Which Different Types of Bachelor's Degrees Are Offered?

Universities offer many different types of bachelor's degrees depending on the majors chosen by the students. The types of degrees often affect career opportunities and graduation requirements. Bachelor's degrees provide specific benefits and differ in some key ways. Students should ensure to research the different types of degrees before enrolling in any degree program.  

— Bachelor of Arts

Universities and colleges normally offer a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degrees in social science and humanities majors. Popular majors like political science, English, and history often grant BAs. At some institutions, students also get a chance to earn a BA degree in natural sciences or psychology.  

A BA degree requires 120 credits and comes with specific general education requirements, just like other bachelor's degrees. Students pursuing BA usually take more social science and humanities courses. They also normally need one year of a foreign language in order to graduate.  

— Bachelor of Science

Engineering and natural science programs normally grant Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees. Students of BS normally take more science and math general education requirements than BA students. Furthermore, they normally are not required to complete any kind of foreign language requirements.   In majors such as psychology with both BS and BA options, undergraduates, while meeting different general education requirements, often complete the same major coursework.  

— Bachelor of Fine Arts

Mastery in the visual or performing arts is recognized by a bachelor of fine arts (BFA) degree. Students can earn BFAs degrees in subjects such as creative writing, painting, graphic design, game design, or photography. These programs blend technical and creative skills in the fine arts context.   BFA students complete a core art curriculum instead of the general education requirements for a BA or BS degree. They have to complete a total of 120 credits.

Can a Bachelor's Degree Be Acquired Online?

In recent years, millions of college and university students enrolled in online programs. Students should, however, consider the type of program they plan to pursue and whether an online format will affect the program requirements before signing up for an online bachelor's degree. For instance, nursing students complete clinical practicum requirements in local settings, in online programs.

Business students studying online can also do internships in person.   Research program options, such as online student services, academic advising, and whether the program features asynchronous or synchronous classes.

Online degree students attending local universities normally benefit from campus resources such as university libraries.   Many online graduates attend virtual commencements to celebrate their achievement or walk in their college commencement along with in-person graduates.  

What Is The Difference Between A Traditional and Online Degree?

The only difference in most of the cases is the delivery of instruction between an in-person degree and an online bachelor's degree. Some programs offer the same graduation requirements and curriculum for online and in-person majors.   On the other hand, in online programs, students can benefit from flexible schedules. Online courses are usually preferred by working students to complete coursework around their other responsibilities and save time by not commuting to campus.

What Is The Duration Of A Bachelor's Degree Completed Online?

It normally takes full-time students four years to complete an online bachelor's degree. There are a number of factors, however, that influence the length of the degree. Certain universities offer credit for work experience or accelerated programs. Self-paced programs may have different degree timelines.   Degree options like asynchronous or synchronous classes, cohort programs, and also internships affect program length. Students should consider researching the fastest online bachelor's programs to earn a degree in under four years.

How Can Students Benefit From An Online Bachelor's Degree?

A bachelor's degree prepares graduates for lucrative and rewarding career paths. A majority of entry-level jobs have a bachelor's degree as a requirement, and the critical thinking skills learned during an undergraduate program serve professionals in many fields.  

An online bachelor's degree offered by an accredited university meets the same educational requirements as a traditional in-person degree. Graduates with online degrees also qualify for professional licenses and certifications.