How Long Does it Take to Get a Bachelor’s Degree?

The timeline for earning a bachelor’s degree can differ for each student, depending on individual circumstances and academic choices. The answer to ‘how long does it take to get a bachelor’s degree?’ depends on factors like your program type, course load, and previously earned credits. 

Whether you’re a full-time student, or a part-time learner, this guide will help you get a better understanding of the typical timelines and factors that could influence your graduation date. 

Typically, it takes most students between 4 to 5 years to earn the 120 credits required to graduate with a bachelor’s degree. Accelerated programs can shorten this timeline, but students who enroll in few credits each semester or switch majors in the middle of their studies may take longer to get their degrees.

The main factor that influences your timeline for getting a bachelor’s degree is your program type. Are you a full-time or a part-time student? 

For Full-Time Students

Full-time students typically commit to longer days in class, taking a standard course load each semester. With most colleges requiring around 120 credits for graduation, full-time students often complete their bachelor’s degree within four to five years. Some colleges offer accelerated programs at the bachelor’s level. These programs allow students with relevant prior experience to graduate faster, in less than 4 years, subject to the university’s academic policy. 

For Part-Time Students

Part-time students, on the other hand, have a more flexible schedule, often balancing coursework with other responsibilities. Working adults and those returning to college find this option convenient, since it lets them work education into their schedule. Many students use this option to pursue a bachelor’s degree alongside work or family commitments. The timeline for part-time students can vary significantly, depending on the number of credits taken each semester. Taking around 9 credits per semester, for instance, may extend the timeline to a little over six years to earn a bachelor’s degree.

The timeline from day one to graduation can differ significantly between full-time and part-time options. Understanding what these timelines typically look like give you a better idea of what to expect from your undergraduate degree:

Full-Time Bachelor’s Degree Timeline

A full-time bachelor’s degree program typically takes four years to complete, although the exact timeline can vary depending on the field of study and the institution. Here is a general timeline for a full-time bachelor’s degree program:

Year 1 – Freshman Year: 

During this year, students typically take a mix of general education and introductory courses in their chosen major. Some institutions may also require students to participate in orientation or other introductory programs.

Year 2 – Sophomore Year:
During this year, students typically take more advanced courses in their major and may also begin to specialize in a particular study area.

Year 3 – Junior Year:
During this year, students typically continue to take courses in their major and may also begin to explore opportunities for research, internships, or other experiential learning experiences.

Year 4 – Senior Year:
During this year, students typically complete any remaining courses in their major and may also begin to prepare for graduation, including completing a capstone project, thesis, or comprehensive exam.

It is important to note that this timeline is a general guide, and actual timelines can vary based on individual circumstances and the policies of the college or university where the student is enrolled. 

It is always a good idea to consult with an academic advisor for guidance on the specific timeline for a bachelor’s degree program.

Part-Time Bachelor’s Degree Timeline

A part-time bachelor’s degree program typically takes longer to complete than a full-time program, as students take fewer courses per term and often have other responsibilities, such as work or family obligations. 

The exact timeline for a part-time bachelor’s degree program can vary widely depending on the institution, the field of study, and the student’s progress.

Here is a general timeline for a part-time bachelor’s degree program:

Year 1: 

During this year, students typically take one or two courses per term and may also begin to explore their options for financial aid and other forms of support.

Year 2: 

During this year, students typically continue to take one or two courses per term and may also begin to specialize in a particular area of study.

Year 3: 

During this year, students typically continue to take courses at a steady pace and may also begin to explore opportunities for internships, research, or other experiential learning experiences.

Year 4 and beyond: 

During these years, students continue to take courses and make progress towards degree completion, with the exact timeline depending on their pace of progress and the requirements of their program.

Note that this timeline is a general guide, and actual timelines can vary based on individual circumstances and the policies of the college or university where the student is enrolled. 

It’s always a good idea to consult an academic advisor for guidance on specific timelines for part-time bachelor’s degree programs. 

Several factors can influence the time it takes to earn a bachelor’s degree, regardless of whether you’re studying full-time or part-time. Here are some of these factors:

Field of Study

Some majors may require more courses or longer programs of study. The area you choose to specialize in can significantly impact the duration of your bachelor’s degree. Some fields, like engineering or architecture, often require more courses and practical work, extending the time needed for completion. In contrast, fields such as communications or psychology might have fewer required courses, allowing for a quicker path to graduation.

