Bachelor’s Degrees: Choosing the Major for the Career You Like
If you’ve thought about going to college, you know that a bachelor’s degree can open doors for you. But deciding on a major might feel like you’re standing in front of a hundred different doors—how do you know which one to choose?
The program you study in college can have a big impact on your career, your income, and even the kind of lifestyle you’ll lead. Thankfully, you don’t have to figure it all out at once.
This guide will walk you through what a bachelor’s degree is, how to choose a major that suits your interests and strengths, and which kinds of university programs are most popular (and practical). By the end, you’ll have a clearer picture of how to make a smart, informed choice.
Ready to take control of your future? Let’s get started.
What Is a Bachelor’s Degree?
A bachelor’s degree is an undergraduate academic qualification awarded after completing a program of study that typically lasts 3–4 years. It’s often the first step students take toward building a professional career.
Your major is the primary subject you focus on during your bachelor’s degree. It shapes most of your coursework and often aligns with your career goals.
Some schools also let you add a minor to your program, which is a secondary field of study involving fewer classes. A minor can help you explore another area of interest or gain complementary skills.
Note: You may sometimes see this qualification written as “bachelor degree.” However, “bachelor’s degree” is the grammatically correct term. When specifying the type of bachelor’s degree, the apostrophe is dropped, for example, Bachelor of Science. More on degree types below.
What You’ll Study
Bachelor’s degree programs generally include:
- General education courses in areas like writing, math, science, and the humanities
- Major-specific courses that dive deeper into your chosen field, like business, psychology, or engineering
- Electives that allow you to explore subjects outside your major or develop additional skills
- A final project or thesis (depending on the program), where you apply what you’ve learned
By the time you graduate, you’ll have a blend of broad knowledge and specialized skills. This balance is one reason why bachelor’s degrees are highly valued by employers.
Types of Bachelor’s Degrees
Bachelor’s degrees come in various forms, depending on your area of study. Below are some of the most common types.
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
A BA focuses on the humanities, social sciences, and liberal arts- fields like psychology, sociology, history, or language studies. It’s a great fit for students who enjoy reading, writing, communication, or exploring how people and societies function.
Bachelor of Science (BSc or BS)
A BS emphasizes mathematics, science, and technical disciplines such as biology, computer science, or physics. This degree typically includes more lab work, research, and quantitative data analysis than a BA.
Bachelor of Engineering (BEng)
Designed for students pursuing fields like mechanical, civil, or software engineering, a BEng is structured around problem-solving, systems design, and technical expertise. Its coursework is math- and physics-intensive and often includes hands-on projects.
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
If you’re passionate about creativity—especially in visual arts, theater, film, or design—a BFA helps you refine your talents through hands-on learning. These programs place strong emphasis on studio projects and practical performance.
Bachelor of Education (BEd)
A BEd is essential for becoming a licensed teacher in many countries. This degree covers teaching theory, curriculum development, classroom management, and child psychology. Students typically complete practical teaching placements in real classrooms.
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
A BBA provides a strong foundation in core business areas such as finance, marketing, operations, and management. It combines theoretical knowledge with practical learning through case studies, simulations, and group projects.
Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
The LLB is the standard undergraduate law degree in many countries. It prepares students for legal careers through intensive study of legal theory, systems, and practice. (The abbreviation LLB comes from the Latin term “Legum Baccalaureus”.)
Other academic paths—such as associate degrees or vocational diplomas—are availible, but bachelor’s degrees remain the most widely recognized choice for long-term career development.
How to Choose the Right Major
You don’t need to have your entire life planned when starting university. But choosing a major that aligns with three key areas – what you enjoy, what you’re good at, and what kinds of jobs are in demand – can set you up for success.
1. Start with Your Interests
Ask yourself:
- Do I enjoy solving problems or building things?
- Am I passionate about art, storytelling, or visual design?
- Do I want to start a business or work in global finance?
Your answers can help you identify broad fields such as business, engineering, design, communications, health, and more.
For example, if you’ve always loved drawing or working on creative projects, a major in graphic design, visual arts, or UX/UI design might be a good fit.
Or if you’re curious about markets, entrepreneurship, or how companies grow, business administration or economics could be your best path.
2. Match Your Academic Strengths
What you enjoy matters—but so is knowing where your strengths lie.
