how many credit hours to graduate college

Last Updated on December 15, 2022

How many credit hours to graduate college? If a student takes a full load of classes in the fall semester, and again in spring, which is typically 14 to 16 credit hours per semester. College students who take a half-load in the fall semester and a full load in the spring typically take 21 to 24 credit hours each academic year.

How many credit hours do you have left to graduate college will depend on a variety of factors. Students who spend more time trying to attend multiple classes at once will have a tough time graduating in four years. Taking classes in the summer, or taking extra classes per semester, may also help you graduate faster. Whichever method you choose, be prepared for some hard work along the way if you want to complete your degree in less than five years using collegelearner.com

It's Time to Redefine the Credit Hour

How Many Credits for an Associate Degree?

An associate degree is typically required for entry-level professional positions in any industry. Some associate degree programs are tailored specifically to a career field while others have a broader base of study. An associate degree is also a perfect stepping stone for someone wanting to earn their bachelor’s degree further down the road.

An associate degree is usually 60 credits or around 20 courses. This degree usually takes 2 years to complete. Courses in an associate degree program are focused on general education to prepare you for a bachelor’s program as well as courses teaching more specific knowledge if you’re studying to enter a particular field. For example, an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts provides a broader academic base than an Associate of Science in Accounting, which will have courses specifically chosen to prepare a student for working in a financial department or an accounting position. Whether general or career-specific, you’ll still need around 60 credits to graduate with an associate degree.

How Many Credits for a Bachelor’s Degree?

A bachelor’s degree may be your education goal from the start or the follow up to an associate degree you’ve already earned. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) determined many career fields, especially competitive fields, such as information technology, require a bachelor’s degree. The BLS also found 174 occupations as typically requiring an employee to have a bachelor’s degree to break into the field.

A bachelor’s degree takes 120 credits, which is around 40 courses. Typically, earning a bachelor’s degree takes 4 years, but depending on your previous education and whether you’re a full- or part-time student, it may take a shorter or longer length of time. You may have earned credit through other courses you’ve previously taken or certifications.

Bachelor’s degree programs are designed to prepare a student to enter a particular field. Some bachelor’s programs offer students the additional option of studying in a specific concentration. Degree concentrations are specializations within a field of study. If you’re earning a bachelor’s in psychology, you may want to take courses that focus on addiction, mental health or child and adolescent development. Adding a concentration to your bachelor’s degree allows you to learn more specifically about the area in which you’re aiming to have a career. 

How Many Credits for a Master’s Degree?

If you’re looking for upward mobility in your career field, earning a master’s degree – or even a graduate certificate – can be helpful when it comes time to ask for a raise or promotion. Some employers may even offer to help with tuition as an employment benefit in order to retain valuable employees.

Usually a master’s degree will take 1-2 years of full-time study to complete, but the number of credits required varies depending on your field of study and your experience in the field. Most master’s degree programs require 30-60 credits. For example, a master’s in psychology is 36 credits, while a master’s in clinical mental health counseling is 60 credits.

Earn Credit Toward A Successful Future

The BLS keeps track of weekly earnings and unemployment rates compared to education levels. Year after year, the BLS has found higher education attainment has led to higher weekly wages and lower unemployment. While education takes a commitment of time and money, earning a degree at any level is more advantageous than not having a degree at all.

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