A bachelor’s degree opens the door to various career opportunities. Typically, it takes about four years to complete at a college or university, where you’ll take both general education classes and courses specific to your major. You can also choose to pursue a minor.
Some colleges offer accelerated bachelor’s programs that can be completed in 2-3 years. Degree-completion programs can also shorten your timeline by giving you credit for previous college coursework.
To apply, you’ll generally need a high school diploma, and some colleges may require SAT or ACT scores as well.
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What Can You Do With a Bachelor’s Degree?
A bachelor’s degree can open doors to many entry-level careers across various industries, including business, technology, and education. High-paying roles in finance, management, and tech are often available to those with a bachelor’s degree.
Graduates with a four-year degree also benefit from strong demand in lucrative fields such as software development and engineering. The table below highlights some popular career options for those with a bachelor’s degree.
Popular Bachelor’s Degree Jobs Overseas
| Job Title | Median Annual Salary | Growth Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | $132,270 | 25% |
| Mechanical Engineer | $99,510 | 10% |
| Microbiologist | $85,470 | 5% |
| Technical Writer | $89,050 | 6% |
| Registered Nurse | $86,070 | 6% |
Types of Bachelor’s Degrees
A bachelor’s degree can be earned in a wide range of fields. Among the most common types are:
- Bachelor of Arts (BA)
- Bachelor of Science (BS)
- Bachelor of Applied Arts (BAA)
- Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS)
- Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.)
- Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
The two most popular degrees are the BA and the BS, which encompass all arts and sciences majors, as well as some education and engineering programs.