In the United States, over 80% of jobs now need a bachelor’s degree. This shows how important these degrees are for moving up in your career. With a bachelor’s degree, you open doors to great jobs, growth, and happiness. This guide will help you understand what you need for a bachelor’s degree and reach your goals.
Key Takeaways
- Bachelor’s degrees usually take 4-5 years and include 120-130 credit hours.
- In the US, common bachelor’s degrees are the Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS), and Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA).
- Having a bachelor’s degree can boost your income by up to 75% compared to just a high school diploma.
- Bachelor’s degree holders can work in the US for up to 12 months through the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. STEM graduates can work for 24 more months.
- Getting a bachelor’s degree gives you chances to network and learn skills like communication, analytics, research, and problem-solving.
Understanding the Different Types of Degrees
Going for higher education opens up many academic paths, each leading to different degrees. From the basic two-year associate degree to the top doctorate, knowing the differences is key. It helps you make smart choices about your future.
Associate Degree
An associate degree is a two-year program found at community colleges, technical colleges, and career colleges. It gives a strong base in general education and gets students ready for entry-level jobs or moving on to a four-year college. There are two main types: the Associate of Arts (AA) and the Associate of Science (AS).
Bachelor’s or Baccalaureate Degree
The bachelor’s degree is the most common four-year degree. Students can pick from many options, like the bachelor of arts (BA), bachelor of science (BS), bachelor of fine arts (BFA), and bachelor of architecture (BArch). These programs give deep training in a certain field, getting graduates ready for various careers.
Graduate Degree
After a bachelor’s degree, some students go for a graduate degree, a higher level of education. The most common are the master of arts (MA) and the master of science (MS). But there are others like the master of fine arts (MFA) and the master of business administration (MBA). These degrees take about two years and let students go deeper into their field.
Doctoral Degree and Professional Degree
The doctoral degree and professional degree are the highest levels of education. A doctoral degree, like the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), focuses on research and prepares students for academia and research jobs. Professional degrees are made for specific careers, such as the doctor of medicine (MD), doctor of pharmacy (PharmD), doctor of medicine in dentistry (DMD), juris doctor (JD), and doctor of juridical science (SJD).
Knowing about the different degrees and what they offer is key to making good choices for your education and career. Whether you’re looking at an associate degree, a bachelor’s, a graduate degree, or a professional or doctoral degree, each has its own benefits for growth and moving forward.
Embarking on Your Bachelor’s Degree Journey
Starting a bachelor’s degree program changes your life, opening doors to new opportunities and personal growth. It’s important to know the steps and things to consider for success. Skills like study skills, time management, and financial literacy are key to doing well in college and beyond.
Doing well in your undergraduate program means improving your study skills. Good note-taking, active reading, and preparing for tests can really help you learn more. Also, managing your time well by setting goals and balancing school with other activities is important for success.
Knowing about money matters is also crucial for your bachelor’s degree journey. Understanding how to budget, manage loans, and find scholarships can make school less stressful. This lets you focus on your studies.
Starting your bachelor’s degree journey is exciting and life-changing. By getting the right skills, managing your time, and being responsible with money, you set yourself up for success. This can lead to a great college experience and a bright future.
| Degree Type | Focus | Typical Duration | Average Tuition (Canada) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Science (BS) | Technical and science-based disciplines | 4 years (full-time) | $6,834 per year (domestic) $29,714 per year (international) |
| Bachelor of Arts (BA) | Liberal arts education | 4 years (full-time) | $6,834 per year (domestic) $29,714 per year (international) |
| Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) | Artistic, creative, and performance-based disciplines | 4 years (full-time) | $6,834 per year (domestic) $29,714 per year (international) |
The Bureau of Labor Statistics says bachelor’s degree holders make more money than those with just a high school diploma. They can earn an extra $900,000 in their lifetime, or $630,000 for women. Also, over 87% of 25 to 34-year-olds with a bachelor’s degree or higher have a job, compared to 68% with just a high school diploma.
“Pursuing a bachelor’s degree is an investment in your future, opening doors to greater earning potential, job security, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.”
Types of Degrees
Higher education offers many degree programs for different goals. You can pick from associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, graduate degrees, or doctoral/professional degrees. Knowing about these can help you choose the right path for your education.
