Credit Hour Definition
Section: Credit Hour Definition
UMM Definition of Credit
Developed by Academic Affairs Committee (spring and fall 2013)
Recommended for approval by faculty (Oct. 9, 2013) and VPAA (Oct 23, 2013)
Approved by president (Oct 27, 2013)
The University of Maine at Machias defines one credit1 as a minimum of 15 hours of course instruction,2 time together with a minimum of 30 hours of student individual or group study. While the total amount of time spent by the student in learning activities should therefore be a minimum of 45 hours or more per credit, the proportion of instructional time to individual/group study may vary in certain courses (e.g., asynchronous components, laboratory components, performance and studio sessions, internship and practica, independent studies, etc.).
1 A credit is synonymous with credit hour and semester hour of credit.
2 “Instruction time” refers to interaction and communication among instructors and students, including any assessments (e.g., tests, presentations).