Required Units
Credit-bearing courses carry a unit value. You must enroll in at least 12 academic units in your program by the first day of each quarter to maintain your student visa status. Of the 12 units, at least 8 units must be in the classroom with no more than one, four-unit online class to count toward your minimum full-time course load.
All courses must be taken ‘For Credit/Letter Grade’ to count towards the 12 units required to maintain F-1 visa status.
We recommend you enroll early. Courses fill quickly. If you are unable to enroll in the required minimum of 12 units, you will jeopardize your F-1 visa status.
View enrollment start dates on the academic calendar.
Advanced Standing and Course Waivers
In your first quarter, you can petition to have required or elective courses waived if you have completed the coursework elsewhere. You must submit certified academic transcripts to your academic advisor. If a waiver is granted, you will be credited with units of advanced standing allowing you to finish your program sooner. You will be able to discuss advanced standing and course waivers with your certificate program advisor. An approved course waiver does not replace the 12-unit full-time registration requirement to maintain your F-1 visa status.
Required Grade Point Average (GPA)
Certificate students must pass all required courses and maintain a minimum GPA as required by your certificate program. The minimum GPA varies for each program. Contact the certificate program advisor for the GPA you need to maintain in your program or view the grading details on the grading scale.
Earned F grades do not count toward your GPA so you must retake any course in which you receive a grade of F. Your allotted time for study remains the same. You may have to skip a vacation quarter to complete your program on time and bring your GPA up to the required minimum.