How Many Credits Will You Need for a Bachelor’s Degree for 2025?
College students usually enter university life without even knowing how the college system actually works (Endsley, 2017). This lack of knowledge normally results in traps and failures as they finish college. Moreover, the college system constantly evolves, gradually becoming more challenging.
A college student only has one mission, and that is to earn a bachelor’s degree in his or her chosen discipline. Obtaining one spells the end of the college journey, victoriously. Additionally, with the influence of college education on wages and job security, it gives him or her the right to access more opportunities in the real world, such as the chance to land a high-paying job (University of Pittsburgh, 2016). But only by getting the right amount of credits can this be realized.
This article discusses the role of getting credits in obtaining a bachelor’s degree. In addition, it also gives an idea of how credits are distributed in a university’s syllabus, the number of credits a certain subject needs, and the factors that affect the time required to get a degree.
Credits For a Bachelor’s Degree Table of Contents
- What is a ‘credit’?
- Why take credits seriously?
- How many credits do I need for a Bachelor’s degree?
- How does your major choice affect credit accumulation?
- How does switching your major affect credit accumulation?
- Can you earn credits through work experience?
- How Transfer Credits Can Accelerate Your Path to a Bachelor’s Degree
- How can students optimize their degree plans to minimize credit requirements?
- How can you maintain full-time status while managing credit requirements?
- Can Alternative Associate Degrees Accelerate Your Path to a Bachelor’s Degree?
- Can a Strategic Credit Plan Open Doors to Accelerated Graduate Education?
- Can Online and Competency-Based Programs Accelerate Credit Accumulation?
- How Does Accreditation Affect Credit Recognition and Future Opportunities?
- What Strategies Can Help Recover from Credit Deficiencies?
- Getting the Required Number of Credits: Why is it Important?
What is a ‘credit’?
Oftentimes, students would ask “how many credits do I need for a bachelor’s degree?" These credits are essential because they are the university’s basis for deciding whether a student deserves the degree or not (Endsley, 2017). In other words, it’s a measure of the student’s overall performance in a course (Pop, 2021).
Getting credit is relatively, and ideally easy. All one has to do is study, attend classes, and pass the subject. It all, however, still depends on the professor handling the class. Nonetheless, getting a passing mark in a course at the end of a semester is equivalent to a credit or two. University professors use a combination of assessment materials in order to know whether a student deserves the credit or not (Pop, 2021). These are:
- Class or individual projects
- Attendance
- Written and/or oral examinations
- Recitations
- Activities
- Researches/project studies
The assessment materials stated above must be done by a student in order to get credits. But to fully get one, the student shall perform these activities in one semester, which is roughly 15 weeks (Kots, 2020). College credit is equivalent to an hour of classroom lecture and two hours of assignments, all in a week. (Endsley, 2017). Therefore, in one semester, a student may be required to get 15 credits, or an average of five courses (Frank, n.d.). How many credits for bachelor’s degree really depends on your program.

Why take credits seriously?
Having a good understanding of how the college system works gives the student an advantage in pursuing his bachelor’s degree (Kots, 2020). This involves how credit works and how it is recognized in an institution. There are various reasons why. As a student he or she can:
- Gauge or estimate the time he or she needs to complete college
- Weigh how heavy some courses are through the amount of credit they have
- Balance the time he or she needs between studying and working, if he or she plans to take on part-time jobs
One very important thing a student should know is that for every credit one gets, the closer he or she is to obtaining that bachelor’s degree. This is relevant, especially during these times, when employers from around the world generally prefer people with a bachelor’s degree rather than an associate’s (Georgetown University, 2016). So a student should do everything to get that degree by getting the required amount of credits.
Employment Rate of College Graduates (2019)
How many credits do I need for a Bachelor’s degree?
The bachelor’s degree credits required typically range from 90 to 140, roughly equivalent to 40 courses (Endsley, 2017) (Wallis, 2019). A course is normally equivalent to either two or three credits. This is entirely based on the discipline taken by a college student and the university one decides to go to. Ideally, those numbers can be taken in a span of three to four years. Several factors, however, should be considered whether these credits can be taken within the aforementioned time or not.