Transfer Credits

Transferring credits from previous college coursework or advanced placement exams can expedite the completion of your bachelor’s degree. If you have completed relevant courses at another institution or earned high scores on AP exams, you may be able to apply those credits toward your degree requirements, reducing the number of courses you need to take.

For example, a student who completed an associate degree in a relevant field may transfer those credits to a four-year university, allowing them to begin their bachelor’s degree with a head start.

Related: How to Maximize Transfer Credits for Online College

High School and Community College Credits

Credits earned through advanced classes in high school or dual-enrollment in community college courses can potentially shorten the time needed to graduate with a bachelor’s degree. If you have already completed college-level coursework while in high school or during dual enrollment, you may be able to apply those credits toward your degree requirements, allowing you to graduate more quickly.

For example, a student who took AP Calculus in high school and earned college credit for it may be able to bypass the introductory calculus course required for their bachelor’s degree.

Personal Circumstances

Personal circumstances, such as taking time off from school or balancing school with work or family responsibilities, can affect the timeline for earning a bachelor’s degree. Students who need to work to support themselves or their families may need to take fewer courses per semester or take breaks from their studies, extending the time needed to graduate.

For instance, a student who needs to work full-time to pay for tuition may only be able to take evening or online classes, which could prolong their time to degree completion.

Switching Majors

Changing majors can add extra time to your college journey, as each major has its own set of required courses. If you switch to a major with different prerequisites or course requirements, you may need to take additional classes to meet the new degree requirements, prolonging the time needed to graduate.

For instance, a student who switches from biology to marketing may need to take additional business courses to fulfill the requirements of the new major.

Understanding these factors can help you make more informed decisions about your undergraduate education, paving the way for a successful and timely completion of your bachelor’s degree.

The U.S. Department of Education (DoE), recognizes about 80 different Bachelor-level programs, many of which have specific titles based on the subject of study, such as Bachelor of Wireless Engineering (BWE), Bachelor of Journalism (BJ), Bachelor of Music (BM), etc. Yet the majority of degrees fall under the following 3 categories:

1. Bachelor of Arts (BA)
2. Bachelor of Science (BS)
3. Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)

1. Bachelor of Arts (BA)

A Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree program includes general education coursework along with in-depth courses related to your chosen major. The general education classes facilitate a broader understanding of a wide range of foundational subjects, while the major-specific classes provide you with the technical skills and knowledge required for professional roles in your chosen major. 

A BA degree program usually involves writing and research and builds on your analytical reasoning skills. 

Here are a few popular BA majors you can opt for:

• Business
• Communication
• Economics
• Psychology
• Political Science
• Sociology

2. Bachelor of Science (BS)

Bachelor of Science (BS) degree programs are designed to focus on the technical, and quantitative aspects of your chosen field of study. The curriculum of BS degrees includes objective subjects such as math and science. 

For some subjects, you can choose between a BS or a BA degree program.

For instance, to pursue a degree in Economics, you can either pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Economics degree (BA in Economics) or a Bachelor of Science in Economics degree (BS in Economics). The key difference between them is in the curriculum – A BS in Economics would involve more coursework related to mathematics and statistics, while a BA is likely to also include subjects such as financial law, tax policies, etc. Both can prepare you for a master’s or a successful career in economics. 

Here are a few popular BS majors you can opt for:

• Biology
• Business
• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Economics
• Engineering
• Physics

3. Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)

While not an immensely popular option for the average student, Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees are commonly pursued by students with a creative or artistic flair. BFA degree programs tend to be very hands-on, requiring students to create and build projects by making use of their artistic abilities. 

Typically, BFA assessments involve the creation of a portfolio – a comprehensive body of work that showcases the students’ progress through the various stages of the program. 

Here are a few popular BFA majors:

• Art (Drawing, Painting, etc.)
• Creative Writing
• Dance
• Photography
• Music
• Graphic Design

How long it will take to earn your bachelor’s degree depends heavily on the type of program you choose. Full-time students typically get their bachelor’s after four years, while part-time students take longer. It is also possible for students to leverage transfer credits, AP classes, summer classes, and other related factors to graduate earlier than the regular timeline. Ultimately, it is super important to find the ideal college, so that you can earn your bachelor’s degree at a pace that suits your personal and academic goals. 

You may also want to know: How Long Does it Take to Get a Master’s Degree?