Which term is used to refer to the total number of credits required to graduate?

The term that refers to the total number of credits required to graduate is "credit hours." This concept is fundamental in educational systems, particularly in colleges and universities. Each credit hour corresponds to a specific amount of work required for a course, usually involving a combination of classroom time, study, and assignments. The total credit hours needed for graduation ensures that students complete a comprehensive curriculum that covers the necessary knowledge and skills for their degree.

The other terms—curriculum, academic load, and program requirements—relate to various aspects of education but do not specifically define the total number of credits needed for graduation. The curriculum is the overall structure of courses offered, academic load refers to the number of courses or credits a student is taking in a given term, and program requirements encompass the specific courses or experiences that must be fulfilled for a particular degree or program. Each of these plays a role in the educational process, but "credit hours" definitively identifies the measure of academic progress towards graduation.