credit hour
/ˈkrɛdɪt aʊər/
Meaning
A credit hour is a unit of measuring educational credit, usually based on the number of hours a student spends in class per week. For example, a three-credit course typically meets for three hours a week over a semester. It is a fundamental concept in higher education used to determine tuition and graduation requirements.
Examples
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To graduate with a bachelor's degree, you need to complete at least one hundred and twenty credit hours.
To graduate with a bachelor's degree, you need to complete at least one hundred and twenty credit hours.
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This chemistry class is worth four credit hours because it includes a weekly lab session.
This chemistry class is worth four credit hours because it includes a weekly lab session.
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The tuition fee is calculated based on the number of credit hours you register for.
The tuition fee is calculated based on the number of credit hours you register for.
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I am currently taking fifteen credit hours this semester, which keeps me very busy.
I am currently taking fifteen credit hours this semester, which keeps me very busy.
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Some elective courses are only worth one credit hour and meet once a week.
Some elective courses are only worth one credit hour and meet once a week.
Common Mistakes
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✗ I need to take fifteen hour credits this semester.
✓ I need to take fifteen credit hours this semester.
The correct noun phrase is 'credit hours' (or 'credits'), where 'credit' acts as a noun adjunct modifying 'hours.'
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✗ This course has three credits hours.
✓ This course is worth three credit hours.
When using 'credit hour' as a plural noun, pluralize 'hours' (credit hours). When using it as a modifier before a noun, keep both singular (e.g., 'a three-credit-hour course').
Related Expressions
Practice
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The tuition cost is calculated per ___.
💡 The unit of academic value per class hour.
Show answer
credit hour
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You must complete a minimum of sixty ___ to earn an associate degree.
💡 Plural unit of measure for academic progress.
Show answer
credit hours