How Many Credits Do You Need to Graduate College?

The number of credits needed to graduate from college depends on what degree you want to earn. Each degree has a different credit requirement, takes a different length of time to complete and presents different opportunities for the focus of study and career advancement.

There are a lot of things to consider when earning your college degree. For example:

• Are you concerned about the overall cost?
• Do you have any credits you can transfer?
• Is the time it takes to earn a degree a primary factor?

When deciding on which degree you should earn, having a solid understanding of your options will help you choose what’s best for you.

How Many Credits Do You Need for an Associate Degree? 

Associate degrees are usually 60 credits or around 20 courses. This degree usually takes two years to complete with a full course load, which is two classes per term at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). If your financial aid allows, you can also take classes at a slower pace, which will extend the time it takes to graduate.

Taking one class at a time is beneficial for some students, according to Alysia Butler, an academic advisor at SNHU. "This could be because of busy family life, long or irregular schedules for work or a differing learning style," she said.

Butler primarily works with undergraduate liberal arts students, including those earning their liberal arts associate degree. She said she loves the flexibility of SNHU.

"Students can take two courses in one term and then choose to take one course in the next term," she said. This allows you to adjust your course plan so you can finish your degree at your own pace.

If you've attended college in the past or have relevant work or life experience, you may already have a portion of the 60 credits completed that you'll need for an associate degree. A college admission counselor or academic advisor can help you determine if any of your prior experiences can count toward your degree.

Courses in an associate degree program are focused on general education, as well as more specific knowledge if you’re studying to enter a particular field.

Read more: Is an Associate Degree Worth It?

What is the Purpose of General Education Courses in an Associate Degree Program?

Whether general or career-specific, you’ll still need around 60 credits to graduate with an associate degree, and a portion of those credits will relate to general education.

General education courses are important because they can:

• Connect you with people from diverse disciplines
• Help you become well-versed in a variety of disciplines
• Reshape your outlook on learning
• Teach you soft skills desired by employers

The 60 credits you earn from an associate degree program can be transferred to a bachelor's degree, drastically reducing the time it takes to complete a bachelor's program.

Learn more: Why Are General Education Courses Important?

How Many Credits Do You Need for a Bachelor’s Degree?

A bachelor’s degree is 120 credits, which is around 40 courses. Typically, earning a bachelor’s degree takes four years, but depending on your previous education and the number of courses you take per term, it may be a shorter or longer length of time.

A bachelor’s degree may be your education goal from the start or the follow-up to an associate degree you’ve already earned (note: you do not need an associate degree to earn a bachelor's degree). The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) found 177 occupations that typically have an entry-level education of a bachelor's degree.

Bachelor’s degree programs are designed to prepare you to enter a particular field. Some bachelor’s programs offer you the additional option of studying in a specific concentration. Degree concentrations are specializations within a field of study.

"Concentrations can be vital to a student's career prospects or future plans," Butler said. She noted the graphic design program as an example, and how you could concentrate on user experience design or web design.

You also might choose to add a minor to your bachelor's degree. An academic minor is a way to take courses in an area outside of your major, Butler said, pointing out they're also a great way to explore subject areas that you're interested in.

In some cases, adding a minor might add time to your program, so be sure to have a conversation with your academic advisor to understand your options and any potential impacts.

Learn more: Major vs. Minor vs. Concentration: What's the Difference?

How Many Credits Do You Need for a Master’s Degree?

Most master's degree programs require 30-60 credits. For example, at SNHU:

• A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is 30 credits
• A Master of Science (MS) in Psychology is 36 credits
• A Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing is 48 credits

Usually, a master's degree, which comes after a bachelor's degree, will take 1-2 years to complete. But the time it takes depends on a few factors, including your pacing and field of study.

If you're not sure you want a master's degree, you can always begin with a graduate certificate. A graduate certificate could be beneficial if you want to advance your knowledge in a particular area in a shorter amount of time. While the number of credits you need to complete a college certificate can vary, between 12 and 21 credits is typical.

And, at the end of a graduate certificate program, you may be able to transfer the credits you earned into a master's degree, if you'd like to continue your studies.

Can You Transfer Credits Into a Degree Program?

If you've taken college courses before, you may be able to transfer those earned credits into a new degree program. For example, at SNHU, you can transfer up to:

• 45 credits toward a 60-credit associate degree
• 90 credits toward a 120-credit bachelor's degree
• 12 credits toward a master's degree

Learn more: Do College Credits Expire?

So, How Many Credits Do You Have Left?

The only way to be sure of how many credits you have left in your program is to check with the school where you plan to earn your diploma.

If you're already enrolled, your academic advisor can tell you how many credits you have remaining. But if you're looking to transfer your credits, then you'll need to submit an application and have your credits evaluated by your new school.

When Bobby Stigall '24 transferred to SNHU, he said he was only 36 credits — 12 courses — away from finishing his bachelor's degree in operations management.

He compared those final courses to a 12-round boxing match, noting that getting to the last one was like conquering the fight.

"It felt like I was about to get the TKO," he said. "All my energy, my tenacity, everything just went to another level.”

Read more: How to Check How Many Credits You Have

How Can You Transfer to SNHU?

Could you have up to 75% of your program done by the time you start at SNHU? Here's how you can find out:

1. Complete the free 5-minute online application. There’s no obligation after filling it out.
2. Get your transcripts requested — for free. Chat with an admission counselor, and we'll request your transcripts on your behalf.
3. Receive your free evaluation. Soon after all your transcripts are in, you'll get your official evaluation. It will show you what was transferred in — and what classes you need to complete.

Whether you're just getting started or ready to finish your degree, you can also connect with your academic advisor at any time to discuss your course schedule and how you're progressing through your program's required credits.

"Take time to review your program evaluation and be aware of your completion date. This is motivating," Rentz said. "Put it all down onto the calendar so you can see your end in sight."

Ash Wallis '16 is a published poetry, short fiction, and nonfiction writer in Colorado. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature through Southern New Hampshire University and a graduate certificate in publishing through Denver Publishing Institute at the University of Denver.

Wallis is a participant in and is building out writing workshops for veterans to utilize writing as a tool for healing and personal growth. She is also an advocate for veterans, speaking to members of Congress as a storyteller with the Military Reform Coalition. Connect with her on LinkedIn.