Bachelor diploma certificate

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Bachelor diploma certificate

What Is a Bachelor’s Degree?

Among the types of college degrees, a bachelor’s degree is one of the most common. It is a 4-year program of study in one particular subject that prepares students to pursue careers or further study in that subject. For example, a bachelor’s degree in biology prepares students to pursue a career in the field of biology or enter an advanced biology program. Bachelor’s degrees have several common names, such as undergraduate, baccalaureate, college, and 4-year degree. Students spend a significant amount of time taking general education courses to gain strong foundational knowledge that will prepare them for later study. The rest of the time is spent taking subject-specific courses that teach them the skills and knowledge they need to enter a career or graduate program.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Bachelor’s Degree?

Although bachelor’s programs are known as 4-year degrees, it doesn’t always take that many years to earn a bachelor’s. Many students finish sooner or even later than 4 years. That’s just the average time it takes if you’re studying full-time without any major changes or breaks. What is perhaps more important is the number of credits required. Bachelor’s programs require a total number of credits, usually around 120, in order to graduate. Each academic year is divided into semesters or quarters, where students take a certain number of courses that add up to a specific number of credits. Students usually either study full-time or part-time. Either option is fine as long as they earn the required amount of credits.

What is an Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree?

An accelerated bachelor’s degree is a path of study designed for students to earn one or more degrees in a shorter amount of time than average. Accelerated degrees can mean different things depending on the schools they’re offered at. Some schools have 4+1 accelerated degrees, meaning a student earns a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in just 5 years. Other schools have accelerated bachelor’s degrees where it takes just 3 years to earn the degree, or they build upon previous experience or college credits to earn the degree at a faster pace. The last option is more common with online schools.

The type of accelerated program and what it entails varies by school and degree type. For example, an accelerated nursing BSN program is when a student with a bachelor’s degree in an area not related to nursing can earn a nursing degree in less than 2 years. The coursework in accelerated programs may be the same as in traditional programs, but it is more intensive so that it can be completed at a faster pace. An accelerated program may be a good fit for those who have the time to solely focus on a degree and want to earn it as fast as possible.

Different Types of Degrees

  • Associate’s Degree: This degree is often a quicker, less expensive way to a potential career change. This level of degree focuses on technically-specific skills and education. Associate’s degrees are generally 60 credits and can be completed in two years. The course workload translates roughly into the first two years of a bachelor’s degree and can show future employers a level of responsibility and time management. Associate degrees are considered the first step of post-secondary education and a helpful academic vehicle for acquiring a bachelor’s degree. There are three types of associate’s degrees: Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS), and Associate of Applied Science (AAS).
  • Bachelor’s Degree: A bachelor’s degree is typically 120 credits and takes roughly four years to complete. It often guarantees a higher earning potential and many jobs today require it as a qualification necessity. While the cost of tuition varies greatly from institution to institution, the cost of attaining a bachelor’s degree can be fairly expensive. Part-time education is a viable option and many schools offer scholarships and financial aid to students. There are three types of bachelor’s degrees: Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS), and Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA). Within each of these degrees are a large variety of majors.
  • Master’s Degree: This degree is the first level of graduate study and requires anywhere from 36-54 credits to complete. Many master’s degrees are pursued while the student is working, so the length of time varies, but if one attends full-time, this degree can be completed in two years. While a master’s degree is not necessary for many careers, it can greatly increase your earning potential and job candidate appeal. Students can get a master’s degree in many specialized fields such as a Master of Music (MM) or a Master of Architecture (MARCH), but the most common degrees are a Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MS/MSc), Master of Business Administration (MBA), and a Master of Education (M.Ed)
  • Doctorate Degree: In most professional careers, a doctorate degree is the highest level of education one can attain. Most doctorates require 90-120 credits and a research dissertation to be completed; this can take anywhere from four to eight years, although the average time is six years. This degree is highly specific and necessary only if it is required for your intended career, such as a College Professor. The most common degree is a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) which specializes in most humanities and science subjects, but there are also doctorates for applied or professional fields, such as a Doctor of Education (EdD), Doctor of Public Health (DPH), or a Juris Doctor (JD).