Degree Types
This degree is typically 2 years and often prepares students to transfer to a 4-year university or enter technical careers.
If you love coding and problem-solving, this major might be for you.
Computer science
The typical length of a Bachelor’s degree in the U.S.
4 years
Believe it or not, some schools let you major in making and designing video games - what is this called?
Game design
Many universities require students to complete courses outside their major to ensure a well-rounded education, what are these called?
General education requirements, core curriculum, liberal arts requirements
Besides time, this is a key difference between professional degrees (like MD, JD) and regular graduate degrees (like MA, MS).
Professional licensure or career-specific requirement
This major is common for students who want to understand the economy, finance, or business world.
Economics or Business Administration
This is the term for the money you borrow to pay for college.
Student loan debt
A popular “foodie” major focusing on cooking, baking, and kitchen science.
Culinary arts
Many colleges use this type of learning method that combines lecture and small group discussion, often in humanities courses.
Seminar
Some students pursue dual degrees, combining undergrad and graduate study to save time. Name an example of a dual degree.
BS/MD or BA/MA programs
If your goal is to treat patients and work in healthcare, this major is typical.
Nursing, Pre-Med, Health Sciences
An Associate’s degree usually costs less than this type of degree.
Bachelor's degree
Students in this major study the science of beer, wine, and spirits.
Brewing Science / Fermentation Science
A “credit hour” usually represents about this many hours of in-class instruction per week per semester.
1 hour
While a Bachelor’s degree usually takes 4 years, this is a strategy some students use to graduate faster.
Acceleration -- AP credits, dual enrollment, or summer courses)
Majors like Sociology, Psychology, or Political Science prepare students for this kind of work.
Research, social services, policy work (and more!)
Many graduate degrees can increase earning potential but also increase this...
Cost/debt/time commitment
What is Magic & Occult Studies (real in some schools!)?
Students can major in this “magical” subject that studies wizards, spells, and potions… not exactly Hogwarts.
This is the term for when a student studies at another university (domestic or international) for part of their degree.
Study abroad or exchange program
What is one main benefit of completing a dual-degree program compared to earning the degrees separately?
They save time and often money while giving students advanced qualifications earlier
Some students choose interdisciplinary majors that combine multiple fields (like Environmental Engineering + Public Policy). What is one key advantage of these majors in today’s job market?
They develop versatile skills that can be applied to multiple careers or solve complex, real-world problems
A student has to decide between a 4-year degree at an expensive private university and a 2-year Associate’s degree at a local community college. What metric compares education cost vs potential lifetime earnings to help make this decision?
Return on investment (ROI)
Some universities offer a major in Ethnomusicology, which studies music in its cultural and social context. This is an example of a major that blends art with what other discipline?
Anthropology or cultural studies
Many universities require students to maintain a minimum cumulative GPA to remain eligible for certain scholarships, programs, or majors. What is this standard commonly called, and why is it important?
Academic standing or good standing; it ensures students meet progress requirements and maintain eligibility for funding or programs