Factors That Affect The Time Period Taken for a Course
Getting a bachelor’s degree is easier said than done. The same can be said for even just trying to pass a course. Fortunately, various university programs offer opportunities to finish the embedded courses in less than the time it usually takes. But also, outside factors will always affect a student’s overall performance in the university, including the way he or she gets a credit.
As mentioned, there are methods that university programs offer to students to enable them to obtain their bachelor’s degree faster. This means that a student can get the same required number of credits for a shorter period.
1. Summer Courses
Some universities offer summer courses that allow students to take subjects related to their respective programs. These classes, however, are limited and are relatively longer than regular ones. Still, they allow the student to take an average of six to 12 credits in advance, depending on his program and university (Frank, n.d.). It certainly can reduce the time the student needs to obtain his degree.
2. Taking More Courses in a Regular Semester
Most universities follow a syllabus, which contains the subjects a student needs to enroll/complete in one semester. Along with them are the number of credits, which is often the maximum number allowed by the institution for a student to take. In rare cases, however, students find themselves having the opportunity to take more courses than what is allotted.
Normally, a semester is composed of 15 credits. But a student can take more than that for a semester, up to 18 credits (Frank, n.d.). This ultimately results in reducing a four-year course into three, provided that the situation is following an ideal path, such as passing every subject. But note that students will have overload work during the semester. Now, if you are wondering, can you get a bachelor’s degree in 2 years, that is possible as well in special circumstances.
3. Courses Outside University
Universities have their own method of implementing or distributing the program’s courses to students. Some of which may take time to complete. Fortunately, various tertiary institutions recognize credits taken outside of their premises, which aid the students in completing the required number of credits faster (Malvik, 2018). These can be done through many ways, such as:
- Online or blended classes
- Accredited training or work experiences
- College-related courses in high school
These methods aid in speeding up a student’s college journey drastically provided that these are credited by the university he or she is currently enrolled in (Malvik, 2018). If recognized, the institution will deduct the credit equivalent of these from the total credit needed for the degree.

Required Credits for Popular Business Degrees
To provide a glimpse of how credits are distributed throughout the course of study, our research team has reviewed the curriculums of the most common bachelor’s degrees, which are often within the business field. Here are the details on each:
1. Entrepreneurship
A bachelor’s degree in entrepreneurship is an undergraduate program that focuses on providing students with the knowledge and skills needed to start, manage, and grow a business. The specific curriculum can vary between institutions, but common themes include business planning, marketing, finance, innovation, and small business management. It typically consists of around 120 to 180 credits, depending on the specific university and program requirements. This can include a combination of general education courses, core business courses, and elective courses in entrepreneurship.
2. Business Administration
A business administration degree provides a comprehensive education in business principles with core courses covering accounting, finance, and marketing in addition to general education and elective courses. Some programs include internships or capstone projects for real-world applications, which can push requirements to 180 credits. Emphasis is placed on developing leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills essential for managerial roles. Business administration programs often explore entrepreneurship and global business perspectives. Graduates can thus pursue careers in various sectors including finance, operations, or general management.
3. Marketing
An undergraduate degree in marketing enables students to gain a comprehensive understanding of marketing principles, strategies, and practices. The curriculum typically covers consumer behavior, market research, and branding, among others. The number of credits required for each subject can vary though courses with more practical components, such as labs or internships, might have higher credit hours. Additionally, courses at the upper levels of a program (300 or 400 level) may require more credits than introductory courses. On average, marketing bachelor’s degrees can take 120 credits to finish.
4. Organizational Leadership
A bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership provides instruction on leadership theories, organizational behavior, and strategic management. The curriculum emphasizes interpersonal and communication skills, ethical leadership, and strategies for managing organizational change. Students explore various leadership styles and models while developing a deep understanding of effective leadership practices. Some programs include applied leadership projects or internships for hands-on experience, which can push the required credit hours to 180. Graduates pursue leadership roles in various organizational settings, emphasizing teamwork, motivation, and ethical decision-making.
5. Taxation
A bachelor’s degree in taxation is an undergraduate program focused on providing instruction in federal, state, and local tax codes, tax accounting, and principles for both corporate and individual taxation. Students also explore estate and gift taxation, international taxation, and ethical considerations in tax planning. The degree typically requires approximately 120 to 180 credits, varying by university and program. Courses emphasize practical skills in tax compliance, research, and auditing. Graduates are prepared for careers in taxation, accounting, or financial planning.
