What Is an Undergraduate Degree?

Undergraduate degrees are a form of post-secondary (after high school) education that many students pursue to further their academic and professional pursuits. You can take many different career paths after high school graduation, but pursuing an undergraduate degree can open up career opportunities tailored to your talents and interests. Learn more about undergraduate degrees, including who they might be right for and how you can get started. 

What is an undergraduate degree? 

An undergraduate degree is a credential you typically pursue after high school. In Canada, undergraduate degrees include associate and bachelor’s degrees. Three main institutions normally offer undergraduate degree programs: universities, liberal arts colleges, and community colleges. 

Undergraduate vs. graduate degrees 

Undergraduate degrees provide a foundational education within your field of study while allowing you to build on your knowledge of general subjects outside your major. As an undergraduate learner, you’ll often get the chance to build a community of people from different backgrounds while pursuing your educational goals. 

Graduate degrees, however, allow you to specialize in a field of study that interests you and helps you build expertise in that field. Your work as a graduate learner will revolve around specific coursework in a much smaller environment. You can pursue a graduate degree after earning an undergraduate degree. Graduate degrees include master's degrees and doctoral degrees. 

4 benefits of an undergraduate degree

An undergraduate degree is a great way to enhance your marketability once you enter the workforce. Consider the following potential benefits of pursuing an undergraduate degree:

1. Better job prospects 

An undergraduate degree can help you prepare for a more specialized career in an evolving job market. Having this competitive edge as a job candidate could create opportunities for roles that support greater professional growth. 

2. Higher salaries

Undergraduate degree-holders tend to earn more money. According to the latest data available from Statistique Canada, Canadians with a secondary school diploma or its equivalent earn an average of $35,017 CAD annually. Those with a college or non-university diploma make an average of $47,259, and those with a university degree at a bachelor's level or higher earn an average of $69,418 [1].

3. Ability to build on your interests 

Undergraduate degree programs typically allow you to design an education around your interests. While pursuing an undergraduate degree, you can build upon your passions and turn them into a fulfilling career. 

4. Professional network

Whether you decide to complete a two-year or four-year undergraduate program, furthering your education can maximize your potential and find a fulfilling career path. While pursuing an undergraduate degree, you will encounter a network of people—professors and peers alike. These connections can often lead to future career opportunities.

How long does it take to finish an undergraduate degree?

Undergraduate degrees typically span two to four years, depending on your field of study. They will also grant you different qualifications. 

• Two-year programs: You can earn an associate degree in a two-year undergraduate program. Prepare for an entry-level role or to enter a more specific field of study at a four-year college or university with an Associate of Arts or an Associate of Science, the two most common types of associate degrees. 

• Four-year programs: A bachelor's degree is typically a four-year program. Four-year bachelor’s programs centre around your major and other curriculum requirements, which will vary from school to school. 

How much do undergraduate degrees typically cost?

Archived data from the Tuition and Living Accommodation Costs survey published by Statistique Canada show that in the 2022 and 2023 school years, Canadian undergraduate learners paid an average of $6,834 CAD in tuition, while graduate students paid $7,437 CAD, on average [2]. However, the cost of an undergraduate degree will vary depending on where you receive your education. Community colleges, public schools, and private colleges may all charge different amounts for an undergraduate degree. 

Choosing the right degree 

A vital step in pursuing an undergraduate degree is choosing the most suitable degree for your goals and needs. Follow these steps to help you find the best fit: 

Narrow down your career choices. 

The first step in choosing your degree is narrowing down your options. Basing the decision on your skills, interests, and chance of employability is a great place to start. 

Consider the cost. 

Once you have a better idea of which career path you want to take, look into cost-efficient options that align with your aspirations and budget. Be sure to consider your own financial standing and the greater economy to make the most financially rewarding decision. 

Ask your peers.

Ask for an outside perspective from those you trust. Going to a peer for insight will help you decide what path might be best for you. Peers are more likely to understand the position you’re in and may be able to offer helpful insight. 

Investigate online. 

When in doubt, look it up. Once you have a clear idea of what you want to get from your undergraduate degree, you’ll be ready to start looking into programs that might be a good fit. 

Can I earn a degree online? 

Online degree programs can be a flexible, efficient, and cost-effective way to pursue an undergraduate degree from the comfort of your home. Online education has grown in popularity because it offers access to higher education to an increasing number of people. If you’re an adult learner or someone already in the workforce looking to further your education, an online degree might be the right choice.

Keep in mind that research is vital when choosing the right online degree. Be sure to look into the post-secondary institution’s accreditation, ratings and reviews, student resources, education costs, and how their students fare after graduation.

Alternatives to an undergraduate degree 

Undergraduate degrees are just one of many potential learning paths available. You can find many alternatives to college if an undergraduate degree isn’t for you:

• Get an entry-level job to gain professional work experience in a low-stress environment. 

• Earn certification or a professional certificate to validate your expertise.

• Attend a trade or career school to help you hone a new skill. 

• Apply for an apprenticeship and learn from a successful businessperson. 

• Apply for an internship in your desired field to learn the trade and make yourself more marketable in future job searches. 

• Start your own business and learn how to be your own boss. 

Continue your undergraduate degree journey

An undergraduate degree can open the door to many career opportunities. Learn more about what earning an online undergraduate degree from a top global university on Coursera is like. Should you need more information to decide which direction to go, consider taking online courses on topics you're interested in until you find the right fit. For example, if you’re interested in a career in business, consider the University of California Irvine’s Introduction to Business Specialization on Coursera. 

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