Course Credit Descriptions

Academic Credit

SF State is on the semester system. Semester units are one and one-half times the value of quarter units. College of Extended Learning courses earn SF State residence credit (except for continuing education unit, noncredit and contract classes). Courses taken for credit may be used as units toward a BA degree, for teaching credentials (after advising), as increment units for teacher salary requirements in school districts and in special circumstances toward an MA degree at SF State. Students should consult universities directly for their transfer credit policy.

Contract Education

Contract education courses earn non-residence (extension) credit. Apply up to 24 College of Extended Learning units toward undergraduate degrees with advisor approval and up to six units toward graduate degrees with advisor approval.

Open University

Open University courses earn academic units of credit which satisfy the residence of SF State College of Extended Learning requirements at SF State. Apply up to 24 College of Extended Learning units toward undergraduate degrees with advisor approval and up to six units toward graduate degrees with advisor approval.

Continuing Education Units (CEU)

Continuing education units (CEU) are nationally recognized units for measuring participation in professional development programs which do not award academic credit. CEU courses may be appropriate when employers, relicensure agencies and other authorities require a specific number of hours of study and where noncredit study is acceptable. CEUs may neither be applied to, nor substituted for, graduation requirements. One CEU is earned for 10 hours of instruction.

Noncredit Courses

Noncredit courses serve professional, personal and recreational needs. No units of measurement (academic credit or CEUs) are awarded for participation in noncredit courses.

Course Credit on Transcripts

Academic credit is listed on SF State transcripts under units earned. CEU credit is listed in the title of the course; it is not listed under units earned. Noncredit classes do not appear on transcripts.