Credit Loads and Enrollment Status
Generally, students are awarded one credit for each hour of class time. Exceptions are made for studio, ensemble, and a small number of classes (see Course Offerings and Faculty by Department for more information).
The number of credits determines enrollment status, which the Conservatory defines as full-time, part-time, half-time, or less than half-time. Students with permission to register for less than full-time loads are billed on a per-credit basis (see Tuition and Fees).
Definitions differ for each degree/diploma program:
| |
Full-time |
Half-time |
Part-time |
| Undergraduate Diploma |
10-14 |
5-9 |
fewer than 5 |
| Undergraduate Certificate |
7-10 |
4-6 |
fewer than 4 |
| Bachelor of Music |
12-18 |
6-11 |
fewer than 6 |
| Graduate Diploma |
6-10 |
3-5 |
fewer than 3 |
| Graduate Certificate |
5-8 |
3-4 |
fewer than 3 |
| Master of Music |
9-14 |
5-8 |
fewer than 5 |
| Doctor of Musical Arts |
8-11 |
4-7 |
fewer than 4 |
All Artist Diploma students are full-time; their course load is four credits. They may take additional credits only with approval of the Dean and Chief Academic Officer. Since changes in enrollment status affect financial aid, students requesting permission to be less than full-time should consult the Financial Aid Office.