Universities and colleges award degrees at varying levels, one of the most common of which is the bachelor’s degree. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, postsecondary institutions awarded two million bachelor’s degrees in 2017-18 — twice the number of associate degrees awarded in the same academic year.
Bachelor’s degrees win the popularity contest in higher education, that’s for sure. But what is a bachelor’s degree and what can it do for your career? Tallo is here to explain.
What Is An Undergraduate Degree?
A bachelor’s degree is an undergraduate academic degree awarded by colleges and universities after completing a program of study typically lasting three to four years. It provides foundational knowledge and skills in a chosen field and is a prerequisite for many professional careers and advanced academic studies.
A bachelor’s degree is an undergraduate program that takes about four years to complete. However, the time it takes you to earn a bachelor’s degree may vary depending on your field of study and the program. For example, it usually takes five years of full-time study to earn a Bachelor of Architecture, whereas some students have managed to earn a bachelor’s degree in less than three years through accelerated programs or by attending summer school.
Bachelor’s degree programs typically require students to complete 120 semester credit hours (30 credit hours per year), which equates to about 40 college courses in total. The program starts with a variety of general education courses to ensure a solid foundation of knowledge before progressing to field-specific courses.
What Jobs Can You Get with a Bachelor’s Degree?
There are an endless number of career paths you can pursue with a bachelor’s degree. Using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, we rounded up some of the best jobs that require a bachelor’s degree.
- Computer and Information Systems Manager ($146,360 per year)
- Registered Nurses ($73,300 per year)
- Film and Video Editor/Camera Operator ($59,810)
- Market Research Analyst ($63,790 per year)
- Multimedia Artist ($75,270)
- High School Teacher ($61,660)
- Technical Writer ($73,760)
- Agricultural/Food Scientist ($65,160)
- Public Relations Specialist ($61,150)
- Forensic Science Technician ($59,150)
Types of Bachelor’s Degree Programs
The list of bachelor’s degrees that you can pursue is a lengthy one. We would be here all day if we tried to name all the potential bachelor’s degree programs that are available. For the sake of brevity, here are some of the most common bachelor’s degree programs.
- Bachelor of Arts (BA)
- Bachelor of Science (BS)
- Bachelor of Applied Arts (BAA)
- Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
- Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
Benefits & Reasons to Pursue a Bachelor’s Degree
Just because bachelor’s degrees are a popular postsecondary option doesn’t mean that they’re right for everyone. For one thing, they can cost a pretty penny. (But FYI, college scholarships can totally help with that.)
Not sure if a bachelor’s degree is right for you? Here are a few reasons why you might want to pursue a bachelor’s degree.
- You Want to Maximize Job Opportunities – Although some people argue that bachelor’s degrees are becoming less important in the job market, that’s simply not true. On the contrary, many employers won’t even consider job candidates unless they have a bachelor’s degree.
- You Want to Make More Money – Money isn’t the end-all-be-all, but it definitely helps. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average weekly earnings of bachelor’s degree holders is $1,173, or $60,996 per year. Compare this to associate degree holders who make an annualized salary of $43,472. That’s a $17,524 yearly difference!
- You Want to Attend Graduate School – Most graduate school programs require students to have a bachelor’s degree before they can enroll in the program. So, if you’re thinking about going to graduate school in the future, you might want to earn your bachelor’s degree in a related field.
What Are the Admission Requirements for a Bachelor’s Degree?
Bachelor’s degrees usually require prospective students to have a high school diploma or GED. You also need to have a decent GPA and do well on your college entrance exams, since many schools take both into account for admissions.
In truth though, it mostly depends on the schools you’re applying for. Some colleges and universities require applicants to send letters of recommendation from teachers and advisors, while others do not. The program itself may have a list of prerequisites that you need to take before enrolling in the program, so be sure to talk with your advisor about your college goals.
Popular Questions
Below are common questions we get asked about bachelor’s degrees.
How will choosing a bachelor’s degree affect my career adaptability?
Choosing a bachelor’s degree that is broad in scope such as Business Administration or Liberal Arts can be very beneficial in today’s job market. These types of degrees allow students to gain a wide base of knowledge and skills that can be applied to many different careers and industries.
This can be a big advantage if you’re not sure what specific industry you want to work in after graduation. On the other hand, certain degrees such as Nursing or Engineering are in specific fields and can limit your career change options, but often lead to higher starting salaries.
What are the differences between pursuing a bachelor’s degree on a part-time or full-time basis?
Choosing a part-time bachelor’s degree is a good option if you need to work or take care of family responsibilities while you complete your degree. However, it can take longer to graduate and you may miss out on some of the benefits of campus life and networking opportunities.
Full-time students can complete their degrees in a more timely manner and are often able to take advantage of internships and other career-boosting experiences.
Are online bachelor’s degrees just as respected by employers as traditional degrees?
Online bachelor’s degrees are becoming very popular, but some employers may still have reservations about them. However, many employers view skills and knowledge as more important than how you earned your degree.
Others may prefer graduates who earned their degrees from prestigious institutions. If you earn your degree online, it’s important to focus on building your skills and knowledge and obtaining practical experience through internships and volunteering.
Why is accreditation important when considering a bachelor’s degree?
Accreditation is an important consideration as it ensures that a college or university meets certain standards and guidelines. Employers often view graduates of accredited programs more favorably because they know that they have received a quality education.
Accreditation is also important if you plan to transfer credits to another college or university, and it is required for eligibility for federal financial aid.
