As an institution of higher education, Pittsburg State University holds the responsibility for determining and upholding standards associated with the awarding of credit hours for student work consistent with national standards. At Pittsburg State University, a credit hour represents at least a minimum level of student achievement of specific learning outcomes, as verified by an assessment of student work.
A class hour at Pittsburg State University is typically 50 minutes.
Each department proposing new courses must ensure that it meets the Definition of a Credit Hour policy, and procedures and responsibilities as indicated herein. Credit hour policy and procedures are monitored by the Office of the Registrar to ensure compliance with this policy.
B. Procedures
Pittsburg State University defines one credit hour as:
a. A level of student learning demonstrated by the achievement of learning outcomes obtained through one hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours outside of class student work each week, for approximately 15 weeks, or the achievement of equivalent learning outcomes over a different length of time; or
b. A level of student learning demonstrated through academic activities other than classroom or direct faculty instruction as equivalent to that stated in A.1. above. For example, such equivalence may be demonstrated by faculty assessment of student knowledge, skills, and abilities in relation to stated learning outcomes through laboratory work, internships, practica, studio work, and/or independent research activity, and judged to meet standards established through recognized disciplinary or accrediting bodies, peer institutions, or other established methodology to affirm equivalency, so long as those standards have been formally accepted by Pittsburg State University through its curricular approval process.