This pertains to a Graduate School policy where graduate students need special permission to
register for more than 10 credits. This is not related to issues of funding.
For purposes of The Graduate School policy, it is the total number of credits (not billable credits,
etc.). Unfortunately, GRAD 601 (a 0-credit, 0-cost course) does matter here (it is functionally
treated like 5 credits by the course registration system).
All graduate students, regardless of program or funding need special permission to register for
more than 10 credits. The following reflects the most current (Spring 2025) process for obtaining
permission to register for more than 10 credits in the semester.
It is assumed the courses you plan to register for are needed for the degree and in the program in
which you are enrolled (HSP or ADP). If you intend to take a course that is NOT
listed as a required or elective course in your program manual, please discuss this with your
faculty mentor and Graduate Program Director (GPD) before attempting to register in the course.
Instructions for Human Services Psychology PhD and Applied Developmental Psychology PhD students to request permission to enroll in more than 10 credits:
- Register for as many classes as you can (this may be less than 10)
- Email Dr. Lauren Edwards, Associate Dean of the Graduate School at (ledwards@umbc.edu) with your request to register for the excess credits
- Copy your faculty mentor on the email stating that you both discussed this plan and they approve your enrollment request.
- Copy the Psychology GPC on this email as well – Kerrie Jenkins (KerrieJ1@umbc.edu)
In the email, please include the following:
- Your student ID number
- Each course number (I.e., PSYC 602) you were able to register for and include:
- The section number (I.e. 01)
- The class number (I.e. 7121)
- The credit value of each course
- The course number, section and class number of the course(s) you need permission to register for.
Indicate in the email that the courses are necessary for the completion of your degree along with the statement that your mentor has approved the excess credit request. Provide your mentor’s name and email address. All requests for excess credit enrollment require your mentor’s approval, so please get permission first.
Then Dr. Edwards will reach out to the Registrar’s Office to request permission on your behalf. Note: If she has a
question, she will contact you, Kerrie, or your faculty mentor
Important: This process provides permission to register; you must still register for the course.
Watch your UMBC email for the RT ticket update giving you permission to add the additional
course(s) and then please do so.
If you have any questions, please send an email to Kerrie. In the email, please cc: your
academic mentor and GPD, so they may be kept in the loop.
* If you need to register for more than 15 credits, you must contact your GPD in advance (and
cc: your mentor) to discuss the intended course load.