Michigan State University awards semester credits. Each course carries a specified number of credits based on the amount of instructional time and academic work required. Credit assignments are approved through the university curriculum process and comply with university and accreditation standards. Learn how credit hours are calculated and approved.
Calculating MSU Credit Hours
Each course usually carries a specific number of credits based upon the number of instructional contact hours and study hours required each week per semester. In general, one credit represents, at a minimum:
- One hour of instructor-student contact and two hours of outside study each week during a semester, or
- Two hours of laboratory contact hours per week per semester and one additional hour spent in report writing and/or study, or
- A combination of contact and study hours which constitute an equivalent of these experiences.
An appropriate number of contact hours for each credit earned are determined by the department offering the class and approved through the university curriculum process.
Converting Transfer Credit Hours
Courses at Michigan State University are given on a "semester" basis, and credits earned are semester credits. To convert semester credits to the “term” or “quarter” basis employed in certain other institutions, multiply by 3/2. To convert term credits to semester credits, multiply by 2/3.
Persons who are assessed fees for 7 or more credits (6 or more credits for doctoral students) in a semester:
- Are subject to the housing regulations as stated in University Housing Policy.
- May utilize the facilities of the Olin Health Center. Information on services available and the charges made may be obtained at the Olin Health Center.
- May purchase football, basketball, and/or hockey season tickets for themselves and their spouses at a discount.
- Are eligible for free admission to other regularly scheduled athletic events.
- Are eligible for student discounts on series tickets to most professional performing arts events at Wharton Center for Performing Arts.
- Are eligible to purchase one guest ticket to most professional performing arts events at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts. One validated student ID card must be presented with every two student-rate tickets when attending a performance.