The Citadel adopts and adheres to the federal definition of a credit hour. For purposes of the application of this policy and in accordance with federal regulations, 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:
- The amount of student time investment that reasonably approximates one hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours out of class student work for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester, or
- At least an equivalent amount of work as outlined in (1) for other academic activities as established by The Citadel, including laboratory work, internships, practica, and other academic work leading to the award of credit hours.
In accordance with commonly accepted practices in higher education, The Citadel operates on a 50-minute hour for this definition.
Course credit hours are assigned by the program from which a course originates in accordance with federal guidelines and reviewed by the Curriculum Committee or Graduate Council and the Academic Board. The Registrar reviews all curriculum changes and ensures adherence to the Credit Hour Policy before placing the course on the schedule of classes.