Online Course Credit Equivalency Calculator
Welcome to the Credit Equivalency Calculator. Use this tool to estimate how many credits your online course will be recognized for at target institutions in the US, Canada, or the UK. This calculation adjusts for course type (Lecture, Lab, Hybrid) and standard credit-to-hour ratios. The results are an estimation; final transfer decisions are made by the target university.
Output Summary
Understanding Credit Equivalency and Transferability
Transferring online course credits can be complex...
How to Use the Calculator
Input your course details, select the target region, and click 'Calculate'.
Calculation Formula Explained
The core formula is based on the **Carnegie Unit** standard, where one credit hour equals...
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the standard credit-to-hour ratio?
A: The standard ratio (Carnegie Unit) is typically **1 credit hour = 14 to 16 instructional hours** per semester. This calculator uses a multiplier to adjust for lab work or different regional standards.
Q2: How does a Lab course differ from a Lecture?
A: Lab credits often carry a lower instructional hour weight per credit. We use an **adjustment multiplier** (e.g., Lab $= 0.75 \times$ Lecture) to reflect the difference in direct contact vs. independent study.
Q3: Is the calculated GPA guaranteed by the university?
A: **No.** The GPA equivalency is an estimation based on common conversion charts (e.g., percentage to 4.0 scale). The target institution's registrar's office will make the final, official determination.
Q4: What does "Hybrid" course calculation mean?
A: For Hybrid courses, the calculator splits the credits (e.g., 50% Lecture, 50% Lab) and applies the respective adjustment multipliers to provide a balanced estimate.
Q5: Why is the transfer status sometimes 'Partial'?
A: 'Partial' status often occurs when the course's total instructional hours or content breadth does not meet the target institution's minimum requirements for a full credit transfer.