Study a Bachelor's Degree: A Guide to Bachelor's Degrees
Looking to do a bachelor's degree? Not sure where to start? Our handy guide tells you everything you need to know about bachelor's degrees.
- Bachelor's Degree

Interested in studying a bachelor's degree? Maybe you're wondering about what bachelor's degree requirements you need, or asking yourself: How long does it take to get a bachelor's degree? What's the difference between bachelor of arts and bachelor of science? Is it all even worth it? This guide will tell you everything you need to know about bachelor's studies.
In this guide, we'll cover:
- What is a Bachelor's Degree?
- What is a BA Degree?
- What is a BS Degree?
- What Can I Study in a Bachelor's Degree?
- How Long Does it Take to Get a Bachelor's?
- What are the Requirements to Study a Bachelor's?
- Why get a Bachelor's Degree?
- What is the Average Salary of a Bachelor's Graduate?
- How Much Does Getting a Bachelor's Cost?
- Can I do a Bachelor's Online?
What is a Bachelor's Degree?
First things first. What is a bachelor's degree? After students complete their compulsory primary and secondary education, tertiary education, or higher education, comes next. Colleges and universities offer undergraduate education, which commonly consists of associate and bachelorโs degrees, as well as postgraduate education, which includes masterโs and PhD or Doctoral degrees. Bachelorโs degree requirements include the prior completion of primary and secondary education.ย
So what is a bachelor's degree with honors (Hons)? Well, some countries with British systems, includingย Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and South Africa, distinguish between a non-honors and an honors (Hons) bachelor's degree. An honors degree typically indicates a continued year of study in the same field after completing an undergraduate degree, during which you would complete a significant research project. This is a bit tricky in other countries such as England, Northern Ireland, and Wales, where nearly all bachelor's degrees are honors degrees.
Students who complete a bachelorโs degree will be awarded an academic degree by college or university in a disciplinary subject. During a bachelorโs degree, youโll likely attend lectures and classes in-person, online, or in a hybrid of both. Your learning will be assessed through essays, exams, or coursework, and sometimes bachelorโs programs involve internships or industry-related projects.
What kind of Bachelor's program should I apply for?
There are several types of bachelorโs degrees to choose from. Interested in Law? Take a look at a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or a Bachelor of Criminal Justice (BCJ). Maybe a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) is a specialty youโre interested in. There are even several specialized degrees beyond a Bachelor of Engineering (BEng), such as a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering (BSAE) or a Bachelor of Civil Engineering (BCE).
Among all these options, the most common types of degrees youโll find are Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS or BSc) degrees. So whatโs the difference between Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees?
Weโll use the example of a Psychology major to get into some of the big differences below. As for the similarities, both a BA and a BS in Psychology would likely have similar levels of difficulty and program length, and both would give you the right qualifications to apply for graduate programs.ย
๐ก | Weโll use the example of a Psychology major to get into some of the big differences below. As for the similarities, both a BA and a BS in Psychology would likely have similar levels of difficulty and program length, and both would give you the right qualifications to apply for graduate programs. |
What is a BA Degree?
You might be seeing the abbreviation โBAโ when looking for programs. Well, what is a BA degree?ย BA stands for Bachelor of Arts. Itโs the most common degree type, but no, it doesnโt mean that you will only study art and it's not the same thing as a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), which is a professional degree. Thereโs actually a huge variety of subjects taught in a BA degree, including the Humanities, Social Sciences, and Liberal Arts. Even field likeย Economics can be a major for a BA degree.ย
The big difference to know is that BA degrees focus mainly on theoretical knowledge and emphasize the humanities and social sciences more than BS degrees. There are some rare exceptions. In some extremely traditional universities like Oxford, BA degrees are the only degree type awarded, even for all natural science majors!
๐ก | Hereโs an example: A BA in Psychology would be more holistic and focused on critical thinking over research skills. You would take a diverse range of classes outside of general psychology, likely with the option to choose. A BA in Psychology might lead you to further education, such as a PhD, or even a job in a completely different field. |
What is a BS Degree?
On the other hand, some may ask themselves, what is a BS degree? BS or BSc stands for Bachelor of Science. This type of degree focuses on a balance between theoretical knowledge and practical research. Common BS degrees include majors in Mathematics, Computer Science, Natural Sciences, and Engineering.ย
This is not a strict limitation. You can also find BS degrees in other fields like Architecture or even Hospitality. Bachelor's degree requirements for BS degrees would include more math and science classes and a larger focus on logic and reasoning.
๐ก | Hereโs an example: A BS in Psychology focuses more on quantitative skills and would emphasize research and analytics. A BS graduate of Psychology will likely pursue further education or land a career in the field of Psychology due to their more specific skill set. |
What Can I Study in a Bachelor's Degree?

It might be easier to know what kind of degree youโd like to pursue after you have chosen a major or general discipline. Feel free to take our Quiz: What Should I Major In? if you need some help.ย
The decision of which subject to study is a huge one, and a choice that should involve several factors. Here are some questions to help you choose the right fit for you.ย
Goals ๐
What are your career goals or life goals? Maybe you want a high-profile portfolio in Graphic Design or a thriving international career in Translation.
