Credit Hour Definition

Date Implemented: May 24, 2012
Date Revised: May 24, 2012

A credit hour is an amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that reasonably approximates:

  1. One hour (50 minutes) of classroom or faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of-class student work each week for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester of credit or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time; or
  2. At least an equivalent amount of work as required in the paragraph above of this definition for other activities as established by the institution, including laboratory work, internships, practice and other academic work leading toward the award of credit hours.

Important Note: In the absence of a more stringent policy at the school or college level the University GraduateAcademic Policies apply. Should a graduate program not have a specific policy or should there be omissions or gaps in the policy for a specific graduate school program, the University Graduate Policy shall govern.

The Graduate Academic Policies are the responsibility of the Graduate Curriculum Committee Convener. For additions or revisions contact gradcurriculum@stthomas.edu.