Guideline for Calculation of Semester Credit Hours
Add up the total lecture hours + 1/3 of the total lab hours (assuming a laboratory that is selfcontained with no outside activity by the student) and divide the sum by the total number of
weeks in the course.
For example:
A 16-week semester a course meets twice per week for 2 hours each session with 1 hour each
week consisting of an in-lab experience.
Calculation of semester credit hours:
3 hours lecture/week X 16 weeks = 48 lecture hours
1 hour lab/week X 16 weeks X 1/3 = 5.33 laboratory hours
48 + 5.33 = 53.33 /16 = 3.33 (round to nearest integer) = a 3 semester credit hour course
Note: a semester equivalency is considered to be at least 15 weeks. If the duration of the class
is less than 15 weeks then the credit hour calculation must be adjusted accordingly.
Other Adjustments:
If the laboratory requires outside activity by the student then the laboratory hours are
multiplied by 1/2.
Internships, field work, or practicum may be calculated at a "1/4" or "1/2" value depending on
the type and duration of activity.
Draft for approval by GFC