Academic Catalog 2023-24 > Academic Policies and Procedures > Credit Hour Policy > Definition

Definition

A credit hour is an amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that is an institutionally established equivalency that reasonably approximates not less than:

• One hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of (a) two hours of out-of-class student work for undergraduate students, or (b) three hours of out-of-class work for master's degree students, or (c) four hours of out-of-class work for doctoral students, each week for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester hour of credit or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time; or
• At least an equivalent amount of work as required in paragraph (1) of this definition for other academic activities as established by the institution including laboratory work, internships, practicum, studio work, community-based learning, and other academic work leading to the award of credit hours.

A course offered in a term of fewer than 15 weeks or in a different format (accelerated, weekend, hybrid, or distance education) requires the same contact hours and preparation time as a 15-week course; or, if a course has reduced contact hours, the total workload will reflect commensurately increased expectations for hours of preparation.

For the purposes of this policy, one hour of student work is assumed to be 50 minutes of classroom time or an equivalent amount through personal instruction or supervision. This work can be fulfilled in a variety of ways, but not limited to direct faculty instruction and systematic outside reading; experiments or research under the supervision of an instructor; studio, field, clinical, or laboratory work; and internships, service learning, or directed study.

Periodic Review

Application of the Credit Hour Policy will be reviewed during the Academic Program Review process to ensure that credit hour assignments are accurate, reliable, and appropriate to degree level. Supporting evidence includes syllabi, learning outcomes, assignment schedules, and course schedules identifying the times that courses meet (if applicable).

New courses, or changes in the unit value of existing courses, should be reviewed and approved by the school dean for compliance with the credit hour policy.