For every unit of class, it is expected that a student will spend two hours of study outside the classroom each week. Therefore, a 3-unit course will require three hours in class and six hours of study time outside of class. All told, a 3-unit class will require a commitment of 9 hours per week.
A full load of courses is considered to be 12 units, because, as you will see, it is similar to working a full time job. Let's assume you are carrying a full load and spend 12 hours per week in class. |
| Work Hours |
Recommended
Class
Units/Hours |
Minimum
Study
Hours |
Minimum Total
College Load |
| 0-15 |
Up to 16 units |
32 Study hours |
16+32 = 48 hours per week plus work hours |
| 16-20 |
Up to 12 units |
24 Study hours |
12+24 = 36 hours per week plus work hours |
| 21-30 |
Up to 9 units |
18 Study hours |
9+18 = 27 hours per week plus work hours |
| 31-40 |
Up to 6 units |
12 Study hours |
6+12 = 18 hours per week plus work hours |
| Over 40 |
Up to 3 units |
6 Study hours |
3+6 = 9 hours per week plus work hours |
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