A credit hour represents the amount of work governed by intended and clearly identified student learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that approximates one hour (or 50-55 minutes) of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours (for undergraduate) or three hours (for graduate) of out-of-class student work each week for a 16-week term, or the equivalent amount of work over a term of a different length. Classroom or direct faculty instruction and out-of-class student work leading to the award of credit hours may vary for courses that require laboratory work, internships, practica, studio work, online work, research, guided study, study away, and other academic work to achieve the identified student learning outcomes. In addition, student workload may vary based upon program expectations established by national or regional accrediting bodies.

Assignment of credit hours for courses occurs during program/course approval processes and is monitored through faculty, curriculum, and program reviews established by the university.