It’s easy to get wrapped up in the excitement of an upcoming college education. But when planning, it is important to know how many credits you will need to graduate and how much class time you are signing up for. This way, you can work towards a schedule that works best for you and your availability, and your budget.
With the help of your counselor and your degree path, you’ll be able to choose which classes to take and how to direct your academic future. Here, we’ll explore what college credits are, how many you need, how colleges measure credits, how many credits you need for each degree level, and how University of Phoenix supports students on this journey.
For more information and guidance on how to plan your educational journey, University of Phoenix has published a thorough guide to understanding the college credit system on its blog.
What Are College Credits and How Many Do You Need?
College credits, or college hours, track the time you commit to your degree. Students complete these hours over a set timeframe, both in and out of the classroom. Their study time may comprise independent study, group work, lab work, clinical work, tests and assigned reading.
Whether you study for an associate, bachelor’s or master’s degree, you’ll need a certain number of credits to graduate. The number of credits you need to complete varies from one degree to another, and even from one institution to another. For example, University of Phoenix requires 120 credits to complete a bachelor’s degree, while other institutions may require as many as 180 credits.
How Do Colleges Measure Credits?
Your university’s calendar dictates the way it measures credits. The three main academic calendars are divided into quarters, trimesters, or semesters. While the quarterly calendar sees colleges divide their year into four seasons, which are usually 10 weeks long, the trimester calendar divides the year into three seasons, which are usually 12-13 weeks long. However, most U.S. colleges follow a semester calendar, which divides the academic year into two fall and two spring seasons, each of which lasts approximately 15 weeks.
Over the course of a semester, this equates to approximately 135 hours of work. Full-time students usually take at least four courses to fill the semester calendar. Students who are taking part-time courses will study over a longer period to achieve the same credits.
University of Phoenix has adapted this standard semester framework to offer courses in a more flexible format. Students study one course at a time, truncating their 120 credit hours into a schedule of 5-6 weeks.
How Many Credits Do You Need for Each Degree Level?
Students need a different number of credits depending on whether they’re studying for an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree.
- Associate degrees: If following the semester calendar, most associate programs require students to complete 60 credit hours. These hours are usually spread across two years, and this is the case for University of Phoenix.
- Bachelor’s degrees: If following the semester calendar, most bachelor’s degrees require students to complete 120 credit hours. These hours are usually spread over four years, although this does vary. Where the average class equates to 3 credits, students will take 40 classes. Not only do students select courses that are relevant to their wider bachelor’s program, but they also take courses outside their field of study to meet elective and general education requirements. They may also take a minor or a double major to broaden their studies.
- Master’s degrees: If following the semester calendar, most master’s degrees require students to complete 30-60 credit hours. These hours are usually spread across one-to-three years, possibly longer if the degree requires students to undertake fieldwork, practicum experience or clinical work. Typically, during their final semester, students complete a thesis or capstone project and present an inquiry before graduating.
How Many Credits Are in a University of Phoenix’s Degree?
University of Phoenix’s bachelor’s degrees are 120 credits, and students study courses over approximately five weeks. Meanwhile, the University’s master’s degrees are 33-60 credits, and students study courses over approximately six weeks. The University has designed its programs to suit the needs of working adult learners. Its continuous learning and multiple start dates make it possible for students to fit their studies around other commitments.
Prospective students can sign up for bachelor’s and master’s-level courses, each worth three credit hours and equivalent to a semester unit, which they can study over 6 weeks.
About University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix is committed to furthering its nontraditional learners’ educational goals and helping these individuals navigate a plethora of career options by studying the degree programs that best suit their interests. The University’s degree programs are aligned with numerous in-demand career paths including cybersecurity, nursing and business. What’s more, the University offers flexible start dates, online classes and numerous scholarship opportunities to make it possible for all students to earn the degrees they need. On top of this, University of Phoenix’s Career Services for Life® commitment to current students and graduates provides the resources these individuals need to stay competitive in the workforce. These services are available at no additional charge and include resume and interview support, career guidance, education and networking opportunities.