Finishing in Four Years

Smiling Missouri State graduate in cap and gown holding their diploma cover.

Finish in four: graduate on time

Do you know how to stay on track to finish your bachelor’s degree in four years? Additional years in college cost you extra tuition and fees, as well as lost wages. Also, the longer you take to complete college, the less likely you are to graduate at all.

We want you to have a plan so you can graduate on time.

 

How do I know I am on track?

Your academic advisors will work with you to choose schedules that allow you to graduate on time. Not every student’s degree path is the same, but here are some general guidelines.

If you want to graduate in four years, you need to:

  • Take 14 to 16 hours of courses each semester.
  • If you don’t take that amount, you will need to take summer classes.
  • Sometimes, depending on the requirements for the degree, students will need to do both.

Have a plan, communicate with your advisor and graduate on time!

 


How do I know how many courses are required for my degree?

You should review the Missouri State University Undergraduate Catalog. You’ll find info about every course at Missouri State and the requirements you must meet to complete your major or minor.

Review the undergraduate catalog

Semester hours required

120

All students who earn a bachelor’s degree must earn 120 semester hours of credit
Semester hours required

140

Some degrees require about 140 hours of credit

Here's how it breaks down

120-140 hours of total credit

 


General Education: 45+

Most Missouri State students will complete their general education requirements in about 45 credit hours

 


Major: 30-60

Many majors require between 30-60 credit hours

 


Electives: < 120

The number of classes left to reach a minimum of 120 credit hours.