How many units is too many?

[hannahslee]

Hello all!

I'm starting a graduate program at USC in a couple weeks and I am trying to figure out how many credits is too many?

So far I am taking 12 units (4 online in a subject I am familiar with). Although it has recently been brought to  my attention that I only need 8 classes to complete this program. Meaning - two semesters with 4 classes would complete the program. Now I am not made of money and USC is very expensive. I'm starting to think this isn't such a bad idea. However, I am the first in my family to go to graduate school so I am a little unsure of what this program holds for me. Another one of my thoughts being - if I take 3 classes this semester and 4 classes next semester, do I really want to go back to school in the fall for one course? Not really...

Also this program does not require research - only coursework. 

Please let me know if you think 2 on-campus classes and 2 online classes is too much for one graduate semester

 

Best of luck to everyone starting school in the next couple weeks!

Edited August 7, 2016 by hannahslee

[MastersHoping]

If money is an issue, you can't work part time while going to school to help with expenses, and you are confident in your ability to handle four courses at a time (that's what my master's program was anyway), in my opinion, I think it may be a better idea to do it in a year. As you said, going back for just one course doesn't seem worth it. As someone who also went to an expensive masters program and sincerely regrets it (financially speaking), there is no school worth going broke for.