The following policy defines the credit hour at Capitol Technology University in accordance with applicable federal and state regulations.

Capitol Technology University defines the credit hour as an approximation of the learning outcomes equivalent of the Carnegie Unit. Courses are developed and evaluated to ensure that the amount of student learning required per credit is equivalent to one (50 minute) hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of-class student work for approximately fifteen weeks or two (50 minute) hours of direct faculty instruction and four hours of out-of-class student work  in an eight  week graduate sub-term for one semester hour of credit or at least an equivalent amount of work for other academic activities as established by the institution, including laboratory work, internships, independent study and other academic work leading to the award of credit hours.

Student learning outcomes reflect differences in course delivery methods, type of instruction and interaction, degree of supervision, measurements of student work, academic disciplines and degree levels. Regardless of the course delivery method all courses should be consistent in the amount of active academic engagement required to meet course objectives.

For asynchronous online courses active academic engagement includes, but is not limited to, interactive tutorials, group discussions, online study or project groups, threaded discussion boards, chat rooms, submission of academic assignments and student or faculty initiated contact to ask questions. Simply logging into the asynchronous classroom, by either faculty or students does not constitute active academic engagement.

The chart below outlines the minimum amounts of instruction and preparation/study time per credit over the course a full semester or graduate sub-term. Some courses may require additional study or laboratory time.

All credit-bearing courses with the exception of doctoral dissertation research, writing and presentation courses require syllabi, which will include the number of credit hours, class meeting times and approximate schedule of required assignments.