What Classes & Credits Are Required for an Associate Degree?

Updated on 9/23/2025

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 and stay on track toward your goals. Since most associate degrees take about two academic years to complete, knowing your course requirements in advance can make it easier to balance work, family, and college-level studies while moving toward your career goals or preparing for 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.

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.

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.

Do Online Associate Degrees Have the Same Class Requirements?

Accredited online associate degree programs follow the same course requirements as on-campus programs. You'll still complete general education courses, electives, and major-specific classes. Online programs often include tools for tracking prerequisite progress, monitoring your grade point average (GPA), and staying in touch with instructors or advisors.

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.