Planning Your Schedule

The unit: a working definition

The number of course units is generally the number of lecture hours per week a class meets. Classes that include a laboratory component meet additional hours. Students should expect a minimum of two hours of outside study per week for each enrolled unit. The student's ability to successfully complete college course work must be carefully considered to include time for class, study, employment, and other personal responsibilities.

How many units should you take?

Delta College's suggested guidelines:

If you work:	take no more than:
40 hours per week	6 units
30 hours per week	9 units
20 hours per week	12 units
5 to 15 hours per week	14 - 16 units
"Full-time" Student Status	12 or more units

How long will it take to complete a certificate or degree?

The time it takes to complete a certificate or degree is dependent on how many units are taken each semester. Refer to the chart below to determine how the average number of courses completed per semester will effect the time it will take to complete a certificate or degree.

If you take…	Certificate	Associate's Degree	Bachelor's Degree
One Class per Semester (3 units)	5 years	7-10 years	13-20 years
Two Classes Per Semester (6 Units)	2-3 years	5 years	10 years
Three Classes Per Semester (9 Units)	1.5-3 years	3 years	6-7 years
Four Classes Per Semester (12 units)	1-2 years	2.5 years	5 years
Five Classes Per Semester (15 units)	1 year	2 years	4 years

These times may be shortened by enrolling in summer session courses.

One Level Up

Degree and Program Requirements