Hey! I was wondering—what's the degree program that normally takes the most years to complete in college? I'm excluding postgrad programs like medicine. Just curious about the undergrad ones. Any ideas?
Typically, the longest duration bachelor's degree programs are those that fall under the umbrella of engineering and architecture, as they commonly take around 5 years to complete full-time due to rigorous and extensive course requirements. Further, there are also Bachelor’s in Fine Arts (BFA) programs, specifically in animation, film, and other design-centric majors that often involve significant project or portfolio work, which can take up to five years.
However, remember that these durations can vary depending on the university, the student's course load each semester, and any internship or co-op programs the student may choose to participate in. 'Co-op' or cooperative education programs are where students alternate between semesters of academic study and periods of full-time employment, adding a practical edge to their degree but also extending the overall time of completion.
It's also important to note that exceptions to the standard four-year degree plan are perfectly okay! Many students find value in spending an extra year or two in university to gain additional skills, experience, or credentials that can help them with their career goals. Your path is ultimately dependent on your personal circumstances and objectives.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.