Understanding Credit Hours
Credit hours are a numerical measurement system used to determine the appropriate semester course load of a student, academic standing, and eligibility for graduation. Academic credit provides the basis for measuring the amount of engaged learning time expected of a typical student enrolled not only in traditional classroom settings but also laboratories, studios, work and learn programs, and distance and correspondence education. The federal government relies on credits as a measure of student academic engagement as a basis of awarding financial aid. For more information about determining the correct amount of credit hours for your schedule, please contact your advisor.
| Course Component | One (1) Credit Hour Equates To | Contact/Credit Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| Lecture | Fifteen (15) class hours | Ratio: 15:1 (1 credit hour) |
| Laboratory | Thirty (30) to forty-five (45) class hours | Ratio: 30:1 to 45:1 |
| Clinical Practice | Forty-five (45) to sixty (60) class hours | Ratio: 45:1 to 60:1 |
| Cooperative Work Experience | Sixty (60) to ninety (90) class | Ratio: 60:1 to 90:1 |
| Practicum | Sixty (60) to ninety (90) class hours | Ratio: 60:1 to 90:1 |
| Private Instruction | Seven and one Half (7.5) to fifteen (15 | Ratio:7.5:1 to 15:1 |
