Credit Hours and Credit Loads

Generally speaking, a class that meets one hour a week for one term with an expected homework load of two hours outside of class will be a one-credit class (whether distance education or in class work). Classes that meet three hours per week with six hours of outside homework will yield three credits. A lab class usually yields one credit for each two or three hours of lab time. Remember, most classes require two hours of homework in addition to each class hour. In our Program Descriptions, we suggest curricula that will allow you to complete the program in one or two years; if you are working or have outside commitments, you may need to extend that timeline. To earn a transfer degree in two years, you should schedule an average of 15 credits per term to accumulate 90 credits in six terms. Fifteen credits translates to an average of a 45- hour work week. You may take no more than 20 credits in any single term without a counselor’s approval. The time required to complete a program may vary according to your preparation when you enter school and the availability of classes.