{"id":2861,"date":"2026-06-14T14:41:37","date_gmt":"2026-06-14T18:41:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/new.dev.www.purdue.edu\/registrar\/?page_id=2861"},"modified":"2026-08-24T15:12:17","modified_gmt":"2026-08-24T19:12:17","slug":"schedule-type-classifications","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/registrar\/faculty-staff\/curriculum\/schedule-type-classifications\/","title":{"rendered":"Schedule Type\u00a0Classifications"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Schedule Type Classifications<\/strong><\/h1>\n
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Your reference guide for the schedule type codes used for planning, scheduling and reporting instructional offerings at Purdue. Learn how schedule types define instructional formats, meeting patterns and credit hour assignments across the university.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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Instruction can be delivered in many ways, and course material may be organized and presented in a variety of formats.\u202fTo support planning, scheduling and reporting, Purdue uses schedule type classifications that identify the instructors involved, meeting locations and meeting patterns used to deliver instruction. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These classifications provide a consistent framework for planning instructional offerings, analyzing instructional data and meeting institutional reporting needs. The schedule types below describe the required student activities, the student-instructor relationship and the instructional setting used to deliver course content.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Credit hours are assigned according to the guidelines outlined on this page.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Semester Credit Hour Guidelines <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A credit hour is the unit used to measure coursework. The credit hours assigned to a course reflect the expected learning outcomes, the instructional format, time in class and the amount of outside preparation expected. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Purdue uses the following baseline assumptions for these guidelines: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  • 16-week semester <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Semester credit hour <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • 50-minute class hour <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Why Credit Hour Guidelines Matter <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Consistent credit hour standards support accreditation review, help evaluate transfer credit, and enable transcripts and reporting that follow commonly accepted standards. They also help students compare institutions and estimate workload. A typical four-year degree (120-140 fall\/spring semester credit hours) averages 15-17 credit hours per semester \u2014 at about 3 hours of study per semester credit hour each week; that’s roughly a weekly commitment of 45-51 hours. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Types of Credit <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Purdue awards several types of credit depending on the nature of the coursework. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    • Regular credit<\/strong> is earned for regularly offered collegiate courses that count toward a degree program. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Thesis credit<\/strong> is awarded for research toward a thesis, dissertation or comparable project. It reflects expected workload and resources but posts as 0 credit hours on the student record. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Equivalent credit<\/strong> reflects resources used to offer instruction \u2014 such as rooms, instructors or equipment. These hours may be used during registration but revert to 0 credit hours when posted to the student’s academic history. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Continuing education units (CEUs)<\/strong> are awarded for continuing education completed through short courses and conferences. CEUs typically don’t apply toward a degree but may support professional licensing or certification. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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      Organized Class Instruction <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      Organized class instruction includes all situations where the same group of students meets regularly with one or more instructors, whether on- or off-campus. Classes with a specified number of hours “to be arranged” are included. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Non-Laboratory Class Instruction <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Non-laboratory class instruction is used when course content is delivered primarily through verbal or visual presentation rather than hands-on practice. Instruction typically takes place in general-purpose classrooms, lecture halls and seminar rooms. Examples include lectures, recitations, discussions, case studies, team-based learning and seminars. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Lecture (LEC)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

      Lecture refers to the first or primary organization of non-laboratory class instruction (e.g., a lecture where instructor-based material is presented, or a seminar where material is analyzed and discussed by both students and instructor). This also includes case studies and team-based learning situations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Credit Hours <\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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      • Weekly class hours:<\/strong> 1 hour<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Preparation expected:<\/strong> 2 hours per in-class hour (required) <\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • One semester credit hour<\/strong>: Approximately 50 minutes per week for a full semester (about 750 semester minutes, excluding final exams)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Use LEC 1, LEC 2, etc. for additional organizational parts<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        Recitation (REC)  <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

        Recitation refers to a second organization of non-laboratory class instruction, typically smaller groups reviewing or discussing material previously presented in a lecture section. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Credit hours <\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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        • Weekly class hours:<\/strong> 1-2 hours<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Preparation expected:<\/strong> 2 hours per in-class hour (required) <\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • One semester credit hour:<\/strong> Approximately 50 minutes per week for a full semester (about 750 semester minutes, excluding final exams)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Use REC 1, REC 2, etc. for additional organizational parts <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          Presentation (PRS)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

          Presentation includes classes that are designed simply to present material to students, with minimal preparation expected on their part and only nominal use of specialized equipment or facilities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Credit hours <\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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          • Weekly class hours: <\/strong>1 hour<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Preparation expected:<\/strong> None <\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Half semester credit hour:<\/strong> Approximately 50 minutes per week for a full semester (about 750 semester minutes, excluding final exams)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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            Laboratory Class Instruction <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

            Instructional activities in settings providing specialized facilities or equipment for students to master the subject matter either by performing experiments or practicing the skills being learned. The instructor generally supervises, assists, answers questions, etc., rather than making presentations. Examples include science laboratories, computer laboratories, private lessons and auto-tutorial, or self-paced classes, studios and clinics. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Laboratory (LAB)  <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

