Definition of Credit Hour - Anderson University Skip to content Definition of Credit Hour ACADEMICS Anderson University awards credit for academic achievement in a variety of instructional settings including traditional classrooms, skill-development classes, off-campus work practice settings, hybrid classes that use both seated and online sessions, and online classes. All classes have defined student learning outcomes, and a description of the time requirements and delivery modes is published on the class syllabus template. The Definition of Credit Hour is published on the University’s website. Traditional Classes The University has an established system for credit hours based upon 2100 instructional minutes for a standard 3-credit hour course.  For seated courses this equates to 14 weeks of instruction plus the exam period where 3-day per week courses meet for 50 minutes per class, and two-day per week courses meet for 75 minutes per class. Linked to this standard is the normative and historical expectation that students devote two hours working on class-related activities out of class for every hour they spend in the classroom. This model is used as the basis for determining the credit awarded for all courses regardless of the format for delivery. Skill Development Classes In courses with significant skill development outcomes, e.g. studio courses, laboratory courses, or physical activity courses, the credit hour definition is altered to reflect the standard disciplinary practice of two hours of supervised activity being equal to one hour of credit. Some classes include a mixture of didactic and skill practice sessions.  For a class with this mixed structure, the credit awarded reflects the time devoted to each component of the course. Internships and Clinical Practice Classes Work-setting classes require a minimum of 40 hours of placement activity for each hour of credit awarded. Variations above this minimum are dictated by professional standards required by specialized accreditors and are clarified in the course syllabus. Online Classes As with any course, online classes begin with the defining student learning outcomes and development of course content. The course is then formatted so the entire learning experience is available by digital means. Time expectations for students in an online class are consistent with traditional classes when time committed to readings and videos, participation in shared discussions or group work, and time working independently on course-related activities and assignments are considered. Enrolled students participate in class activities and complete online assignments per a schedule provided by the instructor. Hybrid Classes Hybrid classes are designed so that a significant portion of the course is delivered by digital means employing reading, instructional videos and/or lectures, journals, discussion boards, or assignments that students complete outside of class.  The in-class time is then devoted to active student learning activities in a face-to-face classroom.  In most cases, the courses meet one day a week, and enrolled students participate in class activities and complete online assignments and activities per a schedule provided by the instructor. In some graduate hybrid courses, the schedule for the seated portion of the class may require fewer actual meetings, but the class meeting time on those days is extended. These days are generally termed “intensive” because the time in face-to-face instruction lasts the full day. Find Your Program Visit ABOUT AU About AU My City, My University Mission, Vision & Values Statement of Faith Office of the President Campus Map Share Your Photo The University Grace Alma Mater Inclement Weather Information ABOUT About AU My City, My University Mission, Vision & Values Statement of Faith Office of the President Campus Map The University Grace Alma Mater Inclement Weather Information ADMISSION Admission Transfers Special Programs Dual-Enrollment Scholars Program for High School Students Online & Continuous Learning Graduate The University Grace Veterans Scholarships & Aid ACADEMICS Academics Find Your Program College of Arts & Sciences College of Business & Economics College of Christian Studies College of Education College of Engineering College of Health Professions School of Interior Design School of Public Service & Administration The South Carolina School of the Arts Center for Cybersecurity Center for Leadership and Organizations International Graduate School Center for Global Engagement Faculty Directory Innovation & Digital Learning at AU AU PRO Study Abroad Honors College Student Diversity and Outcomes Thrift Library Academic Catalog DEAN'S LIST Student Achievement Commencement Definition of Credit Hour Calendars and Schedules CAMPUS LIFE Campus Life Base Camp Welcome Week Recreation & Fitness Community & Public Service Christian Life Student Activities Campus Housing Dining at AU Thrive Wellness Campus Safety Community, Dignity & Inclusive Campus Family Student Leader Student Handbook Complaint Procedure Curriculum Enhancement Program (CEP) Commuter Engagement Connect With Us ATHLETICS AU Trojans Athletics Website GIVE Give Our Community is Stronger Together Anderson University Magazine A Day-Online Giving Campaign Blackbaud Security Update Board of Visitors Christian Ministry Foundation Development Staff Donor Recognition Gift & Estate Planning Giving to Anderson University Make a Gift Online Parent Association Parent Leadership Council Trojan Athletic Fund Ways to Give ALUMNI Alumni Association AU Network Ways to Get Involved ADMISSION Admission Transfers Special Programs Dual-Enrollment Scholars Program for High School Students Online & Continuous Learning Graduate The University Grace Veterans Scholarships & Aid ACADEMICS Academics