An associate’s degree is a two-year undergraduate academic degree awarded by community colleges and vocational schools. It is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for a specific career or to prepare them for further education at a four-year university.
The number of hours required to complete an associate’s degree varies depending on the program and institution. However, most associate’s degrees require between 60 and 90 credit hours.
Credit Hours
A credit hour is a unit of measurement that represents the amount of work required to complete a course. One credit hour typically represents one hour of lecture or two to three hours of laboratory work per week.
Full-Time and Part-Time Students
The time it takes to complete an associate’s degree also depends on whether you are a full-time or part-time student. Full-time students typically take 12 to 15 credit hours per semester, while part-time students typically take 6 to 9 credit hours per semester.
Transfer Credits
If you have already taken some college courses, you may be able to transfer those credits towards your associate’s degree. This can reduce the number of hours you need to complete.
Program Length
The length of time it takes to complete an associate’s degree also depends on the program you choose. Some programs, such as nursing and engineering, require more credit hours than others, such as liberal arts and general studies.
Average Time to Completion
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average time to completion for an associate’s degree is 2.5 years for full-time students and 4.5 years for part-time students.
Tips for Completing Your Associate’s Degree Faster
If you want to complete your associate’s degree faster, there are a few things you can do:
- Take more credit hours per semester.
- Take summer courses.
- Transfer credits from other colleges or universities.
- Choose a program that requires fewer credit hours.
Conclusion
The number of hours required to complete an associate’s degree varies depending on the program, institution, and student. However, most associate’s degrees require between 60 and 90 credit hours. Full-time students typically take 12 to 15 credit hours per semester, while part-time students typically take 6 to 9 credit hours per semester. The average time to completion for an associate’s degree is 2.5 years for full-time students and 4.5 years for part-time students.