Credit toward a degree is awarded for satisfactory course completion, independent study, individual study, internships, academic work certified by another regionally accredited degree-granting institution, and proficiency demonstrated by examination.

A course is the basic academic unit in determining degree requirements and academic load. A course, whether a class, project, internship for credit, individual or independent study, must have clearly stated expectations of the time needed by an average student to meet the requirements of the program at a passing level.

For each 3.5 semester hours of credit the minimum standard is that an average student be expected to devote, in class time, preparation, laboratory, studio, fieldwork, and conferences at least:

• 45 hours per week for an Autumn Term course, and 45 hours per week for a Winter Term course

• 10 hours per week for a 15-week (semester) course

• 5 hours per week for a 30-week (year-long) course