- Credits measure time spent in class, not performance. You need a certain number of credits to graduate, regardless of your grades.
- 120-130 credits are required for a Bachelor’s degree, while a Master’s degree requires 30-64 credits.
- ECTS credits can be converted to US credits, with 1.67 ECTS typically equaling 1 US credit hour.
If you’re planning to study in the US, it's important to understand how the American university credit system works, especially if you're coming from a country that uses a different system, such as the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). Let’s break it down so you know how to plan your academic journey.
What are academic credits?
In the US, academic credits measure your participation in and completion of university courses. They track how much time you spend in class but not your performance (grades take care of that). You’ll need to earn a certain number of credits to graduate, regardless of how well you do in each course.
Key points about the American credit system:
- The system varies from the credit systems used in Europe or other parts of the world.
- To graduate, you must earn a specific number of credits.
- Credits also determine whether you need any preparatory courses before starting your degree.
- The number of credits can influence your GPA (Grade Point Average).
- In the US, tuition fees may be calculated based on the number of credits you enrol in.
How many credits do I need to graduate?
The number of credits you need depends on your degree. A full-time student typically earns around 30 credits per year. For a Bachelor’s degree, you’ll need 120–130 credits, while a Master’s degree requires 30–64 credits.
Each semester awards a set number of credits. Most full-time students take about 15 credits per semester, which adds up to 30 credits per academic year. If your Bachelor’s degree takes 4 years, you’ll complete about 120 credits by graduation.
What are credit hours and semester hours?
Credit hours, sometimes called semester hours, refer to the time you spend in class and preparing outside of class. Generally, one credit hour represents one hour of class time and two hours of independent study per week. For example, a 3-credit course means you'll spend three hours in class and roughly six hours studying each week.
For each credit hour, you’ll need to complete 15–16 contact hours over the semester. Contact hours refer to the time you spend directly with your professor in class or labs. A typical 3-credit course involves around 45 contact hours throughout the semester.
How do I earn credits?
To earn credit hours, you simply need to attend and pass your classes. Each class awards a specific number of credits, and if you pass all of your courses in a semester, you’ll earn the full number of credit hours for that semester.
If your program includes elective courses, make sure the combination of electives and mandatory courses adds up to the required credit hours.
What are quarter credits?
Some universities in the US operate on a quarter system instead of semesters. In this system, the academic year is divided into three terms. To graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in a quarter system, you’ll typically need 180 quarter credits instead of 120 semester credits.
How do credits affect my GPA?
Your GPA, or Grade Point Average, is a key measure of your academic performance in the US. It’s calculated based on your grades and the number of credits you've earned. Each grade is assigned a point value (A = 4.0, B = 3.0, etc.), and your GPA is the average of these points, weighted by the credit hours of each course.
A high GPA is often necessary if you want to pursue advanced degrees, such as an MBA, in the US.
Converting European credits to American credits
If you’ve studied in Europe, you’re probably familiar with the ECTS. The main difference between ECTS and the American credit system is that ECTS is based on the total student workload, while the American system focuses on contact hours.
To convert ECTS to American credits, the general rule is: 1.67 ECTS = 1 US credit hour.
This conversion may vary depending on the institution, so it’s best to check with the specific university you're applying to.
By understanding the basics of the American credit system, you'll be better prepared to navigate your studies in the US and plan your path to graduation.
Additional Resource
- What Is the Academic Credit System in Education?
- All You Need to Know about the European Credit System ECTS
- Academic Credits in Australian Universities – Things to Know before Applying
- Key Facts You Should Know About the US Grading System
- Short Guide to Understanding University Grades and Grading Systems in UK, America, and Europe
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many credits do I need to be a full-time student?
In most US universities, being a full-time student requires 12-15 credit hours per semester. This typically translates to four or five courses.
2. Can I graduate early by taking more credits?
Yes, some students graduate early by taking extra credits each semester or during summer terms. However, make sure your university allows this, and be mindful of the additional workload.
3. Do online courses count toward credit hours?
Yes, online courses usually count toward credit hours as long as they are part of an accredited program.
4. Can I transfer credits from another university?
In many cases, US universities accept transfer credits from other institutions. However, the credits must be from accredited programs, and each university has its own policies for credit transfers.
5. Do credits affect my chances of getting scholarships?
Yes, some scholarships are based on the number of credits you take. Full-time students often have more scholarship opportunities compared to part-time students.
