Credit hours are a standard unit used to measure the amount of academic work a student completes in a course. Typically, one credit hour corresponds to one hour of classroom instruction per week over a semester, along with additional study time. For example, a three-credit course usually involves three hours of class each week, plus several hours of homework. Colleges and universities use credit hours to determine a student's progress toward a degree. Most degree programs require a specific number of credit hours to graduate, ensuring that students gain the necessary knowledge and skills in their field of study, such as science, arts, or business.