Academic Degree The Bachelor's Degree 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which bachelor's degree is most commonly awarded in the humanities and social sciences?
- Bachelor of Science (BS)
- Bachelor of Arts (BA) (Correct answer)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
- Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
Correct answer: Bachelor of Arts (BA)
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) is traditionally awarded in humanities, social sciences, and liberal arts programs.
Question 2: How many credit hours are typically required to earn a bachelor's degree in the US?
- 60 credit hours
- 90 credit hours
- 120 credit hours (Correct answer)
- 150 credit hours
Correct answer: 120 credit hours
Most US bachelor's degree programs require approximately 120 credit hours for graduation.
Question 3: What is the term for a student's secondary area of focused study alongside their major?
- Concentration
- Elective track
- Minor (Correct answer)
- Specialization
Correct answer: Minor
A minor is a secondary field of study requiring fewer credits than a major, usually 18–30 credit hours.
Question 4: Which degree type is specifically designed for students pursuing professional careers in fields like nursing, engineering, or accounting?
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Applied Science (Correct answer)
- Bachelor of Liberal Studies
Correct answer: Bachelor of Applied Science
The Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) is tailored for applied, career-focused professional disciplines.
Question 5: What does a 'double major' mean in the context of a bachelor's degree?
- Completing two separate degrees simultaneously
- Fulfilling the full requirements for two distinct academic majors within one degree (Correct answer)
- Taking twice the normal course load each semester
- Earning a combined bachelor's and master's degree
Correct answer: Fulfilling the full requirements for two distinct academic majors within one degree
A double major means satisfying the complete requirements for two majors while earning a single bachelor's degree.
Question 6: Which of the following is typically NOT a component of a bachelor's degree program?
- General education requirements
- Major coursework
- Doctoral dissertation (Correct answer)
- Free electives
Correct answer: Doctoral dissertation
A doctoral dissertation is a requirement of a PhD program, not a bachelor's degree.
Question 7: At most US universities, what is a 'capstone course' in relation to a bachelor's degree?
- An introductory course taken in the first semester
- A final integrative project or course taken near graduation (Correct answer)
- A remedial course for students on academic probation
- An advanced placement course transferable from high school
Correct answer: A final integrative project or course taken near graduation
A capstone course is a culminating academic experience designed to integrate and apply knowledge from the major near the end of a degree program.
Which bachelor's degree is most commonly awarded in the humanities and social sciences?