[Anonymous]

What is the maximum recommended number of graduate credit hours to take while working full-time in a relatively low stress job with no overtime? I am currently enrolled in a MAcc program and am wondering how many hours I should attempt this fall.

[Anonymous]

I did 12/semester while working full time.

[someaccountant]

If it's a no overtime job, go for at least 12 hours. You'll thank yourself later when you finish much faster.

FAR - 84!
REG - 76!
AUD - 80!
BEC - August 2013

[Anonymous]

12 graduate level credits? How stressful was that, or was it easier than expected?

[Anonymous]

I am not sure if those of you suggesting 12 credit hours are referring to undergraduate hours or not. However, I would recommend six, nine at the MOST for graduate level studies. Remember that the goal of a graduate program is not to simply “get the classes done” like undergrad. You should be enthusiastic about these classes and put your full effort in; if you overload this wont be possible. I am taking 9 credit hours this fall for my Master of Science, Finance program and studying for the CFA Level I and feel that I will be boarder line overwhelmed. Focus on the learning aspect and you will be greatly rewarded in the future.

Best of luck!

[someaccountant]

I had the following schedule in a on-campus graduate program (While working full-time)

Fall 2011 – 9 credits

Spring 2012 – 12 credits

Summer 2012 – 9 credits

Fall 2012 – 12 credits

My wife and I also had a baby boy in the spring semester so it was busy but never unmanageable. It's entirely possible but you need to be willing to sacrifice time on the weekends, if possible, to do projects and study for tests. I would typically spend three nights a week in class, two nights at home working on school stuff, and occasionally a Saturday morning/afternoon to get everything done for that week's classes.

I also started studying for the CPA exam in November 2012 while finishing up my master's degree. Try to think about how much free time you currently have to devote to your graduate studies and get a good idea of what to expect from the school you are attending. I got copies of the class schedules before each semester and that helped me schedule my classes so that it worked for me.

FAR - 84!
REG - 76!
AUD - 80!
BEC - August 2013

[Anonymous]

Thanks for your input everyone. I have taken 6 hours of graduate level courses before and it was not unbearable. Now that I am studying for the CPA exam, 6 hours seems like a breeze. I hope to take my last exam on August 26th, which is just in time for fall semester. I am currently 15 hours (5 classes) shy of my master's. I am just just trying to figure out the best course of action.

[magatha12]

I did 3 classes per semester in my MBA program while working about 50 hours per week.It was intense though depending on the class/who you work with in projects can really affect how it goes. It's definitely do-able, but 3 classes for me was pushing it. At times I could not put 100% effort in all 3 classes

FAR: 79
AUD: 81
REG:5/29/15
BEC:85

Using CPA Excel, NINJA notes and audio, NINJA MCQs

[Anonymous]

I did 16 graduate-level units (4 courses) for a semester, but I wouldn't recommend more than 12 on a consistent basis. Disclaimer: I was working a 39.99999 hour/week job with no kids and a wife who was also in 12 units for her own masters.

It's not just about undergrad or graduate level courses. Some people just don't have the bandwidth for more than a single course, and there's nothing wrong with that. I'm obsessively organized, which helps me stay on top of readings and assignments.

[Anonymous]

I wanted to get it over with ASAP and it helped that my fiance was also in grad school. Also, I was not preparing for the CPA exams at the time.

[Author]

Replies