How many credits are required to earn a college degree is a common question for new and returning students. The number of credits depends on the type of degree program – associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral. Credits represent the number of hours students spend in class per week throughout a term or semester. Full-time students typically take 12-15 credits per semester. The total credits required for a degree provides an indication of the time investment necessary to complete the program. However, the credit requirements can vary significantly depending on the school, degree program, and a student’s enrollment status.
Associate Degree
An associate degree is typically a two-year degree program requiring 60 credits. This includes associate of arts (AA), associate of science (AS), and associate of applied science (AAS) degrees. The associate of arts and associate of science degrees are designed for students planning to transfer to a four-year college or university to pursue a bachelor’s degree. The associate of applied science prepares students to enter the workforce in a career or technical field.
While 60 credits is the standard for most associate degrees, requirements can range from 60-84 credits depending on the specific program and school. Some examples include:
– General Studies, Liberal Arts – 60 credits
– Business Administration – 60-63 credits
– Nursing – 60-84 credits
On average, students take 15 credits per semester to complete an associate degree in two years. Those attending part-time would progress at a slower pace.
Bachelor’s Degree
A bachelor’s degree is a four-year undergraduate degree that typically requires 120 credits. Bachelor of arts (BA) and bachelor of science (BS) degrees make up the majority of bachelor’s degree programs.
The 120 credit total is based on a full-time course load of 15 credits per semester over four years. The range for most bachelor’s degrees is 120-128 credits. However, some exceptions exist, such as:
– Engineering – 128-132 credits
– Architecture – 132-160 credits
– Business – 120-150 credits
While students can complete a bachelor’s degree in four years attending full time, many take five, six, or even more years if they attend part time or take time off.
Master’s Degree
Master’s degree programs typically range from 30-60 credits beyond a bachelor’s degree. The average is 36 credits, with many full-time students completing a master’s degree in 1-2 years.
Common master’s degree credit requirements include:
– Master of Arts – 30-60 credits
– Master of Science – 30-45 credits
– Master of Business Administration – 36-60 credits
– Master of Fine Arts – 60 credits
The credit range allows flexibility for schools to tailor degree requirements to the chosen specialization. Programs with a larger focus on research-based classes or thesis requirements tend to be on the higher end of the range.
Doctoral Degree
The highest academic degree, doctoral programs require 60 credits or more beyond a master’s degree. Specific credit requirements vary more significantly based on the doctoral degree type and field of study.
Some examples of typical doctoral degree credit requirements:
– PhD – Minimum of 60 credits beyond a master’s degree
– JD (Juris Doctor) – 88-90 credits beyond a bachelor’s degree
– MD (Doctor of Medicine) – 130-250 credits
– EdD (Doctor of Education) – 60-66 credits
– DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) – 35-75 credits
Full-time doctoral students can take 5-6 years or longer to complete their degree depending on the dissertation or residency requirements.
Factors That Affect Credit Requirements
While the averages provide a general guideline for degree requirements, many factors can alter the total credits needed.
School-Specific Requirements
Every college or university determines their own credit requirements for degree programs based on state standards and accreditation criteria. The totals can vary widely even for the same type of degree. Students should always check with their chosen school for the exact requirements.
General Education & Electives
In addition to credits within the major field of study, students are required to take a certain number of general education and elective credits. This accounts for as much as one third of the degree requirements.
Double Majors & Minors
Students completing a double major or adding a minor field of study may need to complete more total credits to fulfill the requirements for both programs.
Prior Learning Credits
Students can sometimes earn credits for prior learning through experience, military service, certifications or testing out of classes. This can reduce the credits required from the degree-granting institution.
Dual Degree Programs
Special programs that allow students to complete two degrees simultaneously, like a BA and MA, require additional credits beyond either degree alone.
Comparing Credit Systems
The semester credit hour system is standardized in the U.S. However, other countries follow different systems that are not directly equivalent.
Countries Using the Semester Credit System
– United States
– Canada
– South Korea
– Taiwan
Countries Using Different Systems
– United Kingdom – Credit Values from 7.5 to 180
– Australia – Units Ranging from 6 to 24 Per Course
– New Zealand – Points Ranging from 15 to 60 Per Course
– India – Marks or Grades Instead of Credits
Since each system is standardized within the country, the total requirements are comparable. However, credits do not translate equally if transferring between countries.
Conclusion
While degree requirements vary, students and institutions follow general credit guidelines. An associate degree requires approximately 60 credits, a bachelor’s degree 120 credits, a master’s degree 30-60 credits, and a doctoral degree a minimum of 60 credits beyond a master’s. However, many factors can alter the totals. Students must consult their specific degree program and college or university to determine the exact number of credits required to graduate.