There are 17 major types of bachelor degrees ranging from the common Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees through to uncommon ones such as a Bachelor of Architecture.

About 2 million Bachelor degrees are conferred per year in the USA. The vast majority of those students study generalized degrees like Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science (where they can go on to major in a specialty of their choice).
However, other students may choose to do a specific type of bachelor degree like a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) if they already know what career they want to go into.
The benefit of a general BA or BS is that you have some time in your first year to decide upon major, while specialized bachelors degrees have the benefit of giving very specific applied job ready skills for your future career.
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Types of Bachelor Degrees
Note: Universities around the world have the freedom to create their own degree programs. Therefore, this is not an exhaustive list.
1. Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc)
A Bachelor of Applied Science, not to be confused with the more popular Bachelor of Science (BS) degree, is a technical degree designed to provide students with hard skills in scientific disciplines.
The term ‘applied’ means that the degree is focused on vocational rather than research and theoretical skills.
Skills you Learn: The Bachelor of Applied Science degree has a strong focus on workforce readiness. Students do not complete research dissertations typical of a BA or BS, but rather focus on skill development. While there are a wide range of majors to choose from, students most commonly choose to major in engineering or technology.
Career Options: BASc students have the advantage of entering the workforce with a strong practical skills base. Career options include engineering, resource management, business, and surveying.
Related: The 6 Types of Degrees
2. Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Bachelor of Arts is one of the two main bachelor degrees, alongside Bachelor of Science. Its focus is on liberal arts, humanities, and social sciences subjects whereas a Bachelor of Science focuses on hard science subjects.
Students studying a Bachelor of Arts degree have one of the widest ranges of majors to select. They can major in anything from theater to French to psychology.
Skills you Learn: Graduates with a Bachelor of Arts degree can demonstrate to their employer a range of soft skills including dedication, commitment, general writing and research capabilities, time management, and teamwork skills. Depending on their major, they may be able to demonstrate other hard skills as well, like capabilities with computer software or even speaking a second language.
Career Options: People with a Bachelor of Arts degree go on to work in a wide range of fields from government to NGO to the corporate sector, depending on their chosen major.
Related: Is an Arts Degree Worth It?
3. Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
A Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) is a much more specific type of degree designed to prepare people to go into leadership roles in business environments across a range of private and public sector industries.
Skills you Learn: BBA students usually learn foundational business management skills including accounting, strategic planning, financial planning, project management, and industry analysis.
Career Options: People who study a BBA can go on to work as entrepreneurs in their own business, managers in the private and public sectors, actuaries, and project managers. Often, you get the option to select a specialty major in areas such as hospitality and tourism, supply chain management, or legal management.
Related: Is a Business Degree Worth It?
4. Bachelor of Economics
A Bachelor of Economics is offered in some universities as an alternative to a BA(Econ) or BS(Econ) degree.
The Bachelor of Economics is a specialized bachelor degree that is usually more structured than a general Economics major in the BA and BS programs. It has a strong focus on theoretical and applied mathematics.
Skills you Learn: The degree has a strong focus on finance, accounting, higher-level statistical analysis, and economic theory.
Career Options: Economists typically work in public and private sectors in roles that focus on financial markets, infrastructure development, and business planning.
Related: Is an Economics Degree Worth It?
5. Bachelor of Management Studies (BMS)
A Bachelor of Management Studies (BMS) program prepares people for management roles in organizations. While similar to a BBA, it generally has a stronger focus on human resources management than business per se.
Skills you Learn: People who study a BMS get foundational business and management skills which are usually followed-up by HR, PR, and project management specialized courses.
Career Options: BMS graduates often go on to complete careers in labor management in the public and private sector. There are potential jobs in the healthcare, construction, education, and labor union sectors.
6. Bachelor of Science: (BSc)
A Bachelor of Science is one of two major types of bachelor degrees (the other being the Bachelor of Arts).
Those who study a bachelor of science have a wide range of majors that they can specialize in, from mathematics to pharmacy to forestry.