            Laboratory refers to the first organization of laboratory class instruction unless one of the other classifications below is more appropriate. It includes both group instruction and individualized instruction such as music and flight training lessons, supervised computing exercises and hands-on activities.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Credit hours <\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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            • Weekly class hours: <\/strong>1-6 hours (varies by credit level) <\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Preparation expected:<\/strong> Varies <\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • One semester credit hour: <\/strong>50-200 minutes per week (about 750-3,000 semester minutes, excluding final exams)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Two semester credit hours: <\/strong>150-300 minutes per week over the semester\n
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              • Note: Overlapping ranges allow departmental discretion<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                Laboratory Preparation (LBP)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

                Laboratory preparation includes situations in which lab classes meet together, usually in a separate location from the laboratory, for a brief period prior to the laboratory class to receive instructions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Credit hours <\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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                • Weekly class hours:<\/strong> 1-3 hours<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Preparation expected:<\/strong> Varies <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • One semester credit hour: <\/strong>50-150 minutes per week over the semester<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                  Clinic (CLN)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

                  Clinic refers to situations where the student is engaged in the practice and use of techniques for treating clients or patients for the purpose of improving their well-being. The instructor\u2019s role varies from direct assistance to simple availability for questions and supervision. Student activities cover a broad spectrum including observation, interviewing, therapy, rounds, diagnosing, etc. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Credit hours <\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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                  • Weekly class hours: <\/strong>2-6 hours<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Preparation expected:<\/strong> Varies <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • One semester credit hour:<\/strong> 100-300 minutes per week over the semester\n
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                    • Equivalent hours may be assigned<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                      Studio (SD) <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

                      Studio includes situations where the student is engaged in the practice and use of techniques for production in the areas of theater, dance, music and other art forms in the presence of an audience. This instruction is used to further advance the student’s skills in their field of performance. The instructor’s role varies from direct assistance to simple availability for questions and supervision. Student activities cover a broad spectrum including dance rehearsals, theater productions, vocal performances, recordings, etc. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Credit hours <\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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                      • Weekly class hours:<\/strong> 2-6 hours<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      • Preparation expected:<\/strong> Varies <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      • One semester credit hour: <\/strong>100-300 minutes per week over the semester\n
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                        • Equivalent hours may be assigned <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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                          Independent Study <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                          This major category includes those instructional situations where students work largely on their own initiative and contact with an instructor is usually quite infrequent and irregular compared with that Organized Class Instruction. Instruction may be individualized or in small groups as determined by the instructor. Normally, no pre-defined meeting times are associated with these situations; therefore, no weekly student class hours are generated by these schedule types. In addition, these activities are typically performed outside the usual classroom and class laboratory setting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Experiential (EX)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

                          Experiential includes situations where the student applies previously acquired knowledge and skills in a supervised situation which approximates the conditions under which those knowledge and skills will ultimately be used, usually off-campus. Examples include practice teaching, practicums, on-the-job training, work experience programs, cooperative education programs, apprenticeships, externships, preceptorships, etc. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Credit Hours <\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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                          • Assigned based on the amount of activity, level of faculty supervision and expected outside work <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                            Research (RES)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

                            Research is used for courses in which students are enrolled to conduct thesis research at the undergraduate or graduate level as required for their program. Examples include senior thesis, master’s thesis, and doctoral thesis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            Credit Hours <\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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                            • Assigned based on the amount of activity, level of faculty supervision and expected outside work<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                              Individual Study (IND)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

                              Individual study refers to those situations where students work primarily on their own initiative through reading, writing, performing experiments or non-thesis research. Contact with an instructor may be one-on-one or in small groups and is generally only on a few arranged occasions throughout the semester to receive assignment, have progress checked, etc. Examples include directed reading, honors projects, problems and special projects courses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Credit Hours <\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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                              • Assigned based on the amount of activity, level of faculty supervision and expected outside work<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                Distance Education (DIS)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

                                Distance education includes situations in which specialized facilities are made available for a student to practice, observe or study in addition to the time spent in contact with an instructor in other instructional settings. This option is selected for administrative purposes when there is a need to schedule specialized facilities. This schedule type must be used in conjunction with another schedule type and cannot be offered alone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                Credit Hours <\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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                                • Should be equivalent to those assigned when the course is delivered in another format on campus<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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                                  Non-Directed Study <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                  Non-directed study includes instructional situations where the student is expected to conduct various activities on a regular basis independent of any contact with an instructor. However, physical resources, usually specialized, are required to conduct these activities. In some cases, these activities are essentially equivalent to homework for traditional classes. Examples include music practice, scheduled time in open computer labs, group project sessions, use of campus audio and visual resources with no instructor present and language practice sessions in non-supervised facilities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  Practice\/Study\/Observation (PSO)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

                                  Practice\/study\/observation refers to situations in which specialized facilities are made available for a student to practice, observe or study in addition to the time spent in contact with an instructor in other instructional settings. This option is selected for administrative purposes when there is a need to schedule specialized facilities. This schedule type must be used in conjunction with another schedule type and cannot be offered alone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  Credit Hours <\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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                                  • No regular credit hours or direct staff effort are associated with this schedule type\n
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                                    • Equivalent hours may be assigned for administrative purposes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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                                      Continuing Education <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                      Continuing education courses are typically offered through short courses and conferences. Credit is awarded in continuing education units (CEUs) rather than semester credit hours. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      Continuing Education Unit (CEU)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

                                      Continuing education units are awarded for continuing education work accomplished during short courses and conferences. This credit typically does not apply toward a degree but may support maintaining professional licensing or certification. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      Credit hours <\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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                                      • One CEU: <\/strong>10 weekly class hours, or approximately 500 semester minutes (excluding final exams)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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