Contact Hours
A University credit hour shall represent approximately three hours of the student's time a week for one semester. Pertaining to a semester-long fall or spring class which is approximately 15 weeks in length, it is generally expected throughout the University that there is at least one hour in class and two hours outside of class per week or the equivalent combination connected to every credit hour for the appropriately prepared student. In laboratories it is expected that at least 2 to 3 hours are spent in class and approximately the same amount outside for each credit hour awarded. Where these minimums are exceeded, the approximate workload should be made clear in catalog descriptions, advising materials, and course syllabi.
Credit hours and student workload per credit hour should be comparable across courses and course-offering units, taking into account special requirements of accrediting agencies. Catalog, curriculum guide, and syllabi should accurately reflect the work load and the work load should be commensurate with the credit hours awarded. For the purpose of calculation, 50 minutes is considered an hour.
Full Term Fall/Spring (Regular Session) Example:
A 3 credit hour class would meet in class 3 hours per week (3 hours x 15 weeks = 45 in class contact hours over the semester, with an additional 6 hours per week of dedicated time outside of class (6 hours x 15 weeks = 90 hours over the semester).
For shorter terms or sessions (summer term length, fall/spring session 2, 3, & 4), the number of hours in class & work outside of class is pro-rated for the shorter instruction period and more time will be required each week to make up for that shorter timeframe.
Summer Term Example:
A 3 credit hour class would meet in class 3.75 hours per week (3.75 hours x 12 weeks = 45 in class contact hours over the semester, with an additional 7.5 hours per week of dedicated time outside of class (7.5 hours x 12 weeks = 90 hours over the semester).
Following the Standard Time Blocks during fall and spring semesters can help ensure appropriate contact time. It is the responsibility of the offering department to ensure the appropriate contact hours are scheduled.
| Fall /Spring Sessions | Credit Hours | Length of Session in Weeks |
In Class Contact Hours Per Session |
In Class Contact Hours |
Outside Work Per Session |
Hours Outside of Class Per Week |
| Regular Academic Session | 4 | 15 | 60 | 4 | 120 | 8 |
| Regular Academic Session | 3 | 15 | 45 | 3 | 90 | 6 |
| Regular Academic Session | 2 | 15 | 30 | 2 | 60 | 4 |
| Regular Academic Session | 1 | 15 | 15 | 1 | 30 | 2 |
| First/Second Half Session | 4 | 7.5 | 60 | 8 | 120 | 16 |
| First/Second Half Session | 3 | 7.5 | 45 | 6 | 90 | 12 |
| First/Second Half Session | 2 | 7.5 | 30 | 4 | 60 | 8 |
| First/Second Half Session | 1 | 7.5 | 15 | 2 | 30 | 4 |
| Summer Sessions | Credit Hours | Length of Session in Weeks | In Class Contact Hours Per Session |
In Class Contact Hours | Outside Work Per Session |
Hours Outside of Class Per Week |
| Regular Academic Session | 4 | 12 | 60 | 5 | 120 | 10 |
| Regular Academic Session | 3 | 12 | 45 | 3.75 | 90 | 7.5 |
| Regular Academic Session | 2 | 12 | 30 | 2.5 | 60 | 5 |
| Regular Academic Session | 1 | 12 | 15 | 1.25 | 30 | 2.5 |
| First/Second Half Session | 4 | 6 | 60 | 10 | 120 | 20 |
| First/Second Half Session | 3 | 6 | 45 | 7.5 | 90 | 15 |
| First/Second Half Session | 2 | 6 | 30 | 5 | 60 | 10 |
| First/Second Half Session | 1 | 6 | 15 | 2.5 | 30 | 5 |
Additional policy information about credit hours and contact hours can be found at: https://regulations.utah.edu/academics/6-100.php.