Skills you Learn: BSc students will be required to complete foundation level courses that have mathematical and language components. They will then go on to choose a major that has a strong scientific foundation.
Career Options: Graduates with a Bachelor of Science can go into just about any field, depending upon their major. Most graduates will head toward hard science related (rather than social science) topics.
7. Bachelor of Commerce (Bcom)
A Bachelor of Commerce degree (Bcom) is very similar to a BBA, explored earlier. Generally, a Bcom degree is offered in commonwealth countries, while the United States tends to confer BBA degrees.
Skills you Learn: A Bcom degree teaches students foundational business subjects including finance, business planning, industry analysis, accounting, and marketing.
Career Options: People who study a Bcom can go on to work as entrepreneurs in their own business, managers in the private and public sectors, actuaries, and project managers. Often, you get the option to select a specialty major in areas such as hospitality and tourism, supply chain management, or legal management.
8. Bachelor of Computer Science (BCS)
A Bachelor of Computer Science (BCS) degree is a heavily mathematical degree focused on computer systems and how they operate.
Skills you Learn: Most BCS degrees will teach skills in computer programming (across several programming languages), data networking, distributed systems, and artificial intelligence.
Career Options: BCS graduates work in IT roles in the public and private sector, computer programming, computer games, API management, and software engineering.
Related: Is a Computer Sciences Degree Worth It?
9. Bachelor of Design (B.Des)
A Bachelor of design prepares students for a creative career in a wide range of design industries. There is a fair spectrum of majors in this field, allowing creative students to enter the bachelor degree with general understanding of what they want to do before they need to niche down in their second and third years of study.
Skills you Learn: Students generally develop foundational knowledge in design theory before going on to major in a specialty such as textiles, graphics, interior design, audiovisual media, et cetera.
Career Options: Depending on your major, you can go on to work in graphic design, advertising, interior design, game design, product design, and textiles.
10. Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
A Bachelor of Fine Arts degree focuses on the applied arts such as graphics, illustration, performing arts, interior design, and photography. Around the world, equivalents include the Bachelor of Visual Arts (BVA) and Bachelor of Arts (Fine Arts).
Skills you Learn: The bachelor of fine arts degree will provide foundational knowledge in art history and a range of artistic endeavors. They will then follow-up by majoring in a specialty such as photography, theater, dance, et cetera.
Career Options: Many graduates land jobs in the creative sector, including as graphic design freelancers, historians, librarians, and working in theater. It’s also common to follow the degree with a Masters in Education to go into teaching.
Related Article: 141+ Illustration Essay Topics
11. Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
The bachelor of laws degree prepares students for careers in law. Note that while this degree is common around the world, it has been phased out in the United States, replaced with a Juris Doctor graduate degree.
Skills you Learn: Students are taught common and civil law as well as given a strong education in critical and analytic skills designed to identify potential legal issues that will enable them to advise potential employers of how to protect their business.
Career Options: Students typically go on to work in law firms, but can also be employed as in-house lawyers for large businesses or go into the public sector.
12. Bachelor of Engineering (BEng)
A Bachelor of Engineering degree prepares students for a career in engineering. Students can major in a range of engineering specialties, including mechanical, chemical, nuclear, automotive, and civil.
Skills you Learn: The degree has a strong foundation in math and science subjects. Strong skills in physics and logical analytical skills will be required.
Career Options: Students go on to work in a range of engineering fields. Common examples include working for a large automotive company, construction firm, or for the government on infrastructure projects.
Related: Is an Engineering Degree Worth It?
13. Bachelor of Technology (BTech)
A Bachelor of Technology degree prepares students for a career in the technology sector. Unlike a Bachelor of Computer Science, which has a stronger scientific focus, the BTech explores management, economics, business, and communications with a focus on how technologies interact with each discipline.
Skills you Learn: Skills learned include communication, change management, business management, and teamwork.
