Everything You Need to Know About Undergraduate Degrees - Scholarships360 (2024)

When people think of college, the term “bachelor’s degree” is often one of the first things that comes to mind. While there are certainly other learning options when it comes to higher education, obtaining a bachelor’s (or undergraduate degree, as commonly referred to) from a four-year college or university remains one of the most popular choices. If you’re considering getting your bachelor’s and want to learn more, we’ve got you covered.

Definition of bachelor’s degree

A bachelor’s is an undergraduate degree offered by four-year colleges and universities, including private, public, and online schools. Most bachelor’s degree programs require four years of full-time study to complete. However, some students complete their program in less time, while others take longer to finish.

If you enroll in a bachelor’s degree program, you’ll receive a general education with a focus on one specific major (field of study). This means you’ll have the chance to explore various subjects, but the majority of your time will be dedicated toward your major. Because bachelor’s degrees are available in an extremely wide range of fields, you can major in pretty much anything you want (depending on the school you attend). You can even double major if you’re interested in studying multiple fields.

Bachelor’s degrees often equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue a variety of careers. Due to their educational background, bachelor’s degree holders usually have access to a wide range of opportunities in the job market. Many students choose to obtain their bachelor’s to expand their job prospects and become qualified candidates for in-demand careers.

Also see:What is a three-year bachelor’s degree?

Types of bachelor’s degrees

Bachelor’s degrees come in several different forms. Each degree type offers unique opportunities regarding areas of study and potential career paths. Below we’ll outline the various types of bachelor’s degrees.

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

One of the most popular bachelor’s degrees is the Bachelor of Arts (BA), which focuses on the humanities, arts, and sciences. BA programs emphasize a liberal arts curriculum that covers a broad array of subjects. This means that while students still choose a major, they take fewer credits directly related to their major. Instead, students are expected to earn credits by taking a wide range of courses in the humanities, social sciences, and foreign languages. BA programs are great for students hoping to explore a variety of subjects. Upon graduation, some students go on to pursue careers in government, education, arts organizations, media, and communications. Meanwhile, others choose to pursue an advanced degree in order to become qualified to enter a different industry.

Bachelor of Science (BS)

Another popular undergraduate degree choice, Bachelor of Science (BS) programs emphasize science and technical skills such as math, engineering, and natural science. BS degree programs usually focus more strictly on subject matter directly related to the student’s specific field of study. As a result, BS students are required to take more credits directly associated with their major in order to master the technical and practical facets of their field. This means they have less opportunities to explore topics outside of their major. Upon graduation, students pursue careers in a wide variety of fields including computer science, environmental science, medicine, and forensics. Others choose to continue their education at a higher level.

Bachelor of Applied Arts (BAA)

The Bachelor of Applied Arts (BAA) is a vocation-oriented degree, meaning that students learn practical skills they can use in a specific field. While BAs focus on providing theoretical knowledge, BAAs emphasize hands-on learning to prepare students for a particular career path. For instance, students may pursue BAAs in fields such as advertising, photojournalism, or interior design. BAAs are rarely awarded in the United States and are much more common in countries such as New Zealand, Australia, and Canada.

Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS)

Similar to BAAs, Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) programs prepare students for specific careers through hands-on learning. The key difference is that BAS students receive training in science-related fields. For example, students may pursue a BAS in fields such as computer science, engineering, or construction management. A BAS is a great option for students who want to launch their career in a specific industry immediately after graduation.

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) programs emphasize artistic training in fields such as film, photography, dance, and theater. Students gain theoretical knowledge of these art forms, as well as the practical skills needed to establish a creative career. Graduates typically go on to pursue careers as filmmakers, actors, dancers, and musicians. Some graduates choose to earn advanced degrees and become professors.

Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)

The Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) trains students in foundational business topics such as finance, accounting, marketing, and management. Some BBA programs offer the opportunity to specialize in specific fields such as entrepreneurship, human resource management, or hospitality management. Some graduates pursue business-related careers immediately following graduation, while others enroll in a Master of Business Administration (MBA) program.

Undergraduate degree requirements

Most bachelor’s and undergraduate degree programs require students to complete around 120 credits, which usually takes four years of full-time study. Students typically take general education courses and introductory, major-related courses during their first year. Most students declare a major in their first or second year, but some wait as late as their third year. During their final two years of study, students typically focus on advanced major courses.

