What's Next? Advising Handbook 2020/21

Definitions: Degree types Credit hours vs. Credits King’s and Dalhousie use credit hours to weight courses and degrees. Credits may be familiar to you from other institutions, or appear in older resources. Below is a helpful conversion chart.

Three Credit Hours = normally a half year (one semester) course = Half Credit Six Credit Hours = normally a full year course = One Credit 15 Credit Hours = normal maximum course load for one semester = Five Half Credits 30 Credit Hours = normal maximum course load for fall/winter (full year) = Five Credits 90 credit hour degree = 15 credit degree 120 credit hour degree = 20 credit degree 90 credit hour degree with a minor A 90 credit hour degree with a minor is considered a “general” bachelor’s degree because it offers the least breadth and depth. It can be a good choice for students wishing to move quickly into the workforce, or who wish to do a professional program that requires some prior university work (e.g., Architecture, Pharmacy, and Social Work, among others).

Major The 120 credit hour major option provides a general education in a particular field of study and is becoming the standard undergraduate degree—it is often required for admission to further educational pursuits such as Education, Medicine, Dentistry, and Law. Double major You may be interested in the double major option if you have an equal or comparable interest in two disciplines. A double major is an optional 120 credit hour degree that provides a general education in two major subjects.

Honours An honours degree is usually required for admission to graduate programs (e.g., master’s and doctoral degrees) because of the depth of study, the minimum GPA, and the fourth-year research project or seminar (honours essay). This 120 credit hour degree option provides a general education and allows students to develop extensive knowledge in the honours subject. You must apply through the department and meet the academic eligibility requirements set by the faculty and the department.

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