An associate degree typically requires the completion of about 60 credit hours. This is the standard across most American colleges and universities and usually equates to around 20 courses, often taken over two years of full-time study

. Key points about associate degree credit requirements:

• Most associate degrees require at least 60 semester credit hours, which is roughly half the credits needed for a bachelor’s degree

• The 60 credits generally include a mix of general education courses, major-specific classes, and electives

• Some programs or institutions may require slightly more credits, up to around 65, depending on the field of study and school policies

• For colleges on a quarter system, the equivalent credit requirement might be about 90 quarter credits, which corresponds to 60 semester credits

• Types of associate degrees include Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS), and Associate of Applied Science (AAS), all typically requiring around 60 credits

In summary, earning an associate degree usually involves completing approximately 60 credit hours of coursework, which can be done in about two years of full-time study, though the exact number may vary slightly by institution and program.