Length and Structure of Program of Study Standards

Length and Structure of Program of Study Standard 1:

The program aligns with the college calendar and specifies the number of weeks of instructional time and the number of credit hours or clock hours in the program, including the equivalent credit hours or clock hours associated with noncredit or reduced credit courses or activities that fulfill requirements of the program credential.

Guidance

A clock hour is defined as a period of time consisting of

1. a 50- to 60-minute class, lecture, or recitation in a 60-minute period; 2. a 50- to 60-minute faculty-supervised laboratory, shop training, or internship in a 60-minute period; or 3. sixty minutes of preparation in a correspondence course.

The definitions of credit and clock hours may be found in the most recent Federal Student Aid Handbook.

For purposes of determining credit hours or clock hours, programs for students with ID may count a broad range of activities. Audited courses, individualized instruction to support independent living, meetings with a career adviser, participating in college clubs, or attending campus events with a peer mentor are all examples of activities that could count toward the program clock hours. If these activities fulfill requirements of the program credential, they can be counted as clock or credit hours in the program. All activities included in credit hours or clock hours must have a grading/evaluation process.

Required for Review

• Provide evidence showing that the program’s calendar aligns with the institution’s calendar.

  • Provide a copy of the academic calendar (e.g., weblink)

• Indicate the total number of credit hours or clock hours in the program, inclusive of all aspects of the program of study, such as college courses, specialized courses, internships, and other required learning activities.

Length and Structure of Program of Study Standard 2:

The program clearly describes the educational credential or credentials offered (e.g., degree, certificate, or non-degree credential) that the IHE issues.

Guidance

The credential(s) must have been approved through a formal process at the institution. In some cases, a credential that is approved through a state agency, commission, licensure board, or industry-recognized credential approval process may serve as a program credential if it encompasses all requirements in the accreditation program standards. Such a credential may also serve as a part of the program credential. In every case, the institution must agree to issue the credential.

Required for Review

• State the name of the credential(s) and whether it is a degree, non-degree, or certificate credential.

• Provide documentation that the credential(s) has undergone an official approval process at the institution. If all or part of the credential has been approved by a state agency, commission, licensure board, or industry, provide documentation of that approval.

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