Most associate degree programs in the United States require the completion of approximately 60 credit hours to graduate. This typically equates to about 20 courses of 3 credits each

. The 60-credit requirement is fairly standard across different types of associate degrees, including Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS), and Associate of Applied Science (AAS)

. Some institutions or specific programs may have slight variations, but 60 credits is the common baseline

. To summarize:

• Typical credit requirement: 60 credits
• Course load example: 20 courses × 3 credits each
• Duration: Usually about two years of full-time study
• Variations: Some schools or programs may require more credits (e.g., 90 credits in some cases), so always verify with the specific institution

Thus, earning an associate degree generally involves completing around 60 credit hours of coursework.