Situations That Hinder The Student in Getting a Bachelor’s Degree Faster
As various universities do offer opportunities to graduate faster, outside factors can, and will always hinder a student in obtaining a bachelor’s degree. In other words, getting the required amount of credits may become a slow and harsh process. These factors include:
- Failing a course
- Failure to enroll in a specific/required course
- Uncredited subjects taken outside the university premises
- Student’s lifestyle or situation
The first three factors mentioned are pretty obvious reasons why a student may be slow in getting a bachelor’s degree. These factors ultimately result in failure to get the credit that a specific subject bears. The fourth factor, however, is the biggest reason why these situations happen. It also contributes largely to the reason why the college dropout rate is increasing yearly.
A study found that at least one in five students who are taking part-time jobs will graduate within eight years (Carapezza and Field, 2019). Delays in a student’s college journey are often due to failure to take the right number of credits per semester. The student’s life situation hugely affects one’s overall performance, which leads to either failing or being unable to enroll in a specific course.
Credit Requirements for Various Courses
The program chosen by a student ultimately influences the number of credits he’s required to get to obtain his bachelor’s degree. With this, it should be noted that different courses have different required numbers of credits to complete. It depends mostly on the type, but generally, four-year programs require about 120 credit hours for bachelor’s degree completion (Droll, et.al., 2012).
In a survey conducted in 2011, all disciplines in the US were classified according to the number of credits required to complete them (Droll, et.al., 2012). It involved classifying 189 programs in the country’s 310 institutions. The classifications are low, moderate, and high credit-hour requirements.
Disciplines Under Low Credit-Hour Requirements (Less than 120 credits)
The programs under these disciplines generally require at least 120 credits to complete, which means that a bachelor’s degree under these disciplines can be acquired at a maximum of four years, provided that everything goes smoothly for the student tracking one of these programs (Droll, et.al., 2012).
- Social Sciences
- Foreign Languages
- Philosophy
- Religion
- Ethnic and Area Studies
- Psychology
- Mathematics
- Letters
- Protective Services
- Liberal Arts/Studies
- Multidisciplinary Studies
Disciplines Under Moderate-Hour Requirements (120 to 132 credits)
These disciplines which include bachelor’s degree in biology typically require more than 120 credit units to complete, but no more than 132 credits. Some of these require a minimum of four years to complete (Droll, et.al., 2012). These programs are:
- Physical Sciences
- Life Sciences
- Mass Communication
- Visual Arts
- Performing Arts
- Computer Sciences
- Public Services
- Management and Business

Disciplines Under High-Hour Requirements (More than 132 credits)
The programs under these disciplines require the highest number of credits, regardless of university. The student needs to complete at least 132 credit units to complete the program. It takes more than four years, or five for other courses, to get a bachelor’s degree in these programs (Droll, et.al., 2012). These are as follows:
- Agricultural Sciences
- Health Sciences/Professions
- Education
- Engineering
Do note that not all universities follow the standard number of credits for a particular course. For instance, there are institutions out there that offer engineering-related courses that can be completed with just 120 credits (Droll, et.al., 2012). It will still depend on the university and the course chosen by the student.
Understanding How a Bachelor’s Degree is Structured
Students typically forget how getting a bachelor’s degree is structured. It is not like a student can enroll in a course and finish it by only studying the core subjects. It is nowhere near like that, and it is important to know that the course is divided into three sub-courses. All students, as a general rule, are required to take credit from these fields.
General Education
This field of study can be taken during the early years of college life. It is primarily concerned with strengthening the student’s foundation on the basic subjects (Pearson Accelerated Pathways, 2015). It also has a fair share of credits that can be obtained upon passing, usually ranging from 42 to 60 credits. Listed below are the subjects that fall under this particular field.
- English (3 credits)
- Mathematics (3 to 6 credits)
- Natural Sciences (3 to 8 credits)
- Social Sciences (3 to 6 credits)
- Humanities (3 to 6 credits)
- Diversity (3 to 6 credits)
- General Education Electives (up to 12 credits)
Area of Study
This field is the very core of the course. It focuses on the essential subjects that need to be tackled in order to obtain a bachelor’s degree related to the course taken. These are normally studied at the student’s latter college years, as these are more specific, more intense, and more serious (Endsley, 2017). Listed below are some subjects that will be taken by a student in this field if he or she chooses to study chemical engineering (Droll, et.al., 2012).
