Definition of the Law School Credit Hour

Definition of the Law School Credit Hour

The American Bar Association and Department of Education require that schools adopt, publish, and enforce written policies on the determination of credit hours.  According to ABA Standard 310(b)(1), a "credit hour" is "an amount of work that reasonably approximates: (1) not less than one hour of classroom time or direct faculty instruction and two hours of out-of-class student work per week for fifteen weeks, or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time."  The ABA stipulates that "fifty minutes suffices for one hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction."  However, an "hour" for out-of-class student work is sixty minutes.  

Washington and Lee University School of Law adopts the following policy in satisfaction of Standard 310:

Definition of a Credit Hour

A "credit hour" is an amount of work that reasonably approximates:

(a) Exam Courses.  For courses in which the primary assessment is a final exam:                

(i) One hour of in-class instructional time per week for 13 weeks, or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time.  For purposes of this section, an "hour" is defined as 55 minutes;                
(ii) Each week for 13 weeks, or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time: at least two-and-a-half hours of time spent preparing for class, reviewing class materials, completing assignments, and preparing for a final exam.  For purposes of this section, an "hour" is defined as 60 minutes.                 
(iii) A final exam of at least 2 hours (for two or three credit courses) or at least 3 hours (for four credit courses).  For purposes of this section, an "hour" is defined as 60 minutes.

(b) Non-Exam Courses. For courses assessed primarily by means other than a final exam, other than those specifically addressed in (c) and (d) below:                

(i) One hour of in-class instructional time per week for 13 weeks, or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time.  For purposes of this section, an "hour" is defined as 55 minutes; and                
(ii) Each week for 14 weeks: An amount of work reasonably approximating at least two-and-a-half hours of time spent preparing for class, reviewing class materials, and completing assignments other than a final exam.  For courses scheduled over a period other than 13 weeks, an equivalent amount of out-of-class work must be assigned.  For purposes of this section, an "hour" is defined as 60 minutes. 

(c) Clinics, Externships and Practicum Courses. These courses require an amount of work reasonably approximating 42.5 hours of student work per credit, including time spent working on cases, projects, simulations, and preparing for a weekly seminar.

(d) Other Academic Work.  For purposes of determining the credit hours awarded in other academic activities such as journal, independent study, and other academic work leading to the award of credit, the faculty advisor must communicate the hourly expectation to students (that the students involved work at least 42.5 hours per credit received). The Educational Planning and Curriculum Committee will periodically review the awarding of credit for "other academic work." 

Ongoing Compliance: All proposals for new courses must include a justification for the number of credits to be awarded that includes in-class, out-of-class, and exam time in accordance with this policy.  The Educational Planning and Curriculum Committee shall review proposals for compliance with this policy as part of its course approval process.  Professors teaching existing courses will be required to review their syllabi to ensure compliance with this policy.  Existing courses will be reviewed periodically. 

This policy will be published on the Law School's website, in the Student Handbook, and where otherwise appropriate.