High school graduates considering college often have one question: “How many years does it take to get a bachelor’s degree?” Heading back to the classroom after 12 years of primary and secondary school can sound awful. Time is precious and you don’t want to waste it. However, investing time in a bachelor’s degree can pay off for the rest of your life. Bachelor’s degrees build the professional skills needed in most high-quality, well-paid jobs. Georgetown’s Center on Education and the Workforce predicts 36 percent of the 55 million job openings in 2020 will mandate a bachelor’s. Each bachelor’s degree has an average lifetime value of $2.8 million. Several six-figure jobs, such as actuary, chemical engineer, airline pilot, and financial manager, require a bachelor’s education. College graduates make 84 percent more than diploma or GED recipients. The Lumina Foundation found that bachelor’s grads are 24 percent more likely to be employed. Life expectancy is even seven years longer with a baccalaureate.
Bachelor’s degrees are often called “four-year” degrees. In a perfect world, every bachelor’s student could take the 15 credits per semester full-time and graduate in 48 months or less. In reality, bachelor’s completion rates can vary dramatically. The National Center for Education Statistics found that only 54 percent of bachelor’s majors fit the four-year norm. The median time to bachelor’s graduation is currently 52 months. On average, freshmen finish in 56 months at public and 45 months at private universities. The study time increases exponentially with the student’s age. For instance, adults age 24 to 29 have a mean completion time of 81 months or 6.7 years. Over 160 months is the standard for learners after age 30. The years it takes to get a bachelor’s degree depends on other factors too. Academic rigor, internship or co-op requirements, job responsibilities, family obligations, and course scheduling all play a big role. Let’s investigate the average length of time it takes to get a bachelor’s degree in several fields.
Bachelor of Arts
The Bachelor of Arts is a standard degree based in the humanities and social sciences to train critical thinkers. Most B.A. majors have less science courses and more free electives. Expect more writing and foreign language courses than in B.S. curricula too. Getting a Bachelor of Arts generally takes three to five years with at least 120 credits total.
Examples:
• Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy
• Bachelor of Arts in Latin American Studies
• Bachelor of Arts in Economics
• Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology
• Bachelor of Arts in History
• Bachelor of Arts in Women’s Studies
• Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics
• Bachelor of Arts in Geography
• Bachelor of Arts in East Asian Studies
• Bachelor of Arts in Communication
Bachelor of Science
The Bachelor of Science is another popular degree rooted in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) subjects for more technical disciplines. Most B.S. programs have a rigid course schedule of math and science classes. More major courses with lab requirements and research projects are common. Earning a Bachelor of Science requires 120-130 credits usually over four to six years.
Examples:
• Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
• Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• Bachelor of Science in Agriculture
• Bachelor of Science in Astronomy
• Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science
• Bachelor of Science in Geology
• Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience
• Bachelor of Science in Mathematics
• Bachelor of Science in Biophysics
Bachelor of Professional Studies
The Bachelor of Professional Studies is a flexible, fast-track degree popular at online colleges for adult learners. Many BPS programs let students transfer credits and use CLEP (College-Level Examination Program) tests to reach the 120-credit benchmark. Paths are customized to each student’s unique needs. Accredited BPS degrees take as little as 12 or up to 48 months.
Examples:
• Bachelor of Professional Studies in Human Services
• Bachelor of Professional Studies in Organizational Leadership
• Bachelor of Professional Studies in Health Information Technology
• Bachelor of Professional Studies in Cybersecurity
• Bachelor of Professional Studies in Aging Services
• Bachelor of Professional Studies in Culinary Arts
• Bachelor of Professional Studies in Legal Studies
• Bachelor of Professional Studies in Hospitality Operations
• Bachelor of Professional Studies in Risk Management
Bachelor of Fine Arts
The Bachelor of Fine Arts is a creative craft-centric degree that focuses on expressing human emotion in artwork. Most NASAD-accredited (National Association of Schools of Art and Design) colleges mandate 120-144 BFA credits over four to six years. Lectures are minimal in favor of studio sessions, workshops, exhibits, and internships. BFA majors can enter visual and performing arts careers.
