How College Credits are Calculated

The standard unit of measurement of college work is called a credit hour. Oregon Coast Community College uses the quarter credit hour system. A college quarter hour credit is granted in most cases for each 11-12 hours that a course meets during the term. A three-credit course then, would normally meet three hours per week for a total of 33-36 hours per term. During the eight-week summer term, more class hours are required each week to achieve the total required hours. Some laboratory and technical courses may have different hour requirements. A laboratory period may consist of two or more clock hours per credit hour. Two to three hours of outside preparation are normally required for each clock hour that a course meets. Some courses may require additional hours of preparation.