Bachelor's Degree Overview

This pathway includes education institutions granting bachelor's degrees and graduate degrees. A bachelor's degree is an academic degree awarded by colleges and universities upon completion of a specific course of study. It is typically the first level of higher education and is considered a foundational qualification for many careers in all industries. One way to begin working toward a bachelor's degree is to complete a required number of classes at a community college, where the cost of classes is lower than in a bachelor's degree program. Students can then apply to transfer to a bachelor's degree program. A bachelor's degree program usually lasts four to six years, although the duration can vary depending on the school, specific field of study, and number of classes taken per semester. While the availability of online courses has expanded, it is most common for students to live on campus or within commuting distance of their program to attend in-person classes. High school students have the option of participating in dual enrollment college courses to experience higher education, and save time and money in the pursuit of a bachelor's degree. Bachelor's degree programs may require students to complete internships or final research projects, which enhance the students' learning and prepare them for the demands of their future careers. Lastly, bachelor's degree programs typically offer students extensive career support services including job search assistance, resume and cover letter review, career counseling, networking opportunities, and access to internships and job postings. Access to individualized career support services may be impacted by the size of the institution's student body.