How to Figure Out My College Credit Needs?

I'm trying to plan out my college courses, but I'm a bit confused about how to know what college credits I need. Is there a way to find out exactly what credits I'll need beforehand?

Every college typically provides a course catalog or program guide that outlines the required courses and elective options for each degree program, as well as the amount of credits you need to graduate. This information is usually found on the school's website or can be provided to you by your academic advisor. Outlining your plan with your advisor is recommended, as they can help make sure you understand your degree requirements and help you schedule your classes effectively.

The courses you need to take and the number of credits required for graduation can vary based on your major, college, and specific program. Most bachelor’s degrees generally require a minimum of 120 semester credits. Roughly a third of these credits are typically fulfilled with general education classes that everyone at the school takes, like writing, humanities, and math. The next third are typically classes that are related specifically to your chosen major, and the final third are elective classes that you can often choose based on your interests or to fulfill minor requirements.

Keep in mind that not all credits are created equal. Some courses may be worth more credits than others, and this typically reflects the workload or intensity of the course. Also, note that some classes are prerequisites for upper-level courses in your major, meaning you need to pass these courses before you're allowed to take more advanced classes.

Lastly, be aware that most colleges have residency requirements, which means that you must complete a certain number of credits at the school awarding the degree, even if you have transferred from another school. This is typically something like the final 30 credits that need to be completed at the school, although it can vary.

Remember that planning your college credits is a dynamic process that you'll continually revisit throughout your undergraduate career. Your interests may change, or you may find a new area of study, and you should feel flexible about adjusting your plan accordingly.