What Classes & Credits Are Required for an Associate Degree?
Updated on:
March 3, 2026
Learn what classes are required for an associate degree, from general education to electives, and see how your credits can transfer toward career goals.
If you've been wondering what classes are required for an associate degree, you're not alone. An associate degree program is often the first step into higher education for recent high school graduates and adult learners alike. These programs are designed to balance general education courses, electives, and major-specific coursework, allowing you to build both broad knowledge and career-focused skills.
Understanding these degree requirements can help you plan your enrollment, avoid unnecessary credits, and graduate on time. Since most associate degrees take about two academic years to complete, knowing your course requirements in advance makes it easier to balance work, family, and college-level studies while preparing for a career or transfer into a bachelor’s degree program.
What Is an Associate Degree?
An associate degree is a two-year undergraduate credential offered by a community college, junior college, or some four-year institutions. It typically requires around 60 total credit hours, or roughly 20 credit courses, spread across general education requirements, electives, and major-specific classes.
Unlike shorter certificate programs, an associate degree provides a more complete college-level foundation. It is also shorter and more affordable than a bachelor's degree, while focusing on building transferable skills.
Students often choose an associate degree program because it opens doors to entry-level careers or acts as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree. You can complete it in about two academic years if enrolled full-time, though prior learning assessments or competency-based credit may shorten the timeline. Many learners also pursue associate degrees online, which can make scheduling easier if you're balancing work, family, and school.
There are three main types of associate degrees, each with its own course requirements:
- Associate of Arts (AA): The Associate of Arts provides a broad liberal arts path with an emphasis on humanities and social sciences, designed to transfer smoothly into a bachelor's degree program.
- Associate of Science (AS): Focused on mathematics courses, natural sciences, and technology, this option is ideal if you want a science degree or plan to continue in STEM fields.
- Associate of Applied Science (AAS): The Associate of Applied Science provides a career-ready program with fewer general education courses and more technical training in a field of study such as business, IT, or healthcare.
When reviewing programs, it's important to check accreditation to ensure the school meets quality standards and that your credits will be recognized by potential transfer universities.
How Many Credits Are Required for an Associate Degree?
Most associate degree programs require about 60 total credit hours, which usually corresponds to 20 credit courses. Full-time students often take 15 credit hours per academic term, completing the program in two years. Part-time enrollment may extend the timeline, while accelerated formats or transfer credits can shorten it.
If you're wondering, ''How many credits is an associate degree?'' the answer can vary slightly depending on the school and field of study. For example, an Associate of Arts degree may focus more on liberal arts and general education courses, while an Associate of Applied Science program might dedicate extra credits to technical coursework. Below, we'll break down the classes you can expect to take.
Do You Need Placement Tests or Prerequisites?
Many colleges require placement testing in math, writing, or reading before you begin general education coursework. Placement results help determine whether you can enroll directly in college-level classes or need developmental (remedial) courses first.
Some associate degree programs also include prerequisite courses before you can take advanced major-specific classes. For example, nursing or science programs may require introductory biology before clinical coursework. Checking placement policies early can help you avoid delays in completing your degree.
What Courses Do You Need for an Associate Degree?
Every associate degree program includes three main parts: general education courses, major-specific classes, and electives. Together, these course requirements add up to the 60 total credits needed for graduation. The balance between each area depends on whether you pursue an associate of arts degree, a science degree, or a more career-focused associate of applied science program.
General Education Courses
General education requirements usually make up about one-third to one-half of your associate degree program. These classes ensure you graduate with a broad academic foundation that supports both career goals and transfer to a bachelor's degree program. Typical general education courses include:
- English composition and writing
- mathematics courses (e.g., college algebra, statistics, or applied math)
- natural sciences (e.g., biology, chemistry, or environmental science)
- social sciences (e.g., psychology, sociology, history, or political science)
- humanities (including literature, art, or philosophy
- communication or public speaking)
Major-Specific Courses
Another portion of your associate degree program focuses on your chosen field of study. These classes usually account for about 15 to 20 credit hours and allow you to specialize in an area that supports your career goals. Examples include:
- AA: courses in liberal arts, social sciences, or humanities
- AS: classes in mathematics, natural sciences, or computer technology
- AAS: career-focused coursework in health care, business, information technology, or skilled trades
You can tailor this part of your degree requirements to your field of study and gain the specific knowledge and skills needed for entry-level work or for transfer into a bachelor's degree program.
