How to Get a Bachelor's Degree: Your Complete Guide to Success in 2025

Did you know that individuals with a bachelor's degree have been earning 67% more than those with just a high school diploma? The importance of higher education has never been more evident in shaping your career prospects and personal growth. 

Whether you’re fresh out of high school or seeking a career change, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. Learn how to get a bachelor's degree, the process to earn a bachelor’s degree, and choose the right program to plan for the future.

Let’s dive in!

How to get a Bachelor's Degree: Key Requirements

To earn a bachelor’s degree is a significant milestone, but before you hop on this journey, you must understand the core requirements guiding you through the process. As you consider how to get a bachelor's degree, think of it as a roadmap. 

The specifics of each degree program might differ, but the general structure remains similar across most universities. Let’s break it down so you know exactly what to expect as you work toward your degree.

A Quick Tip: Always check the "graduate requirements" or "degree requirements" specific to the institution and program you’re interested in. Requirements can vary greatly, so it’s best to get the details directly from the official sources.

Next, let’s discuss the key course areas to earn a bachelor’s degree!

What are the Major Coursework Required to Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree?

To earn a bachelor's degree includes gaining expertise and practical knowledge in various areas. While your journey will include foundational courses, diving deep into your major coursework will be the core of your academic experience.

Here’s how it all breaks down:

General Education (Gen Ed)

These foundational subjects are designed to make you a well-rounded thinker and problem solver. It gives you the fundamental skills to tackle more specialized subjects later in your degree.

• Core Areas: Writing, math, history, natural, and social sciences.
• Timeframe: Generally completed in the first two years.
• Why It Matters: These courses equip you with critical thinking, writing, and analytical thinking to serve you well in your major.

Major Coursework

Here, you choose your focus area — business, technology, psychology, or another field. These courses will develop your expertise and prepare you for your career.

• Credit Hours: You’ll typically need 30-40 credit hours for your major.
• Focus Areas: Specialized courses directly related to your chosen field of study.
• Why It Matters: This is where your passion meets practicality and prepares you for the real world.

Minor Coursework

While not required, a minor can add significant value to your degree by giving you expertise in a secondary area that enhances your career potential.

• Optional but Powerful: Minors allow you to diversify your knowledge base.
• Common Minors: Data Science, Foreign Languages, Digital Marketing, Communications.
• Why It Matters: A minor helps broaden your skill set, making you more adaptable in the job market.

Pro tip: When choosing your major and minor, think beyond what interests you — align your choices with the career you want to build.

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Let’s get into how you fast-track your having a bachelor’s degree!

Ways to Speed Up Earning Your Bachelor’s Degree

To earn a bachelor’s degree can sometimes feel like a long journey, but there are ways to accelerate your degree completion. Whether you're eager to enter the workforce sooner or reduce tuition costs, these strategies can help you earn your degree faster. 

Let’s explore the most effective options:

1. Transferring Earned Credits from Previous Studies

Transferring credits can give you a head start if you’ve completed coursework in the past, whether through high school programs like AP or IB or even at another college. 

Many institutions allow you to transfer up to a certain number of credits, saving you time and money.

• How It Works: Transfer AP, IB, or college credits to count toward your degree.
• Check Requirements: Institutions often limit the number of transferable credits and may require a minimum number of credits to be earned at their school.
• Tip: Research each institution’s transfer policy before applying.

2. Testing Out of Courses with CLEP Exams

The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) allows you to earn college credit for knowledge you've already acquired. With CLEP exams, you can skip introductory courses and fast-track through specific subjects.

• Subjects Covered: CLEP offers exams in over 30 subjects, including humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
• Check Acceptance: Confirm with your school that they accept CLEP exam credits before registering.
• Tip: CLEP exams are often more affordable than courses, saving time and money.

3. Taking Extra Classes During Summer Sessions

While most students take the traditional fall and spring semesters, enrolling in summer courses can allow you to accelerate your degree path. This is an excellent option for fulfilling elective or core requirements in a shorter time frame.

• Flexible Scheduling: Summer sessions may offer intensive courses that let you earn extra credits.
• Course Options: Some schools offer online or hybrid summer courses, broadening your access.
• Tip: Plan and discuss with your advisor to ensure you stay on track toward your degree.

