Texas Wesleyan University 2020-2021 Catalog

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Course Credit Hours

As part of the continued accreditation of the institution by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), Texas Wesleyan adheres to the following policy on the awarding of academic credit and assignment of course credit hours. The common use of academic credit amongst all institutions ensures the transfer of coursework from one institution to another. The federal government also relies on the academic credit to assess student academic engagement as a basis of awarding financial aid. The amount of credit awarded for undergraduate and graduate courses at Texas Wesleyan is based on the unit of the credit hour.

In accordance with federal policy (U.S. Department of Education, 34 CFR, Section 600.2), Texas Wesleyan defines a credit hour as the amount of work represented in the achievement of learning outcomes, verified by evidence of student achievement, that reasonably approximates to not less than:

  • One hour (50 minutes) of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of-class student work, each week for approximately 15 weeks for one semester hour of credit; or

  • The equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time; or

  • An equivalent amount of work by other instructional modes of delivery such as distance education (online) and hybrid (blended), or other academic activities such as laboratory work, studio work, or any other academic work leading to the award of credit.

Out of Class Student Work

Out-of-class student work may include readings, review of notes, written assignments or journals, group projects, preparation for quizzes or examinations, vocal or instrumental practice, rehearsal for dramatic productions, quantitative problem solving, literature research, creation of lesson plans, review of films and/or dramatic productions, preparation for presentations, lab reports, preparation for clinical experiences, or
other assigned work as appropriate to the student learning outcome(s) of the course.

Instructional Makeup Time

In the event the University is closed for inclement weather, other emergency situations, or if an instructor must cancel class for any reason, instructional time must be made up.

1-2 Days of Closure: Faculty must make up the missed instructional time by scheduling make-up classes, using Blackboard for online instruction, or by other out-of-class student work as defined in the contact hour policy. Make-up classes may not penalize students who are unable to attend, and should not be scheduled at a time when they would conflict with the regular schedule of other classes, or with religious holy days. Exams should not be scheduled during make-up classes.

3 Days or more of Closure: The University will make the determination of specified make-up days depending on the term and at which time within the term the closure occurs. Make-up days may include previously approved holiday or break days, weekend classes, or an extension of the academic term. In cases where the term is extended to facilitate make-up time, approval of graduates may be delayed. Make-up days will be announced through appropriate campus publications and to the faculty and staff within two weeks of the closure.


Course Types

Lecture/Seminar Courses. During an academic semester, one unit of credit is awarded for one hour (50 minutes) of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours (100 minutes) of out-of-class student work each week for approximately 15 weeks.

Laboratory Courses. During an academic semester, one unit of credit is awarded for two hours (100 minutes) of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of four hours of out-of-class student work each week for approximately 15 weeks. Four credit hour courses combining lecture and labs are awarded equivalent of the combined three credit hour lecture/seminar and one credit hour laboratory.

Independent Study. During an academic semester, one unit of credit is awarded for a minimum of three hours (150 minutes) of work per week for approximately 15 weeks. An independent study must be approved by the Department Chair and Dean and designed based on specific learning outcomes that are verifiable through the assessment of student achievement. The student will define the research topic and with the assistance of the faculty sponsor, develop the syllabus, including a course description, learning outcomes, research criteria, assignments and weekly schedule. Regular, periodic meetings with sponsoring faculty are required.

Conference Course. During an academic semester, one unit of credit is awarded for a minimum of three hours (150 minutes) of work per week for approximately 15 weeks. A conference course is a regular course taught by an instructor to an individual student and must be approved by the Dean and University Registrar.

Internships. A minimum of 40 clock hours per unit of credit is required. Host companies must be approved by the Department Chair and company supervisors must agree to place the student in a position that will benefit not only their organization, but will add to the student’s education in a meaningful manner. 

Hybrid Courses. During an academic semester, one unit of credit is awarded for a minimum of three hours (150 minutes) of work per week for approximately 15 weeks. All courses offered in this format shall include regular effective contact between the instructor and students, through group and individual meetings, orientation and review sessions, supplemental seminar or study sessions, field, trips, library workshops, telephone contact, correspondence, voice mail, e-mail, or other activities. 

Online Courses. During an academic semester, one unit of credit is awarded for a minimum of three hours (150 minutes) of work per week for approximately 15 weeks. All courses offered in this format shall include regular effective contact between instructor and students, through group and individual meetings, orientation and review sessions, supplemental seminar or study sessions, field trips, library workshops, telephone contact, correspondence, voice mail, e-mail, or other activities.

For additional information on Course Types, refer to the Course Descriptions section of this catalog.