean; no appointment is necessary. 

 Occasionally a student may wish to enroll in 5.5 units. A student's dean does not have the authority to permit this. Instead, a student must gain permission from the Special Cases Committee.

 

Even if a student enters Bryn Mawr with many credits (from AP, IB or other exams, or from college work completed before her matriculation), she is generally expected to enroll in a full course load each semester. Students with a documented disability may be eligible for a reduced course load as part of accommodations offered through the Office of Access Services. Students, generally seniors, who are enrolled in advanced courses or who face other significant demands on their time, may expect to be granted permission for a reduced course load (3 units) during one semester. Other students who feel there is good justification for a reduced course load should speak to their deans. Any student who asks permission to enroll in only three units must meet with her dean and fillout a three-course enrollment form. 

 In general, students are charged full tuition regardless of course load. Exceptions are routinely made for McBride Scholars. 

 

Auditing a Course

Students who wish to have the benefit of attending a class without making the commitment to doing written work and examinations may audit a course with the permission of the instructor. Different instructors may have different policies regarding auditors, and students must follow these policies. Audited courses are not listed on transcripts.