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A Bachelor's degree is a post-secondary degree awarded to an individual after completion of undergraduate course work usually taking eight semesters (4 years) and 120 credits to complete. Course work for bachelor's degrees is done at the undergraduate level and is made up of general studies and major specific classes. Bachelor's degrees are awarded in specific concentrations and are built on the Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, or Bachelor of Fine Arts foundations. Individuals pursue bachelor's degrees to further their education and career advancement. A bachelor's degree may also be referred to as a baccalaureate.

According to a 2012 salary survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, the average starting salary for a college graduate with a Bachelor's degree is $44,442. Below is a detailed summary of the survey results for some of the more common academic disciplines.

Business Majors

• Highest-paying academic major: Economics (business/managerial)
• 2012 Median starting salary: $54,800
• Example occupations: Financial manager, accountant/auditor, management analyst

Communications Majors

• Highest-paying academic major: Advertising
• 2012 Median starting salary: $44,700
• Example occupations: Author, public-relations specialist, advertising or promotions manager

Computer Sciences Majors

• Highest-paying academic major: Computer science
• 2012 Median starting salary: $58,300
• Example occupations: Post-secondary teacher, computer programmer, computer support specialist

Education Majors

• Highest-paying academic major: Special education
• 2012 Median starting salary: $42,200
• Example occupations: Special education teacher, elementary or middle-school teacher

Engineering Majors

• Highest-paying academic major: Computer engineering
• 2012 Median starting salary: $67,800
• Example occupation: Computer software engineer

Health Sciences Majors

• Highest-paying academic major: Nursing
• 2012 Median starting salary: $48,400
• Example occupation: Registered nurse

Humanities and Social Sciences Majors

• Highest-paying academic major: Political science/government
• 2012 Median starting salary: $38,400
• Example occupations: Social worker, paralegal or legal assistant, labor-relations specialist

Sciences Majors

• Highest-paying academic major: Construction science/management
• 2012 Median starting salary: $54,700
• Example occupations: Constructions manager, civil engineer