Credit courses can be degree or non-degree applicable. Unlike non-credit courses, they do carry units based on the number of hours of lecture, lab, or both that are required in the official course outline for the course. These courses are in a wide variety of areas; each requires critical thinking, reading and writing, and assignments that are completed outside of class that require the student to study and work independently. Credit courses are approved by the District and College Curriculum Committees and the Board of Trustees.