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How courses work at Amberton University

Course & Coursework

Home Courses and Coursework

Amberton University designs its courses and coursework to support working adults. This page provides an overview of credit hours, syllabi, academic competencies, attendance expectations, and how prior learning or portfolio credit may apply toward completing your degree.

Credit Hour

The credit hour is the basic unit of academic credit. Amberton University defines a credit hour in terms of work expected of students in the achievement of established learning outcomes. As traditionally defined, a credit hour has two components—direct faculty instruction as well as out of class student work throughout the term of the session. All Amberton University courses are three credit hours. For campus courses, students will receive approximately four hours of direct faculty instruction per week for ten weeks and will complete at least three hours of out of class work for each hour spent in class, for approximately 140-160 clock hours over the length of the session. Distance learning courses and shorter intensive courses will have the same learning outcomes, comparable assignments, assessments, and expectations of student achievement as traditional campus based courses as evidenced by course syllabi. Learn more about our academic policies

Blue syllabus notebook and course materials used for Amberton University class preparation.

Course Syllabi

Prior to the beginning of registration for a session, the University makes all course syllabi for the session available through the University’s web site (www.amberton.edu). A student should NOT register for a course until he/she has carefully read the course syllabus. Minimally, a course syllabus identifies: (1) course prerequisites, (2) texts and materials required for the course, (3) the course outline, (4) assignments and grading criteria, (5) instructional delivery methods used, (6) methods for contacting the instructor, and (7) where research resources are available.

Course Guide

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Assessment & Course Competencies

Amberton University uses an assessment system to evaluate all University academic programs. This system uses specialized software that allows faculty and administration to assess the quality of learning and the effectiveness of teaching. As part of this system, students are able to review course content in more detail than at most institutions. In addition to standard course descriptions, each course includes clearly defined competency statements outlining the knowledge and skills students are expected to gain. These competencies help students understand the depth and mastery required for each course. Amberton University has also identified general education competencies that apply across all course offerings, including communication (effective speaking and writing principles), critical thinking (application of analytical and evaluative skills), comprehension and application (linking course knowledge to the broader discipline), ethics (use of appropriate ethical standards), and information literacy (effective use of technology in course-related research). The undergraduate and graduate course competencies are available in the respective degree-level sections of this catalog.

Students attending an in-person class, illustrating Amberton University attendance requirements.

Student Attendance

Regular and punctual class attendance is expected at Amberton University. In case of absence, it is the student’s responsibility to contact the professor as soon as possible. If a student intends on withdrawing from a course, it is the student’s responsibility to follow the university’s policy on formally withdrawing from a course. Attendance in a lecture course is defined as punctual arrival to, and engagement in, an entire lecture class session. A student in a lecture course missing more than 20% (two class periods for weekday classes or one class period for weekend classes) of the class meetings and not keeping up with course assignments may be dropped at the discretion of the professor and Amberton administration. Attendance in a Distance Learning course is defined as any submission to the course management system within the enrollment dates of the course, any required submissions outside of the course management system within the enrollment dates of the course, or initiating any communication with your professor regarding an academic assignment. A student in a Distance Learning course is required to actively participate in the course and submit course assignments timely as described in the course syllabus. A student not meeting these requirements may be dropped at the discretion of the professor and Amberton administration.

For questions about course expectations, contact an Enrollment Advisor.

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is using another person’s work as your own. Plagiarism is a violation of the University’s code of student ethical conduct and is one that is taken seriously. Amberton University operates on an honor system, and honesty and integrity are essential characteristics of all who are associated with the institution. All Amberton University students are expected to abide by the honor system and maintain academic integrity in all of their work. Amberton University and its instructors monitor student work for plagiarism and reserve the right to submit such work to technology-based anti-plagiarism services and applications at any time.

Hands reviewing documents and typing on a laptop, representing portfolio credit and life-learning evaluations at Amberton University.

Life-Learning Experiences & Portfolio Credit

Amberton University is receptive to the idea of awarding academic credit for learning acquired through non-collegiate experiences. By definition, non-collegiate experiences will be considered as learning that has resulted from experiences occurring while the individual was not enrolled in an educational institution for academic credit. Non-collegiate learning may be considered for transfer if such work is documented and submitted by means of the portfolio. By definition, the portfolio is a concise and explicit document that clearly identifies non-collegiate learning that merits academic credit. The awarding of academic credit for non-collegiate learning is restricted to verifiable learning. Students interested in the submission of a portfolio should review the Handbook for Preparing A Portfolio for the Academic Assessment of Learning Experiences, which is available on the Amberton University web site. The awarding of portfolio credit is restricted to undergraduate credit and to disciplines offered by the University. The following guidelines govern all non-collegiate learning that is awarded credit by Amberton University: • Non-collegiate learning credit is considered transfer work and will not satisfy the residency requirements for a degree. • After three years of non-enrollment at Amberton University, transfer work is deleted from Amberton University records. • The awarding of portfolio credit is restricted to undergraduate credit only Individuals interested in submitting non-collegiate learning for possible transfer credit via the portfolio should direct their inquiries to the Academic Dean. Title IV Federal Financial Aid funds cannot be used to pay for fees charged in the submission of a portfolio.

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Course & Coursework FAQs

What is a credit hour at Amberton University?

Amberton defines a credit hour using the federally recognized standard: direct faculty instruction plus required out-of-class student work. All courses at Amberton University are three credit hours.

Do distance learning courses follow the same standards?

Yes. Distance learning and campus-based courses follow the same learning outcomes, assignments, assessments, and competency expectations.

Where can I review course syllabi?

Syllabi for all courses are available online before registration. Each syllabus includes prerequisites, required materials, learning outcomes, assignments, grading criteria, and instructor contact information.

Can prior learning or work experience count toward my degree?

Yes. Documented non-collegiate learning may be evaluated for transfer credit through the portfolio review process. Portfolio credit applies only to undergraduate programs.

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