- Strong in math? Consider engineering, computer science, or finance.
- Great at writing or presenting? Look into marketing, law, or communications.
- Creative and detail-oriented? Explore design, architecture, or film.
Be honest with yourself. If math was a struggle in school, picking a highly technical major might not play to your strengths. It’s not impossible, but you may have to work a lot harder than classmates who find those subjects easier.
3. Think About Your Career Goals
Look ahead. What kind of job do you want after graduation? What kind of lifestyle do you picture? (If you’re dreaming of taking luxury vacations every year, think about how you’ll fund them!)
It helps to research:
- Job descriptions: Check sites like LinkedIn or Glassdoor and see what positions companies are hiring for. Do any of them sound like something you’d like to try? If so, check whether they list any specific degree requirements.
- Salaries: Look up typical pay ranges for careers that interest you, in your country or the place you want to work. Some jobs offer higher starting salaries, even with less experience.
- Growth forecasts: Jobs in high demand are usually easier to land. Use sources like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics or your local government’s labor department to learn which roles are growing.
If you want to work in a fast-growing tech sector, majors like computer science or engineering make sense. If prefer people-focused roles, psychology, education, or marketing might offer more long-term satisfaction.
Types of Bachelor’s Degrees
Bachelor’s degrees come in various forms, depending on your area of study. Below are some of the most common types.
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
A BA focuses on the humanities, social sciences, and liberal arts- fields like psychology, sociology, history, or language studies. It’s a great fit for students who enjoy reading, writing, communication, or exploring how people and societies function.
Bachelor of Science (BSc or BS)
A BS emphasizes mathematics, science, and technical disciplines such as biology, computer science, or physics. This degree typically includes more lab work, research, and quantitative data analysis than a BA.
Bachelor of Engineering (BEng)
Designed for students pursuing fields like mechanical, civil, or software engineering, a BEng is structured around problem-solving, systems design, and technical expertise. Its coursework is math- and physics-intensive and often includes hands-on projects.
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
If you’re passionate about creativity—especially in visual arts, theater, film, or design—a BFA helps you refine your talents through hands-on learning. These programs place strong emphasis on studio projects and practical performance.
Bachelor of Education (BEd)
A BEd is essential for becoming a licensed teacher in many countries. This degree covers teaching theory, curriculum development, classroom management, and child psychology. Students typically complete practical teaching placements in real classrooms.
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
A BBA provides a strong foundation in core business areas such as finance, marketing, operations, and management. It combines theoretical knowledge with practical learning through case studies, simulations, and group projects.
Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
The LLB is the standard undergraduate law degree in many countries. It prepares students for legal careers through intensive study of legal theory, systems, and practice. (The abbreviation LLB comes from the Latin term “Legum Baccalaureus”.)
Other academic paths—such as associate degrees or vocational diplomas—are availible, but bachelor’s degrees remain the most widely recognized choice for long-term career development.
How to Choose the Right Major
You don’t need to have your entire life planned when starting university. But choosing a major that aligns with three key areas – what you enjoy, what you’re good at, and what kinds of jobs are in demand – can set you up for success.
Career Prospects
Some degrees have clearer paths to employment. If landing a job soon after graduation is a priority, consider these in-demand majors:
- Data Science and AI: These roles are in high demand as companies seek professionals who can turn data into insights and build intelligent systems.
- Healthcare & Nursing: With aging populations and rising global health needs, healthcare fields offer stable, essential careers.
- Cybersecurity: As digital threats grow, so does the need for experts who can protect information systems.
- Finance and Accounting: Every industry needs number-savvy professionals who understands budgets, audits, and financial planning.
Degrees in the arts or humanities can still lead to rewarding careers, but they may require additional creativity, or further study (such as graduate school) to open career doors.
Flexibility vs. Specialization
Some majors are broad and adaptable, while others are tailored for specific career paths.
Flexible Majors:
- Business: Prepares you for roles in marketing,sales, consulting, and more
- Communication: Useful in PR, media, journalism, and content creations
- Psychology: Offers a solid foundation for roles in education, HR, or counseling
Specialized Majors:
- Dentistry or Nursing: Directly prepare you for careers in healthcare
- Civil Engineering: Focused on infrastructure projects
- Animation or Game Design: Tailored for niche creative industries
If you’re not yet sure what career you want, a flexible major can give you more space to explore different options.
