Academic credit is awarded in terms of semester credit hours. The University uses a three-digit numbering system for its courses. Undergraduate numbers range from 091 to 499. Undergraduate courses numbered 100 and 200 are designated lower division courses while 300 and 400 level courses are designated as upper division courses.
As a rule, undergraduate coursework offered as three-credit hour courses where the number of credit hours assigned to a course quantitatively reflects the outcomes expected, the mode of instruction, the amount of time spent in class, and the amount of outside work expected for the class. For undergraduate courses, a credit hour corresponds to approximately 48 hours of student engagement. Most of the undergraduate program coursework is in a traditional format during a 16-week fall or spring semester with classes meeting once, twice, or three times per week. The number of credit hours assigned determines the classroom time allotted for a course. For traditional format classes, one credit hour of undergraduate credit is equivalent to at least one hour (50 minutes) of lecture per week (700 minutes/semester), two hours of lab work per week (1400 minutes/semester), or 3 hours of internship or clinical practicum per week (2100 minutes/semester) with the balance of the time being allocated to student engagement outside the traditional classroom setting. For classes designated as hybrid, the number of face-to-face classroom hours is reduced, while increasing the number of out-of-class student engagement hours. Online classes are usually asynchronous in nature and require students to engage in the material through discussions, readings, lectures, study and research, and assignments. Regardless of mode of delivery, a credit hour corresponds to approximately 48 hours of student engagement. The basis for awarding credit is consistent with the guidelines of the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) [Lauren, Barbara (2006) The Registrar’s Guide: Evolving Best Practices in Records and Registration, page 24.]
Some majors will allow semester hours earned in fulfillment of the General Education Curriculum to also be counted as part of the major or minor. However, students should not assume that this is always the case. In addition, courses may be utilized to meet requirements in a major or minor, but not in both areas. Students with questions concerning the use of a course to fulfill multiple graduation requirements should consult with their academic advisor. The final determination in these instances will be made by the University Registrar, after consultation with the appropriate program faculty and the appropriate academic Dean.