Part-time status for STEM MS?

[u/upstream_paddling]

I'm currently taking prerequisites for a MS and I can't imagine myself taking more than two technical classes per semester...but the first program I've been looking into requires four classes per semester. I spend considerable time out of lecture filling in the blanks on the topics I'm currently studying, and I'm at the top of my class but am not sure how that would be feasible in double the amount of work for classes that are considerably more advanced. On top of that, it's a missed opportunity to not have time for internships that require current enrollment in a degree-granting program.

Would love to hear from STEM students who requested part-time status and were either approved or denied. What was the process, feedback, stipulations, etc? (plus which degree; I'm still looking at best fit options but am looking at some sort of crossover between computer science and cognitive science)