Washington State University and its various colleges reserve the right to change the rules regulating admission to, instruction in, and graduation from Washington State University and any other regulations affecting the student body. Such regulations shall go into effect whenever the proper authorities may determine and shall apply to prospective students and to those who may at that time be enrolled.
Credit
27. CREDIT DEFINITION
Definition of Academic Credit
Academic credit is a measure of the minimum time commitment required of a typical student enrolled in a specific course. At WSU, a course hour is 50 minutes in length. For the WSU semester system, a one-semester lecture credit is assigned a minimum of 45 course hours, of which a minimum of 15 course hours are spent in instructor-led activities. Students should expect to spend a minimum of 30 additional course hours in outside activities to support their learning and success.
Instructor-led Activities
Instructor-led or instructor-supervised activities include time spent in scheduled course activities organized by an instructor, such as lectures, discussions, laboratories, studios, ensembles, visual media, fieldwork, and clinical hours.
Outside Activities
Outside activities involve students completing course requirements, including reading, studying, problem-solving, writing, homework, and other preparations for the course. Typically, students spend two hours on outside activities for every hour spent in class. Achievement of course goals may require more than the minimum time commitment.
Minimum In-Class Time Commitments
Based on a synchronous format, as defined in Educational Policies and Procedures Manual (EPPM) 13.1.6, the minimum in-class time commitment per term (e.g., a 15-week semester with an additional finals week; a five-week block during a semester; a six-week summer session; a three-week winter intersession; a study abroad over break) must adhere to the following scheduling contact hour policies. Definitions of each class type can be found in EPPM 13.1.7:
- Lecture or Recitation: A minimum of 15 course hours of instructor-led activities plus at least 30 hours of outside activities per term for each credit.
- Studio: A minimum of 30 course hours of studio per term plus at least 15 hours of outside activities for each credit.
- Laboratory: A minimum of 45 course hours of laboratory per term for each credit.
- Ensemble: A minimum of 60 course hours of ensemble per term for each credit.
- Practicum/Clinical Experiences for Credit: (including internships, field studies, and clinical experiences): At least 45 course hours per term for each credit.
- Independent Study: (e.g., 499, 600 credits): At least 45 course hours per term for each credit.
- Dissertation, Thesis, or Master's Project: (700, 701, 702, 800 credits): Credits are determined through an agreement between the student and their advisor, based on the time commitment required for the specific research or examination activities.
- Other: At least 45 course hours per term for each credit.
Instructor Responsibilities
Instructors must ensure that all courses, regardless of delivery modality (face-to-face, hybrid, or online), meet the following criteria:
- Cover the same material with the same depth across all modalities.
- Provide regular and substantive interaction with enrolled students.
Regular Interaction: Instructors must interact with students on a predictable and scheduled basis.
Substantive Interaction: Instructors must engage students through teaching, learning, and assessment. Additionally, instructors must perform at least two of the following activities:
- Provide direct instruction.
- Assess or provide feedback on students' coursework.
- Provide information or respond to questions about course content or competencies.
- Facilitate group discussions regarding course content or competencies.
- Guide other instructional activities approved by the institution or program's accrediting agency.
These requirements apply to all course modalities to ensure consistency in educational quality and student engagement.
Compliance and Monitoring
New and revised courses submitted through either the major or minor curricular change process must include a report from the WSU Credit-Hour Calculator to demonstrate adherence to credit and minimum time commitments.
To ensure ongoing adherence to credit and minimum time commitments, academic units and colleges will review the schedule of classes each term to check a judgment sample of scheduled courses for compliance to this regulation. The WSU Credit-Hour Calculator can assist in these reviews.