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Author(s): Brandy A. B. Perkl, Ph.D. - Feel free to use/adapt with credit! | Originally posted: December 17, 2024
Have you ever wondered what exactly a "credit hour" means and how it translates into your weekly workload in an online class? Let’s break it down to help you understand how much time to allocate for your studies and what is expected in your courses at the U of A.
What is a Credit Hour?
What is a Credit Hour?
The University of Arizona, like most universities, follows the Carnegie Unit system. This means:
1 credit hour = approximately 3 hours of work per week over the course of the semester. BUT that is operating under the assumption that you're in a regular length semester (15-16 weeks).
This time would include both "contact time" (time spent in live sessions or engaging with online course materials) and "out-of-class" work (readings, assignments, studying, etc.).
For example:
A 3-credit course typically requires 9 hours of work per week for the standard semester.
For accelerated courses (e.g., 7.5 weeks), this weekly expectation doubles to 18 hours per week due to the condensed time frame.
Online Courses: Contact Hours vs. Independent Work
Online Courses: Contact Hours vs. Independent Work
In online courses, the balance between live, interactive sessions and independent work differs from in-person classes. Here’s how this works:
Contact hours in online courses are fulfilled through live or recorded lectures or interactive sessisons - time we spend 'together' working basically. For most U of A online courses, this totals around 9-12 hours over the course of a semester for a 3-credit course.
The remaining hours (usually the majority) are independent work, which might include:
Reading course materials
Completing assignments and projects
Participating in discussion boards
Studying for quizzes and exams
How Much Time Should You Expect to Spend On Your Course?
How Much Time Should You Expect to Spend On Your Course?
For a 15-week course:
1-credit course: ~3 hours/week
2-credit course: ~6 hours/week
3-credit course: ~9 hours/week
For a 7.5-week course (accelerated):
1-credit course: ~6 hours/week
2-credit course: ~12 hours/week
3-credit course: ~18 hours/week
These timeframes assume you’re completing all required readings, assignments, and studying consistently. However, for some our transfer students, you may need MORE time as these are also of course calculations based on the old-school traditional pathways to college and the expected skills at course-related work incoming students from high school may have already which you need to refresh.
Why Credit Hours Matter
Why Credit Hours Matter
Understanding credit hours helps you:
Balance your schedule: Knowing how much work to expect per class helps you avoid overloading yourself.
Meet expectations: Professors are required to design courses based on these guidelines. To succeed, you’ll need to dedicate the recommended time.
Build strong study habits: Allocating the right amount of time ensures you’re prepared and reduces last-minute stress.
Planning Your Time
Planning Your Time
Effective time management is essential for success in online courses!! Use this Time Management Calculator to plan your weekly schedule and ensure you’re setting aside enough time for each course.
Additional Resources
Additional Resources
If you have questions about managing your workload or understanding course expectations, don’t hesitate to reach out to your instructor or academic advisor!
Acknowledgements
Acknowledgements
This guide was created with the assistance of ChatGPT, an AI tool, to ensure clarity and conciseness. Additionally, Google Images was used within Google Sites to enhance visual elements. The content reflects the expertise of Dr. Brandy Perkl, Associate Professor of Practice at the University of Arizona, and aligns with academic standards and institutional guidelines as of the publication date: Dec. 2024.
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