Strengths ๐ช
What are your personal strengths? If youโre a natural tech guru, consider Information Technology or Electrical Engineering.
Problem-solving ๐ญ
Interested in problem-solving? Think about treating disease withย Medicine, or tackle environmental issues like Climate Change with Environmental Sustainability.
Teamwork ๐ค
Do you enjoy working with others? If so, consider studying Education, Leadership, or Tourism & Hospitality.
Academic interests ๐
What do you genuinely enjoy studying? Perhaps you have a passion for Languages, History, or Political Science.
Organization ๐๏ธ
While all students would benefit from organization, some subjects, such as Management or Business, would require extra skills in this area.
Hobbies ๐จ
Involved in any extracurricular activities that you might enjoy studying? Consider subjects such as Fashion, Theater, or Sports Science.
Once you have chosen a major, the different degree types and the difference between a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science will become clearer.
Think about yourself as a person now as well as the person you want to grow towards in the future. However, do keep in mind that while your chosen major and bachelor's degree type are important to lead you towards a general career path, it wonโt determine the rest of your life. You will certainly have space to grow in other areas and may even end up working in other fields entirely. Regardless, youโll still want to be sure that your education will be relevant to you and your interests.
If you are interested in pursuing postgraduate studies such as a Masterโs degree, an MBA degree, or a PhD, do some extra research about what admission to these types of programs might need. For example, some masterโs degree programs might require you to have a BS degree, while others may accept both BS and BA degrees.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Bachelor's Degree?
A bachelorโs degree will usually take around four years to complete. In total, the degree will equate to at least 120 US college credits, or around 180 to 240 ECTS credits.ย
This timeline will vary depending on a few factors, including: which institution you go to, if youโll study full time or part-time, the subject youโll study, and if you have any credits from previous studies that could count towards fulfilling degree requirements. Students who have already taken university-level courses will not likely not need to take as many courses as others. If you decide to take classes during the summer break, you might also finish earlier than other students.ย
Country differences are also a factor to consider if youโre asking yourself: How long does it take to get a bachelor's degree? For example, bachelorโs degrees at universities in the United States will take about four years and require that students take General Education courses alongside courses that align with their major. In Australia, a bachelorโs degree only takes three years unless students decide to continue for another year to earn a Bachelorโs Honours degree. To learn more about the differences in different countries, check out our country guides.
What are the Requirements to Study a Bachelor's?
How can you know if youโre even qualified to apply for a degree? Well, there are some general bachelorโs degree requirements that youโll need to check on before you start to apply. The most important is that you will have completed your secondary school education and that you meet the minimum grade requirements (this may differ depending on the school you apply to) before starting your bachelorโs degree studies.ย
Schools will likely ask for more information from you in the application, such as:
- Personal essays
- Letters of recommendation
- Standardized test scores such as the SAT or ACT
- An English language test such as TOEFL if you are not from a native-English speaking country
Most of these requirements require some level of preparation or study beforehand, such as with the SAT or ACT and the TOEFL exam. If you need letters of recommendation, you should also ask for these far in advance.
The personal essay is something that seems like it can be done quickly, but make no mistake, this task is more intimidating than it sounds! Most application essay prompts are intentionally broad so that students can write about what is most important to them in their own way. Spend a lot of time on the personal essay, as it is usually one of the only ways that admissions staff are able to get to know you on a more personal level.
Why get a Bachelor's degree?

Some students might be thinking, why bother studying a bachelorโs degree? Pursuing a bachelorโs degree is certainly a huge decision, and there are many benefits to achieving this degree that are both personal and career-oriented.ย
Better career prospects and higher potential income
A bachelorโs degree will give you the theoretical and practical knowledge needed to launch a career in your chosen field. Even if you are able to get a job in your field of interest without a college degree, studies have shown that adults with a college degree will earn more than those without. The difference is larger for some subjects over others. For example, adults with careers in engineering, business, mathematics, computer science, physical sciences, and health sciences would benefit more from a degree in terms of higher income.ย
Take a look at careers in the field you're interested in and the skills you need to land a job. If your future salary is a significant matter to you, find the average salary of careers in that field according to the degree level achieved. Keep in mind that where you live and other societal factors will play into your potential earnings.