In addition to coursework, some undergraduate degree programs require students to participate in internships or practicums to gain hands-on experience in their field. Bachelor’s degree programs often culminate with a capstone course or research project. Some degrees may require a thesis project.

Admission Requirements

Bachelor’s degree programs usually require applicants to have a high school diploma, associate degree, or GED. Additionally, students usually need to meet minimum GPA requirements for admission. Standardized test scores (such as SAT and ACT scores) and letters of recommendation from teachers and supervisors may also need to be submitted for consideration.

There may be additional requirements depending on the specific program. For instance, science programs may have prerequisite math and science courses, while BFA programs may require applicants to submit a portfolio of work. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the application requirements of the bachelor’s program you’re considering.

Benefits of a Bachelor’s Degree

There are a number of reasons to go to college and earn a bachelor’s degree. Perhaps the biggest reason is that you can increase your future earnings potential with a bachelor’s degree. According to a study by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual earnings of bachelor’s degree holders is $74,464. Meanwhile, the median annual earnings of high school graduates with no college education is $44,356. With a bachelor’s degree, you’re more likely to expand your career options and achieve job security. Not to mention, there are numerous personal and social benefits of attending a four-year college while working towards your bachelor’s.

How much does a bachelor’s degree cost?

The cost of a bachelor’s degree varies based on the type of school you attend (public or private) and where your school is located (in-state or out-of-state). For instance, students at in-state public schools pay less tuition than students at out-of-state public schools. Meanwhile, students at private schools pay the highest tuition amounts. According to Education Data, the average annual cost of attending a public in-state university is $26,027. Alternatively, the average annual cost of attending a private nonprofit university is $54,840.

See also: How to pay for college (A step-by-step guide)

How do you fund a bachelor’s degree?

While bachelor’s degrees certainly aren’t cheap, there are ways to make your college education more affordable. The first step is to fill out the FAFSA by the due date for your state. Based on your FAFSA, you may be eligible for need-based financial aid. From there, you can apply for scholarships and student loans to help cover the cost of your tuition.

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Is a bachelor’s degree worth it?

Despite the high cost of tuition, many find that going to college and earning a bachelor’s degree is very much worth it. If you enroll in a bachelor’s degree program, you’ll receive a meaningful education and broaden your academic and social horizons. Most importantly, a bachelor’s degree opens up many doors in the job market and can be your ticket to a rewarding career. However, if your current financial situation doesn’t allow for it or you do not want to pursue a college degree, there are other options.

Everything You Need to Know About Undergraduate Degrees - Scholarships360 (1)

Key Takeaways

  • Bachelor’s degree programs usually require four years of full-time study
  • Most bachelor’s degrees require 120 credits to earn a degree
  • Students need a high school diploma, GED, or associate degree to begin a bachelor’s degree program
  • Earnings increase dramatically when comparing the median salaries of high school diploma and bachelor degree earners
  • Earning a bachelor’s degree is costly (especially at private colleges/universities), but funding is available
  • There are other options besides a bachelor’s degree, including bootcamps, apprenticeships, trade schools, and the United State Military

Frequently asked questions about bachelor’s degrees

What are the four main types of college degrees?

Associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctoral degrees are the four main types of degrees Both associate and bachelor’s degrees are considered undergraduate degrees, and master’s and doctoral degrees as both considered graduate degrees.

Can you earn a bachelor's degree online?

Yes, and more and more schools offer this option. Do your research and learn whether online or in-person classes are right for you.

Do community colleges offer bachelor's degrees?

Yes, students can earn bachelor’s degrees at some community colleges. Check withthe Community College Baccalaureate Association for more information.

What is a better degree BA or BS?

It depends on your personal goals. Simply put, a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree focuses on the humanities/social sciences while a Bachelor of Science (BS) emphasizes science and math. Choosing to earn a BS and a BA is very much related to your intended career and/or future educational plans.

Everything You Need to Know About Undergraduate Degrees - Scholarships360 (2024)

FAQs

Can I finish my bachelor's in 3 years? ›

Most undergraduate students will earn their bachelor's degree in four or five years. An accelerated bachelor's degree is an undergraduate program designed to be more fast-paced than a traditional bachelor's program, allowing you to earn your bachelor's in three years or less.

What degree is 3 years of college? ›

As the cost of college continues to rise, many students are looking for ways to save money on their education. One option that's beginning to gain popularity is the “3-year degree.” These programs allow students to earn their bachelor's degree and graduate a full year ahead of time.

