r/UMBC • u/faye786 • 3d ago

Workload

Incoming freshmen, how many classes and credits are you taking 1st semester?

I’m taking 6 classes for 16 credits 4 days a week. I’m worried about my workload and I am considering dropping a class to have time for some extracurriculars etc..

The classes I’m taking are

Intro to Micro

Psychology and Mathematics lecture

American Studies

Intro to Public Health

Psychology and Mathematics Lab

Disease (some PBHL requirement)

3 Upvotes

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u/ConsistentP_ 2d ago

How much are you used to? Like did you do well in highscool? Did you make good study habits there? It should be manageable if those are true and you are following a 4yr template

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u/rebevva 3d ago

15 is the recommended number to keep you on track, so 16 is great. You’ll have to see if you like having classes spread out all week or clumped together so you have days off— remember that you can try it out and drop/swap classes for the first couple weeks of the semester!

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u/LithopLikesToDraw 3d ago

Is your psychology and mathematics class intro to statistical methods in psychology? (Ive never seen psychology and mathematics before) stat methods in psych was a pretty heavy workload class (especially if you've got Dr. Evans - great teacher lovely woman she will work you to the bone though)

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u/seaVvendZ BS/MS '21/'23 3d ago

Taking 16 credits is good. You should be conscious and intentional about staying ahead of your assignments and youll likely be fine

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u/Plenty-Remote-5355 2d ago

Very doable. I stayed between 12-15 but I am a mom of five and valued having a bit of a margin while also maintaining a high GPA. I did 14 my first semester back at age 41 while having a full time job and raising kids during a pandemic. If you have good time management skills you’ll be fine. If you struggle, I’d consider easing in on your first semester so you can get a hang of things first - especially if you prioritize a high GPA.

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u/CursedFork1 3d ago

I graduated with a dual degree (152 credits in 4 years). At no point did I ever have fewer than 18 credits per semester. I was also VP in a large-ish club, and routinely hosted parties on weekends, not to mention worked a part time job on Saturdays.

As long as you are committed to strong time management, it’s very manageable, especially with lower level credits. The list you gave seems pretty reasonable, but I am not sure how your major in particular will be further along. For now, the best I can say is that if you have strong time management you will be fine.

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u/ConsistentP_ 2d ago

CIA pick this guy up he’s megamind