A bachelor level degree is your entry point into higher education and can open up many career opportunities. This undergraduate degree is typically completed in four years and builds a strong foundation in your chosen field of study.
From business to science to the arts, it provides both a broad education and specific skills needed for many professional roles.
If you’re considering going to college or looking to boost your qualifications, earning a bachelor’s degree is a major step forward. You’ll gain not only academic knowledge but also valuable experiences that help you grow personally and professionally.
A variety of options exist when it comes to bachelor’s degrees, including the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and other specialized programs. You can explore more about the different types and what they mean for your career path at this helpful guide to bachelor’s degrees.
What Is a Bachelor Level Degree?
A bachelor’s degree is an undergraduate qualification earned through higher education, often considered the next academic step after completing high school. This type of degree provides foundational knowledge in a chosen field and opens the door to a range of professional opportunities.
Overview of Bachelor’s Degrees
A bachelor’s degree is typically a four-year program at a college or university, known as an undergraduate degree. It is commonly awarded as a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS), or Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA).
Each type focuses on a specific academic area—arts and humanities for a BA, sciences and technical fields for a BS, and visual or performing arts for a BFA. You do not need to earn an associate degree before enrolling in a bachelor’s program.
After earning your bachelor’s degree, you can choose to enter the workforce or continue your education in a graduate program. Bachelor’s degrees are recognized worldwide and are a standard requirement for many professional jobs.
Learn more about the types of college degree levels and formats available.
Key Features and Structure
Most bachelor’s degrees require completing about 120 credit hours. Your studies will include core courses, electives, and courses specific to your chosen major.
Core requirements give you a broad education, while your major lets you specialize in a field like psychology, business, or engineering. Expect to complete a mix of classroom learning, research, and sometimes internships or capstone projects.
Course formats can include lectures, seminars, labs, and practical work, depending on the degree. A BA degree often emphasizes critical thinking and communication, while a BS degree focuses more on technical and scientific skills.
A BFA is usually studio- or performance-based. For additional details on what a bachelor’s degree involves, visit this guide to college degree levels.
Types of Bachelor Level Degrees
Bachelor level degrees offer specialized education and skill-building for a variety of fields. The main types include the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Fine Arts, each designed to match different career paths and interests.
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
The Bachelor of Arts, or BA, focuses on the liberal arts, humanities, and social sciences. You’ll find majors like psychology, history, English, sociology, and languages.
This degree encourages strong communication, critical thinking, and analytical skills, making it valuable for careers that need flexible and well-rounded knowledge. Coursework often includes a broad mix of classes outside your major, giving you a diverse academic experience.
If you enjoy writing, discussion, or analyzing ideas, the BA format is especially appealing. Some BA programs also allow you to double major or minor more easily than other degree types.
Careers you can pursue with a BA include education, journalism, public relations, and government roles. Many BA graduates also continue their studies at the master’s level or in law school.
For more details, visit this guide to bachelor’s degree types.
Bachelor of Science (BS)
The Bachelor of Science, or BS, is typically centered around science, math, technology, and related disciplines. You’ll see BS degrees in fields like biology, chemistry, engineering, computer science, and teaching STEM subjects.
This type of degree features more technical and specialized coursework compared to a BA. Most BS programs require you to follow a specific curriculum with fewer elective options.
If you like hands-on experiments, logical problem-solving, and analyzing data, this degree is a good match. Laboratory work and applied learning are a big focus in these programs.
Common career paths include laboratory sciences, engineering, IT, finance, healthcare, and environmental science. Employers often seek out BS graduates for roles that demand technical expertise or advanced scientific knowledge.
Go deeper into the types of bachelor’s degrees for more information.
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree is built for those who want professional training in visual or performing arts. You can major in illustration, acting, theater, graphic design, dance, or other studio-based disciplines.
The curriculum provides both artistic theory and practical studio experience. Unlike BA or BS degrees, BFA programs usually have a larger percentage of arts-based classes compared to general education or liberal arts requirements.
This focus helps you develop your portfolio and master creative skills. Many programs are taught by working artists or include internships and exhibitions.
With a BFA degree, you’re prepared for a career as a practicing artist, designer, performer, or arts educator. The industry expects not just talent, but professional training and exposure to real-world projects, all of which a BFA offers.
For a more detailed breakdown, see this resource on bachelor’s degree types.
Academic Requirements and Curriculum
To complete a bachelor level degree, you need to fulfill a specific number of credits, pass required coursework, select a field of study such as a major, and meet minimum academic standards like maintaining a certain GPA.
Most programs emphasize both foundational knowledge and specialized training, blending general education, major requirements, and electives.