- Chemical Engineering Principles (4 credits)
- Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics (4 credits)
- Junior Laboratory (1 credit)
- Transport Phenomena (4 credits)
- Introduction to Reactor Design (4 credits)
- Separation Processes (4 credits)
- Process Design (I) (4 credits)
- Process Control (3 credits)
- Process Design (II) (4 credits)
Total Credits: 31
Electives
Universities have some subjects that seem to make the course enjoyable, which are in the form of electives. These electives are chosen by students depending on the availability and their relation to the course taken. In addition, these are taken to complement, enhance and/or reinforce information to a specific course that aids in the completion of the program (University of Pittsburgh, n.d.).
Electives typically go up to 30 credits and can be taken depending on the availability of the subject in a university (Endsley, 2017). Nonetheless, it significantly contributes to the completion of the credit requirement to obtain a bachelor’s degree. Furthermore, the students sometimes have the freedom to choose their elective, which makes studying the course a little bit better.
How does your major choice affect credit accumulation?
Different academic disciplines impose distinct credit structures that can influence your graduation timeline. Some majors allow greater flexibility with elective courses and credit transfers, while others require a more rigid sequence of core courses. Evaluating these differences helps you determine which path aligns best with your academic objectives and time constraints. For instance, business programs may offer streamlined pathways favorable for quicker credit accumulation, as seen in programs like the easiest business major. Assessing credit distribution and curriculum design across various fields ensures that you select a major that balances academic rigor with efficient credit planning.
How does switching your major affect credit accumulation?
Switching majors can significantly alter the credit accumulation process by requiring a reassessment of both core and elective courses. Students must evaluate the compatibility between previously earned credits and the new major’s curriculum to identify overlaps or gaps that might extend graduation timelines. It is essential to consult academic advisors to determine which courses may be transferred or require substitution, ensuring an efficient transition. An early and strategic review of curricular differences can safeguard progress and prevent unnecessary credit loss. For additional insights on choosing a field that aligns with your career goals, review majors in college.
Can you earn credits through work experience?
Yes, you can earn credits through work experience, often referred to as "prior learning assessment" (PLA) or "credit for experiential learning." This approach recognizes the knowledge and skills gained through professional work, internships, volunteer activities, or military service. Here's how it works:
- Understanding Prior Learning Assessment (PLA): Many colleges and universities offer PLA programs that allow students to receive college credit for skills and knowledge acquired outside the classroom. Students typically need to demonstrate their competencies through portfolios, standardized exams, or interviews to earn these credits. This method allows working adults to leverage their experience towards their degree.
- Portfolio Development: Creating a portfolio is a common way to document work experience for credit. Students gather evidence of their skills and knowledge, such as job descriptions, letters of recommendation, and work samples. This comprehensive portfolio helps faculty assess students' learning and determine appropriate credit.
- Standardized Tests: Some institutions accept standardized tests, such as the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) or the DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST), which can grant credits based on knowledge in specific subjects. Students who demonstrate proficiency through these exams can earn credits without taking traditional courses.
- Transfer of Military Experience: Veterans and active-duty military members often have unique experiences that can translate into academic credits. Many schools recognize military training and coursework as eligible for credit, which can significantly shorten the time needed to complete a degree.
- Benefits of Earning Credits Through Work Experience
- Time Efficiency: This option saves students time by reducing the number of courses they need to complete.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Earning credits for existing knowledge can lower tuition costs by minimizing the number of classes required for graduation.
- Personalized Learning: Students can tailor their education to their unique experiences and career goals, making their degree more relevant and valuable.
Earning credits through work experience can provide a significant advantage for students, particularly non-traditional learners who have accumulated relevant knowledge but may not have formal educational credentials to show for it. Students should check with their institution to understand the policies and procedures regarding PLA and credits for experiential learning.