Career Options: Students typically go on to work as project managers, construction managers, quality assurance agents, technologists, and technology researchers.
14.Bachelor of Education (BEd)
A bachelor of education degree prepares students to go into a teaching role in early childhood through to adult education. Students are often given the chance to major in a specific age range, specialty (such as educational technology), or subject matter (such as physical education).
Skills you Learn: Students learn education theory and pedagogical skills so they know how to teach, as well as what to teach.
Career Options: Students generally go into the education sector as an early childhood educator, primary or elementary school teacher, or high school teacher. Others can go into curriculum design and development.
Related: Is Being a Teacher Worth It?
15. Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
The MBBS degree prepares students to go into medicine, usually as doctors. It is conferred throughout most of the world, although the United States prefers to confer a Doctor of Medicine degree.
Skills you Learn: This degree has strong science, human biology, chemistry, and pharmacy elements. Students develop also develop strong critical thinking and teamwork skills.
Career Options: Students go on to work as junior doctors. Each country has its own procedure following graduation, but this usually involves an internship in a hospital or further study before students are allowed to practice independently in medicine.
16. Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc)
The Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) prepares students for a career as a veterinarian. The degree is awarded in most countries outside of North America.
Skills you Learn: Students develop skills in veterinary science, animal medicine, pharmacology, and zoology.
Career Options: Students can go on to work as vets in private practice and zoos.
17. Bachelor of Architecture (BArch)
The Bachelor of Architecture degree gives students specialized skills in architecture for a career in the field. It is often accompanies by a trade internship or apprenticeship so students can graduate with strong applied skillsets.
Skills you Learn: Students learn hard skills in design, drafting, engineering, and computer-assisted animation. They will also acquire soft skills in project management, teamwork, and communication.
Career Options: Graduates with an architecture degree can work in civil architecture, landscape architecture, graphic design, urban planning, surveying, and restoration.
FAQs
How Many Americans have Bachelor Degrees?
About 32% of all Americans have bachelor degrees. This figure is rising year on year. In 2009, only 27% of Americans had bachelor degrees.
What is the Average Wage for Bachelor Degree Students?
According to Education Corner, the average American with a bachelor degree earns $1248 per week. This is higher than the average wage of people with a high school diploma only, which is $746.
Those who go on to complete a masters degree will earn even more, with an average wage of $1497.
Conclusion
Bachelor degrees are the gateway to both good paying white collar jobs as well as further education, such as a Masters or doctoral degree. While the vast majority of degrees conferred by universities are Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees, you can also do a specialized applied degree to prepare for a specific career.
Chris Drew (PhD)
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Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education.
FAQs
What is the best degree to get in 2023? ›
- Computer Engineering.
- Actuarial Science.
- Computer Science.
- Management.
- Electronics Engineering.
- Healthcare Administration.
- Health Informatics.
- Construction Management.
The three most common bachelor's degrees offered by the universities in the US are: Bachelor of Arts (BA degree) Bachelor of Science (BS degree) Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA degree)
What is the best degree to get in 2025? ›- Agribusiness & Food Engineering.
- Archeology.
- Architecture & Art + Design.
- Business & Marketing & Management.
- Economics.
- Education.
- Engineering & Technology.
- Environmental Studies & Earth Sciences.
There are generally four categories of college degrees: associate degree, bachelor's degree, graduate degree, and doctorate or professional degree.
What is the most useful degree? ›- Biomedical engineering. ...
- Computer science. ...
- Marine engineering. ...
- Pharmaceutical sciences. ...
- Computer engineering. ...
- Electrical engineering. ...
- Finance. ...
- Software engineering.
Based on Payscale's 2021 College Salary Report, the top three best degrees to have are petroleum engineering, electrical engineering and computer science, and applied economics and management.
What is a 8 year degree called? ›A doctorate degree typically takes anywhere from four to six years to complete. On average, a Ph. D. is earned within eight years. The length of time it takes to earn your doctorate is based on numerous factors.