Also Read: Top 15 Trending Courses Online: Explore Best Courses in 2025, Job Roles, Benefits of Online Courses

4. Earning College Credit for Professional Experience

Many universities recognize that real-world experience can be just as valuable as classroom instruction. 

Through programs like College Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) or Prior Learning Assessment (PLA), you can earn credits for relevant work experience, internships, or volunteer activities.

• Max Credit for Experience: Typically, you can earn up to 30 credits for professional experience.
• Process: You must submit a portfolio or documentation proving the relevance and depth of your work experience.
• Tip: Check with your school to understand how they assess and award these credits.

5. Advancing Your Degree with an Online Bachelor’s Program

Enrolling in an online program is one of the most effective ways to speed up your bachelor’s degree. With flexible schedules, you can take more courses at once or progress through coursework more quickly.

• Flexible Scheduling: Online programs let you study at your own pace, allowing you to balance work and life commitments.
• No Residency Requirements: Many online programs offer the convenience of earning your degree from anywhere in the world.
• Tip: Look for programs with accelerated options and avoid distractions to stay focused.

Also Read: 3 Practical Advantages of Online Education: Benefits of Taking Online Courses

By utilizing these strategies, you can take charge of your academic journey, earn your bachelor’s degree faster, and open up new career opportunities sooner.

Now, let’s understand the key benefits of earning a bachelor’s degree!

5 Advantages of Earning a Bachelor’s Degree

The value of a degree today goes beyond just the education itself; it opens doors to higher-paying jobs, career advancement, and long-term job security. Here’s why you should consider pursuing a bachelor's degree in 2025:

1. Higher Earning Potential

The earning gap between those with a bachelor’s degree and those with only a high school diploma is striking. College graduates earn an average of $25,000 more annually than their non-degree counterparts.

Pro Tip: The higher salary is not just for seasoned professionals — it starts right from the entry level and continues to widen over the years.

2. Broader Career Opportunities

From software engineering to healthcare management, most fields demand a degree even to be considered for a position. A degree allows you to choose from a broader, more dynamic range of roles.

Have a look at some of the top career roles today requiring a bachelor’s degree:

• Data Scientist
• Marketing Director
• Registered Nurse
• Financial Analyst
• IT Consultant

3. Career Stability

Degree holders are less likely to be affected by shifts in the job market, and they tend to hold more resilient roles. As industries evolve, those with degrees have better job security and higher organizational mobility.

Pro Tip: In times of economic uncertainty, employers tend to favor employees who bring a diverse skill set, which a degree equips you with.

4. Personal and Professional Growth

Earning a bachelor’s degree is not just about books and tests — it’s a transformational journey that helps you build confidence, develop critical thinking, and enhance problem-solving skills. 

The college experience, including internships, projects, and extracurriculars, accelerates your growth and helps you discover a network of professionals and mentors.

Also Read: How Can Students Leverage LinkedIn For Better Career Opportunities?

5. Pathway to Further Education

A bachelor's degree is necessary if you ever plan to pursue a graduate degree. Many advanced programs, such as Master’s degrees or law school, require you to have completed an undergraduate degree first.

Some of the top advanced programs requiring a bachelor’s degree include:

• Master’s in Business Administration (MBA)
• Law Degree (Juris Doctor)
• Medical Degree (MD)

As you can see, whether for higher salaries, job security, or the chance to advance in your career, earning a bachelor’s degree gives you the tools to shape your future — professionally and personally!

If you are finding it tough to plan your career, explore upGrad’s career planning course and 

How Can You Earn a Bachelor’s Degree with upGrad?

Now that you know how to get a bachelor’s degree, your path to earn one doesn't have to be conventional – upGrad offers a smarter, industry-aligned approach to higher education.

Need guidance on how to proceed? Get in touch with upGrad’s career counselors to plan your personalized learning journey. Let’s map out your future together!

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References: 
https://newsroom.collegeboard.org/college-education-linked-higher-pay-job-security-healthier-behaviors-and-more-civic-involvement-new 
https://www.newamerica.org/education-policy/edcentral/college-pays-off/