MSU Denver Degrees and Semesters

Now that we know what degrees are and their benefits, we’ll expand that knowledge to how one earns them.  This includes understanding how the semester system at MSU Denver works, the different course delivery methods, the concept of credit hours, and the expectations for full-time students. Though the goal of a bachelor’s degree in four years is common, it is not always realistic nor appropriate. We’ll look at guidance on how to balance academic commitments with personal responsibilities, and strategies to graduate within a desired timeframe. The goal is to empower your student with the knowledge they need to navigate their college experience successfully. 

Semesters

The traditional school year runs from August to May. You will often see academic calendars written this way. During the school year, we have three semesters. A semester is a measure of time. 

1. Fall (August to December)
2. Spring (January to May) 
3. Summer (June to August) 

The Fall and Spring semesters are 16 weeks long and provide a one-week break known as Fall and Spring break, respectively. Summer semester is only 10 weeks, so classes are a bit faster paced. Depending on each student’s situation their academic advisor can recommend how many credits to take each semester.  

Courses Delivery Methods at MSU Denver 

At MSU Denver we offer a variety of delivery methods for courses. Some may be in person, asynchronous classes which mean it is an online class that does not have a scheduled time to meet. Synchronous classes are virtual classes that have specific meeting times usually held in Zoom or Microsoft teams. For a full description of all the course types at MSU Denver, visit the Registration Information page. 

What are credits hours? 

Completion towards a degree is measured in credit hours. The Degree Progress Report will show the number of credits completed in previous semesters, credits needed, and the credits in progress during the current semester.

Credits hours also estimate the amount of time your student will spend in class or on assigned coursework per week. For example, if your student has a Monday and Wednesday class from 11:00 am to 12:15 pm, they are spending about 3 hours a week for this class which equals 3 credits. For online classes this may include discussion posts, required videos, and/or assignments they need to complete each week.

 You may ask how much time should your student hold for studying?  

Generally, you will take the number of credit hours that your student is taking this semester and double it for outside study time. For example, if your student is taking 12 credits hours that means they will need to schedule about 24 hours of outside study time per week. In total, this would be about 36 hours a week with class time and study time outside the classroom.

If students take 15 credits per semester they must schedule about 30 hours of outside study time per week. In total, this would be 45 hours a week with class time and study time outside the classroom. 

All of this to say, it is important for families to remember that students may have other responsibilities outside of school. Obligations outside school must be considered when students register for classes.  Students will need to consider the time for their jobs, time to socialize with friends and families, and time to relax and take care of themselves.  

What is full time? 

For financial aid purposes, a student is full time when they are registered for 12 credit hours. For the fall and spring semester, to receive the full financial aid package, students must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours. Because the summer semester is shorter and faster paced, full time for the summer is 6 credit hours. 

How do students graduate in four years?  

To graduate in four years, students typically need to complete a minimum of 30 credits per year. This can be achieved by taking 15 credits in both the spring and fall semester or they can take 12 credits in the spring and fall semester with an additional 6 credits during the summer.  

It is important to note that the expectation of graduating college within four years is not universal. Every student’s college experience is unique.  Some may graduate in 2-3 years because of college credits they took in high school, while others might take 4-6 years depending on their credit load per semester.     

 Understanding credit hours and how they contribute to academic progress is crucial for students navigating their college journey. Whether it’s balancing work and school commitments, exploring various academic interests, or leveraging credits earned through high school coursework, each student’s experience highlights the importance of flexibility, perseverance, and informed decision-making. As families support students through this journey, it’s essential to recognize that the timeline for graduation can vary and may require adjustments based on individual circumstances. By empowering students with knowledge about credit hours and academic expectations, we can help them navigate their college experience with confidence and success.