How many credits is an associate degree?
An associate degree is usually 60 semester credits, about 20 courses of 3 credits each. Quarter-system colleges ask for about 90 quarter credits. At 15 credits a semester that is four semesters, or two years full time. Some career and technical programs run a little longer, often 61 to 65 credits, and part-time students take three years or more.
In more detail
Sixty credits is half of a 120-credit bachelor's degree, which is why many associate degrees transfer as the first two years of one. Colleges on the quarter system count about 90 quarter credits for the same degree: Portland Community College, for example, requires at least 90 degree-applicable credits.
The 60 credits split into general education (math, English, humanities, science), usually 20 to 35 credits, the major or technical courses, about 18 to 30, and electives, about 5 to 15. An Associate of Arts or Science (AA, AS) leans on general education so it transfers. An Associate of Applied Science (AAS) puts more credits into job-specific courses and often transfers only in part. Some career programs, such as nursing and other health fields, run past 60 credits.
Time follows your load. At 15 credits a semester you finish in four semesters. At 12 credits, the full-time minimum, it takes five semesters, about two and a half years. At 9 credits a term it is a little over three years, and at 6 credits it is five. Summer terms and credit for prior learning, such as AP, CLEP or dual enrollment, shorten the road.
Where the 60 credits go
| Part | Semester credits | Quarter credits |
|---|---|---|
| Total for the degree | 60 | About 90 |
| General education | 20 to 35 | 30 to 53 |
| Major or technical courses | 18 to 30 | 27 to 45 |
| Electives | 5 to 15 | 8 to 23 |
| Time at 15 credits a term | 4 semesters | 6 quarters |
Step by step
- 1
Pick the program type: AA or AS if you plan to transfer, AAS if you want to work right after.
- 2
Read the degree plan for the exact total and for required courses that have prerequisites.
- 3
Count the credits you already hold, including AP, CLEP and dual enrollment.
- 4
Divide the remaining credits by the terms you will attend. 15 a term for four terms is 60.
- 5
If you plan to transfer, check the agreement with the four-year school so your 60 credits count toward the bachelor's.
How StudyPDF helps
StudyPDF helps with the courses inside those 60 credits. Upload a course's slides, readings and notes into its own course and it builds flashcards, quizzes and practice exams from them, each answer linked to its source page. Your mastery per concept shows which course needs your next hour. The free plan covers about 4 materials a week, no card needed.
See also
More questions
How many classes are 60 credits?
About 20 if every course is 3 credits. Lab sciences and some technical courses carry 4 credits or more, so the count is often a little lower.
Do all 60 credits transfer to a bachelor's degree?
Not always. AA and AS credits transfer best, and many states have agreements between their community colleges and public universities. AAS credits often transfer only in part, so ask the four-year school before you enroll.
Do it on your own course
Upload your lectures and ask Bo. Cited answers, plus flashcards, exams, and more built from your material.