What are the 5 most popular bachelor's degree majors? ›- Business. Median Annual Salary (May 2020): $72,250. ...
- Health Professions. Median Annual Salary (May 2020): $69,870. ...
- Social Sciences and History. ...
- Engineering. ...
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences. ...
- Psychology. ...
- Communication and Journalism. ...
- Visual and Performing Arts.
A Bachelor's degree is taking up to 6 years.
What 4 year major makes the most money? ›- Petroleum Engineering. Early career salary: $96,742. ...
- Operations Research. Early career salary: $74,114. ...
- Marine Engineering. Early career salary: $70,837. ...
- Computer Engineering. Early career salary: $80,587. ...
- Systems Engineering. ...
- Chemical Engineering. ...
- Electrical Engineering. ...
- Computer Science.
Which degree is most useful in future? ›
- Engineering. Engineering is a large scientific branch focused on the practical design and building of structures or machines. ...
- Healthcare. ...
- Psychology. ...
- Computer Science. ...
- Business. ...
- Information Technology. ...
- Accounting. ...
- Economics & Finance.
- Business. A business degree focuses on the different factors of running a business, including business management, marketing, accounting and human resources. ...
- Marketing. ...
- Computer science. ...
- Public relations. ...
- Psychology. ...
- Nursing. ...
- Accounting. ...
- Biology.
There are 360 degrees in one Full Rotation (one complete circle around).
What is the lowest degree in college? ›- Associate Degree.
- Bachelor's Degree.
- Master's Degree.
- Doctoral Degree.
The more familiar unit of measurement is that of degrees. A circle is divided into 360 equal degrees, so that a right angle is 90°. For the time being, we'll only consider angles between 0° and 360°, but later, in the section on trigonometric functions, we'll consider angles greater than 360° and negative angles.
What is the most regretted major? ›The top three regretted majors, according to ZipRecruiter, are journalism (87%), sociology (72%), and liberal arts and general studies (72%). The top three regret-free majors, all above 70%, are computer and information sciences, criminology, and engineering.
What's the hardest degree? ›What are the hardest degree subjects? The hardest degree subjects are Aerospace Engineering, Law, Chartered Accountancy, Architecture, Chemistry, Medicine, Pharmacy, Psychology, Statistics, Nursing, Physics, Astrophysics, Biomedical Engineering, Astronomy, and Dentistry.
What is the easiest and best degree to get? ›- Psychology.
- Criminal Justice.
- English.
- Education.
- Religious Studies.
- Social Work.
- Sociology.
- Communications.
#1 Chemistry
According to the average Grade Point Average of students in the program, Chemistry wins the prize title hardest major. A Chemistry major overlaps somewhat with biology, but chemistry extends beyond living things.
- Viticulture and Oenology. ...
- Horology. ...
- Air Transport with Helicopter Training. ...
- Ethical Hacking. ...
- Brewing and Distilling. ...
- Ethnobotany. ...
- Animal Behaviour and Psychology. ...
- Baking Science and Technology.
What degrees do the richest have? ›
- Engineering.
- Economics/Finance.
- Politics.
- Mathematics.
- MBA.
Doctoral degrees can take up to 7 years of intense study to complete.
What is a 2 year degree called a 4 year degree? ›This may vary slightly depending on the institution and location, but an associate's degree usually takes two years to complete full time. In the US this equates to 60 credit hours as opposed to the 120 hours required for a bachelor's degree – which takes about four years to complete full time.
What is higher than a PhD? ›The Doctor of Divinity (DDiv) and the Doctor of Civil Law (DCL) are considered by Oxford to outrank all other degrees, including a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree. The DDiv is usually awarded for academic accomplishments beyond the PhD level.
What are the top 5 hardest majors? ›- Chemistry. At number one on the list is chemistry.
- Architecture. ...
- Chemical Engineering. ...
- Computer Science. ...
- Aerospace Engineering. ...
- Biomedical Engineering. ...
- Materials Engineering. ...
- Petroleum Engineering. ...
It is believed that a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or BSN is the toughest course in the world as per the Guinness Book of World Records along with courses like MBBS, BCom, IAS, IPS and Engineering, etc.
What is a 5 year degree called? ›Bachelor's Degree - An award (baccalaureate) that normally requires at least 4 but not more than 5 years of full-time equivalent college-level work.
What takes 8 years? ›This is known as the eight-year cycle of Venus, and stems from the fact that 13 Venusian orbits (13 x 224.8 days) very nearly equals eight Earth years. As a matter of fact, the cycle was known to, and of great interest to, ancient peoples such as the Maya.
How many years is a PhD? ›Most students average four to seven years to complete a Ph. D. program. Adding the four to five years of undergraduate study to earn a bachelor's, and another two to three years for a master's, students spend an average 10 to 15 years after first entering college.
What majors make six figures? ›- Financial manager. National average salary: $100,178 per year. ...
- 2. Development director. ...
- Aeronautical engineer. ...
- Electronics engineer. ...
- Sales engineer. ...
- Security engineer. ...
- Compensation manager. ...
- Deputy director.
What college majors make you 6 figures? ›
Pursuing a bachelor's degree in I.T., computer science, engineering, mathematics, or any related field is the first step towards the goal of earning 6-figure salaries in this field.
What majors will be in demand in 2025? ›- Data Science & Cloud Computing.
- Big Data Science.
- Digital Marketing & Strategy.
- Process Automation.
- Business development.
- Digital Transformation.
- Information Security.
- Software and Application Development.
Engineering
Engineering is perhaps the most versatile major on the board, in that several career opportunities exist within its domain. STEM majors normally pursue careers in electrical, computer, biomedical, chemical, civil, industrial, or mechanical fields.
- Data Science.
- Big Data.
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.
- Cloud Computing.
- Project Management.
- Business Intelligence.
- Networking.
- Software Development.
- Air Traffic Control. Median Annual Salary: $95,266. ...
- Software Development. Median Annual Salary: $114,631. ...
- Electrical Engineering Technology. Median Annual Salary: $71,029. ...
- Construction Project Management. ...
- Computer Programming. ...
- Radiation Therapy. ...
- Nuclear Science Technology. ...
- Web Development.
- Advertising. If you're an advertising major, you may hope to get into digital marketing, e-commerce, or sports marketing. ...
- Anthropology And Archeology. ...
- Art history. ...
- Communications. ...
- Computer Science. ...
- Creative Writing. ...
- Criminal Justice. ...
- Culinary arts.
Absolute zero, technically known as zero kelvins, equals −273.15 degrees Celsius, or -459.67 Fahrenheit, and marks the spot on the thermometer where a system reaches its lowest possible energy, or thermal motion. There's a catch, though: absolute zero is impossible to reach.
What is a 360 degree? ›A 360-degree angle is called a complete angle, a full angle, or a full turn. It forms a circle around a point. A perfect example of a 360-degree angle is two hands of a clock at 12 o'clock.
How many degrees are in USA? ›The country is home to more than 200 universities that have made it to the QS World University Rankings 2023. The bachelor degree in USA for international students cost can go up to 35,00,000-50,00,000 INR if you are aiming for the top-ranked universities.
What is the lowest GPA a college will take? ›Unofficially, 2.0 is the lowest GPA accepted into a standard college, so while there's a chance that college admission is possible, it's not likely at more than a few institutions.
What degree has the most dropouts? ›
According to the latest findings, computing science degrees have the highest number of students dropping out. The most recent research available says that 10.7% of students never graduate from computing. Advertising comes second, with 7.7% of dropouts. Then, there is agriculture, with a 7.4% dropout rate.
What is the lowest GPA to get into any college? ›Typically, colleges will not accept a GPA below 2.0 to a four-year program, but there are options for students with a GPA lower than this to succeed in being accepted. 3. Can I still improve my GPA?
Do you list all your degrees? ›List all your degrees in the education section of your resume. Put your degrees on a resume in the reverse-chronological order. Consider adding extra information about your degree on a resume (e.g. GPA, Latin honors, coursework, etc.).
What is the number of 1 degree? ›One degree of latitude equals approximately 364,000 feet (69 miles), one minute equals 6,068 feet (1.15 miles), and one-second equals 101 feet. One-degree of longitude equals 288,200 feet (54.6 miles), one minute equals 4,800 feet (0.91 mile), and one second equals 80 feet.
Is there a degree of 5? ›Therefore, the polynomial has a degree of 5, which is the highest degree of any term.
What will be in demand in 2023? ›Fastest-Growing Careers of 2023
Jobs with the highest projected growth rates from 2021 to 2031 include nurse practitioners, web developers, solar photovoltaic installers and physician assistants.
- Engineering. Engineering is a large scientific branch focused on the practical design and building of structures or machines. ...
- Healthcare. ...
- Psychology. ...
- Computer Science. ...
- Business. ...
- Information Technology. ...
- Accounting. ...
- Economics & Finance.
Going to college in 2023 is worth it for individuals who want access to more higher-paying jobs after graduating between 2027 and 2029. It's ideal for those who want higher lifetime earnings, too. Although costly, scholarships and grants can help make earning a bachelor's degree in 2023 affordable.
What degrees will be in demand in 2025? ›- Data Science & Cloud Computing.
- Big Data Science.
- Digital Marketing & Strategy.
- Process Automation.
- Business development.
- Digital Transformation.
- Information Security.
- Software and Application Development.
- Physical Therapist. Physical therapists are experts in movement and the human body that often help to rehabilitate people with injuries or disabilities. ...
- Firefighter. ...
- Teacher. ...
- Teaching Assistant. ...
- Quality Assurance Analyst.
What is the most promising career? ›
Data Scientist
Rightly termed "the most promising career" by LinkedIn, Data Scientist is a professional who collects, analyses, and interprets huge amounts of data in an organization.
- Anesthesiologists. Median annual salary: $208,000. ...
- Oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Median annual salary: $208,000. ...
- Obstetrician and gynecologist. ...
- Surgeon. ...
- Orthodontist. ...
- Physician. ...
- Psychiatrist. ...
- Nurse anesthetist.
Students should consider their interests and employment prospects when selecting a major. Students can choose in-demand college majors in healthcare, like nursing. Computer science, engineering, and IT are some of the most in-demand majors in STEM.
What is the easiest degree to earn? ›- Psychology.
- Criminal Justice.
- English.
- Education.
- Religious Studies.
- Social Work.
- Sociology.
- Communications.
A 3.7 GPA substantially clears the unofficial benchmark that most colleges use for competitive admission (3.0) and is also higher than the baseline average for more selective schools (3.5).
Are degrees losing their value? ›The value of a college degree has gone down due to the vast increase in the number of workers who possess degrees. This form of debasement mimics the effect of printing more money. Following the Law of Supply and Demand, the greater the quantity of a commodity, the lower the value.
What careers will be gone in 10 years? ›- Retail Cashier: $21,000. ...
- Telemarketer: $22,300. ...
- Freight/Stock: $23,900. ...
- Newspaper Delivery: $24,100. ...
- Travel Agent: $31,800. ...
- Postal Worker: $32,000. ...
- Taxi Dispatcher: $43,000. ...
- Word Processor/Typist: $45,000.
- Business Administration. Business administration is one major that is usually considered “easy.” Some programs will also only take 3 years to finish! ...
- English. ...
- Human Resources. ...
- Criminal Justice. ...
- Marketing. ...
- Supply Chain Management. ...
- Psychology. ...
- Communication.
- Travel agent. It amazes me that a travel agent is still a job in 2020. ...
- Taxi drivers. ...
- Store cashiers. ...
- Fast food cooks. ...
- Administrative legal jobs.