Is it hard to get an undergraduate degree? ›

Course rigor: College courses are generally more demanding than high school classes, as they often cover subjects in greater depth and require a higher level of critical thinking. Expect to spend more time on coursework, reading, and projects.

Is a 3 year bachelor's degree accepted in the USA? ›

Though a limited number of US universities accept a three years bachelor's degree, not all accept 3-years bachelor's directly. International students should also look into the terms and conditions that come along.

What is the quickest bachelor's degree to get? ›

Fastest Bachelor's Degree Programs You Should Consider

Accelerated Health Science programs can be completed in 18 to 24 months and are designed for quick entry into the healthcare sector.

What is a four-year degree called? ›

A four-year college degree is called a bachelor's degree. Another term for this degree type is a baccalaureate degree. Many careers require a bachelor's degree for entry-level roles. For example, most careers in business require you to hold a bachelor's degree.

What is an 8 year degree called? ›

An “eight-year degree” typically refers to a doctorate degree or PhD. Although some doctorates can be completed in as little as three years, these degrees typically require more time studying highly specialized subjects.

What is the lowest degree in college? ›

Associate degrees (undergraduate)

An associate degree is an education level beyond a high school diploma but not yet to the level of a bachelor's degree. Typically, associate degrees are two-year programs (or 60 course hours) offered in community colleges and technical colleges.

How to finish a bachelor's degree fast? ›

With these options, degree-seekers can shave months or even years off the time it takes to complete their bachelor's programs.
  1. Dual-Enrollment Programs. ...
  2. Advanced Placement Programs. ...
  3. Community College Programs. ...
  4. Colleges With Alternative Credit Options. ...
  5. Accelerated Online Programs. ...
  6. Self-Paced Programs. ...
  7. Summer Courses.

What is the hardest year of undergrad? ›

Freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior year and why do you think it was the toughest? While it varies for each individual, many students tend to find their junior year of college to be the most challenging.

What is the hardest undergraduate school? ›

Niche, a ranking and review site, recently published its list of the “2023 Hardest Colleges to Get Into.” Using data from the U.S. Department of Education on various colleges' acceptance rates and SAT/ACT scores, they found, unsurprisingly, Harvard University to be the most difficult college to get into.

What is the best degree to get for undergraduate? ›

Of the over two million degrees conferred, business degrees had the highest number.
  1. Computer Science. Median salary: $136,620. ...
  2. Healthcare Administration. Median salary: $104,830. ...
  3. Business Administration. ...
  4. Logistics and Supply Chain Management. ...
  5. Economics. ...
  6. Management. ...
  7. Management Information Systems. ...
  8. Accounting.

Does Harvard accept a 3 year bachelor's degree? ›

Ordinarily, only four-year bachelor's degrees are considered acceptable for eligibility to our graduate program.

Is a minor still a bachelor's degree? ›

Minors: A secondary specialization in a Bachelor's Degree. Honors Program: An opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary research and scholarship with expert faculty and other highly qualified peers. Combined Major: One Bachelor's Degree that includes two complementary fields of study.

Is 2 years a bachelor's degree? ›

How quickly can you earn your bachelor's degree? Typically, accelerated bachelor's programs take three years to complete. But you may be able to reduce it to two years if you use transfer credits, take accelerated courses, or enroll in a degree-completion program.

How fast can I finish a bachelor's degree? ›

Some accelerated bachelor's programs may be completed in two years. You may also be able to earn a bachelor's degree in two years if you already have an associate degree or have earned a significant amount of college credits through a dual-enrollment program, prior learning assessments, or previous college coursework.

Is it hard to finish college in 3 years? ›

If you plan to graduate in three years, you will typically have a tougher and longer workload than your fellow classmates. This is because you will need to take more credits per semester in order to graduate with the necessary number of credits.

Can you finish a bachelors degree in 2.5 years? ›

How quickly can you earn your bachelor's degree? Typically, accelerated bachelor's programs take three years to complete. But you may be able to reduce it to two years if you use transfer credits, take accelerated courses, or enroll in a degree-completion program.

Are accelerated bachelor's degrees worth it? ›

Pros. Students typically spend less time in school and enter the workforce sooner. Graduating in a shorter time frame usually means paying less in tuition and other fees. Students can benefit from more flexibility in how many courses they take and their studying schedule.

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