Credits are earned by taking courses, and their number reflects the amount of work involved in each class. For example, a three-credit course usually requires three hours of classroom instruction per week, plus an additional two to three hours of outside work.
In order to earn an associate degree, students must complete a certain number of general education credits, as well as major-specific credits. General education credits are courses that provide students with a broad foundation of knowledge in the liberal arts and sciences. Major-specific credits are courses that focus on the student's chosen field of study.
In addition to completing the required credits, students must also maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA). The GPA is calculated by dividing the total number of grade points earned by the total number of attempted credits. The minimum GPA required for graduation varies from institution to institution, but is typically around 2.0.
Once students have completed all of the requirements for their associate degree, they will be awarded the degree by their institution. An associate degree can open up a variety of opportunities for students, including the chance to transfer to a four-year college or university, or to pursue a career in their chosen field.