For example, you can complete your Associate’s degree in 1 year and 6 months online as opposed to 2 years using the traditional route. Instead of taking 4-5 classes per semester, you take 2 classes per term, and a term might only last as little as 5 weeks.You need 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits to obtain an Associate’s degree. On a traditional schedule, most people take 15 credits per semester. Usually, a semester lasts 15 weeks.This averages out to about 1 credit per week. On an accelerated schedule, students take 6 credits per term.et’s attempt to do the math: You need 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits to obtain an Associate’s degree. On a traditional schedule, most people take 15 credits per semester.