How Transfer Credits Can Accelerate Your Path to a Bachelor’s Degree
Transfer credits are an invaluable tool for students looking to complete their bachelor’s degree more quickly and efficiently. Many institutions allow students to transfer previously earned credits from community colleges, prior degree programs, or recognized work experience. By leveraging these credits, students can reduce the total number of courses required to graduate, saving both time and money. This option is particularly beneficial for those enrolled in accelerated online bachelor degree programs, where the focus is on completing the degree in a shorter timeframe without compromising the quality of education.
The transfer process typically involves an evaluation of your prior coursework to ensure it meets the standards of the receiving institution. Many online programs have dedicated advisors to help students navigate this process, maximizing the number of transferable credits. Additionally, some institutions partner with community colleges to offer seamless transfer pathways, allowing students to continue their education without interruption. By strategically using transfer credits, students in accelerated programs can achieve their academic goals faster while focusing on the courses most relevant to their career aspirations. This streamlined approach ensures a quicker transition into the workforce or advanced education opportunities.
How can students optimize their degree plans to minimize credit requirements?
Optimizing a degree plan is essential for students who want to graduate efficiently without accumulating unnecessary credits. By carefully planning their course load and using available resources, students can minimize the time and cost of earning a bachelor’s degree, ensuring they stay on track for graduation while meeting all necessary requirements.
- Work with academic advisors: Regular consultations with academic advisors are crucial for staying on track. Advisors can guide students in selecting courses that align with degree requirements and avoid taking unnecessary electives or courses that may not count toward graduation.
- Take advantage of electives and minors: Many students overlook the potential of electives or minors. Students can make the most of their credit hours by choosing electives or minors that complement their career goals or personal interests, ensuring they’re not wasting time or money on irrelevant classes.
- Consider dual enrollment or AP courses: High school students or those with previous college experience can transfer credits into their degree program. AP exams or dual-enrollment courses from high school can reduce the credits needed for graduation, helping students advance quickly through their degrees.
- Utilize summer or winter sessions: Taking classes during summer or winter breaks can help lighten the regular semester load. By completing coursework during these off-peak periods, students can finish their degrees faster and potentially free up time for internships or jobs in the long run.
- Opt for online or accelerated programs: Programs like fast track college programs offer condensed coursework that allows students to complete their degrees in less time. With these programs, students can earn the same degree in less time, reducing the overall credit requirement by completing courses more efficiently.
How can you maintain full-time status while managing credit requirements?
Maintaining full-time student status is crucial for timely graduation, financial aid, and access to certain academic benefits. However, balancing your workload while meeting credit requirements can be challenging. One effective strategy is to enroll in the best online degree programs for working adults, which offer flexible scheduling and allow you to manage your courses around your personal and professional life.
Taking a well-planned approach to credit accumulation is also important. Consider enrolling in summer or winter sessions to earn additional credits and stay on track. Opt for courses that fulfill multiple degree requirements, such as general education and major-specific courses, to maximize credit usage. If you're working part-time or full-time, ensure your course load is manageable by consulting with an academic advisor who can help you prioritize classes that align with your graduation plan.
Lastly, seek out programs that allow for credit transfers or accelerated coursework, so you can leverage your prior experience and education to stay on top of your goals. Whether through advanced placement (AP) credits, CLEP exams, or cross-registration opportunities, maximizing your credits can help you maintain full-time status without the stress of overloading your schedule.
Can Alternative Associate Degrees Accelerate Your Path to a Bachelor’s Degree?
Leveraging alternative academic credentials can streamline credit accumulation and provide a distinct advantage in expediting a bachelor’s degree. For instance, pursuing associate degree programs that are designed for efficient credit completion offers a proven method to establish a strong academic foundation and facilitate seamless credit transfers. Programs offering easy associates degrees are structured to maximize credit efficiency, enabling students to integrate earned credits into their bachelor’s curricula without redundant coursework. By carefully evaluating these alternative pathways—including their accreditation and transferability—students can strategically complement their core program, reduce overall time to graduation, and optimize their academic trajectory.
Can a Strategic Credit Plan Open Doors to Accelerated Graduate Education?
