Online Bachelor's Degree

Types of Online Bachelor's Degrees

There are two main types of online bachelor's degrees available including:

• The Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree consists of a majority of liberal arts courses. These are usually in disciplines such as English, history, political science, and others. The Bachelor of Arts degree focuses on a certain major, but also demands that students gain an understanding of other areas of study through a general education program.
• The Bachelor of Science degree (BS) is generally concerned with topics in the sciences. Examples of majors in this type of degree are biology, physics, or engineering. The Bachelor of Science program also mandates that students take general education requirements, but usually less strictly than the Bachelor of Arts program.
• Other Online Bachelor's Degrees

Some other types of online bachelor's degrees that are less prevalent but becoming more common are:

• Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degrees: These degrees are intended for students who want to pursue a career in the arts as actors, musicians, or dancers. These are usually very major-focused and require the creation of a portfolio containing the student's work.
• Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degrees: These degrees are for students majoring in finance, accounting, marketing, management, or another business field. They focus more on the major than the two traditional degrees do.

Where Can I Get an Online Bachelor's Degree?

Online bachelor's degrees are available from hundreds of online colleges and universities. Prior to enrolling in an online college, the student should verify that it is accredited by a recognized agency. Online bachelor's degrees can be obtained from strictly online universities and brick and mortar colleges with online programs.

How Much Will an Online Bachelor's Degree Cost?

The cost of an online bachelor's degree is different depending on the college or university from where the student obtains his or her degree. Tuition for an online bachelor's degree can range from less than $20,000 to around $100,000. The average cost of an online bachelor's degree, however, is about $45,000.

Financial Aid

While the cost of an online bachelor's degree may seem pricy, there are many resources available for students who cannot pay for it out of pocket. The first step to receiving financial aid is to fill out the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA). This form determines a student's eligibility for scholarships, loans, and grants.

Transitioning to an Online Bachelor's Degree

Many students of an online bachelor's degree program are working professionals and have not been in the educational system for quite a while. In fact, the University of Phoenix reports that the average age of its undergraduate student is 33 years old. Online bachelor's degree programs understand the difficulties of transitioning to a learning environment and have advisors ready to help you adjust to the learning process.

Majors

The online bachelor's degree program encompasses hundreds of different majors. If there is a skilled job in the economy, typically a major focuses on the skills required for that position.