How Many Credits Does It Take to Get a Master's Degree?

Pursuing a master’s degree is a significant step toward advancing your education, enhancing your career, and opening doors to new opportunities. But as you start thinking about your future graduate studies, one question likely comes to mind: How many credits does it take to get a master’s degree? While the answer may vary depending on the program and school, we're here to break down the general guidelines and give you a clear idea of what to expect on your academic journey.

The Basics: What Are Credits?

Before diving into how many credits you need for a master's degree, let’s take a step back and understand what credits actually are.

In higher education, credits represent the amount of academic work required for a course. Typically, each credit hour corresponds to 30 hours of in-class instruction or active participation per term. The number of hours you spend in class each week will depend on the number of credit hours per course and the length of the academic term, which may vary.

Most graduate programs, including master's degrees, require a combination of core courses, electives, and possibly a thesis or capstone project to complete the degree.

General Credit Requirements for a Master’s Degree

Most master’s degree programs require between 30 to 60 credit hours to complete, though this can vary depending on your field of study and the specific program.

• 30 to 36 Credits: For many standard master’s programs, such as an MBA (Master of Business Administration) or a Master of Arts (MA) in fields like education or psychology, you’ll generally need around 30 to 36 credit hours to graduate.

• 36 to 48 Credits: Some more specialized programs, like a Master of Science (MS) in areas such as engineering, computer science, or public health, may require a bit more—around 36 to 48 credits.

• 48 to 60 Credits: For advanced fields or programs with a significant practical or research component (like some master’s in nursing or counseling), you may need 48 to 60 credits to meet the program requirements.

At Bellevue University, we offer a range of flexible, industry-driven graduate programs with degree requirements that vary to ensure you’re getting the depth of learning you need for your career goals. Most programs fall within the 30 to 36-credit range, but there are always exceptions depending on your specific academic focus.

Full-Time vs. Part-Time Study: How It Affects Credit Requirements

While the number of credits required for your degree stays the same, whether you study full-time or part-time can have a big impact on how long it takes to earn your master's degree.

• Full-time students: typically take 2–3 years to complete if attending full-time time at a pace of 6 credit hours per term for three terms per academic year.

• Part-time students: often take 3 to 4 credit hours per semester or term, extending the timeline to 3 to 5 years—or longer if they take breaks.

After graduating with a bachelor’s degree, I was promoted at the company I worked for at the time. I didn’t stop there. I knew that to advance in my career, I’d need to keep learning. I decided to pursue a Master's in HR Strategic Management, and once again, Bellevue University’s flexible online programs were key to making it work. Earning a master’s degree while being a wife and raising a young child and advancing in my career was challenging, but the flexibility of Bellevue’s online format made it possible.

– Maggie Davis, student in the MS in Human Resource Strategic Management

Coursework, Thesis, and Practical Experience

It’s important to note that the total number of credits required for your master’s degree isn’t just made up of classroom time. Here’s what the credit breakdown typically looks like:

• Core Courses: Most programs include a set of core courses that everyone in the program must take. These courses build the foundation of your expertise and usually account for around half of the total credit hours.

• Elective Courses: Depending on the program, you might have the option to take elective courses in areas that interest you or are relevant to your career. These can round out your education and give you more specialized knowledge.

• Capstone or Thesis Projects: Many programs require you to complete a final project or thesis, which can take the form of a research paper, presentation, or hands-on project, especially in fields like education, business, and the social sciences. The capstone or thesis typically accounts for 3–6 credits.

• Practical Experience: Some programs may require an internship or practicum, where you’ll apply what you’ve learned in a real-world setting. This can add a few extra credits and is especially common in fields like social work, counseling, and healthcare.

Other Factors That Affect Time to Degree Completion

As stated above, the number of credit hours required for your master’s degree does not change, however, your previously earned credits and professional experience could influence your time and cost to complete a graduate degree at Bellevue University.

Transfer Credits: Maximize Your Previous Work

If you've previously earned graduate-level credits from another accredited institution, Bellevue University offers a generous transfer credit policy that can significantly reduce the time and cost required to complete your master's degree. Here's how it works:

• Transfer Evaluation: Bellevue University evaluates transfer credits on a case-by-case basis. Depending on how your previous courses align with our programs, you may be able to transfer up to six credits toward your master's degree. This means you could potentially complete your degree faster and at a lower cost.

• Prior Learning Assessment: Beyond traditional coursework, Bellevue University recognizes the value of professional experience. Through an assessment of your prior learning, you can earn credits for relevant work experience, further accelerating your educational journey.

See how your credits can transfer to Bellevue University.

Accelerated and Cohort Programs: Streamlining Your Path to a Master’s Degree

Bellevue University understands the needs of working professionals and offers accelerated and cohort-based programs designed to expedite your education without compromising quality. Here's how these programs can benefit you:

• Accelerated Programs: These programs are structured to allow you to take courses in a condensed format with the same group of peers throughout the cohort program. By enrolling in all courses up front, you can progress through the curriculum more quickly, enabling you to apply new skills in your career sooner.

• Cohort Learning Model: In a cohort program, you move through the curriculum with a group of peers, fostering a supportive learning environment. This model promotes collaboration and networking, as you'll have the opportunity to engage with fellow students who share similar academic and professional goals.

Start Your Master’s Degree at Bellevue University

At Bellevue University, we understand that earning a master’s degree is not a one-size-fits-all journey. Whether you're looking to advance your career, shift fields, or dive deeper into a specialized area, Bellevue University offers flexible graduate programs tailored to your goals. With industry-driven curricula, opportunities for transfer credits, and accelerated learning options, you can earn your master's degree on your terms.

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