Lasell's connected-learn­ing philosophy acknowledges that learning takes place both within and outside the classroom. This approach broadens the definition of credit hour to other academic activities that include but are not limited to laboratory work, internships, practica, studio work, individual study, research, recitation, service-learning and other experiential, project-based learning opportunities. At Lasell College, a credit hour is based on an amount of time, level and value of work in which a student engages in activities leading to intended learning outcomes established and measured by Lasell College faculty as evidence of student achievement. The amount of time and work expected is consistent with the Carnegie Unit definition and is not less than "one hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours out of class student work each week for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester." 

For traditional semester length courses where the majority of work is done within a classroom setting, students are expected to spend approximately two hours studying or preparing for class for each hour of instruction. This equates to six hours of study time for each three-credit course for a total of nine hours per week, per course. Over the course of a traditional semester at Lasell, students are expected to devote a minimum of 135 hours of work per course (this includes in class meetings).

Lasell College's Graduate and Professional Studies Program offer 14 and 7 week graduate or undergraduate courses; all 14-week courses are offered in hybrid format. Our 7-week courses are offered in both hybrid and online delivery. In an online class, the student is an active participant each week and evaluation of a student's understanding of course content is based on her/his daily involvement rather than a single event such as a mid-term or final project/exam. Online students are expected to be actively and creatively engaged in the entire learning process. Indeed one of the great benefits of online courses is the time provided to students to reflect on what they are learning. Typically, the entire week's work is posted at least three weeks in advance, allowing students to ponder the readings and discussion questions, conduct additional research to support a particular week's topic, and write and revise responses to class assignments and discussions. 

Students in 14-week hybrid courses are expected to spend 10-12 hours per week on their studies. In weeks where hybrid courses meet face to face, these meetings are included within the range of 10-12 hours. Students in seven-week courses are expected to devote a minimum of 19-20 hours a week preparing for and completing class assignments. In weeks when hybrid classes meet face to face, these meetings are included within the range of 19-20 hours.