Written by Coursera • Updated on May 27, 2022 Show
The timeline depends upon several factors, including your status as a student, whether you have previous credits, and whether or not you take a full course load. While the majority of college students in the United States used to take between four and five years to earn the 120 credits required to graduate with their bachelor’s degree, it has since become more common for undergraduates to take six years to finish [1, 2]. There are many factors that can affect that timeline. Let's explore some of the things that contribute to the length of time it can take to obtain your undergraduate degree. How long does it take to get a bachelor's degree: What is a typical timeline?The time it takes to earn your bachelor's degree largely depends on whether you're able to attend full-time or part-time. While many students enter college to pursue a bachelor’s degree directly after high school, it’s not uncommon to pursue a degree later in life. More online and alternative bachelor's programs have made it easier to obtain a degree while studying on a part-time basis, which may help you balance work or family responsibilities. Timeline for full-time studentsFull-time students tend to dedicate their time completely to their studies. Most take a full course load of around 15 credits per semester, averaging two semesters each academic year. Many colleges require 120 credits for graduation (though that minimum may vary depending on the institution), so full-time students can expect to complete their bachelor's degree within four or five years. Timeline for part-time studentsThere is no definitive timeline for part-time students to complete a degree program, since it often depends on how many credits they're able to take each semester. For instance, if a part-time student takes around 9 credits per semester, it may take them a little over six years to receive their bachelor’s degree. Factors that affect how long it takes to get a bachelor’s degreeVarious factors can affect how long it takes to receive your bachelor’s degree, even if you’re a full-time student following a traditional timeline. Some common influences include the following:
Learn more: How to Get a Bachelor's Degree Advantages of attending college part-timeOpting to be a part-time student comes with considerable benefits. Some of the perks include:
You are Currently on slide 1 Advantages of attending college full-timeAttending college full-time has its own benefits, and it’s often considered the more traditional route to receiving a bachelor’s degree. Perks of being a full-time student include:
Common types of bachelor’s degreesThere are three common types of bachelor’s degrees, which all generally take the same amount of time to complete. They are:
Learn more: What Is the Difference Between a BA and a BS Degree? Bachelor’s degree benefitsYou’ll find several advantages to getting a bachelor’s degree, including the potential for improved financial prospects and job opportunities. You might even enjoy better odds of long-term career satisfaction.
Learn more: Is a Bachelor's Degree Worth It? Next stepsConsidering earning your bachelor's degree online? Request more information about bachelor's degrees from top universities on Coursera in high-demand fields like business administration, marketing, and computer science to explore whether a degree is a good fit for your personal and professional goals. Related articles
Article sources1. National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. "Time to Degree, https://nscresearchcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/SignatureReport11.pdf." Accessed May 26, 2022. 2. National Center for Education Statistics. "Graduation Rates, https://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=40#." Accessed May 26, 2022. 3. US Department of Education. "Beginning College Students Who Change Their Major, https://nces.ed.gov/pubs2018/2018434.pdf." Accessed May 26, 2022. 4. US Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Education Pays, https://www.bls.gov/emp/chart-unemployment-earnings-education.htm." Accessed May 26, 2022. 5. The College Board. "Education Pays: 2019, https://research.collegeboard.org/pdf/education-pays-2019-full-report.pdf." Accessed May 26, 2022. 6. Pew Research Center. "The Rising Cost of Not Going to College, https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2014/02/11/chapter-2-public-views-on-the-value-of-education/." Accessed May 26, 2022. Written by Coursera • Updated on May 27, 2022 This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals. What is the easiest bachelor's degree to get online?Easiest Majors and Degrees to Get Online. Business. Online business degrees prepare learners for diverse careers. ... . Liberal Arts. Liberal arts programs hone critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills. ... . Education. ... . English. ... . Nursing. ... . Criminal Justice. ... . Psychology. ... . Agriculture Science.. Whats the fastest way to get a bachelors?How to Get a Bachelor's Degree Fast – A Step-by-Step Guide. Choose a college with alternative credit options.. Take accelerated classes online (6 week or 8 week). Get college credit for your experience.. Get up to 1 year of credit with CLEP exams.. |