Personal preferences, goals, academic progress, transfer credit eligibility, cost and time considerations are all factors that may affect how many years it takes to earn a degree. Here’s the breakdown:
Associate degree — usually 2 years
An associate degree usually requires 60 credits and is often referred to as a 2-year degree. But there are ways to finish an associate degree faster! At SNHU, you can transfer up to 45 previously earned college credits toward an associate degree, helping you get that credential even quicker.
Associate degrees can often be applied when going on to earn your bachelor’s degree. Depending on which associate degree you earn, you could be halfway to your bachelor’s degree!
Bachelor’s degree — usually 4 years
Many factors will affect how long it takes to earn your degree, but 4 years is the traditional timetable to earn the 120 credits you need. At SNHU, students pursuing their bachelor's degree online typically take 1-2 courses per term. With six 8-week terms throughout the year, you can complete as many as 12 courses annually.
If you’ve earned college credits at other universities, you may be eligible to transfer up to 90 credits toward your bachelor’s degree at SNHU, saving you time and money. Many of our students enroll at SNHU with transfer credits.
Master’s degrees — usually 1-2 years
How long it takes to get a master’s degree depends on you and the program you choose. Typically, it takes 1-2 years to complete. In some cases, you can finish in less time, and in others, you may want more time to progress through your courses or may need longer to meet specific program requirements. Your degree, college, desired pacing and personal goals are all factors to consider.
One of the biggest variables when it comes to the length of a master’s degree is the number of credits. While bachelor’s degrees are typically 120 credits, making them 4-year degrees, master’s programs can vary greatly, ranging from 30-60 credits. For example, our MBA is 30 credits while our MFA in Creative Writing is 48 credits.
Want to learn more? Call or text your admission counselor at 888.387.0861.
