To earn a bachelor's degree, you typically need to complete around 120 college credits, which usually translates to about 40 courses. This is the standard requirement at most U.S. colleges and universities, where each course is generally worth three credits
. These 120 credits are usually divided among several categories:
- General education/core curriculum credits covering foundational subjects like English, math, science, and humanities.
- Major-specific course credits focused on your chosen field of study.
- Elective credits that allow for exploration outside your major.
- Some programs may also require credits for minors, concentrations, internships, or capstone projects
While 120 credits is the common benchmark, some degree programs—especially in fields like engineering or healthcare—may require more credits. Additionally, universities may have specific requirements about how many credits must be earned "in residence" (directly at their institution) versus transferred from elsewhere
. In summary, most bachelor's degrees require about 120 credits, typically completed over four years of full-time study, but exact requirements can vary by institution and program.
