Course Overload Policies
Standard full-time tuition covers 12-18 credits per semester. All full-time students can automatically take up to 18 credits per semester.
Overloading is registering for more than 18 credits in a semester. Every additional credit beyond 18 credits will incur per-credit charges, unless it is one of the automatic-overloads that is listed below. If your program requires you to take a course load beyond 18 credits, you will automatically be granted an overload covering the additional charges. All courses taken beyond the overload maximum will be charged at the per-credit rate.
Note: There are different overload policies varying by program and start date.
PEMBA Students
If you register for 12 or more credits, the University considers you a full-time student. You will be charged a flat full-time tuition rate during the academic year, which covers 12-18 credits. Every additional credit more than 18 will incur per-credit charges.
In your final semester, charges for a course overload up to 21 credits may be waived if you are in good academic standing. Please submit the form below.
Dual Degree Students
Please contact your advisor to determine the course overload policy for your particular program.
PhD Students
You must have your faculty mentor’s permission to register for more than 18 credits in a given semester.
Every additional credit above 18 will incur per-credit charges.
Charges for the course overload up to 20 credits are waived if at least one of the following conditions is met:
- Your cumulative grade point average is 3.70 or higher
- You are registering for a fifth course (up to 20 credits) in your last semester of required PhD courses.
Course Overload Tuition Waiver Form
Course Overload Tuition Waiver

Rafik B. Hariri Building
595 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA 02215
MBA CENTER
For Residential MBA Students:
CONTACT
mbacenter@bu.edu
617.353.7800
OFFICE HOURS
Fall & Spring
Appts: M-Th 9am – 6:30pm, F 9am – 5pm
Summer
M-T 9am – 5pm, W-Th 9am – 6:30pm, F 9am – 1pm
HAR 416
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For OMBA students needing support, please contact ombasuccess@bu.edu.
SPECIALTY MS & PhD CENTER
CONTACT
qstmsphd@bu.edu
617.353.2673
OFFICE HOURS
Fall & Spring
M-F 9am – 5pm
HAR 402
@questromgrad