Undergraduate Degree Guide: Know Before You Apply

Depending on the field that you wish to enter or the industry you want to explore, an undergraduate degree is often required in order to secure an entry-level position. Thus, having a better understanding of what exactly an undergraduate program is can help you select an area of study and choose a college that is right for you.

What Is an Undergraduate Degree?

Undergraduate degree programs are defined by Britannica as a college program intended for students who are often pursuing their first college degree. “Undergraduate degree” meaning can vary, but for the most part, these programs can be broken down into two categories: associate degree programs and bachelor’s degree programs. The type of program in which you enroll will depend on your intended area of study, your preferred college major and your professional goals. Again, these foundational degree programs are designed to provide you with the comprehensive knowledge and advanced skills required to start a career or pursue an entry-level job in your field of interest.

Is an Associate an Undergraduate Degree?

Yes, an associate degree is an undergraduate program. The associate degree program typically encompasses fewer course requirements than a bachelor’s degree program and, as a result, can be completed in a shorter amount of time. Most associate degree programs can be completed within two or three years, which is why they are sometimes referred to as a two-year degree. Similar to bachelor’s degree programs, there are several types of associate degree programs, most commonly:

• Associate of Arts
• Associate of Science
• Associate of Applied Science

Associate degree programs often entail a broader scope than bachelor’s degree programs and can provide undergraduate students with insight into a specific field of interest. 

Is a Bachelor’s Degree an Undergraduate Degree?

A bachelor’s degree is an undergraduate degree that is conferred upon students who complete the requirements for their college major. A bachelor’s degree program is typically completed within three to four years of study, with four years being the average duration for the program. Of course, it may also take longer depending on the student’s pace.

An undergraduate student can consider numerous types of baccalaureate degrees, such as:

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Business Administration
• Bachelor of Fine Arts

The type of bachelor’s degree will be indicative of the subject of study and type of coursework required as part of the degree program. A Bachelor of Science, for example, tends to have more science and math requirements than a Bachelor of Arts program. 

After completing a bachelor’s degree program, some graduates immediately proceed to enter the workforce. Others opt to pursue graduate degree programs, such as a master’s degree or doctoral degree. The level of higher education students complete depend on their area of study and individual career goals.

How Long Is an Undergraduate Degree?

The amount of time it takes to complete your undergraduate degree program will vary based on several factors, like:

• The type of undergraduate program you choose.
• The college major you choose.
• The format of your degree program.
• The pace you choose to pursue for your undergraduate degree.

In general, an associate degree program takes about two years to complete, whereas a bachelor’s degree program takes about four years to complete. 

What Is a Major? Degree vs. Major

As you begin to explore your options for higher education, you may find yourself wondering about the difference between a degree and a college major. In short, the degree program is the level of education you are pursuing, whereas the college major is your chosen area of study. 

Most undergraduate students declare a college major that aligns with their personal interests and professional goals. For instance, a student who is interested in working as a bookkeeper or accountant after graduation may choose accounting as their college major, with either an associate or bachelor’s in accounting. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, some of the most popular college majors include:

• Health studies
• Business
• Computer science
• Liberal arts and sciences

If you are unsure about which college major you want to declare, it’s best to enroll at a college that offers a wide range of undergraduate programs and a large selection of majors. This allows you to complete your prerequisite requirements in a supportive environment as you explore different areas of study and decide which skills you want to focus on throughout your undergraduate degree program.

What About Minors?

A minor is a secondary area of study that undergraduate students can choose as part of their degree program. In general, minors are optional, and they provide undergraduate students with an opportunity to complement their major and develop additional skills that may be relevant to their careers or complementary interests.

For instance, a student enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program with a major in journalism may choose a minor in political science in order to specialize in this particular area. 

On the other hand, some students choose a minor that is distinctly different from their major, simply because they want to explore a different area of study and complete a more well-rounded educational program. For example, you may choose to major in business but minor in art studies in order to explore a topic you are passionate about while building the skills required to pursue an entry-level position in business. 

