The educational programs combine the teaching of theoretical concepts in "lecture" with an appropriate amount of application of principles and practical training in "laboratory" under faculty supervision. The teaching of theoretical concepts in lectures, seminars, discussions, and other similar classes is identified as "lecture" and the teaching of the application of principles and practical training in laboratories, seminars, shop, clinical training, supervised work experiences and other similar classes is identified as "laboratory."

The number of lecture hours in class each week (including lecture, seminar and discussion hours) and/or the number of laboratory hours in class each week (including laboratory, shop, supervised practice, and cooperative work experiences) are indicated for each course in the course description. The total number of lecture and laboratory hours in class each week is also called ³contact² hours because it is time spent under the direct supervision of a faculty member. In addition to attending the required lecture and laboratory hours as listed in the course descriptions, students also must spend time on out-of-class assignments. Each credit hour usually requires two hours of out-of-class study per week. Credits are indicated in the course description section.