As an expert in the field of higher education, I can provide you with a comprehensive overview of what a four-year college degree is called and the distinctions between different types of undergraduate degrees.

In the United States, the term "four-year college degree" typically refers to a bachelor's degree. This is the most common type of degree awarded to students who have completed a four-year undergraduate program at a college or university. A bachelor's degree is considered a foundational degree and is often a prerequisite for pursuing advanced degrees such as master's and doctoral degrees.

Bachelor's Degrees are offered in a wide range of disciplines, including but not limited to the arts, sciences, humanities, social sciences, business, and engineering. They are designed to provide students with a broad education in their chosen field, along with general education requirements that promote critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills.

The process of earning a bachelor's degree involves several key components:


1. General Education Requirements: These are courses that every student must take, regardless of their major. They are designed to provide a well-rounded education and include subjects such as mathematics, natural sciences, humanities, social sciences, and English composition.


2. Major Requirements: Students choose a major, which is the primary area of study. Major requirements consist of a series of courses that delve deeper into the chosen field.


3. Electives: These are additional courses that students can take to explore other areas of interest or to fulfill additional requirements for their major.


4. Cumulative GPA: Students must maintain a certain grade point average (GPA) throughout their studies to graduate.


5. Capstone or Thesis: Some programs may require a final project, capstone, or thesis, which is a significant piece of work that demonstrates the student's mastery of the subject matter.

In contrast to a bachelor's degree, an associate's degree is a two-year undergraduate degree that is typically offered at community colleges, technical colleges, and some universities. Associate's degrees are often seen as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree, as many students who earn an associate's degree go on to transfer to a four-year institution to complete their bachelor's degree.

The distinction between an associate's and a bachelor's degree is important for several reasons:

- Depth of Study: A bachelor's degree provides a more in-depth study of a subject compared to an associate's degree.
- Transferability: While many associate's degrees are designed to be transferable to a bachelor's program, not all courses may apply, and students may need to take additional courses to meet the requirements of a bachelor's degree.
- Career Opportunities: A bachelor's degree often opens up more career opportunities and can lead to higher earning potential compared to an associate's degree.
- Graduate School: A bachelor's degree is required for admission to most graduate programs.

In summary, a four-year college degree is called a bachelor's degree. It is a comprehensive educational program that prepares students for advanced study or professional careers. The journey to earning a bachelor's degree involves fulfilling general education requirements, major-specific coursework, and maintaining a satisfactory GPA, often culminating in a capstone or thesis project.

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Undergraduate Degrees. There are two broad categories of undergraduate college degrees: associate's degrees and bachelor's degrees. The average amount of time it takes to earn a degree - also called time to degree - is two years for an associate's degree and four years for a bachelor's degree.read more >>