While requirements may vary from one school to another, most minors require students to complete between 15 and 30 credit hours in that specific area of study.

Can You Do an Undergraduate Degree Online?

It is entirely possible to complete your undergraduate degree online. In fact, online learning is becoming the preferred option for many modern students, particularly those who are trying to earn their undergraduate degree while balancing other priorities (such as job responsibilities or personal obligations). 

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, more than 53% of college students were enrolled in remote courses in 2023. At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the percentage of students enrolled in online degree programs rose sharply — though those numbers have leveled out in recent years.

It’s important to note that most online degree programs feature the same rigorous academic and curriculum requirements as traditional, in-person degree programs. What’s more, these online programs often allow students to navigate advanced digital tools and resources that may help them become more proficient in technology and agile in the workforce in the future.

Choosing the Right Undergraduate Degree for You

With a better understanding of the undergraduate degree’s meaning, you may begin deciding on the type of program that’s ideal for you. Choosing the right undergraduate degree program helps ensure you are able to explore your preferred area of study and develop the skills required for the field or industry you want to enter after graduation.

Below are some factors to consider when choosing an undergraduate program:

Career Goals

One of the primary reasons that students pursue an undergraduate degree program is to gain the knowledge and skills to pursue positions in their area of interest. Though not every job requires applicants to have earned a college degree, there are plenty of industries where an undergraduate degree is considered the standard educational qualification. Even in jobs where a degree is not strictly required, having one can help you stand out among other applicants, or overcome other requirements like work experience in a new field. Identifying your career goals and exploring the requirements for the entry-level positions you will pursue allows you to decide if an undergraduate degree program is the next best stepfor your personal and professional development. 

Investment: Time and Money

Regardless of whether you choose to enroll in an associate degree program vs bachelor’s degree program, you will be required to invest your financial resources and personal time into your undergraduate program. Knowing the time and financial commitment will help you decide if now is the right time to pursue your undergraduate degree.

Modern learners enroll in undergraduate degree programs at all ages and stages of their lives. Fortunately, the prevalence of online undergraduate programs ensures that people of all ages and at all stages of life have the opportunity to pursue flexible, affordable undergraduate degrees.

Flexible Scheduling

The amount of time it takes to complete your degree will vary based on the type of undergraduate program you choose as well as the area of study you focus on. Many modern and adult learners, however, prefer to enroll in an undergraduate program that offers them the freedom and flexibility to complete their coursework on their terms. From online degree programs that offer a blend of synchronous and asynchronous learning to in-person degree programs that offer flexible class times, many undergraduate programs are designed to fit into the busy lifestyles of most college students today.

At Bryant & Stratton College, we pride ourselves on our flexible course scheduling options — and we actively work to ensure that all students are able to access our programs.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Tuition rates and financial aid options will likely have a significant impact on the undergraduate degree that you choose. Bryant & Stratton College offers affordable tuition rates that allow you to enjoy a valuable and relevant educational experience. In addition, we have financial aid options available for our students, enabling them to receive the support they need in order to achieve their goals.

Prerequisites for an Undergrad Program

The prerequisites for an undergraduate program will depend on the college to which you are applying. In most cases, you will be required to provide proof of a high school diploma or similar equivalent, as well as transcripts that provide insight into your previous academic performance. At Bryant & Stratton College, we welcome students at all stages of life, from recent high school graduates to modern adult learners.

Start Your Undergraduate Journey at Bryant & Stratton College

No matter which area of study you are interested in or what you strive to do professionally, Bryant & Stratton College provides students with an opportunity to take your first step forward on a journey where you can go as far as you want. We offer a wide range of undergraduate programs, including associate degrees and bachelor’s degrees. In addition, our diploma programs let you explore your areas of interest and begin developing the skills needed to advance to the next level of your education. Our supportive and nurturing environment allows you to learn more about who you are (and who you want to become in the future).

Request more information about our undergraduate degree programs today.