Navigate your Career: The Bachelor's Degree

What is a bachelor's degree?

Also known as Baccalaureate degrees, bachelors' degrees are four-year degrees awarded by colleges or universities. This undergraduate degree allows students to select both an area of study (referred to as a 'major') and an area of concentration (referred to as a 'minor.') Traditionally, bachelor degrees must be completed before embarking on a master's or doctoral degree.

Traditionally, students enter a bachelor's program either directly from high school or by transferring credits from previous coursework (for example, an associate degree). As the workforce becomes more educated, many industry professionals with work experience are also returning to school to begin or complete a degree.

Why take a bachelor's degree?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that 96% of the 50 highest paying occupations require college degrees and salaries for bachelor's degree holders are projected to be 60 percent higher than for those with associate degrees.

Less than a decade ago, non-graduates still anticipated a fair chance at climbing the career ladder. Today, a college degree is almost a prerequisite for employment and certainly for promotion into management.

Increased technology in the workplace and rapidly changing demands forces companies to seek well-trained or seasoned staff. For many positions, a bachelor's degree has become the minimum expectation. A survey conducted by the Information Technology Association of America and Virginia Polytechnic and State University revealed that 83 percent of respondents required a four-year degree for all or most programming positions. Job growth for bachelor's degree holders is expected to exceed 21.9% by 2008.

What are the different kinds of bachelors' degrees?

Bachelor's degree programs and program titles vary by educational institution. The two primary bachelor's degree qualification types are:

• Bachelor of Arts (BA). This type of degree type usually requires a majority of coursework be taken in the arts; areas such as social science, humanities, music or fine arts.
  
  
• Bachelor of Science (BS). This type of degree usually requires a majority of coursework be taken in the sciences; areas such as life sciences, physical sciences, or mathematical sciences

Examples of specific majors and areas of concentration that can be selected include:

• Business Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
• Arts Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
• Health Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
• Social Science Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

Where can you enroll on a bachelor's degree?

Most colleges and universities offer bachelors' degrees. However, entry requirements, program offerings and course credit expectations vary considerably. Technology has enabled many institutions to offer students flexibility in structuring attendance and course completion to best meet their specific needs, whether it is full-time, part-time, on campus or online.

Is a bachelor's degree right for you?

If you are looking to advance or change your career a bachelor's degree could be instrumental in ensuring your success.

As employers re-structure to ensure their business success, it is important for individuals to evaluate their qualifications, experience and education to define their own career path. An in-depth knowledge of what you're good at, which jobs appeal to you, and what core skills and interests you have, together with an appropriate bachelor's degree could provide you with everything you need to chart a career in today's economic climate.

References

• Ram Tacket, President of Abacus Technologies "Technology generalists reap long-term rewards" - http://www.lantimes.com
• U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics www.bls.gov "2002-03 Occupational Outlook Handbook"
• National Center for Education Statistics www.nces.ed.gov
• The Fulbright Commission www.fulbright.co.uk
• Latin American Educational Foundation - www.laef.org

About the Author

A freelance writer and researcher, Liz Carlock runs her own business, The Write Resources, providing writing, editing, and market strategy services to businesses, government agencies and individuals. She has over 15 years experience in senior level marketing positions in a variety of industries, and has worked for companies such as Sun Microsystems, ConferTech International, and Marquest Medical Products. Liz earned a B.S. degree in Business/Marketing at the University of Colorado and makes Boulder, CO her home.