Bachelor Degree
Bachelor Degree - Types of Degrees…
Is Earning a Bachelor Degree the Right Choice For You?
A Bachelor degree is an undergraduate (or postsecondary) degree that is earned after completing a bachelor degree program. Traditionally a bachelor degree takes four years of college classes, but with so many advances in technology which has resulted in schools offering online college courses, there are now many accelerated programs available. By taking online college courses, a degree can be earned in three years or less.
Whether you currently have an Associate Degree and are thinking about continuing your education, or just starting on your path to a college degree, a Bachelor Degree holds many opportunities for you.
Benefits of Earning Your Bachelor Degree
- Financial Success – One of the most attractive benefits of earning your Bachelor Degree is “the big payoff”, as described by the United States Census Bureau. According to statistics gathered by the Census Bureau, students who hold a bachelor degree can expect to earn an average of 2 million dollars over the course of their career, a whopping $900,000 more than high school students who immediately enter the work force without a college education. The security of future financial success should be high on anyone’s priority list and investing in your education is one of the surest ways to get there.
- Job Security – According to Edward P. Lazear, Chairman, President’s Council of Economic Adviser’s, “Education is the key skill.” During a speech delivered at the Hudson Institute, Lazear spoke strongly for the benefits of education in fighting poverty and ensuring job security. According to Lazear, only a very small fraction of college graduates live in poverty. Those who do, are likely to move out of it very quickly as they move into their careers.
- A Rewarding Career – Most rewarding careers come with the prerequisite of having a college education. Entering into the work force in an entry level position and working your way up to management is still possible, although not as likely as it once was. By earning a college degree, you’ll be more competitive in the job market, feel more confident, and have more necessary knowledge in your chosen field.
Fastest Growing Careers that Require a Bachelor Degree
Of course, a bachelor degree, earned traditionally or through online college courses, can allow you to pursue a career in almost any industry. Here are some of the most promising career opportunities, as predicted by the United States Bureau of Labor 2010-2011 Statistics. Each of these requires a bachelor degree and has expected growth potential to be much faster than other careers when compared.
- Biomedical Engineer – Projected growth rate by 2018: 72%. Average annual salary: $77,000.
- Financial Examiner – Projected growth rate by 2018: 41%. Average annual salary: $71,000.
- Network Systems Analyst – Projected growth rate by 2018: 53%. Average annual salary: $71,000.
- Computer Systems Software Engineer – Projected growth rate by 2018: 30%. Average annual salary: $92,000.
- Financial Advisor – Projected growth rate by 2018: 30%. Average annual salary: $69,000.
- Market Research Analyst – Projected growth rate by 2018: 28%. Average annual salary: $61,000.
Other Considerations When Deciding Whether or Not a Bachelor Degree is Right for You
If you are thinking of going into the field of business, you’ll most likely need a Bachelor Degree. With the fierce competition for jobs in our troubled economy, earning your Bachelor Degree is more important than ever. If you are weighing out whether you need a Bachelor Degree or an Associate Degree, take a look at the career you will be pursuing and find out what the minimum requirements are.
If you start out by earning your Associate Degree you can always apply the credits earned toward your Bachelor Degree later on. By taking advantage of online college courses you’ll be able to work while continuing your education.
For more specific information on what a Bachelor Degree can offer you contact your local university or online school to find out how they can assist you in reaching academic and career goals