Core Courses and Electives
Bachelor’s degree programs are structured around core courses in subjects such as mathematics, science, communication, and critical thinking. These foundational classes ensure you build essential academic skills and gain broad knowledge across multiple fields.
Alongside core courses, you’ll choose electives that let you explore interests outside your major. Electives offer flexibility to study topics that can strengthen your résumé or spark new passions.
In many schools, you must complete at least 120 credits, typically spread over four years, to graduate with a bachelor’s degree. Core classes might include Algebra, Introduction to Psychology, or English Composition.
Core requirements often make up around half of your total credits, with electives and major classes accounting for the rest. See details about credit requirements for a bachelor’s degree at Pearson Accelerated.
Majors and Specializations
When you pursue a college degree at the bachelor’s level, you’ll select a major—this becomes the main focus of your academic journey. Majors can range from business, engineering, and biology to art, history, or mathematics.
Beyond your major, some universities offer specializations or concentrations within a field. These allow you to deepen your knowledge in a niche area.
For example, within a Business major, you might specialize in Finance or Marketing. Your curriculum for the major typically involves both introductory and advanced courses specific to your chosen discipline.
Some schools require you to declare your major by the end of your second year. Coursework within your major is designed to help you develop expertise and practical skills relevant to your future career.
Learn more about major requirements in bachelor’s degrees at Coursera.
GPA and Assessment
Your academic success in a bachelor’s program is measured using a Grade Point Average (GPA). Most institutions require you to maintain a minimum cumulative GPA, usually around 2.0 on a 4.0 scale, to stay in good standing and to graduate.
Assessment in a bachelor’s program can include exams, essays, presentations, and group projects. Many degree programs set a minimum grade for core or major courses—commonly a C or better is required.
Schools may also consider your performance in critical thinking and problem-solving assignments as part of your academic evaluation. Falling below the required GPA could put you on academic probation.
For degree completion, you not only need to finish required coursework but also meet all GPA standards. Review common GPA and assessment policies for bachelor’s degrees at UMGC.
Benefits of Earning a Bachelor Level Degree
A bachelor level degree can open doors to new job markets, boost your salary, and give you access to specialized career paths. It also helps you build professional connections and strengthens your employment stability.
Career Opportunities and Job Prospects
With a bachelor level degree, you become eligible for a wider range of careers, from marketing and business management to psychology and healthcare. Many employers require at least a bachelor’s degree for positions that offer advancement potential or leadership roles.
Holding a degree gives you access to jobs that are often out of reach for those without higher education. You’ll also have a competitive edge when applying for new positions, promotions, or transfers within your chosen field.
According to Northeastern University, having a bachelor’s degree increases your access to more rewarding opportunities.
This credential continues to be a standard requirement across many industries.
Networking and Professional Growth
Enrolling in a bachelor program exposes you to professors, classmates, and alumni who can become valuable professional contacts. You’re often invited to join campus organizations, honor societies, or participate in internships, all of which support your professional development.
Many degree programs in marketing, psychology, and other fields facilitate guest lectures, mentoring, or job fairs that help you expand your network. Strong networking can lead to internships, job offers, or mentorship you may not have found otherwise.
Building these relationships can shape your career direction and help you stay updated on changes in your industry. This network is a resource for advice, referrals, and insider knowledge as you progress.
Impact on Earnings and Unemployment Rate
Bachelor’s degree holders consistently see higher average earnings than those with only a high school diploma. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, individuals with a bachelor’s degree earn about 68% more throughout their careers.
A bachelor’s degree also reduces your risk of unemployment. Data from higher education institutions shows that employers are more likely to hire and retain candidates who have completed a bachelor program.
Graduates often report greater financial stability and confidence in their long-term earning potential, with 87% experiencing better financial wellbeing compared to other education levels, as detailed by APLU.
Pathways After a Bachelor Level Degree
After finishing your bachelor’s degree, you have several clear options for further study or career progression. Many people choose advanced degrees, pursue professional credentials, or explore programs that let them combine multiple fields or specializations.
Graduate and Advanced Degrees
If you’re interested in deepening your expertise, a graduate degree could be your next step. The most common options include a master’s degree such as a Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MS), or Master of Fine Arts (MFA).
These programs typically take 1-2 years and allow you to focus more deeply on a particular subject. If you aim for research or academic leadership roles, you might consider a doctoral degree like a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
PhD programs can take several years and almost always require you to write a dissertation—an original research project. These degrees are necessary for jobs in academia, such as becoming a professor or principal investigator.
You can view a complete breakdown of graduate and advanced degree paths on educational resource sites.
