How Many Credits to Graduate College? A Complete Guide for Students

If you’re planning your college journey, one of the first big questions you might have is how many credits it takes to graduate college. It’s a simple question with an answer that can vary depending on your major, degree type and the institution you attend. Understanding credit requirements early can help you map out your coursework, graduate on time and stay on track financially.

Below is a clear breakdown of what college credits are, how they work and how many credits are required to graduate college for the most common degree paths — and what to expect from a credit standpoint if you’re considering Trevecca.

What Exactly Is a College Credit?

A college credit is a unit that measures academic progress. In most universities:

• 1 credit hour = roughly 1 hour of classroom instruction per week
• A typical course is 3 credit hours
• A full-time semester is usually 12–18 credit hours

Credits are the building blocks of your degree. Every program requires a certain number to graduate.

How Many Credits to Graduate College? The Standard Answer

In the U.S., most colleges follow these widely accepted credit totals:

Associate Degree

• Usually 60 credit hours
• Typically takes 2 years of full-time study

Bachelor’s Degree

• Usually 120 credit hours
• Typically takes 4 years of full-time study

Graduate Degrees

• Master’s programs: Generally 30–60 credits, depending on the field
• Doctoral programs: Vary widely based on research requirements

So, in most cases, when students search for how many credits to graduate college, the standard answer is:

• 60 credits for an associate degree
• 120 credits for a bachelor’s degree

Why the Number of Credits Can Vary

Even though 120 is the national norm for bachelor’s degrees, a few factors may change how many credits you personally need to graduate college:

1. Your Major
   Some programs — especially in STEM, nursing or education — may require slightly more credits because of labs, certifications or practicum hours.
2. Transfer Credits
   If you earned any of the following, the number of total credits you need to graduate college may be reduced:
   • AP, IB or dual-enrollment credits
   • Community college credits
   • Military or professional training credit
3. Accelerated or Flexible Programs
   Some schools offer:
   • 3-year bachelor’s pathways
   • Competency-based degrees
   • Online programs that count experience toward credit

How Many Credits to Graduate from Trevecca?

At Trevecca Nazarene University, the credit expectations closely follow national standards while giving students room to customize an academic path.

Undergraduate Degrees

Most bachelor’s programs at Trevecca require 120 credit hours to graduate. These credits typically include:

• General education coursework
• Major or concentration requirements
• Electives or optional minors

Many students also bring in dual-enrollment or AP credits that shorten their pathway to graduation.

Graduate Degrees

Trevecca’s master’s programs typically require 30–42 credits, depending on the field (business, education, theology, healthcare and more).

If you’re trying to determine how many credits to graduate college at Trevecca, the simplest answer is:

• 120 credits for most undergraduate programs
• Program-specific totals for graduate degrees

Our academic advisors work with every student individually to create a clear and personalized graduation plan.

Planning Your Journey Starts With Knowing Your Credit Path

Understanding how many credits to graduate college can help you:

• Avoid unnecessary semesters
• Budget more accurately
• Graduate on time
• Choose a major or minor with confidence
• Make the most of transfer or dual-enrollment credit

At Trevecca, we walk with you from day one — mapping out your courses, helping you stay on track and supporting your academic and spiritual growth every step of the way.