Find Your Program College of Arts & Sciences College of Business & Economics College of Christian Studies College of Education College of Engineering College of Health Professions School of Interior Design School of Public Service & Administration The South Carolina School of the Arts Center for Cybersecurity Center for Leadership and Organizations International Graduate School Center for Global Engagement Faculty Directory Innovation & Digital Learning at AU AU PRO Study Abroad Honors College Student Diversity and Outcomes Thrift Library Academic Catalog DEAN’S LIST Student Achievement Commencement Definition of Credit Hour Calendars and Schedules CAMPUS LIFE Campus Life Base Camp Welcome Week Recreation & Fitness Community & Public Service Christian Life Student Activities Campus Housing Dining at AU Thrive Wellness Campus Safety Community, Dignity & Inclusive Campus Family Student Leader Student Handbook Complaint Procedure Curriculum Enhancement Program (CEP) Commuter Engagment Connect With Us ATHLETICS AU Trojans Athletics Website GIVE Give Our Community is Stronger Together Anderson University Magazine A Day-Online Giving Campaign Blackbaud Security Update Board of Visitors Christian Ministry Foundation Development Staff Donor Recognition Gift & Estate Planning Giving to Anderson University Make a Gift Online Parent Association Parent Leadership Council Trojan Athletic Fund Ways to Give ALUMNI RESOURCE MENU CURRENT STUDENTS PARENTS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION FACULTY & STAFF ACCREDITATIONS & AFFILIATIONS GRADUATE WRITING HUB Policies, Procedures, and Expectations for Students Preferred Partnership Program State Authorization and Disclosures Tuition & Fees University Center of Greenville Employment Find Your Program Visit ABOUT AU About AU My City, My University Mission, Vision & Values Statement of Faith Office of the President Campus Map Share Your Photo The University Grace Alma Mater Inclement Weather Information ABOUT About AU My City, My University Mission, Vision & Values Statement of Faith Office of the President Campus Map The University Grace Alma Mater Inclement Weather Information ADMISSION Admission Transfers Special Programs Dual-Enrollment Scholars Program for High School Students Online & Continuous Learning Graduate The University Grace Veterans Scholarships & Aid ACADEMICS Academics Find Your Program College of Arts & Sciences College of Business & Economics College of Christian Studies College of Education College of Engineering College of Health Professions School of Interior Design School of Public Service & Administration The South Carolina School of the Arts Center for Cybersecurity Center for Leadership and Organizations International Graduate School Center for Global Engagement Faculty Directory Innovation & Digital Learning at AU AU PRO Study Abroad Honors College Student Diversity and Outcomes Thrift Library Academic Catalog DEAN'S LIST Student Achievement Commencement Definition of Credit Hour Calendars and Schedules CAMPUS LIFE Campus Life Base Camp Welcome Week Recreation & Fitness Community & Public Service Christian Life Student Activities Campus Housing Dining at AU Thrive Wellness Campus Safety Community, Dignity & Inclusive Campus Family Student Leader Student Handbook Complaint Procedure Curriculum Enhancement Program (CEP) Commuter Engagement Connect With Us ATHLETICS AU Trojans Athletics Website GIVE Give Our Community is Stronger Together Anderson University Magazine A Day-Online Giving Campaign Blackbaud Security Update Board of Visitors Christian Ministry Foundation Development Staff Donor Recognition Gift & Estate Planning Giving to Anderson University Make a Gift Online Parent Association Parent Leadership Council Trojan Athletic Fund Ways to Give ALUMNI Alumni Association AU Network Ways to Get Involved ADMISSION Admission Transfers Special Programs Dual-Enrollment Scholars Program for High School Students Online & Continuous Learning Graduate The University Grace Veterans Scholarships & Aid ACADEMICS Academics Find Your Program College of Arts & Sciences College of Business & Economics College of Christian Studies College of Education College of Engineering College of Health Professions School of Interior Design School of Public Service & Administration The South Carolina School of the Arts Center for Cybersecurity Center for Leadership and Organizations International Graduate School Center for Global Engagement Faculty Directory Innovation & Digital Learning at AU AU PRO Study Abroad Honors College Student Diversity and Outcomes Thrift Library Academic Catalog DEAN’S LIST Student Achievement Commencement Definition of Credit Hour Calendars and Schedules CAMPUS LIFE Campus Life Base Camp Welcome Week Recreation & Fitness Community & Public Service Christian Life Student Activities Campus Housing Dining at AU Thrive Wellness Campus Safety Community, Dignity & Inclusive Campus Family Student Leader Student Handbook Complaint Procedure Curriculum Enhancement Program (CEP) Commuter Engagment Connect With Us ATHLETICS AU Trojans Athletics Website GIVE Give Our Community is Stronger Together Anderson University Magazine A Day-Online Giving Campaign Blackbaud Security Update Board of Visitors Christian Ministry Foundation Development Staff Donor Recognition Gift & Estate Planning Giving to Anderson University Make a Gift Online Parent Association Parent Leadership Council Trojan Athletic Fund Ways to Give ALUMNI RESOURCE MENU CURRENT STUDENTS PARENTS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION FACULTY & STAFF ACCREDITATIONS & AFFILIATIONS GRADUATE WRITING HUB Policies, Procedures, and Expectations for Students Preferred Partnership Program State Authorization and Disclosures Tuition & Fees University Center of Greenville Employment