Examples:
• Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film Production
• Bachelor of Fine Arts in Animation
• Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design
• Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing
• Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance
• Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre
• Bachelor of Fine Arts in Ceramics
• Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration
• Bachelor of Fine Arts in Printmaking
• Bachelor of Fine Arts in Sculpture
Bachelor of Social Work
The Bachelor of Social Work is a justice-oriented degree that produces activists for righting societal wrongs. America has 547 CSWE-accredited (Council of Social Work Education) bachelor’s that usually take four to six years. The 120-135 credits blend courses with fieldwork, service projects, and study abroad trips. BSW graduates will qualify for Advanced Standing in master’s programs.
Examples:
• Bachelor of Social Work in Child Welfare
• Bachelor of Social Work in Addictions Counseling
• Bachelor of Social Work in Social Justice
• Bachelor of Social Work in Youth and Family Services
• Bachelor of Social Work in Behavioral Health
• Bachelor of Social Work in Trauma-Informed Care
• Bachelor of Social Work in Latino Community Practice
• Bachelor of Social Work in Policy Studies
Bachelor of Music
The Bachelor of Music is a performance-based degree for artists to strengthen vocal or instrumental skills. Since 1924, the NASM (National Association of Schools of Music) has accredited more than 600 music schools with this 120-128 credit bachelor’s. The sequence of 3.5-5 years entails courses, private lessons, and concerts. Most B.M. graduates perform, teach, conduct, or write music.
Examples:
• Bachelor of Music in Performance
• Bachelor of Music in Composition
• Bachelor of Music in Music Theory
• Bachelor of Music in K-12 Education
• Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies
• Bachelor of Music in Percussion
• Bachelor of Music in Vocal Arts
• Bachelor of Music in Piano Pedagogy
Bachelor of Engineering
The Bachelor of Engineering is an in-demand STEM degree that prepares for technical trades improving our infrastructure. America’s ABET-accredited (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) engineering schools range from four to six years long. Students finish at least 120-135 credits of courses heavy in math and sciences. Cooperative education placements can last up to 18 months.
Examples:
• Bachelor of Engineering in Environmental Engineering
• Bachelor of Engineering in Information Engineering Technology
• Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering
• Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering
• Bachelor of Engineering in Mining Engineering
• Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering Technology
• Bachelor of Engineering in Biomedical Engineering
• Bachelor of Engineering in Petroleum Engineering
Bachelor of Applied Science
The Bachelor of Applied Science is a transfer-friendly degree for community college graduates after an A.A.S. On-campus and online B.A.S. programs have a 2+2 format that requires 60 or more associate credits. Majors often complete the applied industry courses in 18-24 months. This accelerated bachelor’s degree is perfect for full-time workers.
Examples:
• Bachelor of Applied Science in Criminal Justice
• Bachelor of Applied Science in Management
• Bachelor of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene
• Bachelor of Applied Science in Sustainability Studies
• Bachelor of Applied Science in Respiratory Care
• Bachelor of Applied Science in Forensic Science
• Bachelor of Applied Science in Automotive Technology
• Bachelor of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies
Bachelor of Business Administration
The Bachelor of Business Administration is a market-focused degree that trains ethical corporate leaders. Accredited Business schools provide BBA degrees for 120-128 credits in three to five years. Undergrads complete concentrations, internships, and capstone projects after the business core. The BBA is one of the top-paying degrees with a $68,350 mean wage.
Examples:
• Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance
• Bachelor of Business Administration in Real Estate
• Bachelor of Business Administration in Data Analytics
• Bachelor of Business Administration in Entrepreneurship
• Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business
• Bachelor of Business Administration in Sport Management
• Bachelor of Business Administration in Information Systems
• Bachelor of Business Administration in Economics
• Bachelor of Business Administration in Advertising
• Bachelor of Business Administration in Project Management
Bachelor of Liberal Studies
The Bachelor of Liberal Studies is a well-rounded custom degree that gives a broad overview of the liberal arts. Most BLS programs are geared toward transfers with up to 90 credits. The 120-credit bachelor’s could take one to four years based on previous experience. Learners pick courses in English, sociology, philosophy, history, economics, and more.
Examples:
• Bachelor of Liberal Studies
• Bachelor of Liberal Arts
• Bachelor of General Studies
• Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies
• Bachelor of Liberal Arts and Sciences
• Bachelor of Integrative Studies
Bachelor of Architecture
The Bachelor of Architecture is an intensive design-based degree that teaches pupils how buildings are constructed. All 123 NAAB-accredited (National Architectural Accrediting Board) schools require at least 150 bachelor’s credits. Students spend five to seven years doing architecture courses, real-life projects, and externships. Earning a B.Arch. degree leads to the Architect Registration Exam.
