What Is A Bachelor's Degree?

A bachelor’s degree is among the most common and widely recognized undergraduate credentials in higher education. But what exactly does earning this degree entail, and why is it important? Whether you're planning to advance your career, gain specialized knowledge in a field, or open doors to new opportunities, earning a bachelor’s degree is often a critical step on the path to achieving your goals. Keep reading to explore what a bachelor’s degree is, the benefits of earning one, and how it can impact your professional and personal growth.

What Is a Bachelor's Degree?

A bachelor's degree is an undergraduate academic qualification awarded by colleges and universities. It typically takes about four years of full-time study to complete and provides students with both foundational and in-depth knowledge in their chosen field. Whether it’s in the arts and humanities, science, business, engineering, or another discipline, a bachelor's degree opens doors to enhanced career choices, higher earning potential, and enriched personal growth.

How Do You Get a Bachelor’s Degree?

Earning a bachelor’s degree involves several steps, each of which is essential to shaping your educational experience. Here's what you need to know:

Admission

The first step is gaining admission into a university or college offering bachelor’s programs. Most schools require:

• A high school diploma or GED.
• SAT or ACT scores (though some institutions are now test-optional).
• Application essays and letters of recommendation.

Admission requirements vary among institutions, so make sure to research the ones you’re interested in.

Credits

Bachelor’s degree programs are often credit-based, meaning you’ll need to complete a certain number of credits to graduate. This usually amounts to about 120 to 130 credits, which you earn by completing courses in your major, general education, and elective subjects.

At WGU, credit hours are totaled based on the successful completion of competency units rather than traditional classroom attendance. Each course is assigned a specific number of competency units, which represent the equivalent of conventional credit hours.

Tuition

The cost of earning a bachelor’s degree depends on factors like location, whether the institution is public or private, and tuition rates. Tuition averages from $9,000 per year (for in-state public colleges) to over $35,000 per year (for private institutions). Financial aid, scholarships, and grants can help make tuition more affordable.

Who Can Get a Bachelor’s Degree?

Anyone with a high school diploma or equivalent can pursue a bachelor's degree as long as they meet the chosen institution's admission requirements. Whether you’re entering college right after high school or you’re a working professional looking to advance your career, bachelor’s degrees can accommodate people from all backgrounds. Many universities also offer online degree programs for greater flexibility, allowing you to balance education with work or other commitments.

Types of Bachelor's Degrees

Bachelor’s degrees are typically categorized by their field of focus. Here are the most common types:

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degrees are centered on liberal arts and humanities. These programs often include courses in literature, history, psychology, philosophy, and communication. A B.A. is ideal if you’re looking for a versatile degree that hones critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and communication skills. 

Popular majors include:

• English
• History
• Sociology
• Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degrees are designed for students pursuing careers in the visual or performing arts. A BFA program focuses on practical studio work in mediums like painting, acting, sculpture, or music alongside theoretical studies. Graduates often pursue roles in creative industries.

Popular fields of study include:

• Theater
• Graphic design
• Studio art
• Dance or music performance 

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees emphasize technical, math- or science-based disciplines. These programs often focus on developing analytical and research skills, making them a great fit for fields requiring specialized knowledge or credentials.

Popular majors include:

• Nursing
• Computer science
• Engineering
• Business

How to Choose a Bachelor’s Program

Deciding on the right bachelor’s program can feel overwhelming, but careful planning makes it manageable. Start with these steps:

• Reflect on your interests: Think about your favorite subjects, hobbies, and long-term career goals. Is there a particular field you're passionate about?
• Research schools: Look for universities that offer strong programs in your area of interest and fit your budget, preferences, and niche areas of interest.
• Consider your learning style: Would you thrive in an in-person environment, or would an online degree be more suitable for your schedule?
• Speak to advisors: College advisors can provide insight into different programs, admission processes, and funding options.

On-Site vs. Online Bachelor’s Degree

Deciding between an on-site and an online bachelor’s degree can significantly impact your college experience and future opportunities. On-site programs offer structured schedules, face-to-face interactions with professors and peers, and access to campus resources such as libraries and labs. This environment is ideal for students who thrive on routine and value in-person collaboration.

On the other hand, online degrees offer unparalleled flexibility, allowing students to balance their studies with work or family commitments. These programs often cater to self-motivated individuals who prefer asynchronous learning and the convenience of studying from anywhere. When choosing between the two, consider your learning preferences, lifestyle, and career objectives to determine the best fit for your academic success.

Why Is Earning a Bachelor’s Degree Important?

Earning a bachelor’s degree can open the door to exciting possibilities, including:

• Career advancement: A bachelor's degree is often a minimum requirement for many entry-level and mid-level professional roles.
• Higher wages: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), individuals with a bachelor's degree earn approximately $1,432 per week, compared to $853 per week for high school graduates.
• Skill development: The curriculum trains you in valuable soft skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and communication, which are highly sought after by employers.
• Personal fulfillment: Apart from career benefits, obtaining a degree boosts confidence, enriches personal knowledge, and fosters lifelong learning.

Start Your Education Journey with WGU

WGU is designed to help you achieve your educational goals in a way that fits your lifestyle. With our flexible, competency-based learning model, WGU allows you to progress through your courses at your own pace, making it easier to balance school with work, family, and other responsibilities. Tuition is charged at a flat rate per term rather than per credit hour, which means that the faster you complete your degree, the more you can save.

WGU also offers a wide range of accredited bachelor’s degree programs in fields such as business, education, healthcare, and information technology, ensuring that you can pursue a program aligned with your career aspirations. Get started today!