Credit Hour Policy
Definition of Credit Hour
Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes Jewish College’s definition of “credit hour” is based on the Carnegie unit of academic credit and is defined in 34 CFR 600.2 (and further modified in 34 CFR 668.8 (k) as “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:
- One hour of classroom or direct faculty involvement and a minimum of two hours out of class course work each week for approximately 15 weeks for one academic term or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time: or
- At least an equivalent amount of work as required in paragraph (1) of this definition for other activities established in the institution, including laboratory work, clinical and other academic work leading toward the award of credit hour(s).” In accordance with common practice in higher education, instruction representing a credit hour is typically delivered in a 50-minute class period.
- The number of credit hours awarded for courses is based on the expected time required to successfully meet the course objectives. This time is a combination of activities including in-class lecture, laboratory work, outside reading, and other academic work.
- Courses taught with an online/blended format may not have specific seat time expectations, they maintain comparable quality and student learning outcomes.
- Some courses include clinical contact hours that represent the number of hours per week the course will meet in clinical experience outside the classroom or other specified work associated with the course/program.
- The definition of credit hour is listed in the college catalog, website, financial aid materials, faculty manuals and student handbook and supplements.