Elective Courses
Electives give you room to explore interests outside your major and often count for six to 12 credits, depending on your program. These credit courses can also help you meet transfer requirements if you plan to continue into a bachelor's degree program.
Popular electives include foreign languages, computer applications, health and wellness, or introductory business. Electives also give you flexibility to tailor your degree requirements, whether that means preparing for a specific career path, building prerequisite knowledge, or trying out a new subject with the guidance of your academic advisor.
GPA and Graduation Requirements
In addition to completing 60 credit hours, students must meet minimum GPA requirements to graduate. Most colleges require at least a 2.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA), though competitive programs may require higher standards.
You must also complete required courses with passing grades and meet residency requirements, meaning a certain number of credits must be earned at the institution awarding the degree. Reviewing graduation requirements early ensures you stay eligible for completion.
Do Associate Degrees Require Internships, Labs, or Clinical Hours?
Some associate degree programs include hands-on requirements beyond classroom instruction. Science degrees may require lab courses, while healthcare programs like nursing or radiologic technology include clinical hours in real-world settings.
Career-focused Associate of Applied Science programs may also require internships or practicums. These experiential components prepare students for entry-level employment and ensure graduates meet workforce or licensure standards.
FAQs About Associate Degree Requirements
Students often have questions about degree requirements, transfer options, and how associate programs fit into long-term career goals. Here are answers to some of the most common questions about what classes are required for an associate degree.
What Is the Easiest 2-Year Degree To Get?
The ''easiest'' degree depends on your strengths, but some associate degrees are generally considered more manageable. Liberal arts, general studies, communications, and business administration often have fewer mathematics courses or lab science requirements.
These programs are widely available at community colleges, flexible for online enrollment, and designed to transfer easily into a bachelor's degree program, making them popular choices for students seeking a straightforward two-year path.
How Long Does It Take to Earn an Associate Degree?
Most students complete an associate degree program in about two academic years by taking 15 credit hours each term. Part-time enrollment may stretch the timeline, while accelerated formats or prior learning credits can shorten it. Online options also allow students to move at their own pace, which can make the program either faster or more flexible depending on their schedule.
Can I Transfer Associate Degree Credits to a Bachelor's Degree?
Yes, associate of arts and associate of science programs are designed for transfer into a bachelor's degree program. These degrees meet lower-division requirements and often transfer smoothly if your school has an articulation agreement with a university. Associate of Applied Science programs may not always transfer fully because they emphasize technical coursework, so it's important to work with an academic advisor to confirm transfer credits.
Can I Finish an Associate Degree in Less Than Two Years?
Yes, some students complete an associate degree in less than two years by enrolling full-time year-round, transferring prior credits, or using competency-based programs. Dual enrollment credits from high school or military training may also count toward degree requirements.
However, accelerated completion depends on course availability, program structure, and whether prerequisites are required. Working with an academic advisor can help you create the fastest realistic graduation plan.
Is an Associate Degree Hard To Get?
The difficulty of earning an associate degree depends on your strengths and field of study. Some students find programs like liberal arts, general studies, or business administration easier because they involve more writing and fewer math or lab science requirements.
Others thrive in science degree programs that focus on mathematics and natural sciences. Choosing the right path ensures your coursework aligns with your abilities. Access to tutoring, advising, and financial aid can also make it easier to manage your degree requirements.
How Many Classes Are Full-Time for an Associate's Degree?
Full-time enrollment in an associate degree program usually means taking 12 to 15 credit hours per academic term. That equals about four or five classes at a time. Balancing your workload with electives and general education courses can help you stay on track while maintaining a manageable schedule.
How Many of My Associate Degree Credits Will Transfer to a Bachelor's Degree Program?
The number of transfer credits depends on your degree type and the receiving institution. In most cases, AA and AAS programs transfer between 45 and 60 credits into a bachelor's degree program. Schools often outline these transfer pathways through articulation agreements, ensuring your credit hours apply to lower-division requirements.
If you've completed an AAS program, some credits may transfer, but often technical or career-specific coursework will not. To maximize your transfer potential, check admissions requirements at your target university early, and ask an academic advisor how your associate degree program aligns with the bachelor's degree requirements.
Explore Associate Degrees
Every associate degree program is built to balance general education, electives, and major-specific courses, providing you with both a broad academic foundation and the opportunity to focus on your field of study. Visit Learn.org to explore accredited online associate programs, compare course requirements, and find the best path to fit your career goals.