Examples:
• Bachelor of Architecture in Landscape Architecture
• Bachelor of Architecture in Interior Design
• Bachelor of Architecture in Building Arts
• Bachelor of Architecture in Construction Technology
• Bachelor of Architecture in Sustainability Design
• Bachelor of Architecture in Furniture Design
• Bachelor of Architecture in Historic Restoration
• Bachelor of Architecture in Urban Planning
• Bachelor of Architecture in Digital Craft
Bachelor of Accountancy
The Bachelor of Accountancy is a math-oriented business degree focused on financial analysis. Accredited Bussiness schools offer a B.Acc. for specialized Uniform CPA exam prep. Courses are often paired with Big Four (KPMG, Ernst & Young, Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers) firm internships. Undergrads spend three to four years getting the first 120 credits of the 150-hour Certified Public Accountant requirement.
Examples:
• Bachelor of Accountancy in Taxation
• Bachelor of Accountancy in Forensic Accounting
• Bachelor of Accountancy in Internal Auditing
• Bachelor of Accountancy in Accounting Information Systems
• Bachelor of Accountancy in Financial Planning
• Bachelor of Accountancy in Management Accounting
• Bachelor of Accountancy in Public Accounting
Bachelor of Health Administration
The Bachelor of Health Administration is a leadership-oriented degree that centers on the business of medicine. Several AUPHA (Association of University Programs in Healthcare Administration) members have this 120-130 credit bachelor’s to train clinical managers. Undergrads spend three and a half to five years on courses, internships, and field projects. Demand for BHA graduates will skyrocket 18 percent by 2028.
Examples:
• Bachelor of Health Administration in Long-Term Care
• Bachelor of Health Administration in Emergency Medical Services
• Bachelor of Health Administration in Health Informatics
• Bachelor of Health Administration in Patient Safety and Quality
• Bachelor of Health Administration in Public Health
• Bachelor of Health Administration in Organization Management
Bachelor of Technology
The Bachelor of Technology is a computer-based STEM degree only found at a few technical colleges. Getting a B.Tech. degree entails 120 or more semester credits over four to five years. Majors usually engage in classroom lectures, computer labs, tech co-ops, and applied projects. Graduates excel in a technology field poised for 12 percent growth.
Examples:
• Bachelor of Technology in Public Safety Management
• Bachelor of Technology in Energy Studies
• Bachelor of Technology in Computer Network Systems
• Bachelor of Technology in Geographic Information Science
• Bachelor of Technology in Database Administration
• Bachelor of Technology in Manufacturing Systems
• Bachelor of Technology in Information Security and Assurance
Bachelor of Design
The Bachelor of Design is a rare portfolio-based degree that trains creative undergrads to sketch masterpieces. In the United States, B.Des. majors need at least 120 credits in three to five years. The curricula often has studio courses, design projects, and industry internships. Alumni can design products, buildings, graphics, fashion, and more.
Examples:
• Bachelor of Design in Industrial Design
• Bachelor of Design in Multimedia Design
• Bachelor of Design in Film and Motion Design
• Bachelor of Design in Architecture
• Bachelor of Design in Graphic Design
• Bachelor of Design in Typography
• Bachelor of Design in Product Design
Overall, how long a bachelor’s degree will take depends mostly on the school you choose and your schedule. It’s possible to stay on the traditional four-year track or finish even faster. Accelerated bachelor’s degree programs are increasingly available both on-campus and online. These college options frequently shorten the length of semesters to 5-12 weeks. In effect, ultra-focused bachelor’s students can cram an entire course into a couple months. Many accelerated schools have year-round classes to skip summer and winter breaks. Liberal transfer policies let undergrads transfer up to 90 credits of their 120-credit bachelor’s from elsewhere. Credits might be given for life experience or tests like College Level Examination Program (CLEP). Some of the fastest bachelor’s degree tracks can cut the 48-month timeline in half. The popular RN to BSN is a great example that takes only 10-24 months for registered nurses. Do your homework to locate accredited bachelor’s degree offerings that make studies speedier.
AS Staff
December 2019
This concludes our article answering “How Many Years Does it Take to Get a Bachelor’s Degree?”
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