Associate degrees take two years to finish. They give you a basic education and can lead to entry-level jobs or help you move on to a bachelor’s degree. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2023, associate degree holders earned nearly 18% more than workers with only a high school diploma.
Bachelor’s or baccalaureate degrees usually take four years. They go deeper into a subject like the arts, sciences, engineering, business, or education. Bachelor’s degree holders earned about 41% more in 2023 than workers with an associate degree, and more than 37% of adults over 25 held at least a bachelor’s degree in 2023.
Graduate degrees, like master’s and doctoral/professional degrees, offer more specialization. Jobs requiring master’s degrees are projected to grow by 11.3% through 2032, the largest growth of all the degree types. Master’s degree holders’ median weekly earnings were about 16% higher than bachelor’s degree holders and 64% higher than associate degree holders in 2023. Doctoral degrees, which can take up to 7 years, are for academic or research careers.
| Degree Type | Duration | Median Weekly Earnings (2023) | Projected Growth (2032) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate | 2 years | $963 | N/A |
| Bachelor’s | 4 years | $1,363 | N/A |
| Master’s | 1-2 years | $1,584 | 11.3% |
| Doctoral | Up to 7 years | N/A | N/A |
Students can pick from many academic areas and mix majors and minors to customize their studies. From the versatile Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) to specialized master’s degrees and doctoral programs, there are many options.
Preparing for Licensure and Certification
Many careers need you to get licensure or certification after a bachelor’s degree. This means passing required exams like the Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) for teachers. You also need to do background checks to meet regulatory requirements. It’s key to know these steps if you want to enter certain fields and get the needed professional credentials.
Passing Required Exams
You might have to pass exams in your field to show you know your stuff. Teachers in the U.S. often need to pass the Praxis Core or other exams to get their license. These tests cover reading, writing, math, and specific subjects.
Make sure to look up the exam needs for your job and start studying early. There are study guides and practice tests out there to help you do well on these required exams.
Completing Background Checks
Along with exams, you might have to go through background checks for licensure or certification. These checks look at your criminal and work history, and other info to make sure you’re fit for your job.
How long and what the background check involves can change based on your job and state rules. Be ready to give the needed documents and work with the investigation.
| Degree Program | Average Completion Time | Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Elementary Education – B.A. | 36 months | $3,825 per 6-month term |
| Special Ed and Elementary Ed (Dual Licensure) – B.A. | 38 months | $3,825 per 6-month term |
| Mathematics Education (Middle Grades) – B.S. | 29 months | $3,825 per 6-month term |
| Mathematics Education (Secondary) – B.S. | 40 months | $3,825 per 6-month term |
| Science Education (Middle Grades) – B.S. | 34 months | $3,825 per 6-month term |
| Science Education (Secondary Biological Science) – B.S. | 38 months | $3,825 per 6-month term |
| Science Education (Secondary Chemistry) – B.S. | 37 months | $3,825 per 6-month term |
| Science Education (Secondary Physics) – B.S. | 49 months | $3,825 per 6-month term |
| Science Education (Secondary Earth Science) – B.S. | 33 months | $3,825 per 6-month term |
Note: The completion times and tuition rates shown may change based on your situation and program needs.
Submitting Your Application for Licensure
Getting a teaching license is a big step in your education path. After you meet the educational and exam needs, it’s time to send in your license application. This goes to the state’s Department of Education. You’ll need to provide documents like background checks, transcripts, and proof of finishing a teacher prep program.
Make sure to check the specific needs of your state or licensing body. You might need to fill out forms, send in documents, and pay fees. Sending in your licensure application on time is key to start the licensing process. This way, you can get ready for work in your chosen field.
Required Documents for Licensure Application
- Official transcripts showing your education and teacher prep program completion
- Proof of passing exams like the Praxis or state tests
- Fingerprints and background check documents
- Completed application forms for teaching licensure
- Payment of the necessary application submission fees
By gathering and sending in the right required documents, you can make your licensure application process go smoothly. This opens doors for your teaching career.
“The key to a successful licensure application is attention to detail and timely submission of all required documents.”
