Academic Credit Hours Credit hours are awarded when a student completes a course each semester. The number of hours per course usually reflects the amount of time spent in class in a typical week. For example, a course meeting for 50 minutes three times per week is usually a 3-credit-hour course. (Laboratory- or activity-based courses can vary.) Expect to spend twice as much time outside of class reading materials, completing assignments, and studying for exams.
Course Load A minimum of 12 credit hours each fall and spring semester is necessary to be considered full-time for financial aid. Tuition is charged by the term, not by the hour, so students can take between 12 and 17 hours without a change in price. Most students take between 15 and 17 academic credits each fall and spring to graduate in 4 years or 8 semesters.
School and Work Most students find two full-time responsibilities overwhelming. Working 40 hours a week is rarely compatible with a schedule of 15-17 credit hours. National averages show that most students can handle 15-17 credit hours if they work less than 20 hours a week. Consider other time commitments, such as sleep, wellness, service or social organizations, and commute time, if applicable.
Previous Course Credit When we create your schedule, we will likely not have your final, official transcripts of prior college course work with completed grades or official score reports from International Baccalaureate (IB) or Advanced Placement (AP). You may need to refine your schedule once our Office of Admissions receives those records. It is essential to report all credits to avoid duplicating credit you have already earned.
Drury Fusion Spread the Exploration and Certificate courses required by Drury Fusion throughout your time at Drury. This will allow you to explore interests in possible majors/minors, complete prerequisites for higher-level courses, and maximize scheduling options.
An Ideal Schedule An ideal first-semester schedule could include: • Some Drury Fusion courses, which will provide a foundation for your liberal arts and sciences education while meeting degree requirements. • A subject you have never had a chance to study but find interesting. • At least one class in a subject you enjoy to explore a future major or minor. • At least one class you are excited about. • At least one class you expect to find challenging and one that will come more easily to you.
Credentials All students are required to complete at least one major, one certificate, and your choice of a second major, second certificate, or a minor. Of these three credentials, at least one should be categorized as “Life” and one should be “Profession.” (Students with a completed AA degree may use this degree as a credential.)
Sequencing The course work in some majors is highly structured and sequential, while more flexible in others. Certificates are designed to be completed in a minimum of four semesters. Many programs have good reasons for encouraging students to take certain classes in the first semester (e.g., program admission requirements, prerequisites).
Being Flexible It is unlikely you will get every class you want at the time you want to take it. It is nearly impossible to schedule 15 to 17 hours into two or three days, and it is not conducive to your success. Be flexible in your first few semesters. Seniors must take specific classes before graduating, so they register first. As you earn credit hours, you will register earlier each semester.
