Can you transfer credits between schools?

Most schools allow at least some credit transferring. This depends heavily on the type of credit, the school at which it was earned, whether that school holds institutional accreditation, and how it may be applied to a degree program. For example, general electives are much more likely to be accepted for transfer credit, whereas a school may require you to take core courses through their program.

How long does it take to earn a bachelor's degree?

Students typically spend four years earning a bachelor's degree. That said, many students elect to take classes part time or take semesters off, which can extend this time frame.

Does accreditation matter for a bachelor's degree?

Yes, accreditation matters when selecting a bachelor’s degree program. Accreditation demonstrates that your school meets certain academic standards. Additionally, it signifies a higher probability that credits will transfer because accredited schools only accept transfer credits from other accredited schools. You can only qualify for federal student aid if you attend an accredited institution.

How many credits for a bachelor's degree?

By: Jason Lee, Edited by: Rebecca Munday

Published: March 31, 2025

Earning a bachelor's degree can be a logical and fruitful first step for someone interested in entering a specific field or seeking a job. Whether you're hoping to build your knowledge, strengthen a resume, or go to graduate school, you may be interested in knowing how many credits you'll need to graduate with a bachelor's degree.

In this article, we'll answer that question, examine additional requirements, and consider how long the program may take.

How many credits do I need for a bachelor's degree?

The overall number of credits needed to earn a bachelor's degree is generally 120, but some programs may require a unique mix of courses that push that number higher, up to 130 credits. Students can expect to have some flexibility in which courses they take to reach this number, but they must finish required courses to satisfy graduation requirements.

Generally, the first 40–60 credit hours are reserved for general education courses. Students will have the most flexibility here, but prerequisite courses may still be needed before enrolling in higher-level classes.

The next 30–45 credit hours are reserved for core courses specific to the selected bachelor's program. Students will have the least flexibility here as these courses provide the critical knowledge needed to succeed in a degree program.

Lastly, students will complete the remaining 15–30 credit hours with electives. Students should have some flexibility here to decide between general electives that may not directly pertain to their degree program and degree-specific electives. Electives are a great opportunity for students to focus on a concentration they're interested in within their degree or to complete the requirements for a minor.

On the broader scale, if you're earning your bachelor's full time, most general elective courses are taken during the first two years of study. The next two years are mainly core courses and electives spread throughout the semesters. Most programs end with a capstone project or internship to demonstrate what you've learned.

What is required to earn a bachelor's degree?

In addition to the 120–130 credit hours needed for a bachelor's degree, most programs require students to complete a tangible demonstration of their knowledge, often referred to as a capstone. Here are some requirements you may see throughout different degree programs. Some degrees require one of these, whereas some might require a mix of multiple options.

Industry internship: This involves working a set number of hours under the guidance of an industry professional with a business or organization within your field of study. Some fields that require licensure require a certain number of internship hours to qualify.
Research project: This capstone requirement requires students to independently research a topic or theory within their field of study and present their findings.
Simulated scenarios: With this option, professors provide students with scenarios they may encounter in the real world. Students must develop, plan, and implement (simulate) their responses to demonstrate their knowledge.
Portfolio creation: In more creative degree programs, students may be asked to prepare a portfolio of their works. By completing this, students satisfy graduation requirements and have a tangible asset they can use when applying for jobs post-graduation.
Building project: In highly technical fields like software development, students may be asked to build a program or construct something that demonstrates full command of their learned skillset.

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