Academic Credit
Definition of a Credit Hour
For purposes of the application of this policy and in accord with federal regulations, a credit hour is an amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that is an institutionally established equivalency that reasonably approximates:
- For in-person courses, not less than one class hour (at least 50 minutes) of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours out of class student work each week for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester.
- For laboratory courses, internships, clinical practica, field work, studio work, and other academic work leading to academic credit, one (1) credit hour represents at least an amount of student work equivalent to that of an in-person course.
- For independent studies, thesis, or dissertation research, one (1) credit hour represents at least an amount of student work equivalent to that of an in-person course.
- For e-learning, hybrid/blended, and videoconferencing, one (1) credit hour represents at least the equivalent of the direct instructional time and additional student work to that of an in-person course.
- For professional degree programs, the amount of direct instruction and additional out-of-class student work associated with one (1) credit is determined in accordance with the standards of appropriate accrediting agencies and professional organizations, but may not be less than the equivalent of that of an in-person course.
In determining the amount of coursework to achieve learning competencies and outcomes, the University will consider alternative delivery methods, measurements of student work, academic calendar, disciplines, and degree levels.
The University allows for certain educational experiences to be recorded with zero credit hours assigned. Allowable examples of this include elective ensemble courses for music and music education degree programs, formal seminar attendance courses, certain laboratory courses for ROTC students, and courses designed for placement review in degree programs such as the Bachelor of Fine Arts. Any course with zero credit hours used as a requirement in a degree program should not place undue burden on students and include a strong rationale for inclusion in the program of study. As per BOG Regulation 7.003(4)(h) Registration of Zero Hours, such registration provides for examinations, graduations, use of facilities, etc., when deemed appropriate by the institution. The student is assessed tuition and associated fees for one credit hour. The Zero Credit Fee shall be budgeted in the Student and Other Fee Trust Fund.
Modes of Delivery
- In-Person: An in-person course, also called “traditional” or "face-to-face" course, is a course that meets regularly on the main campus or at an off-campus educational site and may be supplemented with educational technology, including Internet-based technology, to enhance student learning.
- E-learning: An e-learning course is one that is fully online and completely delivered over the web with no in-class requirements. In this model, there is no physical classroom assigned, although a professor may opt for students to meet for a proctored examination or course orientation, taking into account that some students are remote and unable to come to the University campus. Accommodations will be made for such students.
- Hybrid/Blended: A hybrid/blended course is one in which a combination of strategies is used in a distance environment. A classroom will be assigned for hybrid students, but there will be reduced time spent in the classroom. Components of the course may include asynchronous online delivery, video or web conferencing, or some other technological media for out-of-class time. Students will not only need to be able to get to class for in-class meetings, but also are required to have access to the Internet for web-based class meetings. This model works especially well if trying to utilize classroom space to the fullest. This is a very convenient approach for storing class materials, emailing students throughout the week between class meetings, storing URLs and other references, and for assigning interactive homework assignments such as participating in an online chat or threaded discussion.
- Videoconferencing: A videoconferencing course provides delivery through the videoconferencing classrooms located on the main campus or other University instructional sites, and linking through video or web conferencing platforms out to the virtual video classroom for students who access via their computer.
Instructional Methods
AD - Full Distance Learning
100% of the direct instruction of the course is delivered using some form of technology when the student and instructor are separated by time, space, or both. All special course components (exams, internships, practice, clinicals, labs, etc.) that cannot be completed online can be completed off-campus.
CL - Primarily Classroom
Less than 50% of the direct instruction of the course is delivered using some form of technology when the student and instructor are separated by time, space or both. This designation can include activities that do not occur in a classroom (i.e., labs, internships, practice, clinicals, labs, etc.).
HB - Hybrid
50-79% of the direct instruction of the course is delivered using some form of technology when the student and instructor are separated by time, space or both.
PD - Primarily Distance Learning
80-99% of the direct instruction of the course is delivered using some form of technology when the student and instructor are separated by time, space, or both. There is a requirement for the student to attend campus or another explicit geographic location for a portion of the course.
Directed Studies
(See the Registration section of this Catalog for more information.)
Master's, Specialist, & Ed.D.
A program may include up to two courses with a maximum total of six semester hours of directed studies. Master's level directed studies must be at the 5000-6000 level.
Ph.D.
A Ph.D. program may include up to three courses with a maximum total of nine semester hours of directed studies. Directed studies must be at the 6000 level.
Nontraditional Credit - Credit by Proficiency
At the request of a department and with the approval of the College Dean and Graduate School, a graduate student may be permitted to take six semester hours or two courses (whichever is greater in credit) of graduate-level credit by proficiency. No fees will be assessed. The department will identify an appropriate method to assess the student’s proficiency related to the course learning outcomes. The grade for the credit by proficiency will be submitted to the Office of the Registrar. Grades will be recorded, and UWF’s grading system and policies will be applied.
A graduate student who previously attempted a course or is currently enrolled in a course may not use the credit by proficiency option for that course. Students may attempt to earn credit by proficiency in a specific course only once, regardless of whether they pass or fail.
Students must be enrolled at UWF at the time the proficiency is assessed and credit is given.
Undergraduate students are not eligible to request graduate-level credit by proficiency.
Students whose programs consist of 30 to 36 semester hours may have a maximum of nine semester hours with a combination of credit by transfer and credit by proficiency, with no more than six semester hours (or two courses, whichever is greater in credit) from either category (transfer or proficiency) accepted toward their program requirements. The department chairperson must authorize the application of such credits.
Students whose programs consist of more than 36 semester hours may have a maximum of 12 semester hours with a combination of credit by transfer and credit by proficiency, with no more than 10 semester hours by transfer and no more than 6 semester hours or two courses (whichever is greater in credit) by proficiency toward their program requirements. The department chairperson must authorize the application of such credits.