Is 4 courses/term too much? I'm a new Professional Masters (MEng) Student

[IWing]

I got admitted into January 2015 Master of Engineering program at University of Toronto, which is course-based, or courses+project.

My program says I have to take between 3-5 courses per semester. Now I have 5 courses on my calendar, and after the first couple classes, I'll decide which one to drop before deadline, so that eventually I should have 4.

However people keep telling me that four courses is too much, I'd burn myself out. However taking < 4 per term would mean I may need to do an additional semester, since some courses are offered annually or even biennially.

 

A little background:

There's no thesis needed for my program. I'm not going to do TA or RA, or work at all during first year of grad school. After working for 3+ years this opportunity to go back to school is too precious, and I'll try to devote a lot to studying, but still leave some room for social life.

As an undergrad I was actually kinda known for taking a lot of workload, for two semesters I took 12 courses (for major, electives and minor), was in charge of a student organization and the student union, also working part time and volunteering for the Olympics. Got 3.3~3.5 for major and minor (Not amazing but still not bad I guess), and excellent reviews from work.

But I have to admit it was really tough, and honestly I don't want to go through that kind of pain again, but instead focus on studying alone this time.

 

 

I understand graduate courses will be much harder... but is 4 courses really going to be overwhelming?

 

And I know everybody is different... just want to get different opinions. Thank you in advance!

[Texan_Air]

This is coming from a person who hasn't started their engineering masters yet, so take my advice as you wish.

But I am going to be in the same position as you, and I plan to take 4 classes a semester. The ~30 credit hours + any background credit hours I need is going to push me to 3 semesters. I don't want to add extra money on to that with another semester. So your financial budget should be an important factor in your decision. I can't say how difficult your courses are going to be but with no working I think you should give it a shot. It's also a good sign that you are aware that only certain classes are offered in spring or fall. This seems to always get masters students. You need to make sure all your spring offered classes you want will be there for you or otherwise you might have to replace them with something you don't find interesting at all.

[IWing]

This is coming from a person who hasn't started their engineering masters yet, so take my advice as you wish.

But I am going to be in the same position as you, and I plan to take 4 classes a semester. The ~30 credit hours + any background credit hours I need is going to push me to 3 semesters. I don't want to add extra money on to that with another semester. So your financial budget should be an important factor in your decision. I can't say how difficult your courses are going to be but with no working I think you should give it a shot. It's also a good sign that you are aware that only certain classes are offered in spring or fall. This seems to always get masters students. You need to make sure all your spring offered classes you want will be there for you or otherwise you might have to replace them with something you don't find interesting at all.

 

Thank you! I'm leaning towards taking 4 classes, just wanted to hear what others' opinions are. And yes, the courses that are offered only in spring/fall do make planning a little difficult, but hopefully taking 4 classes / term will take care of that!

[juilletmercredi]

For my PhD I had to take 4 classes a semester, otherwise I would be taking classes for nearly 4 years and I wasn't willing to do that.  I think 4 classes a semester is quite doable if you have few other commitments.  It sounds like you don't have any (no RA, TA, work, etc.) so I think you can do it.  It is a little rough, but not impossible.

[IWing]

For my PhD I had to take 4 classes a semester, otherwise I would be taking classes for nearly 4 years and I wasn't willing to do that.  I think 4 classes a semester is quite doable if you have few other commitments.  It sounds like you don't have any (no RA, TA, work, etc.) so I think you can do it.  It is a little rough, but not impossible.

 

That's good to hear. I wouldn't want to take ~4 years of classes either! I guess I'll take 4 classes first, and the program allows 2 weeks to add/drop courses, giving me a little room just in case I change my mind. Thank you for the advice!

Edited December 4, 2014 by IWing