Credit Hour Definition

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Policy No.: 8017
Effective Date: 11/28/16
Revised Date:
Reviewed Date:

Credit Hour Definition

Policy

All academic units must follow the federal credit hour definition (please refer to Assignment of Credits, Program Length, and Tuition): 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

1. One hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out of class student work 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
2. 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, practica, and other academic work leading to the award of credit hours.

Hour Definition

One credit hour is equivalent to one hour (50 minutes minimum) of lecture and two (2) hours of out-of-class work each week. Over a usual 15 week semester of instruction, the following contact times (minimums) are assigned for every one (1) credit hour based upon the specific type of learning activity:

• Synchronous Classroom: 1 hour of contact time and 2 hours of out-of-class work for each week of instruction
• Laboratory: 2-4 hours of contact time for each week of instruction
• Research/Field Work: 2-4 hours of contact time for each week of instruction
• Clinical: 2-4 hours of contact time for each week of instruction
• Simulation: 2-4 hours of contact time for each week of instruction
• Other Activities: 3 hours of contact time (Exam time can be considered part of contact time if an instructor chooses to count time spent on assessment as part of contact time)
• Asynchronous Education (i.e. Online or Distance Learning): 3 hours of student work for each week. Student work includes reading, research, online discussion, instruction, and assigned group activities, preparation of papers or presentations.

**An hour definition and contact times for non-standard or condensed courses is currently being defined/discussed and will be specified within the articulated and implemented 6 month timeframe.

Additional Information

• Contact Student Services, 402.559.8086, studentservices@unmc.edu
• UNMC Office of Student Services Student Services
• Applicable Federal Regulation: Department of Education - Assignment of Credits, Program Length, and Tuition 34CFR 600.2

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