Course components describe the primary instructional format or mode of participation for a course. They generally fall into two categories:

  • Organized instruction, in which students enroll in a section with an established enrollment capacity; and
  • Individualized instruction, in which the course is structured around an individual student’s work, research, placement, or project.

Each component is identified by a code. Enrollment ranges below are general guidelines and may vary by discipline, instructional format, facilities, accreditation requirements, and available resources.

  1. Lecture (LEC) — Typically 40–300 students
    An instructor-led course organized around presentation, discussion, or other structured engagement with course content. A lecture section generally has a larger enrollment capacity than a recitation or seminar.
  2. Recitation (REC) — Typically 15–40 students
    A course or class meeting designed to supplement or accompany another credit-bearing course, often a lecture. A recitation may require separate enrollment and provides students with opportunities for discussion, practice, review, and small-group engagement with course material.
  3. Seminar (SEM) — Typically 8–19 students
    A small, instructor-led course in which students collectively examine a topic or field of study through discussion, reading, research, presentation, or other active learning. Student participation may substantially shape the direction and activities of the course.
  4. Studio (STU) — Enrollment varies by discipline and available facilities
    A course centered on the development and application of creative, technical, or performance-based skills through hands-on practice, demonstrations, critique, rehearsal, production, or project work. Studio courses typically require specialized spaces, equipment, or materials.
  5. Laboratory (LAB) — Typically 16–24 students
    An instructor-led course in which students conduct experiments, perform observations, use specialized equipment, or complete hands-on activities. A laboratory may be associated with a lecture or offered as a stand-alone course.
  6. Independent Study/Directed Study (IND)
    A course designed to meet the needs or interests of an individual student through individualized instruction, directed readings, a focused project, or other approved academic work. The student works under the direction and supervision of a faculty member.
  7. Clinical (CLN)
    A supervised practice experience conducted in a professional setting under the guidance of an experienced registered or licensed professional, such as a preceptor. Clinical experiences are commonly associated with disciplines that require practice-based preparation for professional licensure or certification. Clinical rotations are generally unpaid, and students typically work under supervision rather than managing an independent workload or caseload.
  8. Practicum (PRA)
    A supervised practical experience in which students apply academic knowledge and develop professional skills in a setting related to their field of study. The experience includes regular consultation, instruction, or evaluation by a faculty member and may also involve supervision by a professional in the field.
  9. Internship (INT)
    A structured, supervised work or practice experience related to a student’s academic or professional field. An internship may be paid or unpaid and may carry academic credit. The employer directs the work, performance expectations, and compensation, while the University establishes and assesses the academic learning outcomes and awards credit. Students may participate in routine workplace activities or complete a defined project. Internships may vary in length but are commonly completed over 12–15 weeks, often on a part-time basis during the fall or spring semester. Internships conducted outside the fall or spring semesters may be part-time or full-time.
  10. Field Study (FLD)
    An intensive, hands-on learning experience conducted in a setting relevant to the student’s field of study. Field study may be short-term or part-time and may involve observation, data collection, applied practice, or other experiential learning. Unlike a clinical experience, it does not necessarily require supervision by a registered or licensed professional, and completed hours are not necessarily intended to satisfy professional licensure or certification requirements.
  11. Research (RES)
    A course in which students conduct research under the supervision of an instructor. The research may be designed, directed, or substantially carried out by the student or students and may include literature review, data collection, analysis, experimentation, creative inquiry, or other discipline-appropriate methods.
  12. Thesis Research (THE)
    Individual research completed as part of a student’s thesis project. Thesis research hours generally support the design, conduct, analysis, and written presentation of research required for completion of a specific degree program or for a distinction within that program.
  13. Dissertation Research (DIS) — Graduate Only
    Individual research completed as part of a doctoral dissertation. Dissertation research hours generally support the design, conduct, analysis, and written presentation of original research required for completion of a doctoral degree or related program requirement.