Lincoln Memorial University operates on the semester system and has adopted the federal definition of a credit hour. In accordance with federal regulations, Lincoln Memorial University defines a credit hour as 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:
- Not less than one hour 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 or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time, or;
- At least an equivalent amount of work as outlined in item 1 above for other academic activities as established by the institution including laboratory work, internships, practica, clinical experiences, studio work, and other academic work leading to the award of credit hours.
This credit hour policy applies to all programs at all academic degree levels (graduate, professional, and undergraduate) that award academic credit (i.e., any course that appears on an official transcript issued by the University) regardless of the mode of delivery, including, but not limited to, online, blended, lecture, seminar, and laboratory. Credits are awarded on the basis of the amount of work a typical student is expected to complete in a traditional classroom-based course delivery system over a traditional semester. Academic Schools and Colleges within the University are responsible for ensuring credit hours are awarded only for work that meets the requirements outlined in this policy.