How the U.S. Education System Works (and How to Plan Your Degree)

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Hey there!

Starting your college journey in the U.S. is incredibly exciting—but it’s natural to feel a bit overwhelmed when you’re navigating a completely new education system. If you’re unsure how it all works, you’re not alone—we’ve been in your shoes. That’s why we’re here to break it down for you, so you can step into your first semester feeling confident and prepared.

Understanding How Degrees In The US Work

In the U.S., your degree is built around a credit-based system, giving you more flexibility than many other countries where your courses are pre-set. To graduate, you’ll need about 120–130 credits over four years.

A credit reflects class time. 1 credit = 1 hour in class per week. Most classes are worth 3 or 4 credits, so expect to spend 3 - 4 hours per week in each. Taking 15-16 credits per semester (around 4-5 classes) helps you stay on track to graduate in 4 years.

You’ll also see class levels like 100, 200, 300, and 400:

• 100-level = Introductory (first year)

• 200-level = Intermediate (usually second year)

• 300/400-level = Advanced, focused on your major (third and fourth year)

You’ll start with 100–200 level courses, then move to higher-level classes as you specialize.

What Are General Education Requirements (Gen Eds)?

At almost every U.S. college, you’ll need to take General Education courses, often called Gen Eds. These are classes in areas like English, math, science, social studies, and the arts. Even though they might not seem directly related to your major, they are essential to help you develop important skills like critical thinking, communication, and cultural awareness.

For example, even if you’re majoring in Computer Science, you might still take a writing class or a history course in your first year. These Gen Eds make up a significant part of your total credits - often 30 to 40 credits - and are usually completed during your first two years.

Your Major, Minor, and Electives Explained

Your major is the subject you’ve chosen to focus on - it’s the reason you’re at university. Whether it’s engineering, business, psychology, or something else, you’ll spend about 40 to 60 credits on courses in this field. Some of these classes will be very specific to your major, while others will be broader, giving you a strong foundation before diving deeper.

Many students also choose to take a minor, which is like a smaller version of a major in another subject. For instance, you might major in Biology but minor in Economics. This is optional, but it’s a great way to explore another interest or strengthen your resume.

Then there are electives - these are classes you choose freely. Some electives might support your major, while others can be just for fun or to discover something new. Electives give you the chance to shape your degree in a way that feels right for you.

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How Academic Advisors Help You Plan

You’re not expected to figure all of this out on your own. Every student is assigned an academic advisor, whose job is to help you understand how to meet your degree requirements and guide you through each step.

Your advisor will help you:

• Choose the right classes for each semester

• Make sure you’re meeting all Gen Ed and major requirements

• Explore minors, study abroad options, or research opportunities

It’s a good idea to meet with your advisor at least once every semester. They can also help if you’re considering switching majors or if you need to balance academics with other responsibilities.

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Save Thousands on Tuition with UPI Study

Did you know there’s a way to earn U.S. college credits before you even arrive in the US - and save thousands on tuition? Our partner, UPI Study, offers accredited online courses that you can take from anywhere in the world. These credits transfer to over 2,100 universities in the U.S. and Canada, helping you graduate faster and spend less.

Whether you want to lighten your course load, fulfill Gen Eds early, or save on international tuition costs, UPI Study gives you access to 70+ accredited courses with no extra fees for books or exams with college credit transfer guidance. With UPI’s flexible course bundles, you can take up to 24 courses for the cost of just one semester at many U.S. universities.

To check if you’re eligible to take online college courses with UPI, fill this form out. If you’re eligible, we’ll be in touch with you!

Best,
The Roam Growth Team 🧡