Course credits are assigned in accordance with Standard 310 of the American Bar Association’s Standards and Rules of Procedure for Approval of Law Schools. The Associate Dean for Academic Affairs is responsible for determining the number of credits assigned to courses.
In accordance with guidance from the ABA, the Law School requires at least 42.5 hours of student work per credit in all courses and other credit-bearing academic activities. Ordinarily, exam, paper and simulation courses will have at least 2 hours of outside work for every 50 minutes of time spent in class or direct faculty instruction.
One credit hour reflects the amount of work that reasonably approximates at least 42.5 total hours during the term (including the exam period, if applicable) of (a) classroom/direct faculty instruction time, and (b) student work outside of class. Some courses conclude before the final exam period, and thus compress the required workload into fewer weeks.
Exam Courses
Require at least 42.5 hours per credit of time spent in class or in meetings with faculty, preparing for class (reading or completing class assignments), and preparing for and taking one or more exams.
Paper Courses
Require at least 42.5 hours per credit of time spent in class or in meetings with faculty, preparing for class (reading or completing assignments), and researching and writing the required paper(s).
Simulation Courses
Require at least 42.5 hours per credit of time spent in class or in meetings with faculty, preparing for class or meetings (reading or completing assignments), and preparing for and completing required presentations, projects, exams and/or papers.
Clinical Courses
At least 42.5 hours per credit of time spent in class or in meetings with faculty, preparing for class or meetings (reading or completing assignments), performing clinic or field placement work, and preparing for and completing required presentations, projects, and/or papers.
The Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, the Associate Dean for Experiential Education, and/or the Curriculum Committee review courses periodically to ensure compliance with this policy.