dash.How do credit hours work?
Your degree requires a set number of credits, and full-time status usually means at least 12 credit hours a term in the US. Credits also weight your GPA, so heavier courses count more.
Details vary a lot. Many Canadian universities count a one-term course as 0.5 or 3 credits depending on the school, and labs or studios can earn different amounts.
Tips for planning credit hours
- Plan roughly two to three hours of study per credit hour each week
- Check the minimum credits for full-time status, which can affect aid
- Balance heavy courses across terms instead of stacking them
- Keep track of credits toward your degree with your advisor
Questions students ask
How many credit hours is full-time?
In the US, usually 12 or more per semester. Canadian schools define full-time by course load or credits, so check your registrar.
How many credits do I need to graduate?
A US bachelor's is often around 120 credit hours. Your program's requirements page has the exact number.
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