Types of Bachelor's Degrees & Popular Fields in 2025

Millions of bachelor's degrees are conferred every year, but which bachelor's degree is right for you? A bachelor's degree is required for many different careers. That's why it's important you feel informed before deciding on the type of bachelor's degree you want to earn.

From advancing healthcare and technology to exploring human behavior and societal trends, these bachelor's programs equip you with the skills employers seek. Below, we discuss the different types of bachelor's degrees you can earn and the most popular fields.

Types of Bachelor's Degrees

Whether you're drawn to the sciences, arts, business, or applied fields, each of the following bachelor's degree types provides specialized knowledge to succeed in diverse industries. Below, we explain the main bachelor's degrees that are available at colleges and universities.

1. Bachelor of Applied Science

A Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) is designed for students seeking hands-on expertise in technical and scientific fields. This degree emphasizes practical applications, preparing graduates to excel in industries like engineering, healthcare, and information technology.

Students typically engage in coursework such as data analysis, project management, and technical writing alongside specialized classes tailored to their chosen focus area. In fact, many BAS programs provide pathways to advanced technical certifications, enhancing professional credentials and opening doors to higher-level positions.

2. Bachelor of Applied Arts

A Bachelor of Applied Arts (BAA) blends creative expression with practical training, offering a solid foundation for careers in various creative industries. These programs may focus on design principles, multimedia production, and communication strategies that directly apply to professional settings.

3. Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences

A Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (BAAS) is tailored for students with prior technical or vocational experience, providing a pathway to expand their skills through a well-rounded academic foundation. Students in a BAAS program typically engage in courses covering business communication, leadership development, and interdisciplinary studies since they already have experience in their field.

Popular areas of study within the BAAS include business administration, public service, and technology, each combining theoretical knowledge with practical application to meet industry demands.

4. Bachelor of Arts

One of the more common bachelor's degrees, a Bachelor of Arts (BA) offers a comprehensive education in the humanities and social sciences, fostering critical thinking and communication skills. In the most common BA degrees, students explore core subjects like history, philosophy, literature, and communication while specializing in areas such as psychology, communication, or international relations.

5. Bachelor of Business Administration

A Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) prepares students for careers in the business sector, emphasizing practical and strategic skills. Coursework includes accounting, finance, marketing, and organizational behavior, equipping students with a strong understanding of business operations. With specializations in fields like finance, entrepreneurship, and supply chain management, the BBA provides a versatile foundation for success in various industries.

6. Bachelor of Science

Another very popular kind of bachelor's degree is a Bachelor of Science. A Bachelor of Science (BS) degree focuses on developing technical and scientific expertise, making it ideal for careers in technology, engineering, and the natural sciences. The most common Bachelor of Science degrees focus on subjects such as biology, computer programming, or quantitative analysis.

7. Bachelor of Fine Arts

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) is designed for students dedicated to honing their creative talents through immersive training in visual or performing arts. A BFA may include courses about art history, portfolio development, and specialized studio or performance-based classes.

8. Bachelor of Education

A Bachelor of Education (BEd) prepares students to become effective educators by focusing on pedagogy and subject-specific teaching methods. In a BEd program, you'll learn about curriculum design, classroom management, and teaching techniques tailored to different age groups. By choosing a focus in elementary, secondary, or special education, you'll gain the tools and confidence to create meaningful learning experiences and help students thrive in their educational journey.

Popular Bachelor's Degree Fields

Below, we outline the most popular bachelor's degree fields according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Then, we discuss the specific types of bachelor's degrees that you can earn in each field.

Business

The business bachelor's degree field focuses on preparing students to lead, manage, and innovate in the corporate world. It equips graduates with skills in communication, finance, marketing, and strategic decision-making, making it one of the most versatile career paths. If you're interested in a business career, you can consider one of the following programs:

• Bachelor of Business Administration: covers management, marketing, and finance
• Bachelor of Science in accounting: focuses on financial reporting, auditing, and taxation
• Bachelor of Science in finance: prepares students for roles in investment banking and financial analysis
• Bachelor of Science in marketing: emphasizes consumer behavior, branding, and advertising strategies
• Bachelor of Science in supply chain management: trains students in logistics and operations

Health Professions

The health professions field for bachelor's degrees is centered on improving human well-being through medical care, research, and health promotion. These degrees combine science and practical training to address global health challenges.