Advance your career
If you already have a career, a bachelorโs degree may be a perfect way to advance in it. The skills you learn while on a job are certainly useful. However, professors bring a level of subject expertise that may be difficult to learn without a higher education. With a wider expanse of knowledge, you might be more eligible for certain managerial positions that oversee a broader array of skills.ย
Networking is another advantage that will help advance your career. Your classmates and new friends will all become professionals in the future. They could help you meet and connect with potential employers, just as you might help them in the future! Your professors are also another source of knowledge that are already well-connected in particular industries. Professors provide office hours to their students for more informal discussions, and they might also provide research opportunities that could help you gain more practical expertise in your field.ย
Make your way towards an even higher academic degree
If youโre interested in an extremely specialized career in a certain field, a bachelorโs degree is where youโll need to start. Admittance to all Masterโs and PhD programs as well as other specific degrees such as medical school and law school require that students have already attained a bachelorโs degree.ย
Personal development and life experience
Though movies may depict university as a giant party every weekend, the effort put into university studies is no joke. Bachelorโs students must learn to balance their personal life with attending classes, studying, and managing social life, and many also must add on student jobs or internships. This challenge will help you learn both in and outside of the classroom to be a responsible adult.ย
Competence in your subject area is not the only thing you'll learn. A bachelorโs degree will also teach you soft skills like time management, communication, and teamwork - all important skills that will help you succeed in other life endeavors. Learning how to work with people from diverse backgrounds and different mindsets is truly priceless.ย
Working and living abroad
Achieving at least a bachelorโs degree is often a prerequisite for work visas in other countries. So, if youโre interested in working abroad at some point, a bachelorโs degree is the way to go. Studying abroad for a bachelorโs degree is a great option for students who have a good idea of where they want to work or live.ย
International students in many countries such as Sweden, the United Kingdom, and Germany are offered special visa schemes that allow them extra time to stay and find a job after graduation.
What is the Average Salary of a Bachelor's Graduate?
After asking, 'How long does it take to get a bachelor's degree?', students usually want to know all about what they can expect to earn after graduating. We'll give you some examples in some popular study countries for you to compare below. Keep in mind that these numbers are averages, so the reality could be lower or higher. What's very clear in all these countries regardless is that a bachelorโs degree will give graduates a huge step up from a secondary school diploma.ย
United States: Average graduate starting salaries ๐บ๐ธ
- High school diploma average: $30,000
- Bachelorโs degree average: $52,000
Field of study | Average base salary |
Computer Science | $75,900 |
Engineering | $73,922 |
Social Sciences | $61,173 |
Business | $60,695 |
Communications | $55,455 |
Source:ย Federal Reserve Bank of New York, NACE Salary Projections for Class of 2022
United Kingdom: Average graduate salaries ๐ฌ๐ง
- Secondary schoolย diploma average:ย ยฃ24,000
- Bachelorโs degree average:ย ยฃ34,000
Field of study | Average base salary |
Computer Science | ยฃ44,143 |
Economics | ยฃ29,700 |
Electrical Engineering | ยฃ29,000 |
Politics | ยฃ22,000 |
Education Studies | ยฃ22,500 |
Source:ย UK Department for Education; Study in the UK: Best Starting Salaries for Graduates, Popular University Subjects in the UK
Germany: Average graduate salaries ๐ฉ๐ช
- Completed apprenticeship: โฌ 43,471
- Bachelorโs degree average: โฌ54,210
Field of study | Average base salary |
Computer Science | โฌ68,241 |
Business and Economics | โฌ65,404 |
Engineering | โฌ69,850 |
Psychology | โฌ55,204 |
Design | โฌ46,075 |
Source: Statista; Study in Germany
How Much Does Getting a Bachelor's Cost?
How much a Bachelor's degree will cost you depends on where you would like to study. Many countries have different tuition fees for domestic and international students. Weโll give some average tuition fees in the chart below to give you a general idea.
United Statesย ๐บ๐ธ
Public universities cost an average of $25,000-$35,000 in tuition and $30,000-$45,000 for private universities. Tuition may be less for US residents attending a public university in their home state.ย
United Kingdomย ๐ฌ๐ง
UK residents will pay between ยฃ1,820 and ยฃ9,250 yearly, and international students may pay between ยฃ10,000 - ยฃ61,000.
Germanyย ๐ฉ๐ช
Tuition for public universities is free for all students, and private universities cost an average of โฌ26,000 in tuition.
Swedenย ๐ธ๐ช
Tuition for students from the EU/EEA, other Nordic countries, and Switzerland is free. Other students pay an average of โฌ7,500 โ โฌ25,500 in tuition yearly.
Franceย ๐ซ๐ท
Tuition for students from the EU/EEA, Nordic countries, and Switzerland is free. Other students pay an average of โฌ2,770 for public universities and between โฌ3,000 - โฌ20,000 for private universities yearly.
For those of you worried about the costs of studying abroad, there are plenty of scholarships out there to help you find your studies. Take a look at our free Scholarship Directory for a list of 550+ scholarships in 37 countries around the world.ย
Depending on the bachelor's degree requirements of the country and your prior education, you might need to pay less than the average amount for a full bachelorโs degree. Keep in mind that you will also need to factor in the cost of living in each country to more accurately budget for your bachelor studies. Our country guides have information about housing and living costs, tuition, and scholarships for every continent.
Can I do a Bachelor's Online?
Yes!ย Online learning forย bachelorโs degrees has become way more common in the last few years. This is a great option for those who want to cut down on costs and study from the comfort of their own home. You can find distance learning programs in a huge variety of countries and programs using our search.ย

educations.com team
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The educations.com team consists of hundreds of dedicated individuals who share a passion for studying abroad. We combine our diverse strengths to guide millions of students in over 250 countries toward finding their dream education.
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