A Bachelor’s degree (also called a baccalaureate degree) is an undergraduate college degree program designed to provide comprehensive education to students in a specific area of study. A Bachelor’s degree typically takes 3-4 years to complete and generally requires students to earn 120-150 credits to graduate. In many countries, a bachelor’s is the first level of higher education.
The curriculum of a typical bachelor’s degree aims to equip students with the information and skills required to succeed in their chosen field. There are many reasons to pursue a bachelor’s degree.
Firstly, a bachelor’s degree is a prerequisite for certain jobs, and getting one can result in higher earning potential. Further, a bachelor’s degree can open up a wide range of career opportunities and help students develop the skills and knowledge needed to advance in their chosen field.
Furthermore, a bachelor’s degree can also provide students with personal and intellectual growth, and the ability to think critically and solve problems.
Who Should Pursue a Bachelor’s Degree?
A bachelor’s degree could be an incredibly valuable investment for your future. Most students can benefit in some way from a bachelor’s degree with a relevant major.
If you already have an associate’s degree, then enrolling for a bachelor’s would be a logical next step. Many colleges allow you to transfer credits from an associate program to a related bachelor’s, which lets you earn your bachelor’s degree much faster than average. Through an associate’s program, you can earn around 60 credits which can count toward your bachelor’s. Make sure to verify the transferability of associate credits before opting to pursue this route.
Certain careers require a bachelor’s degree. If your desired career is one of these, or if you wish to secure certain managerial positions, then you may need to earn a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
Differences Between a Bachelor’s Degree and an Associate’s Degree
Here is a table that summarizes the differences between Bachelor’s and Associate’s:
| Fields | Bachelor’s Degree | Associate’s Degree |
|---|---|---|
| Time duration | 3-4 years | 2 years |
| Tuition Fee | Higher | Lower |
| Depth of Study | More intensive | Basic working knowledge |
| Employment and Salary | Better employment opportunities and higher salary potential | Limited job opportunities and lower salary potential |
| Admission Requirements | High school transcripts, SAT/ACT test scores, personal essays, proof of finances, passport copy, application fees | High school transcripts, SAT/ACT test scores, proof of finances, application fees (optional for some programs) |
Types of Bachelor’s Degrees
In the U.S., there are currently over 70 different Bachelor-level programs recognized by the Department of Education (DoE). However, they can largely be grouped into 3 major categories for better understanding:
- Bachelor of Arts (BA)
- Bachelor of Science (BS)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
1. Bachelor of Arts (BA)
A Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree program typically includes general education coursework along with in-depth courses related to your chosen major. The general education classes facilitate a broader understanding of the course material, 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 maths, and science.
For some subjects, both BS, as well as BA degree programs, are available.
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 course.
Here are a few popular BFA majors:
- Art (Drawing, Painting, etc.)
- Creative Writing
- Dance
- Photography
- Graphic Design
Advantages of Getting a Bachelor’s Degree
Getting a bachelor’s degree in your field of interest can prove to be quite beneficial in the long run. Here are some advantages that you can make the most of through a bachelor’s degree.
- Ability to Work in Your Preferred Field
- More Job Opportunities
- Higher Earning Potential
- Opportunities for Networking
1. Ability to Work in Your Preferred Field
Certain roles – some even at the entry level – only accept candidates with a bachelor’s degree. By getting one, you can guarantee eligibility for such roles, letting you build a successful career in your field of interest.
Most bachelor’s degree programs are designed to provide all the necessary information required for various positions in your field. By the time you graduate, you are likely to be well-prepared for professional roles. In this way, getting a bachelor’s can boost your confidence, which in turn makes you stand out to recruiters.
2. More Job Opportunities
Earning a bachelor’s degree can open up a wide range of job opportunities.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), graduates with a bachelor’s degree have the lowest unemployment rate in the country.
Bachelor’s degree holders face fewer hurdles since they generally meet the educational requirements for most roles. The degree also allows students to develop several marketable skills that serve well in modern businesses.