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): prepares students for roles as registered nurses (RNs)
• Bachelor of Science in public health: focuses on community health and disease prevention
• Bachelor of Science in healthcare administration: teaches skills in hospital and clinic management
• Bachelor of Science in medical laboratory science: combines biology and lab techniques to analyze medical samples
• Bachelor of Science in nutrition and dietetics: prepares graduates to design meal plans and promote healthy eating

Social Sciences

The social sciences explore human behavior, society, and institutions. These degrees focus on research, critical thinking, and understanding cultural and political dynamics.

• Bachelor of Arts in sociology: studies social structures, relationships, and cultural trends
• Bachelor of Arts in political science: focuses on government systems and political theory
• Bachelor of Arts in anthropology: examines human cultures, languages, and evolution
• Bachelor of Arts in economics: trains students in economic theory and data analysis
• Bachelor of Arts in international relations: explores global politics and diplomacy

Biological and Biomedical Sciences

The biological and biomedical sciences field is dedicated to understanding living organisms and advancing medical and environmental research. Graduates often contribute to scientific discoveries or healthcare innovations.

• Bachelor of Science in biology: covers general biology, ecology, and molecular sciences
• Bachelor of Science in biotechnology: combines biology with technology for innovations in healthcare and agriculture
• Bachelor of Science in biomedical sciences: prepares students for medical research and clinical roles

Psychology

Psychology explores human thought, emotion, and behavior. Degrees in this field provide insights into mental processes and prepare students for roles in counseling, research, or organizational development.

• Bachelor of Arts in psychology: focuses on the study of human behavior and mental health
• Bachelor of Science in clinical psychology: prepares students for advanced studies in therapy and diagnostics
• Bachelor of Science in organizational psychology: examines workplace dynamics and human resources

Engineering

Engineering is a technical field focused on designing, building, and optimizing systems and structures. These degrees emphasize problem-solving and innovation across industries.

• Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering: focuses on designing mechanical systems and machinery
• Bachelor of Science in civil engineering: trains students to build infrastructure like roads and bridges
• Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering: specializes in circuits, power systems, and telecommunications
• Bachelor of Science in computer engineering: combines computer science and engineering principles
• Bachelor of Science in environmental engineering: focuses on sustainable practices and eco-friendly designs

FAQs About Types of Bachelor's Degrees

Below, we've answered a few frequently asked questions about bachelor's degrees to help you learn more about this type of college degree.

Are Online Bachelor's Degrees Credible?

Accredited online colleges offer bachelor's degrees that hold the same credibility as traditional programs. In the US, accreditation is granted by recognized bodies like regional accreditors (e.g., Higher Learning Commission (HLC) or Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)) or national accreditors like the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) for online programs.

Make sure the program you're interested in is accredited to ensure that employers will respect your degree and that you can transfer your credits if need be.

What Financial Aid Options Are Available for Bachelor's Degrees?

Financial aid options for earning a bachelor's degree include scholarships, grants, federal and private loans, work-study programs, tuition reimbursement from employers, and even state-specific assistance programs. Be sure to fill out the FAFSA every year to see what aid you're qualified for.

Can I Earn a Double Major or Minor With My Bachelor's Degree?

Many programs offer the flexibility to pursue a double major or add a minor. Options like combining business and psychology, or computer science and mathematics, broaden your skills, expand career opportunities, and enhance graduate school prospects.

Are Bachelor's Degrees in High Demand?

Earning a bachelor's degree significantly enhances employment prospects and earning potential. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, occupations typically requiring a bachelor's degree are projected to grow by 10%, outpacing the average growth rate for all occupations.

Find a Bachelor's Degree Program

If you're ready to find a bachelor's degree program that suits your academic and career goals, explore the programs on Learn.org. Reach out to a school that interests you and get started on the path to higher education today.