North Dakota State University Policy on Credit Hour Definition and Assignment

I. Purpose: To define and assign credit hours in accordance with the requirements articulated by the United State Department of Education, the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), and the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education (SBHE).

II. Credit Hour Definition: A credit hour represents student work towards intended learning outcomes, verified by evidence of student achievement, approximating:

a. Instructional Work: Not less than 50 minutes of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours out-of-class student work each week for approximately 15 weeks for one semester, or the equivalent amount of work over a different period of time;

b. Equivalent Activities: At least an equivalent amount of work as outlined in item II.a. for other academic activities as established by the institution including laboratory work, internships, practica, studio work, and other academic work leading to the award of credit hours.

III. Clock Hour Representation: A clock hour is typically 50 minutes of lecture or structured faculty/student interaction or 2-3 hours of laboratory session each week of the semester (or equivalent).

IV. Delivery Mode Independence: Federal and state credit hour definition apply regardless of delivery method (e.g., self-paced, synchronous online, asynchronous online, hybrid, lecture, seminar, and laboratory).