To earn an associate's degree, you typically need to complete around 60 credit hours. This usually equates to about 20 courses, each generally worth 3 credits, and takes about two years of full-time study to finish

. The 60 credits are usually divided among:

• General education/core courses (e.g., writing, math, critical thinking)
• Major-specific courses related to your field of study
• Electives, which allow exploration of other interests

Some colleges use a quarter system, which may require about 90 credits instead of 60, but 60 credits is the standard for most semester-based institutions

. Additionally, transfer credits from previous college courses or relevant professional experience can sometimes reduce the number of credits you need to complete

. In summary, while the exact number can vary slightly by school or program, 60 credit hours is the widely accepted credit requirement for an associate's degree. Consulting an academic advisor can help tailor your course plan to meet your specific degree requirements efficiently