A Bachelor’s refers to an undergraduate degree bestowed on a student by an academic institution on completion of the requirements for a (typically 4-year long) degree program. Students are expected to select a major concentration and take additional courses outside of their chosen major. Sometimes, this may seem unconventional, but it helps students receive a well-rounded education. The three most popular bachelor’s degrees include Bachelor of Science (BS degree), Bachelor of Arts (BA degree), and Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA degree).
BA degree: This is ideal for students who’re interested in pursuing a program in the liberal arts discipline. Common areas of study include English, Education, Foreign languages, Psychology, Philosophy, Sociology, etc.
BS degree: This is one of the most popular undergraduate degrees in the United States and focuses on science-related programs. Some popular majors include Computer science, Mathematics, Engineering, Business, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, etc.
BFA degree: Students interested in studying performing or visual arts should enroll in a BFA degree program. Some common areas of study include Visual arts, Music, Film and photography, Creative writing, etc.
Mainly two different types of institutions offer bachelor’s degrees. These include:
Universities: There’re two different types of universities: public universities and private universities. A public university is funded by the state in which it’s located, while tuition fees and endowment funds fund private universities. BA and BS degrees are the most common bachelor’s degrees provided by public and private universities.
Liberal arts colleges: These schools focus on undergraduate programs. Students can take a diverse range of courses in the Arts, Humanities, Social sciences, and Sciences. These colleges generally offer BA, BFA, and BS degrees, but some may also offer graduate and associate’s degrees.
Students thinking about enrolling in a bachelor’s degree program should keep a few things in mind. First, the discipline to study may make or break the study experience. Therefore, students need to ensure that they’re choosing a subject area that they have a genuine interest in. Second, depending on the type of school students plan to attend, tuition rates can dramatically vary. Schools are divided into two distinct categories with regard to the payment structure and tuition rates. These include public schools that are relatively cheaper and private schools that are costlier. However, students can find different means to fund their tuition costs – from using loans to finding scholarships. Therefore, students should come up with a proper budget plan before enrolling in a bachelor’s degree program.
