Starting your college journey is exciting, but figuring out how many credits you need to graduate can feel overwhelming. Understanding credit requirements helps plan your academic path, whether you’re just beginning or returning to finish your degree. Let’s break it down and see how Boise State University’s Online Degree Pathway can help you complete your degree.
What are college credits?
College credits are the units that measure your progress toward a degree. Each course you take is assigned a specific number of credits, usually based on how many hours you spend in class each week. For instance, a typical three-credit course meets for three hours weekly during the semester.
How many credits do you need for a bachelor’s degree?
Most bachelor’s degrees require about 120 semester credits, usually around 40 courses if each is worth three credits. However, some programs might ask for more, especially in fields like engineering or healthcare.
Breaking down credit requirements
While 120 credits is the standard, those credits are divided into different categories:
General education credits
You’ll typically need 40 credits in general education courses. These classes cover a variety of subjects and help ensure you have a well-rounded education.
Major-specific credits
Your major will require about 60 credits in specialized courses related to your field.
Elective credits
The remaining 20 credits can be filled with electives or lower division certificates, to help you earn credentials along the way to your bachelor’s degree.
Boise State’s Online Degree Pathway: A great starting point
The Boise State Online Degree Pathway program offers a flexible, affordable way to earn credits toward a bachelor’s degree. Designed for transfer students, this program is ideal for those who have started college but still need to complete a degree.
What makes the Online Degree Pathway special?
- Flexible online format: You can take all your courses online, making it easy to study from anywhere.
- Shorter course durations: You can move through your studies quickly with seven-week courses.
- Multiple start dates: You have six opportunities to start your educational journey each year.
- Focus on University Foundations: The online degree pathway helps you complete the 40 University Foundations credits that most online programs at Boise State require.
Transitioning to a bachelor’s program
Once you’ve finished the online degree pathway, you’ll be ready to transfer into one of Boise State’s online bachelor’s degree programs. This program is beneficial if you’re interested in areas like:
- Business Administration
- Project Management
- Advanced Medical Imaging
These three options are predefined degree pathways, but the Online Degree Pathway is designed to help you transition into any bachelor’s program at Boise State, online or on-campus.
Tips for Planning Your Credit Journey
Here are some tips to keep in mind as you plan for graduation:
Talk to an Academic Advisor: They can help clarify specific program requirements and assist in creating a personalized plan.
Balance your course load: A full-time student typically takes 12-15 credits per semester, so adjust based on what works best for you.
Consider summer courses: Taking classes during the summer can help you earn credits faster and at a reduced rate.
Look into credit transfers: If you’ve attended another college before, check how those credits might apply toward your degree at Boise State. Your academic advisor can also help you with this step.
Why choose Boise State’s online programs?
Boise State’s online programs, including the Online Degree Pathway, offer several advantages:
- Affordable tuition: The per-credit rates are competitive.
- Quality education: You’ll receive the same high-quality education as on-campus students.
- Supportive environment: You’ll have access to student success coaches and academic advisors who are there to guide you along the way.
Learn more about the Online Degree Pathway
Boise State’s Online Degree Pathway can open doors to new opportunities and a brighter future — and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re exploring if an online degree is right for you or need help transferring credits, connecting with a student success coach is the perfect first step.
Ready to learn more? Attend one of our online information sessions or contact a student success coach today.