Illinois State University follows the United States Department of Education's definition of a credit hour (34 CFR 600.2). A credit hour is an amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that is an institutionally established equivalency that reasonably approximates not less than:
1. One hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of-class student work each week for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester or trimester hour of credit, or ten to twelve weeks for one- quarter hour of credit, or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time; or
2. At least an equivalent amount of work as required in paragraph (1) of this definition 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.
Illinois State University defines the academic year as 30 weeks of instruction and uses a semester credit hour system. Fall and spring semesters are 15 weeks of instruction, excluding designated university closings and final exam periods. The credit hour policy applies equally to courses of varied duration and modes of instruction (for a definition of the modes of instruction, see Policy 4.1.21).
For traditional lecture, recitation, seminar, topics, and temporary courses, a one credit hour class meets 50 minutes per week over the course of the semester and typically requires at least 100 minutes per week of out-of-class work ( a minimum of 25 hours per credit hour per semester). Accelerated courses, including half-semester courses, summer session courses, and other courses offered over a different period of time, will require the same amount of classroom and out-of-class work per credit hour as required of semester-long courses, with that work distributed over the shorter period of time.
Laboratory practice classes, including science, studio, performance, and rehearsal classes, typically meet 100 minutes or more per week for 1 credit hour.
Clinical experiences are part of the program that allows for observation, participation, studies of individual pupils or clients, individual fieldwork, and practicums both on and off campus. Required pre-service clinical hours (clock hours) that are associated with specific courses do not receive academic credit independent of course credit. To receive credit separate from the associated course, a separate clinical course must be established.
Professional Practice/Student Teaching is work experience related to the student's area of study/discipline where students develop and apply practice competencies under the supervision of practitioners in the field. At least one full-time five-day week of professional practice or the equivalent over a longer period of time will be required for one credit hour. Depending on specific curriculum, programs may require more than one week in order to award one credit hour. Professional Practice/Student Teaching courses are designated by the numbers 198, 298, 398, 399, 400, 493, and 498 is limited to no more than nine credit hours total.
Workshops-and-Contract Courses are credit-bearing courses offered for special populations by special arrangements and meet regular academic credit hour standards.
Independent Study Courses require regularly scheduled meetings between the student and faculty member, the establishment of agreed-upon learning outcomes and grading schemes, and the equivalent number of minutes per week per credit hour as traditional courses.
Thesis/Dissertation Courses represent a minimum of three hours of student work per week throughout the course of the semester or the equivalent work distributed over a different period of time. Deferred credit (DE) is always given in research and performance courses leading to a thesis, dissertation or exhibition. Credit will be allowed when the student satisfactorily completes all requirements for the program.
Study Abroad Courses are courses taken abroad and led by either ISU faculty or by faculty of another institution. For courses taken abroad, 15 faculty contact hours will be awarded one credit hour.
Zero Credit Hour Courses are non-credit-bearing courses that may be required for graduation. They should be limited in their use but are often appropriate for co-curricular activities. Zero credit hour courses do not meet as a regular class, have designated learning outcomes, and require minimal faculty involvement and minimal use of university resources.
All definitions and standards apply equally to courses offered both on and off campus.
Associated Policies