Academic Programs

The OSU Catalog states that “One credit is generally given for three hours per week of work in and out of class. For example, each hour of class lecture is generally expected to require two hours of work out of class.” Thus, one academic quarter of credit represents 30 hours of work.

The following guidelines come from C.J. Quann’s “A Handbook of Policies and Procedures”:

“Academic credit is a measure of the total time commitment required of a typical student in a particular course of study. Total time consists of three components:
(1) time spent in class;
(2) time spent in laboratory, studio, fieldwork, or other scheduled activity;
(3) time devoted to reading, studying, problem solving, writing, or preparation.

One quarter credit is assigned in the following ratio of component hours per week devoted to the course of study: (1) lecture {and seminar} courses—one contact hour for each credit (two hours of outside work implied); (2) laboratory, {recitations}, or studio courses--at least two contact hours for each credit (one hour of outside preparation implied); (3) independent study—at least three hours of work per week for each credit."

Thus, one credit would be assigned for a lecture or seminar course that met for one 50-minute period each week over a 10-week period; e.g., 10 contact hours between faculty and students.

In addition to Laboratory and Studio, OSU recognizes Recitation as two contact hours for each credit.

While there may be natural diversity among academic units in administering these standards, they should be carefully considered when assigning credits to new (or existing) courses. For example, one- or two-day workshops, field trips, etc., will not qualify for academic credit unless there are extensive pre- or post-workshop trips or assignments to provide the required 30 hours of work per credit. Also, the extensive outside work required of some laboratory or studio classes should be taken into account in assigning credits.

All credits (credit hours) listed in the General Catalog refer to quarter credits.

When transferring in course work from a semester system institution, multiply the number of credits by 1.5 to determine how many quarter credits will be transferred (e.g., 3 semester hours x 1.5 = 4.5 quarter credits). If planning to transfer OSU credits out to a semester system institution, multiply the number of quarter credits by .67 to determine how many credits will transfer (e.g., 4 quarter credits x .67 = 2.68 semester credits).

Additional Information: OSU Catalog Definitions