What it is
A bachelor's degree is the standard four-year undergraduate degree (about 120 credit hours) and the dividing line between undergraduate and graduate education. It's the most common degree employers ask for and the gateway to master's, professional, and doctoral study.
The degrees & designations
Bachelor's degrees come in several designations. The two broadest — BA (Bachelor of Arts) and BS (Bachelor of Science) — span nearly every field; the others are tied to a specific area. Click a degree type to jump to the majors you can earn with it:
How long it takes
About four years of full-time study (roughly 120 credit hours). Some students finish in three via accelerated tracks or credit; others take five (co-op programs, architecture, part-time).
What you study
A bachelor's combines general education, a major (in-depth study of one field), and electives — often with a minor, concentration, capstone, or internship. Roughly 120 credits total.
Getting in
Admission requires a high school diploma or GED, transcripts, and often essays, recommendations, and (sometimes) standardized tests. Selectivity ranges enormously, from open-admission to highly competitive.
Cost & funding
Cost varies more than any other degree — from lower-cost public in-state tuition to expensive private universities. Grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans are widely used; starting at a community college can cut cost.
Where it leads
A bachelor's opens professional careers across virtually every field and is the required foundation for graduate, professional, and doctoral programs.
How it compares
A bachelor's sits above the associate degree and below the master's. It's the standard four-year credential; the BA/BS label reflects emphasis, not rank.
Is it right for you?
A bachelor's degree suits students pursuing most professional careers or any graduate/professional study. It's the default four-year credential for career and further education.
Explore further
This is a reference guide. Keep exploring the education resource:
Key facts
- LevelUndergraduate (four-year)
- Length~4 years / ~120 credits
- TypesBA, BS, BFA, BBA, BSN, BArch, BEng, and more
- EntryHigh school diploma or GED
- Gateway toMaster's, professional, and doctoral study
Where to learn more
Keep exploring the K12 Academics education resource library: