Is a Bachelor's Degree Right for Me?

A bachelor's degree can provide more job opportunities and higher earning potential. Determine your career goals to see if a bachelor's degree is right for you.

Thinking about going to college? Maybe you're considering the different types of degrees and wondering which one is right for you. Should you pursue a bachelor's degree, or would another degree be a better fit for your goals?

Depending on your career goals, a bachelor's degree may be the ideal degree for you. Bachelor's degrees can lead to more job opportunities, better pay, and a more marketable skill set.

Keep reading to learn more.

What Is a Bachelor's Degree?

A bachelor's degree, also called an undergraduate degree, is a college program consisting of at least 120 college credits. For schools outside of the U.S. that use a quarter system instead of a semester system, bachelor's degrees comprise at least 180 quarter credits.

Bachelor's degrees may be offered on-campus, online, or in a hybrid format. In most cases, a high school diploma or GED is required to enroll in a bachelor's degree program.

There are different types of bachelor's degree programs. Some of the most common include:

Bachelor's degrees usually take about four years for full-time students to complete. In contrast, associate degrees consist of about 60 credits and take two years to complete. Associate degree students often transfer to a four-year school to complete a bachelor's degree.

Students who complete a bachelor's degree can pursue higher education through a master's degree, specialized degree (i.e., medicine or law), or postgraduate certification program.

What Does a Bachelor's Degree Student Study?

Bachelor's degree programs can cover various fields, which students declare as their chosen major. These programs typically include general education courses, core courses, and electives.

General education courses are classes that all students must take, though exact requirements can vary depending on the school and program. They often consist of subjects such as college algebra, English, and history; they may also consist of introductory courses in science and humanities.

Core courses are classes specifically related to a student's chosen college major. They are required courses that vary by degree program. For example, a student majoring in computer science must take many classes relative to computer programming languages, advanced mathematic principles, and cybersecurity. On the other hand, someone pursuing a business degree may take classes in finance, entrepreneurship, marketing, and management.

Electives are courses that the student chooses to round out the credit hour requirements to graduate.

The specific subjects that students will need to study as part of their college degree vary widely depending on their interests, chosen major, and whether they pursue a double major or a minor. Some common majors and minors you can pursue as part of a bachelor's degree program include:

healthcare: nursing, health science, pre-medicine
social sciences: psychology, sociology, social work
technology: information technology, software engineering, data science
business: business administration, project management, human resources
liberal arts: communications, fine arts, history
science: biology, chemistry, sustainability

Your preferred career path will influence the major you choose, as well as your decision to pair a double major or minor with your degree.

Why You Should Consider a Bachelor's Degree

High school graduates, students, and adults considering returning to school are often encouraged to pursue a bachelor's degree. Let's look at some good reasons why a bachelor's degree may be right for you.

Better Career Opportunities

Bachelor's degree holders are eligible for a wider range of jobs than those holding a high school diploma or GED alone. Having a bachelor's degree not only improves your chances of qualifying for more jobs but also provides the skills necessary for more lucrative positions.

Improved Employment Outlook

Generally speaking, those with a college degree face lower levels of unemployment than those without a degree. Getting your bachelor's degree improves your chances of landing a job, whether or not the degree is required for the position. Having a degree can sometimes give you an edge in roles that only prefer a degree or don't require it at all.

Potential Salary Increases

College grads typically earn more than those with only a high school diploma or GED. They also earn a higher average income than associate degree holders. Getting your bachelor's degree can qualify you for higher-paying positions and may also enable you to ask for a raise at your current job.

Advanced Skill Set

Bachelor's degree programs teach advanced skills related to specific career paths. They also teach marketable soft skills that transfer across various industries, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication. These advanced skills can prepare you for success, whatever your chosen career path.

Sense of Accomplishment

Finally, those who put in the time, money, and effort to get their bachelor's degree are often rewarded with a sense of accomplishment. Getting this degree can help you feel more confident in your abilities, paving the way for a successful career.

Job Opportunities for Bachelor's Degree Graduates

There are many career options for bachelor's degree graduates, and they often require specific degrees. For example, aspiring nurses are encouraged to pursue a degree in nursing; however, other careers are available to those holding a variety of different degrees.

Bachelor's degree holders are qualified to pursue roles such as:

engineer
project manager
construction superintendent
compensation manager
architect
information security analyst
economist
actuary
teacher
business owner
researcher
social worker

Bachelor's Degree: Questions To Ask Yourself

If you're still not sure about pursuing a bachelor's degree, consider asking yourself the following questions to decide whether it's right for you.

What Are My Career Goals?

A bachelor's degree is required for many career paths. Are you hoping to pursue one of those careers? On the other hand, many good careers are available with only an associate degree or certificate program. Determine the career path you want to pursue and determine what type or level of education will help you get there.

What Is My Financial Situation?

Getting a bachelor's degree requires an investment of time and money. Consider your finances and, if you are a dependent student, your family's finances.

Fill out the FAFSA to determine your eligibility for federal aid. You can also apply for scholarships, employment tuition coverage, and military benefits if you are eligible. How much financial aid can you receive? How much will you have to pay out of pocket? These are important considerations for going to college.

Is a Bachelor's Degree Worth It to Me?

How much do you care about pursuing a specific career path? Do you want to increase your earning potential and decrease your chances of unemployment? If you're already working a good job and have decent job security, you may not feel a bachelor's degree is necessary. However, if you are looking to improve your overall job prospects or chase a dream career, you may find that a bachelor's degree is the ideal next step for you.