3. Higher Earning Potential
To rise up the rank in many organizations, certain educational qualifications are expected. Several managerial roles require a bachelor’s or higher degree. Besides this, you could also receive higher pay because of your qualifications.
4. Opportunities for Networking
Whether you study online or on campus, you are likely to meet people from all over the world during your bachelor’s degree program. After graduation, your classmates could become your colleagues, a professor may become your boss, or help you land a job with their personal connections. A bachelor’s degree program can thus help you build a strong professional network – an invaluable resource for your career and personal development.
Highest Paying Careers You Can Obtain With a Bachelor’s Degree
Many top bachelor-level careers offer $100k+ yearly salaries to graduates who meet the requirements of the role.
Here are some of the highest-paying jobs you can get with a bachelor’s degree (in related fields):
| Jobs | Average Annual Pay |
|---|---|
| Marketing Managers | $133,380 |
| Petroleum Engineers | $130,850 |
| Human Resources Managers | $126,230 |
| Commercial Pilots | $134,630 |
Application Requirements for Bachelor’s Degree Programs
The admission requirements for Bachelor’s degree programs may differ for each college and course, but in general, you can expect the requirements to include the following:
- High school transcripts
- Standardized test scores (such as SAT/ACT scores)
- Personal essays and/or letters of recommendation
- Proof of finances
- Application fees
International students may require to provide additional documents which may include scores on English language tests (such as IELTS), passport copies, etc. It is best to reach out to the offices of the universities you wish to apply to so that you are aware of the exact requirements for your desired course.
Bachelor’s Degree Cost
The cost of your bachelor’s degree can vary greatly depending on the school and program you opt for. Other factors that affect the cost of college are the duration of the program, whether your school is public or private, and whether you are an in-state or out-state student.
As per data from CollegeBoard, the average yearly cost of a 4-year bachelor’s program in the U.S. is between $30,000 to $60,000.
Since there are multiple factors that can alter your tuition, it would be wise to know the financial aid options available to you and those that are offered or accepted by various colleges.
FAQs
Is a bachelor’s degree worth it?
Many students find it worthwhile to earn a bachelor’s degree in their field of interest. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Services (BLS), employment in bachelor’s-level occupations is estimated to grow by 10% in the 2016 – 2026 period, faster than the 7% average projected for all occupations.
Whether or not it will be worth it for you will depend on personal factors such as your goals, aspirations, and current financial situation.
Is it hard to earn a bachelor’s degree?
The graduation requirements for bachelor’s degrees differ based on your course, chosen major, and the college or university you enroll in. How hard it will be to graduate is largely subjective and will likely differ for each student.
If you’d like some reassuring statistics, according to research conducted by the Education Data Initiative, over 2 million graduates earned bachelor’s degrees in 2020.
Are bachelor’s degrees expensive?
The cost of a bachelor’s degree can differ greatly, depending on the institution you enroll in, and whether you opt for a full-time or part-time program.
Generally, bachelor’s degrees from private universities tend to be more expensive than those from public universities. Also, online bachelor’s degree programs typically cost less than a traditional degree.
Financial aid can help alleviate some fees and lower the cost of your education.
Can you earn a bachelor’s degree online?
Yes. Many reputed institutions offer online bachelor’s degree programs that support distance learning. Along with 100% online degree programs, a number of universities also provide hybrid bachelor’s programs to let virtual students experience campus life.
Conclusion
To sum up, to fully get the answer to the question ‘what is a bachelor’s degree?’ it is important to understand the types of bachelor’s degrees offered, the advantages of getting one, and how it differs from an associate degree.
A Bachelor’s degree is among the most popular undergraduate degree options and can prove to be a valuable investment. Earning a college bachelor’s degree can help you build a successful career in your chosen field and can also put you in a better position to earn a Master’s degree.
There are several different Bachelor’s degree programs offered today, the most common of which are the Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, and Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees. Each could be a great start to your college life, but it is important to carefully understand your goals and ambitions before making a decision.
We hope this article helped you understand exactly what a bachelor’s degree is. Check out our other articles or reach out to us for any additional information you’d like on any college-related topics.
All the best for your academic journey!
