How long does it take to get a bachelor’s degree?

Earning a bachelor's degree can help you advance your career and increase your salary potential. However, completing a bachelor's program can cost a significant amount of time, money, and energy. So, how long does it take to get a bachelor's degree? Keep reading to learn about realistic timelines for completion and discover ways you can expedite your educational journey

How long is a bachelor's degree program?

A standard bachelor's degree program is four years if you are a full-time student. This time frame is based on taking 15 credit hours each semester (with summers off), allowing you to obtain the 120 credit hours typically needed for graduation.

What to expect in a bachelor's degree program

A bachelor's degree program typically consists of courses across multiple subject areas, not just in your field of study:

• During the first two years, students typically complete mandatory general education courses in math, English, science, and other core subjects.
• Learners often spend the final two years taking classes specific to their chosen major, completing internships, and finishing up any general education classes they still need.
• During these years, you may be required to take several elective classes on topics that interest you.

Impact of concentrations on completion time

The time it takes to complete a bachelor's degree may differ depending on your field or major. If you enroll in a science-heavy or specialized program, such as pre-med, pharmacy, or architecture, you may need five years to complete all credit hours, labs, internships, and clinical rotations.

Many majors also have a strict sequence of classes that you must follow. Sometimes, a class may only be offered every other semester, or all the seats may fill up before you can register — both make scheduling more complicated or can even delay graduation. Your academic advisor can help you ensure you're taking the right classes in the right order.

How can I make my bachelor's degree program shorter?

To shorten the duration of your bachelor's degree program and save money on tuition, consider trying the following:

• Maximize your schedule: Enrolling in more than 15 credits each semester can help you graduate sooner, but you may need your academic advisor to sign off on this before registering. Committing to a heavier courseload can be stressful, especially if you are taking multiple demanding or rigorous classes simultaneously.
• Enroll in summer and winter sessions: Many universities offer 1-3-credit-hour courses during summer, the weeks before the fall semester begins, or during winter break. Taking advantage of these intercession courses can help you meet credit requirements sooner.
• Transfer college credits: If you earned college credits during high school AP, dual-credit, or community college classes, you may be able to transfer some or all of those credits. However, each school has different criteria that must be met to accept these hours.
• Credit for prior learning and work experience: Some schools may also grant credits for your years of work experience and military or Peace Corps service.
• Accelerated programs: Look for intensive programs that can be completed in a shorter time frame.

Your academic advisor can help determine if these strategies could work for you.