Professional Degrees and Career Advancement
If your goal is to enter a regulated field or move into upper-level professional roles, a professional degree might be essential. Examples include a Doctor of Medicine (MD) for doctors, Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) for pharmacists, and Juris Doctor (JD) for lawyers.
These programs are usually longer and focus heavily on practical skills, clinical practice, or internships. Other career-focused advanced degrees include the Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), which can lead to leadership and management roles in business.
For those interested in educational leadership, the Doctor of Education (EdD) prepares you for positions such as principal or district administrator. Having one of these credentials often opens the door to advanced positions, higher salaries, or licensure requirements in your field.
For more information about options after your bachelor’s, you can check resources like this after graduation guide.
Joint and Specialized Programs
You may find that combining two fields with a joint degree or specialized program fits your career goals best. Joint degree programs, such as a JD/MBA or MD/PhD, allow you to complete two degrees simultaneously and gain skills from both areas.
Specialized graduate programs also exist in areas like nursing practice, data science, or public health. These tailored degrees can prepare you for emerging careers by teaching a blend of technical, leadership, and sector-specific skills.
Working professionals often choose part-time or online formats that allow them to work while studying. Joint and specialized programs are designed for those who want a unique blend of experience or need targeted qualifications for complex or interdisciplinary roles.
Choosing the Right Bachelor Level Degree Program
Selecting a bachelor’s degree program involves careful research into program content, cost, and your long-term goals. Your decision impacts your future career options, salary expectations, and educational experience.
Factors to Consider
Start by listing your career interests and the types of roles you hope to pursue. Think about which majors align with your strengths, skills, and hobbies.
Key considerations for comparing programs:
- Program curriculum: Review core and elective courses to ensure they fit your goals.
- Career outcomes: Research job placement rates and average salaries for graduates.
- Program cost: Calculate tuition, fees, and living expenses.
- Format options: Decide if you prefer traditional in-person classes or an online format for flexibility.
It’s also helpful to look at fields with faster job growth, such as healthcare or computer science. For more detailed advice, you can explore resources like this guide to choosing an undergraduate degree.
Popular Universities and Online Options
Many well-known universities offer respected bachelor’s degree programs both on-campus and online. Options like the University of Phoenix provide flexible online formats with a variety of majors.
You may also want to review accreditation status, faculty credentials, and program rankings. Some universities are known for particular programs, such as business or engineering.
Online programs often appeal to working adults or those with family commitments. Several institutions have adapted their curriculums to support remote learners, so you can complete your education while balancing other responsibilities.
Compare support services, class formats, and transfer policies to make sure you find the right fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Exploring bachelor-level degrees involves understanding what coursework looks like, the required entry qualifications, and typical duration. You’ll also want to know the differences compared to associate degrees, the types offered, their place in the academic hierarchy, and the career opportunities they open up.
What does a bachelor’s degree entail in terms of coursework and duration?
A bachelor’s degree usually requires about four years of full-time study. You can expect to complete a set number of credit hours, often around 120, covering general education classes, major-specific courses, and electives.
Programs may include group work, research, writing assignments, and final projects or internships.
How does a bachelor’s degree differ from an associate degree?
A bachelor’s degree is one step above an associate degree in terms of academic level and duration. While a bachelor’s degree typically takes about four years to complete, an associate degree usually requires two years.
The bachelor’s degree covers more advanced topics, offers greater specialization, and tends to be preferred or required for professional careers and further education opportunities. Read more about degree types and differences at Bryant & Stratton College.
What are the distinct types of bachelor’s degrees available in colleges?
You’ll find several types of bachelor’s degrees, including Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS), and sometimes Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) or specialized titles based on your chosen field. The main difference lies in the focus of study—arts, sciences, or other disciplines.
Each type may have unique coursework or general education requirements.
What are the general entry requirements for enrolling in a bachelor’s degree program?
You generally need to have completed high school or its equivalent. Most colleges also require that you be at least 17 years old to start undergraduate courses.
Some programs also request SAT or ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal statements, and a completed application form. For more information, see the EducationUSA FAQ.
Can you list the hierarchy of college degrees starting from the lowest to the highest?
The typical order moves from the lowest to the highest as follows: associate degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and then doctorate or professional degrees. Some schools may offer certificate programs below the associate degree, and there are variations depending on the country or educational system.
What kind of careers can you pursue with a bachelor’s degree in education?
With a bachelor’s degree in education, you can qualify for jobs such as elementary or secondary school teacher, instructional coordinator, or education administrator.
Some roles may require state certification or additional specialty coursework depending on where you plan to work.
