Credit Hours Needed for an Associate’s Degree

An associate’s degree is a post-secondary credential that typically takes two years to complete. It is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for entry-level positions in a variety of fields.

The number of credit hours required for an associate’s degree varies depending on the program and the institution offering it. However, most associate’s degrees require between 60 and 90 credit hours.

Types of Associate’s Degrees and Credit Hours Required

The amount of credit hours needed for an associate’s degree also depends on the specific type of degree.

• Associate of Arts (A.A.) degrees typically require 60-64 credit hours. These degrees are designed to provide students with a broad base of knowledge in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
• Associate of Science (A.S.) degrees typically require 60-64 credit hours. These degrees are designed to provide students with a more focused education in a specific field, such as business, computer science, or engineering.
• Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degrees typically require 60-90 credit hours. These degrees are designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary for a specific occupation, such as nursing, culinary arts, or automotive repair.

Factors Affecting the Number of Credit Hours Required

The number of credit hours required for an associate’s degree may also be affected by the following factors:

• Transfer credits: Students who transfer credits from another institution may be able to reduce the number of credit hours they need to complete.
• Prior learning: Students who have gained knowledge or skills through work experience or military service may be able to earn credit for prior learning.
• Part-time study: Students who attend school part-time may take longer to complete their degree.

Planning for Your Associate’s Degree

When planning for your associate’s degree, it is important to consider the following factors:

• Your career goals: What type of job do you want to get after you graduate?
• The type of associate’s degree you want: Do you want an A.A., A.S., or A.A.S. degree?
• The institution you want to attend: What schools offer the program you want?
• The cost of attendance: How much will it cost to attend school?
• The time commitment: How long will it take to complete your degree?

Tips for Calculating Credit Hours

Here are some tips for calculating the number of credit hours you need to complete for an associate’s degree:

• Check the school catalog: The school catalog will list the number of credit hours required for each program.
• Talk to your advisor: Your academic advisor can help you plan your course schedule and track your progress.
• Use a credit hour calculator: A credit hour calculator can help you estimate the number of credit hours you need to complete.

Conclusion

The number of credit hours required for an associate’s degree can vary depending on the program, the institution, and the individual student. By carefully planning your education, you can ensure that you meet the requirements for your desired degree.

FAQs

1. What is the average number of credit hours for an associate’s degree?
   – The average number of credit hours for an associate’s degree is 60-90.

2. What is the difference between an A.A., A.S., and A.A.S. degree?
   – An A.A. degree provides a broad base of knowledge in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. An A.S. degree provides a more focused education in a specific field. An A.A.S. degree provides the skills and knowledge necessary for a specific occupation.

3. Can I transfer credits from another institution?
   – Yes, you may be able to transfer credits from another institution, but this will depend on the policies of the institution you are transferring to.

4. Can I earn credit for prior learning?
   – Yes, you may be able to earn credit for prior learning through work experience or military service, but this will depend on the policies of the institution you are attending.

5. How long will it take to complete an associate’s degree?
   – The time it takes to complete an associate’s degree will vary depending on the type of degree, the institution, and the individual student.

6. How much will it cost to complete an associate’s degree?
   – The cost of completing an associate’s degree will vary depending on the institution and the type of degree.