Question About Credit Hours

Hi,

I am getting ready to go back to college, but due to the amount of travel I have to do, it must be done via DL. In reviewing all the various colleges available, I find one particular difference which intrigues me.

At the moment I am planning on first getting a two-year degree through Tennessee Regents Online Degree Program, but I have not confuirmed that decision, yet. Some colleges have requirements of 90 credit hours for associates degrees (and subsequently, 180 hours for bachelors), whereas most collges that I have looked at stay closer to the sixty hour level.

Is there a standard for this, or are credit hours themselves a "unit of measurement" which varies from institution to institution. If not, how can schools like Strayer and CityU justify an extra four semesters of school for a bachelor's degree? I have a feeling I am missing something here. If someone would care to set me right on this, I would appreciate it.

-Jonathon

 

Usually the difference is based on if the school is using the smester or quarter system. Verify the basis for the credit hours (semester or quarter). In general there is a ratio of 1.5 quarter hours for each semester hour (120 vs. 180). This is due to some programs being on the semester (2 per year plus summer), and others on the quarter (3 per year plus summer).

 

Thank you.