Choosing a Bachelor’s Degree at Baylor University
An undergraduate degree from Baylor University is the first step towards the career you’ve always wanted. As a student in Baylor University’s international student pathway or as a direct admission student, you will take that first step toward a Bachelor’s degree from a top-75 national university (U.S. News & World Report, 2022).
What Types of Bachelor’s Degrees are Offered at Baylor University?
At U.S. universities, the Bachelor of Arts (BA) and the Bachelor of Science (BS) are the most common types of undergraduate degrees. Students can also choose to pursue a more specialized degree, such as the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), or the Bachelor of Music (BM).
Baylor University offers more than 120 undergraduate degree programs in a wide range of disciplines in the university’s different colleges:
- College of Arts & Sciences
- Diana R. Garland School of Social Work
- Hankamer School of Business
- Honors College
- Law School
- Louise Herrington School of Nursing
- Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences
- School of Education
- School of Engineering & Computer Sciences
Some of the most popular Bachelor’s degrees at Baylor are within the Hankamer School of Business, which U.S. News & World Report (2022) ranks as having the #74 best undergraduate business program in the USA. Our specific BBA degrees are well-ranked as well, including the #9 ranked Entrepreneurship and Corporate Innovation BBA and the #57 ranked Accounting BBA (U.S. News & World Report, 2022).
You can find a list of the available Bachelor’s degree majors on the Programs page.
How Will You Progress Through Baylor University as an Undergraduate?
Undergraduate studies in North America are based on a four-year schedule, but your time as a Bachelor’s degree student can vary based on your English language level and your choice of major. Here is an example of the four years of undergraduate study:
Year 1 – Freshman Year
- Introductory courses in a wide range of subjects
- Required core academic courses
- A solid educational grounding
- Building the foundation from which to expand your knowledge and skills
- Introductory courses in what you hope will become your main program of study (your major)
Year 2 – Sophomore Year
- Some core courses and some advancing to the next level
- Prerequisite courses for your major (if you’ve decided on a subject)
- Electives in subjects that especially interest you
Year 3 – Junior Year
- Declare your major
- More focused and in-depth study
- Advanced courses for your major
Year 4 – Senior Year
- Final courses and exams required for your Baylor University Bachelor’s degree
Which Types of Course Make Up a Bachelor’s Degree in the USA?
There are different types of courses you will take as an undergraduate student at Baylor University.
Core Courses
Also known as 'general education' courses, core courses provide the foundation for your degree. All undergraduate students take core courses in subjects including mathematics, humanities, physical sciences, and social sciences.
Major Courses
Your major is your main subject area. You will be required to take specific subject area courses for your major (usually beginning in your third year). You will also choose from other subject options related to your major.
Minor Courses
A minor is a secondary area of university study. It involves a smaller number of required courses than a major. Students usually take a minor either for personal interest or to specialize within a major.
Academic Tracks
An academic track, or concentration, is a group of courses that focus on a specific subdiscipline within a major. It can be tailored to suit your specific interests, such as the Cybersecurity concentration within the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS) at Baylor.
Co-operative Education/Internships
Some degree programs let you combine your studies with professional experience. This might be paid or unpaid work experience directly related to your major through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). Some degree programs require an internship before graduation and are often eligible for credit towards your degree. Be sure to discuss all internship opportunities with your advisor in order to ensure that you are following your F-1 visa guidelines.