How do course credits lead to a bachelor’s degree in the United States?

In the United States, a bachelor’s degree is typically earned through the accumulation of course credits rather than by passing a single comprehensive final examination.1

A credit hour is a unit of measurement generally based on the number of hours a student spends in the classroom each week throughout an academic term. To earn a degree, a student must complete a specific number and variety of courses with passing grades, which are tracked via a continuous record of marks and grades on a course transcript.21

The typical four-year path is structured as follows:
* First and Second Years: Students generally complete prescribed courses across a broad range of subject areas, supplemented by elective courses.1
* Third and Fourth Years: Students focus on specializing in one or two primary subject fields, known as a major.31

This system emphasizes ongoing evaluation through individual course performance, including discussions and written essays, rather than relying solely on final examinations.1