The two most common classes of bachelor's degrees awarded by schools are the Bachelor of Science degree or B.S. degree, and the Bachelor of Arts degree, or B.A. Most institutions of higher learning offer both the B.A. and the B.S. degrees. Most students enrolling in college pursue a bachelor's degree. The Bachelor of Arts is awarded for broad and liberal education in humanities, arts, social sciences, and sciences. The Bachelor of Science is awarded for directed curricula that highlight critical thinking and the understanding of sciences and social sciences. B.S. degrees usually require students to take a majority of their in the sciences, namely life sciences, physical sciences, or the mathematical sciences.
All students pursuing a bachelor's degree need to declare a major by the completion of their second year. Undergraduates must complete a required number of courses of class credits within their major area to earn their bachelors degree and graduate. There is other course work that needs to be completed in related areas to meet the certain requirements to receive a bachelor's degree. Additionally, students will have to complete a number of courses outside their majors.
Individuals holding a bachelor's degree earn substantially more than those who don't. Adults with a bachelor's degree earn over a million dollars more in their lifetime - on average - than people without a degree. In the workplace today, more employers require applicants to posses an accredited bachelor degree.