An institution is responsible for determining the credit hours awarded for coursework in its programs in accordance with the definition of a credit hour for Federal program purposes. The definition does provide some flexibility for institutions in determining the appropriate amount of credit hours for student coursework. The institution determines the amount of credit for student work.

• A credit hour is expected to be a reasonable approximation of a minimum amount of student work in a Carnegie unit in accordance with commonly accepted practice in higher education.
• The credit hour definition is a minimum standard that does not restrict an institution from setting a higher standard that requires more student work per credit hour.
• The definition does not dictate particular amounts of classroom time versus out-of-class student work.
• In determining the amount of work the institution’s learning outcomes will entail, the institution may take into consideration alternative delivery methods, measurements of student work, academic calendars, disciplines, and degree levels.

Back to Definition of and Guidelines for Credit Hour Policy and Spalding University