II. Policy
A. Overview
This policy defines the academic credit hour at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA or University) in accordance with federal regulations and policies of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
B. Background
- Academic credit provides a common basis for measuring a variety of academic activities. Credit hours define the amount of work students need to fulfill degree, certificate, and other similar academic requirements.
- The value of a credit hour is determined by instructional contact time, the educational experience, and out-of-class preparation by the student. Credit hours facilitate the transfer of students from one institution to another and it is the basis for the awarding of federal financial aid.
C. Definition
At UTA, courses are measured in terms of credit hours. In determining the number of credit hours associated with a course, members of the academic community consider a number of factors, including:
- The amount of time students are expected to commit to the course on a weekly basis;
- The nature of the student-teacher interaction (including, but not limited to, the amount of time spent in class);
- The amount of outside preparatory work expected for the class; and;
- Other considerations relevant to the educational context.
D. Credit Guidelines
Credit equivalencies established by UTA closely follow federal guidelines in that one credit hour “reasonably approximates not less than one hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction [plus] a minimum of two [to three] hours out of class student work each week for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester hour of credit, … or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time, or at least an equivalent amount of work for other academic activities including laboratory work, internships, practica, studio work, and experiential learning.
E. Semester Credit Hours
Semester credit hours for each course are calculated according to ratios established with regard to class type and duration:
- Lecture, Seminar One credit hour is associated with a class meeting for 1 hour (50 minutes) per week for an entire semester (or the equivalent 750 semester minutes, excluding final exams).
- Laboratory Credit hour assignment will vary depending upon the type of laboratory experience (stand-alone vs. course-associated; experimental vs. creative/studio), the amount and type of activity associated with the laboratory, the nature of faculty supervision, and other factors.
- Customized Courses, Including Practicum, Independent Study, Private Lesson, Thesis, Dissertation, Individualized, Clinical Credit hour assignment will vary depending upon the amount and type of activity associated with the course, the nature of faculty supervision, and other factors.
For online, hybrid, alternate format, and other nontraditional modes of delivery, the number of credit hours assigned will be equivalent to those awarded for a corresponding course delivered in a traditional course setting, based on the expectation that students will achieve comparable student learning outcomes, regardless of delivery format.
F. Procedure for Exceptions
Certain situations may warrant variance from the above guidelines. If such a situation should arise, a request should be sent via the Provost through the appropriate curricular channel requesting the variance. This will permit the University to document any variances and will assist in determining any needed revisions to the guidelines.
III. Definitions
N/A
IV. Relevant Federal and State Statutes
- 34 C.F.R. § 600 Institutional Eligibility Under the Higher Education Act of 1965, As Amended
- Texas Administrative Code, Title 19 Education, Part 1 Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Chapter 4 Rules Applying to All Public Institutions of Higher Education in Texas, Subchapter A General Provisions, Rule 4.6 Minimum Length of Courses and Limitation on the Amount of Credit that a Student May Earn in a Given Time Period
- Texas Administrative Code, Title 19 Education, Part 1 Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Chapter 13 Financial Planning, Subchapter A Definitions, Rule 13.1 Definitions
- Texas Administrative Code, Title 22 Examining Boards, Part 22 Texas State Board of Public Accountancy, Chapter 511 Eligibility, Subchapter C Educational Requirements, Rule 511.51 Educational Definitions
V. Relevant UT System Policies, Procedures and Forms
Additional Resources: Credit Hours Policy Statement, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (Last Revised Dec. 2023)
VI. Who Should Know
All UTA colleges, schools, divisions or departments and all current and prospective students and faculty.
VII. UTA Office(s) Responsible for Policy
- Responsible Officer: Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
- Sponsoring Department: Office of the Provost
VIII. Dates Approved or Amended
- March 10, 2016
- September 11, 2024
IX. Contact Information
All questions regarding this policy should be directed to: Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs 817-272-2103 provost@uta.edu
Send notifications of errors or changes to: policysite@uta.edu