BFA Credit Policy
In BFA Academic Studies courses, one semester hour of credit equals one hour of class instruction and at least two hours of work outside of class for fifteen weeks. In BFA studio courses one semester hour of credit equals two hours of class instruction and at least one hour of work outside of class for fifteen weeks. In a small number of studio seminars one semester hour of credit equals one-and-a-half hours of class instruction and at least one-and-a-half-hours of work outside of class for fifteen weeks. These are approved on a case-by-case basis by the Curriculum Committee and are restricted to courses that combine an academic seminar with studio practice. Additionally, a small number of students doing advanced independent work can receive studio credit based on one semester hour of credit equaling one hour of class instruction and at least two hours of work outside of class. This requires a GPA of at least 3.5 and the approval of the Program Chair and Dean of the College. In the case of an Internship or Independent Study the contact time is articulated in the student contract, but is not to be less than 45 hours of work for 1 credit. For all undergraduate credit-bearing courses, one credit equals a minimum of forty-five hours of combined contact and independent work.
MFA Credit Policy
In graduate studio courses, students are engaged in an in-depth independent body of work that is evaluated by graduate faculty and non-resident studio advisors (NRSAs). In summer term studio courses, one semester hour of credit equals one hour of critique/instruction/discussion and at least five hours of work outside of class for eight weeks. The amount of faculty/advisor contact time may increase contingent upon the individual progress of the student, but is not to be less than stated. In Fall and Winter Studio courses, one semester hour of credit equals one hour of critique/instruction/discussion and at least three hours of work outside of class for twelve weeks. The amount of faculty/advisor contact time may increase contingent upon the individual progress of the student, but is not to be less than stated.
MAT Credit Policy
The MAT uses the 15-hour per course credit as a backbone structure, but the requirements of career preparation make a one-to-one correspondence of class time to outside work difficult to calculate. Two courses in the summer are taught as a summer institute, integrating the course objectives into a 35-hour per week, including a three and one-half week session with field experiences. Teacher candidates spend another three hours per evening reading and planning lessons, with substantial additional work over the weekend. In the fall, classes meet on a regular schedule; however, faculty and teacher candidates typically spend an additional 100 hours working in the field. In spring, candidates teach in PK-12 schools for 35-40 hours per week for 15 weeks, plan lessons after school and on weekends, attend a weekly seminar for two hours each week, and then spend one week after student teaching in individualized study. The program culminates with a one-week, five-hour-per-week course, Professional Practices Seminar.