* Master's Degree Course: This refers to a single, self-contained unit of study within a master's program. It's a specific subject taught over a set period (e.g., a semester or a year). Each course will have a syllabus, assignments, assessments, and contribute a specific number of credits towards the overall degree.
* Master's Degree Credit: This is a unit of measurement representing the amount of work associated with a course or other academic activity. A single course might be worth, for example, 3 credits, meaning it demands approximately the same amount of workload as three 1-credit courses. The total number of credits required to complete a master's degree varies by program and institution, typically ranging from 30 to 60 credits. Credits accumulate to fulfill the degree requirements; you need a sufficient number of credits to graduate.
In short: A course *is* something you take, and the credits are how that course (and others) contribute to the total credit requirement for the master's degree. You earn credits by successfully completing courses (and sometimes other approved academic work, like theses or dissertations).