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Supervised Work Experience | Applicants need at least two years (104 weeks) and 3,000 hours of supervised work experience, with a minimum of 1,750 hours in clinical counseling. |
| Clinical Counseling Hours | Out of 3,000 hours required, 500 hours must be in diagnosing and treating couples, families, and children. |
| Non-Clinical Practice Hours | A maximum of 1,250 hours can be nonclinical practice-related. |
| Pre-Degree Experience | Up to 1,300 hours of experience can be gained before the award date of the qualifying degree. |
| Experience Verification | Supervised experience must be obtained within six years prior to the application submission, notwithstanding 500 practicum hours. Supervisors of the experience hours must verify the experience. |
| Application Fees | A $500 fee is charged, consisting of a $250 application fee and a $250 clinical exam fee. |
Continuing Professional Development
After getting your bachelor’s degree and a professional license, your learning journey doesn’t stop. Many jobs, like teaching, need you to keep learning to stay up-to-date with new trends and rules. Taking more courses, going to workshops, or getting advanced degrees helps you meet licensure requirements. It also helps you grow in your career and personally.
Continuing education is for adults who want to learn more after finishing their degree. Jobs like emergency medical services and fire science need ongoing training. This training is often given through Continuing Education Units (CEUs) at universities. Professional development includes many activities to help you move forward in your career. These can be conferences, newsletters, podcasts, mentorships, webinars, and workshops.
Many students come back to Columbia Southern University for more learning. This shows they really want to keep learning. The university also helps students and alumni with career advice, counseling, and job search tips. This makes them better at their jobs and improves their career chances.
For those in healthcare and science, continuing education is key to becoming experts. It’s a structured way to learn more, unlike professional development. Some jobs, like being a doctor or professor, need you to keep learning to stay in the field.
| Type of Education | Characteristics | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Continuing Education | Formal, often degree-focused, may require loans | Master’s programs, professional doctorate programs, certificate programs, additional bachelor’s degrees |
| Professional Development | Informal, skill-focused, often employer-provided | Workshops, training sessions, conferences, mentorships |
Continuing education can also mean short courses or training that give you new skills and credentials. Many jobs, like real estate or nursing, need you to keep learning to work in that field. Companies might also offer training to help their employees do better in their jobs.
Conclusion
This guide has given you a deep look into what you need for a bachelor’s degree and the many paths you can take. You now know about the different types of degrees, how to get licensed and certified, and the need for ongoing learning. You’re ready to make the most of your education and reach your career dreams.
Starting your bachelor’s degree program means sticking to your goals and taking charge of your education. Make sure you meet all the requirements for licenses and certifications. Always look for chances to keep learning. This will help you succeed in the long run and make a big difference in your field.
Face the challenges and chances that come your way with confidence. Let this guide help you on your path to a bachelor’s degree. With hard work, determination, and a clear plan, you’re set to do great things and have a fulfilling career.
FAQ
What are the different types of degrees available?
There are several types of degrees, like associate, bachelor’s, graduate, and doctoral/professional degrees. Each has its own length and focus. They also offer different career paths.
What is an associate degree and how does it differ from a bachelor’s degree?
An associate degree is a two-year program found at community and technical colleges. It covers a wide range of subjects, including business and criminal justice. On the other hand, a bachelor’s degree is a four- or five-year program in a specific area, such as arts or science.
What are the different types of graduate degrees?
Graduate degrees include the master of arts (MA) and the master of science (MS). There are also the master of fine arts (MFA) and the master of business administration (MBA). These degrees take about two years to complete and deepen your knowledge in a field.
What are the highest levels of education one can attain?
The highest education levels are doctorates and professional degrees. Doctoral degrees, like the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), focus on research. Professional degrees, such as the doctor of medicine (MD), prepare you for specific jobs.
What are the key steps involved in embarking on a bachelor’s degree journey?
Starting a bachelor’s degree requires good study habits, time management, and using campus resources. It’s important to know what’s expected and required for success in college.
What additional steps are required for certain professions beyond earning a degree?
Some jobs need a license or certification. This means passing exams, like the Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) for teachers, and doing background checks.
What is the process for submitting an application for licensure?
To apply for a license, you must meet educational and exam requirements. Then, you send an application to the right body, like the Ohio Department of Education. You’ll need to provide documents like background checks and transcripts.
Why is ongoing professional development important, even after obtaining a bachelor’s degree and a professional license?
Fields like teaching need ongoing learning to keep up with new trends and rules. Taking more courses, attending workshops, or getting advanced degrees helps with your job and personal growth.
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