Balancing Passion and Practicality
It’s natural to want to follow what you enjoy. But it’s also worth asking if learning a new skill could complement your interests and open more opportunities.
For example, if you love drawing but are concerned about job prospects as an artist, consider studying digital design, user experience (UX), or visual communication—fields that blend creativity with career demand.
You don’t have to give up your passions. You just need to find the overlap between what you enjoy and what the world needs.
Types of Bachelor’s Degrees
Bachelor’s degrees come in various forms, depending on your area of study. Below are some of the most common types.
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
A BA focuses on the humanities, social sciences, and liberal arts- fields like psychology, sociology, history, or language studies. It’s a great fit for students who enjoy reading, writing, communication, or exploring how people and societies function.
Bachelor of Science (BSc or BS)
A BS emphasizes mathematics, science, and technical disciplines such as biology, computer science, or physics. This degree typically includes more lab work, research, and quantitative data analysis than a BA.
Bachelor of Engineering (BEng)
Designed for students pursuing fields like mechanical, civil, or software engineering, a BEng is structured around problem-solving, systems design, and technical expertise. Its coursework is math- and physics-intensive and often includes hands-on projects.
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
If you’re passionate about creativity—especially in visual arts, theater, film, or design—a BFA helps you refine your talents through hands-on learning. These programs place strong emphasis on studio projects and practical performance.
Bachelor of Education (BEd)
A BEd is essential for becoming a licensed teacher in many countries. This degree covers teaching theory, curriculum development, classroom management, and child psychology. Students typically complete practical teaching placements in real classrooms.
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
A BBA provides a strong foundation in core business areas such as finance, marketing, operations, and management. It combines theoretical knowledge with practical learning through case studies, simulations, and group projects.
Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
The LLB is the standard undergraduate law degree in many countries. It prepares students for legal careers through intensive study of legal theory, systems, and practice. (The abbreviation LLB comes from the Latin term “Legum Baccalaureus”.)
Other academic paths—such as associate degrees or vocational diplomas—are availible, but bachelor’s degrees remain the most widely recognized choice for long-term career development.
Top Majors for International Students
If you’re planning to study abroad, you may want to choose a degree that’s in demand internationally—one that can support visa applications or job placement.
Here are some popular options:
Business & Economics
Business degrees offer flexibility and strong job potentials in global markets. With a BBA or economics degree, you can pursue careers in banking, marketing, logistics, consulting, and more.
Engineering & Technology
STEM degrees are highly valued around the world. Specialties like software engineering, robotics, or environmental tech are especially in demand.
- Computer Science: Coding, AI, software development
- Mechanical/Civil Engineering: Infrastructure and systems
- Electrical Engineering: Electronics, hardware, automation
Many countries prioritize STEM graduates for work visas and post-study opportunities.
Design & Creative Arts
Creative degrees are evolving fast. Today’s programs prepare students for careers in:
- Graphic Design: Branding, visual storytelling
- Animation and Multimedia: Games, films, content
- Industrial Design: Product development, user experience
Graduates in design fields often have the flexibility to work freelance or remotely.
Making the Right Decision
Still unsure about which bachelor’s degree to pursue? Don’t worry—you don’t have to make this decision alone.
Talk to People in the Field
Conversations with real people can offer valuable clarity. Consider reaching out to:
- Academic advisors: They can explain program structure, course loads, and career outcomes.
- College alumni: Former students often share honest insights into job prospects and academic expectations.
- Industry professionals: Ask them what it’s really like to work in their specific field.
LinkedIn, university websites, and student forums are great places to start making connections.
Stay Open to Change
Many bachelor’s degrees allow you to explore different areas of interest. It’s common for students to switch majors after starting. Some choose to double major or add a minor, while others end up working in careers not directly related to their major.
It’s okay to grow and change. Stay open, curious, and ready to adjust as you learn more about yourself.
Start Your Future with the Right Major
Choosing a bachelor’s degree major is one of the first big steps in shaping your future. You don’t need to have everything figured out right away. Focus on what you enjoy, what you’re good at, and where the opportunities are.
Still not sure how to choose the right major? Check out our free guide to today’s most popular and practical fields of study like business, engineering, and design.
Funded by the Ministry of Education.