Students who manage their undergraduate credits strategically not only expedite their bachelor’s degree completion but also enhance their academic profile for competitive graduate programs. A well-structured credit plan can demonstrate academic rigor and preparedness, which is attractive to institutions offering accelerated or intensive postgraduate options. This thoughtful approach may help reduce the transition gap between undergraduate and graduate studies by ensuring a solid foundation in core disciplines while leveraging transfer or experiential credits to avoid redundant learning. In some cases, a robust academic record can facilitate entry into condensed programs such as online masters 1 year, thereby allowing students to pursue advanced qualifications sooner without compromising quality.
Can Online and Competency-Based Programs Accelerate Credit Accumulation?
Modern educational models, such as competency-based instruction and online learning, offer innovative pathways to earn credits by focusing on mastery rather than traditional seat time. These programs provide flexibility, allowing students to advance once proven proficient, and can align with accelerated scheduling options. Leveraging such non-traditional structures in tandem with online degrees that make the most money can streamline your credit acquisition and better prepare you for dynamic career opportunities. Prior verification with your academic advisor is essential to ensure these credits integrate effectively into your degree plan.
How Does Accreditation Affect Credit Recognition and Future Opportunities?
Ensuring that credits are earned from an accredited institution plays a critical role in their recognition by future academic programs and employers. Accreditation guarantees that the curriculum meets rigorous quality standards, which in turn supports smooth credit transfers and safeguards your academic progress. This understanding enables students to strategically select courses and institutions that not only fast-track their undergraduate journey but also strengthen their eligibility for advanced study. For example, high-quality credentials can open prospects for pursuing the best paying masters degree by demonstrating the value and rigor of the coursework completed.
What Strategies Can Help Recover from Credit Deficiencies?
In cases where credit accumulation falls short of the required threshold, targeted strategies can help realign academic progress without derailing your overall plan. Consider utilizing structured academic advising to identify opportunities for retaking courses, enrolling in credit-recovery sessions, or leveraging competency-based modules designed to demonstrate mastery. Evaluate the potential of prior learning assessments for work or military experience, as these may convert professional achievements into academic credits. Additionally, integrating bridge courses or intensive workshops can accelerate credit recovery, thereby preserving momentum toward degree completion and future academic pursuits, including entry into affordable online doctoral programs.
Getting the Required Number of Credits: Why Is It Important?
Students often go to college without any idea of how the college system works. Whether a student chooses to obtain a marketing degree, a math-related program, or military science degree, it is important to do prior research regarding the program that they want to pursue.
Having sufficient knowledge of how credits are obtained, and their relation to the bachelor’s degree gives a student an advantage. Hence, one can answer the question “how many credits do I need for a bachelor’s degree?" The student can then plan ahead, and will not have any trouble choosing the right program.
Key Insights
- Importance of Credits: Understanding and obtaining the required credits is crucial for successfully earning a bachelor’s degree. Credits reflect a student's performance and progress in their chosen discipline.
- Credit Requirements: Typically, earning a bachelor’s degree requires between 90 to 140 credits, depending on the program and institution. This translates to approximately 40 courses over a span of three to four years.
- Flexible Paths to Degree Completion: Students can accelerate their degree completion by taking summer courses, enrolling in additional courses per semester, or earning credits outside traditional university settings through online classes or accredited training.
- Impact of External Factors: Personal circumstances such as part-time work, failing courses, or not enrolling in required courses can hinder timely degree completion. Understanding these factors helps students plan and manage their academic journey effectively.
- Program Structure: A bachelor’s degree is typically structured into three main areas: general education, area of study (core subjects), and electives. Each area contributes to the total credit requirement.
- Variation Across Disciplines: Different disciplines have varying credit requirements. Programs in social sciences and humanities generally require fewer credits compared to fields like engineering and health sciences.
FAQ
- What is a credit in college? A credit in college is a unit that measures a student's academic performance and progress. It typically represents one hour of classroom instruction and two hours of independent work per week over a semester.
- Why are credits important for obtaining a bachelor's degree? Credits are important because they determine whether a student has met the academic requirements of their program. Accumulating the necessary credits is essential for graduating and earning a degree.
- How many credits do I need for a bachelor's degree? The number of credits required for a bachelor's degree usually ranges from 90 to 140, depending on the program and institution. This is equivalent to completing approximately 40 courses over three to four years.
