Credit Override Guidelines

Want to take more credits than usual in a semester? Here’s what you need to know.

Students meet in Baird Hall for a music theory class lead by Brian Moseley, in February 2025. The students are using a melodica, which is a handheld instrument similar to a piano and is played by blowing into a tube.

The typical course load for undergraduate students during the fall and spring semesters is 15 credit hours. If you plan to enroll in more than 19 credit hours, you must obtain permission from an academic advisor.

Before you begin, be sure to review the Undergraduate Catalog and check out the Academic Load Policy to understand the maximum number of credits you can take per semester.

Check your eligibility

Now that you've checked the Academic Load Policy, make sure you meet the eligibility criteria before submitting your request:

  1. Be enrolled in an approved College of Arts and Sciences major
  2. Be in good academic standing at UB
  3. Have a UB GPA of 3.0 or higher
    → If eligible, you may request up to 23 total credit hours for the Fall or Spring semester
Note: Term-specific credit limits
  • Summer: Up to 9 credits per session, 15 credits total
  • Winter: Up to 6 credits total

You're not eligible for a credit override if you are:

  • In your first semester at UB
  • Returning after more than one semester off
  • On academic warning, probation, or dismissal deferral

Exceptions Considered (with valid documentation):

Students who do not meet the above criteria may be eligible for a credit override if they have extenuating circumstances, including the following:

  • Graduating Seniors: Students in their final two semesters who require additional credits to meet graduation requirements. The requested credits must be essential for completing the degree.
  • Co-curricular commitments: Students involved in time-intensive, credit-bearing co-curricular activities including but not limited to: marching band, undergraduate research, performance, teaching assistant, internship.
  • Required Course Availability Issues: Students unable to enroll in a required course in prior semesters due to course unavailability and who need it to stay on track for a timely graduation.
  • Change of Major: If a student has changed their major, the student can request the GPA from semesters in their new major be considered in addition to their UB GPA.

How to request a credit override

To request a credit override students should email their academic advisor(s) with the following:

  • Semester that the credit override is being requested (e.g., Fall 2025)
  • All courses you intend to register for in override semester (including course/s that would require the override)
  • Total credits you’re requesting
  • Your current UB GPA
  • Reason for requesting override
  • Extenuating circumstances if UB GPA is not a 3.0 or requesting above approved credit limit raise
Please allow up to 5 business days for a decision.

Requests may be denied if courses can be moved without delaying graduation.

Double Majors and Other Programs

  • College of Arts and Science double majors: Email both advisors
  • College of Arts and Science + non-College of Arts and Science double majors/degrees: Must meet BOTH programs' override policies

Check with Financial Aid for any credit-hour impacts before submitting your request.