There's no standard definition. "Basics" could mean:
* General Education Requirements (GERs): These are foundational courses across various disciplines (e.g., English composition, math, science, history, humanities) required by most colleges, regardless of your major. This usually takes one to two years, often completed in your first two years of a four-year degree program.
* First-year courses within your major: Some consider the introductory courses within a specific major as "basics." This varies significantly by major; some majors have more introductory requirements than others. This could also take one to two years, depending on your pace and major.
* A specific set of core skills: This is the most subjective interpretation. For example, someone studying computer science might define "basics" as the completion of introductory programming courses, data structures, and algorithms. This could take one year or less.
Therefore, there's no single answer. To get a more precise estimate, you need to specify:
* Which college or university? Different institutions have different requirements.
* What is your major? Major requirements influence the timing of "basic" courses.
* What do *you* consider "basics"? Your definition will determine the timeframe.
Contact your college's academic advisor or registrar for a clear picture of the requirements within your chosen program and the typical timeline for completion.