- Can I earn credits outside of my university? Yes, many universities accept credits earned from other institutions, online courses, accredited training, or college-level courses taken in high school. However, it's important to verify that these credits will be recognized by your university.
- What factors can affect the time it takes to earn a degree? Several factors can affect the time it takes to earn a degree, including taking additional courses per semester, enrolling in summer courses, failing classes, personal circumstances, and balancing part-time work with studies.
- What are the three main areas of study in a bachelor's degree program? A bachelor’s degree program typically includes three main areas of study: general education (basic foundational courses), area of study (core courses related to the major), and electives (optional courses that complement the major).
- How can summer courses help in earning a degree faster? Summer courses allow students to earn additional credits outside the regular academic year, helping them to complete their degree requirements more quickly.
- What should I consider when choosing electives? When choosing electives, consider courses that complement your major, enhance your skills, or align with your interests. Electives can also help you meet the total credit requirement for graduation.
- How can I balance part-time work and studying for my degree? Balancing part-time work and studying requires good time management and planning. Make sure to prioritize your coursework, take a manageable course load, and seek support from academic advisors if needed.
- What should I do if I fail a course? If you fail a course, you should retake it as soon as possible to avoid delays in your academic progress. Additionally, seek help from tutors, professors, or academic advisors to improve your understanding of the subject.
References:
- Carrapezza, K., & Field, K. (2021, April 8). Colleges are starting to help part-time students finish their degrees faster. The Hechinger Report. https://hechingerreport.org/colleges-and-states-turn-their-attention-to-slow-moving-part-time-students/
- Droll, M., LeMon, R. E., Johnson, N., & Reidy, L. (2012). Program Requirements for Associate’s and Bachelor’s Degrees: A National Survey [E-book]. Complete College America. https://www.insidehighered.com/sites/default/server_files/files/Program%20Requirements%20-%20A%20National%20Survey(1).pdf
- Endsley, A. (2017, July 22). How Many Credits are in a Bachelor’s Degree? Pearson Accelerated Pathways. https://pearsonaccelerated.com/blog/how-many-credits-do-i-need-for-a-bachelors-degree
- Georgetown University. (2020, April 6). Three Educational Pathways to Good Jobs: High School, Middle Skills, and Bachelor’s Degree. CEW Georgetown. https://cew.georgetown.edu/cew-reports/3pathways/
- How many credits are needed for a bachelor’s degree? | Frank Financial Aid. Retrieved 5 May 2021, from https://withfrank.org/how-to-pay-for-college/how-does-college-work/how-many-credits-are-needed-for-a-bachelors-degree/
- Kots, K. (2020, September 3). What Does Credits Mean In College? North Central College. https://www.northcentralcollege.edu/news/2020/09/03/what-does-credits-mean-college#:%7E:text=To%20further%20break%20college%20credits,hours%20of%20work%20per%20week.%E2%80%9D
- Malvik, C. (2018, June 13). How to Finish College Faster: 6 Ways to Get on with “Real Life" Sooner. Rasmussen University. https://www.rasmussen.edu/student-experience/college-life/how-to-finish-college-faster/
- Pearson Accelerated Pathways. (2015, November 23). What Are General Education Credits? Pearson Accelerated Pathways. https://pearsonaccelerated.com/blog/what-exactly-is-general-education
- Pop, A. (2021, February 24). What Are Academic Credit Systems? Benefits for International Students. MastersPortal.Com. https://www.mastersportal.com/articles/948/what-are-academic-credit-systems-benefits-for-international-students.html
- Pop, A. (2021). What You Need to Know about Academic Credit Systems in the U.S. MastersPortal.com. Retrieved 5 May 2021, from https://www.mastersportal.com/articles/1110/what-you-need-to-know-about-academic-credit-systems-in-the-us.html
- University of Pittsburgh. (n.d.). General Education Requirements | College of General Studies | University of Pittsburgh. University of Pittsburgh College of General Studies. https://www.cgs.pitt.edu/general-education-requirements
- Wallis, A. (2018, September 5). How Many Credits Do You Need to Graduate College? Southern New Hampshire University. https://www.snhu.edu/about-us/newsroom/2018/09/how-many-credits-to-graduate-college#:%7E:text=A%20bachelor’s%20degree%20takes%20120,or%20longer%20length%20of%20time.
