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How long does it take to get a Bachelor's degree?
How long does it takes to get a bachelor’s degree? A short answer is typically 4 years.
But it is always right? No, not really. There are a great number of factors that affect the completion of a bachelor’s degree. Today I will try to cover this question very comprehensively. Here is the short picture of what you will find during this article summed up in these bullet points.
- Understanding of bachelor’s degree. Why and when do you need a bachelor’s degree?
- What is the difference between a bachelor’s degree and an associate degree?
- Are you studying online of full time? What is the difference between the online and full-time study of bachelor’s degree?
- What are the fast track courses? Are there any available?
- Are you taking an extra course?
- What previous qualifications and work experiences you can take credit for?
- What is your progress? Have you passed all previous courses?
All these factors will influence how long it will take to get a bachelor’s degree. But hold on, there is an action plan if you want to go pro.
What is a bachelor's degree?
A bachelor’s degree is usually a tertiary education after secondary school. ( This varies depending upon where you from and where do you want to apply) It is generally awarded by a university or college upon completion of a course successfully.
Typically in the traditional environment, it takes 4 years to complete a bachelor’s degree depending upon the student’s subjects.
During those 4 years, there will be roughly 40 college courses or 120-semester credits hours to be completed by the student. Some colleges use a quarter system; there will be about 180 quarter credits hours to be completed to acquire a bachelor’s degree in this situation.
When and why do you need a bachelor's degree?
Usually, you will need a bachelor’s degree
- If you want to pursue higher education.
It is the requirement for the job.
When you want to pursue a specific career, and requirement is a degree qualification.
Or it may be your next promotion depends upon your bachelor’s degree.
Why bachelor's degree is important?
It is very easy to enter many careers with a degree and help your progress when working in an area where a vocational qualification is sufficient. It is also an edge in management-level jobs.
Do you have an associate degree?
Think of it that way. An associate degree is a pathway to a bachelor’s degree. It takes two years and focuses on preparing the student for more entry-level work. It teaches a little bit of everything relevant to the chosen field.
A bachelor’s degree takes further 2 years to complete. It provides the necessary skills required for management jobs and creates leadership attributes.
Although an associate degree serves another fundamental purpose, it should be considered when deciding to pursue a bachelor’s degree. Before a bachelor’s degree, an associate degree will allow you to accommodate the change of mind after 2 years before your bachelor’s admission.
It is a wonderful option if you think about it. For example, during my bachelor’s in Accounting studies, I found that I like statistics better than Accounting or didn’t like this university as much as I thought I would. In these cases, an associate degree allows me to change majors or switch universities without much loss after 2 years.
Another benefit of an associate degree is you can take a break after 2 years and come back later in life to earn a bachelor’s degree. You can use this break to explore further options or to gain some relevant experiences.
Do you study online or full-time?
Both modes of study have their pros and cons when it comes to completing a bachelor’s degree. Students can meet other potential graduates and faculty face-to-face in the full-time and traditional mode of study.
It gives a sense of belonging and competition. It is also a great way to stay motivated and focused. Getting up every day and going to school gives you a great sense of accomplishment and a constant reminder of the value you are sacrificing your leisure and money.
Watching other peers going through great lengths will always allow you to put yourself under a microscope, whether you are doing enough or not.
One great benefit of attending school is it gives your prospective employer a certain degree of assurance of your education quality. Also, getting a degree under your teachers’ constant supervision will make the journey easy for you as well.
On the other hand, studying online is an excellent option if you have other commitments in life. You might be a businessman or have a full-time job and unable to commit to a full-time study.
These days, online courses have become so advanced and interactive that you will hardly lack explanations. Even if there is some downside of explaining concepts or lack of direct interaction with the teacher, most universities provide excellent services to reach faculty.
It gives you the freedom to travel, work, or look after your family and allows you to choose your time of study at your leisure. And let’s be fair and honest if you are doing a bachelor’s degree, chances are you are in that age group where one thing called “responsibility” is expected from you.
At that time of age or this level of education, you shouldn’t need a teacher or parent to make you study.
Are you taking an extra course?
One great way to finish your bachelor’s degree quickly is to get enrolled in a fast track, or some might call it a crash course. These courses allow you to complete your bachelor’s degree on time or before time. It happens by allowing you to study more subjects in the semester than recommended.
Some universities also increase the speed of study and passthrough ratio by cutting semester breaks. Other options are not taking semester breaks, giving up summer breaks, and committing to complete your study in a set time.
This option might not be suitable for everyone. Remember, the objective is not just to pass and get a paper certificate, but to get a retained education. If you didn’t study well or pass the degree quickly, you might not understand very well what you have learned. This scenario might backfire in an actual work environment where it is expected from you that you know what you have studied.
Are you taking credits of previous qualifications or work experience?
Another way to reduce your course load is to take credit for your previous studies and work experience either by showing previous studies transcripts or by producing relevant work experience letter. An associate degree will help a lot in this matter.
Remember that taking credit for earlier studies will always be based on many factors like university discretion or what subjects you are taking credit for.
Every degree program has two types of subjects. One is called “core subjects,” and the others are “elective subjects.” ( it may vary what these are named based on where you are and where you are planning to study).
The chances are that you will most likely not get credit for any core subjects as passing these units is essential for the university to award you a certificate.
What is your progress? Are you passing?
And of course, having said all, your performance matters the most. Are you passing through semesters? Are you completing your work and attending exams? Are you submitting all your assignments?
Let me tell you, failing a unit or subject is the easiest way to prolong your degree and probably the silliest way. Not only it increases your time frame, and time is money (I know this has become cliché but accurate to every penny) but also a wrong way to spend money on enrolling in the same course again.
Final thoughts: If you ask, ” how long does it take to get a bachelor’s degree?” ask again after considering all these factors. Yes, officially, it takes 4 years, but any of these factors can increase or decrease your time frame for a bachelor’s degree.
