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These days, having a bachelor's degree is as necessary as a good pair of black pants (or jeans, for all you guys who don't do the whole black-pants thing). Whether it's a degree in engineering, computer science, Business or nursing, the most important thing is that you have one, and if you don't have one - get one!

Traditional  

bachelor's degrees

  are awarded from four-year institutions and generally require around 130 credits. Classes are usually three credits each, so that means if you take 15 credits per semester, and 18 credits for three semesters, you'll easily get your degree in four years flat. For those that have to juggle school and Work, it would probably be virtually impossible to complete a bachelor's program in four years. Taking the five- or six-year route is another option; in fact, many Colleges and Universities are very accommodating to those interested in night and weekend classes.

Core course requirements, like Math 101 (kind of icky for non-math fans), and a basic writing class, are usually interwoven with your specific program requirements so that you're receiving a well-rounded education that transcends your choice of Major. Almost all programs also allow you a few credits of electives, which let you explore other academic areas of interest yet still count toward your degree. If you're an education major, but are curious about the solar system, you can take a basic astronomy class and apply it toward your 130 credits.

The low-down on earning a bachelor's degrees is pretty simple -- it's basically your ticket to the business world, whatever business that may be. Bachelor's degrees are quickly becoming the standard in the "real world," as companies want to see that you're knowledgeable in your field, and that you've demonstrated that you're a responsible and devoted person.

So, whether it takes you four years or 14, get on board the bachelor's degree bandwagon to prepare yourself for a successful future.



Jackie A. Bondanza is a former writer for The CollegeBound Network. Learn more about finding a school that's right for you.

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