Have you ever wondered why a college education is called a bachelor’s degree? It’s a funny name, and one that might even seem a bit outdated. But there’s actually a surprisingly long history behind this term — and it goes much further back than the start of college education in the United States.
Let’s take a look at how exactly the bachelor’s degree evolved and why it’s called what it is.
Why is it Called a Bachelor’s Degree?
A bachelor’s degree is a program of study offered at universities, colleges, and other higher education institutions that typically involves four to five years of coursework and research.The degree is also known as a baccalaureate degree and is one of the most widely-recognized academic qualifications in the world. So what exactly is the origin of the term “bachelor’s degree”?
History and Etymology of the Term
The word “bachelor” has Latin roots, deriving from the Latin word for “unmarried man” called “baccalarius”.Through Middle English and Old French, the word was adopted in English to describe an unmarried man. The “-s” was added since the word “bachelor” is a noun and not an adjective.
The usage of the term “bachelor” in academic and educational contexts dates back to the 13th century. Initially, it referred to an individual who had achieved a high academic degree, or a “licentiate”. These ancient universities used the term “baccalaureus”, which is Latin for “bachelor”.
Evolution of Bachelor’s Degree
Gradually, over time, the term “bachelor’s degree” came to refer to an undergraduate academic degree that requires students to complete a number of courses over a period of four to five years, depending on the field of study. Unlike a licentiate, a bachelor’s degree does not require students to complete and pass a public exam.The programs offered for a bachelor’s degree vary, but typically include a wide range of general education coursework as well as specialized coursework in fields such as business, information technology, engineering, and the sciences. Additionally, many students are required to carry out an independent research project or to complete an internship in order to fulfill the requirements of their degree.
Conclusion
To conclude, the origin of the phrase “bachelor’s degree” lies in its Latin etymology, first used to refer to an individual who had achieved a high academic degree.Since then, the term has transformed to describe the four to five year program of study offered at universities, colleges, and other higher education institutions. It is one of the most widely-recognized academic qualifications in the world, allowing individuals to deepen their skills and pursue their academic and career aspirations.
Citation URLs:
- https://www. grammarly. com/blog/bachelors-degree/
- https://en. oxforddictionaries. com/definition/bachelor
- https://www. thoughtco. com/bachelors-degree-overview-1440449