4-Year Degrees
Learn about the different types of bachelor's degree programs, such as Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts programs, and compare them. Review the prerequisites for enrolling, explore the format for a 4-year degree program and get info about online learning at the bachelor's level.
What Kinds of 4-Year Degrees Are Available?
Most schools will offer you options to earn a Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Business Administration or Bachelor of Fine Arts. Religiously affiliated schools often offer a theological degree called a Bachelor of Divinity. There are specialized degrees available, too, such as a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Bachelor of Public Health. Programs for 4-year degrees are plentiful, and chances are there is one for just about everything that interests you.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Degree Options</b></td><td> Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Divinity</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Program Focuses</b></td><td> A Bachelor of Arts focuses on liberal arts, while a Bachelor of Science focuses on math and sciences</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td> English, mathematics, philosophy, biology, history</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Prerequisites</b></td><td> High school diploma or equivalent is required; schools may request SAT or ACT scores, a personal essay, portfolio and/or letters of recommendation as well</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Learning Environment</b></td><td> Traditional classroom and fully online programs are available</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td>$110,140 <i>(for software developers)</i>*</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-29)</b></td><td>22% growth <i>(for all software developers)</i>*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatSTheDifferenceBetweenABachelorOfArtsAndABachelorOfScience"> What's the Difference Between a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science?</h3><p>Sometimes in a catalog you'll see the same subject, such as psychology, offered in both of these degree formats. The Bachelor of Arts program is largely focused on liberal arts and general education courses. This is useful if you plan to acquire more than one undergraduate degree. The Bachelor of Science program, on the other hand, is tightly focused on science and math courses. If you are dedicated to the field you're studying and want to go on to graduate or medical school, you may benefit from choosing this type of degree.
</p><h3 id="section---AreThereAnyPrerequisites">Are There Any Prerequisites?</h3><p>Almost all 4-year degree programs require you to have a high school diploma or GED. Some require SAT or ACT scores as well. You'll also have to provide your high school transcripts, some letters of recommendation and an essay. If you are applying for an art or music degree, you may be asked to submit a portfolio or recording of your work.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatSA4YearProgramLike"> What's a 4-Year Program Like?</h3><p>Generally, you'll spend your first two years completing general education courses like math, history, biology, philosophy and English. Some programs will require you to take a foreign language as well. Once you've completed those courses, you then officially declare your major and begin the coursework, which fills the second two years of the program. You may have to complete a capstone, thesis or other project at the end of the 4-year program.
</p><h3 id="section---CanIGetABachelorSDegreeOnline">Can I Get a Bachelor's Degree Online?</h3><p>More and more schools these days are offering bachelor's degree programs online. You attend classes by logging onto the school's website. There, you can watch lectures, submit your assignments, ask your instructors questions and communicate with your classmates. Make sure your computer is up-to-date and can handle multimedia presentations. A high-speed Internet connection is also required.</p>
