Confused about college credit requirements? When considering returning to college, understanding how many credits you need is an important first step in your planning. 

Many factors influence how many credits you need to graduate college, ranging from your degree choice to previous education, and whether you can qualify for exemptions. Learn how many credits you’ll need for the degree of your choice, the requirements for graduation, and how quickly you can put on your cap and robe.

Understanding Credit Requirements for College Degrees

College credits, sometimes called credit hours, are a unit to measure coursework and learning. Each college course is worth a certain number of credits. An average class is usually worth three credits. 

The term “credit hours” refers to the number of hours spent learning. For example, a course worth three credits will probably include three hours in class per week. Additionally, you will spend time completing assignments and homework.

So, how many credits to graduate college? Well, that depends on the degree. In general, you’ll need the following number of credits for each of the degrees below:

  • Associate’s Degree: Typically 60 credits.
  • Bachelor’s Degree: Typically 120 credits.
  • Master’s Degree: Varies based on the discipline but typical requirements range between 30 and 60 credits.

How Many Credits for a Bachelor’s Degree?

You’ll need to complete about 120 credits to earn a bachelor's degree. The credit requirements may vary depending on your major. Students who choose to complete a double major or add a minor may also need to complete additional credits. 

How will you earn credits toward your bachelor’s degree? To qualify as a full-time student, you'll need to complete at least four courses, or 12 credits, per semester. However, to complete a degree in four years, students need to earn about 15 credits per semester. This means you may take fewer courses as a full-time student but it will then take you longer to graduate. 

How many credits you earn each semester may vary slightly depending on the courses you take. To stay on track for graduation, speak with your academic advisor to ensure you're planning your credits appropriately.

Bachelor’s degree requirements include various types of coursework such as general education, major requirements, and elective credits. General education credits cover areas such as English, math, natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. How many general education credits you need to take and in which disciplines will depend greatly on your major. 

For example, when I completed my BA, my general education requirements included a choice between art, music, and religion courses. However, several economics courses were required, and classified as general education. Additionally, I completed a minor in Spanish. At most schools, a minor requires between 18 and 30 credits focused on a specific discipline. Some credits that helped me earn my minor also applied to my general education requirements. 

Each college or university manages general education requirements differently. On average, about one-third to one-half of your bachelor’s degree credits will fall under the general education category. The remaining credits will focus on courses specific to your degree and electives. 

Bachelor’s Degree Requirements Beyond Credits

Aside from going to class and completing coursework, you may have to take some extra steps to earn your bachelor’s degree. Understandably, to earn credits, you’ll need to meet minimum grade requirements. Overall, institutions may also implement GPA standards. To graduate, you’ll typically need to have a GPA of 2.0 or a C average across all your courses.

Some degrees also require candidates to complete a capstone project. A capstone project is often a part of a course taken during your senior year of college. In most cases, you’ll research a topic and write a research paper similar to a thesis or complete a major project and present your findings. 

Internships are another common requirement for some undergraduate degree programs. Health care, science and technology, law, and education are just a few examples where internships may be required. 

How do you know if you’re on track to graduate? At most schools, you’ll be assigned an academic advisor upon enrollment. Consult with your advisor each semester when signing up for courses to make sure you’re not missing any essential credits or requirements. 

Do College Credits Expire?

In short, no, college credits don’t expire. Your credits will always be listed on your transcript. That said, you may not be able to apply all your existing credits toward a degree if you’ve taken a break from college or changed your degree. Program updates and accreditation changes can impact whether credits earned in the past are valid for your intended degree program.

If you are returning to college after time off, check in with an admissions advisor to learn more about your options and whether you can use your past credits toward a degree. Even if you switch schools, it’s worth asking whether you can transfer credits. 

Tips for Accelerating Graduation

Take a fast track toward graduation with these strategies:

  • Transfer existing credits from previous institutions. Usually, this is simple and involves requesting an official transcript from your previous institution. When in doubt, ask your admissions specialist or academic advisor how the process works.
  • Use high school credits. AP or Advanced Placement courses taken during high school may earn you credits, especially in general education. 
  • Test out of courses. You can take tests through CLEP or DSST to earn credits and exempt yourself from a variety of general education courses. CLEP and DSST programs focus on helping professionals and military members earn credits for knowledge they may have gained on the job. Before going this route, double-check that the college where you’ll complete your degree offers credits for taking these exams. 
  • Take summer or online courses to speed up completion. 

Before you know it, you’ll be ready to put your degree to work. 

Create Your Back-to-School Plan and Earn Your Degree

No matter where you are on your journey, you can take positive steps toward earning a degree that will help you achieve your goals. 

Not sure how to get started? Take our Back-to-School Plan quiz to discover the best path forward for career advancement and personal fulfillment.