For decades, the bachelor’s degree followed a single formula: 120 credits, four years, and a mix of general education, electives, and your major.
That model still works for many students, but it’s no longer the only option.
Unity Environmental University now offers two accredited bachelor’s degree pathways: the traditional 120-credit Bachelor of Science and the innovative 90-credit Applied Bachelor of Science. Both are fully online. Both provide a strong foundation in your chosen field. The difference? How you get there.
Why Earning a Bachelor’s Degree Still Matters
With short courses, bootcamps, and certificates popping up everywhere, it’s natural to wonder: Do I still need a bachelor’s degree?
The answer is yes, and here’s why.
A bachelor’s degree remains one of the smartest long-term investments you can make in your future. It’s more than a credential; it’s a foundation that helps you advance, adapt, and stay employable in a changing world.
A bachelor’s degree still matters because:
- It pays off. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, bachelor’s degree holders earn about 62% more per week on average than those with only a high school diploma.
- It builds career flexibility. A degree equips you with communication, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills that apply across industries.
- It prepares you for what’s next. Whether it’s graduate school or a career change, your degree provides the foundation to grow.
- It strengthens essential skills. You’ll develop leadership, collaboration, and adaptive learning abilities that keep you competitive.
- It connects purpose to progress. At Unity, every program integrates sustainability and systems thinking, helping you make a meaningful impact in your field.
In a fast-changing world, a bachelor’s degree doesn’t just prepare you for your first job. It prepares you for your entire career journey.
Rethinking the Path: 120 vs. 90 Credits
Traditionally, earning a bachelor’s degree required 120 credits, which included a mix of general education, electives, and major courses. That structure offers a broad academic experience and remains ideal for students who want to explore multiple disciplines or pursue graduate study later. Today’s students also seek options that are faster, more affordable, and closely aligned with their careers. That’s where Unity’s 90-credit Applied Bachelor of Science comes in. Both programs are accredited, fully online, and designed to prepare you for meaningful careers, while offering different routes to get there.
The 120-Credit Bachelor of Science: Depth and Discovery
The 120-credit Bachelor of Science offers the classic academic experience:
- General education courses build a broad perspective.
- A disciplinary core develops expertise in your chosen major.
- Electives let you explore other interests or complement your studies.
This pathway is ideal for:
- Students who enjoy exploring multiple subjects.
- Those planning for graduate school.
- Learners who prefer a steady, structured pace.
In short, it’s the right fit if you want time and space to explore your interests while moving toward your degree.
The 90-Credit Applied Bachelor of Science: Faster, Focused, and Career-Ready
The 90-credit Applied Bachelor of Science streamlines the journey while maintaining the same academic rigor.
- Focused coursework in your field.
- Workplace skills modules in AI literacy, digital fluency, systems thinking, and communication.
- Capstone or internship for real-world experience.
- About 25% fewer credits, saving time and reducing cost.
This pathway is ideal for:
- Career-focused learners who know their goals.
- Students who want to graduate sooner and spend less.
- Working adults who need a clear, efficient path to a degree.
Think of it as a direct line to your career goals, with fewer detours and the same destination.
Programs That Put Learning Into Action
Unity’s 90-credit Applied Bachelor of Science degrees are offered in fields built for tomorrow’s workforce, including:
- Sustainable Business Management – Balance profitability with environmental responsibility, preparing for careers in corporate management, quality assurance, or sourcing.
- Psychology and Human Services – Build supportive systems for case management, program management, or graduate study in counseling or social work.
- Culinary Innovation and Food Systems – Apply sustainable food practices and entrepreneurship to the growing food industry.
- Entrepreneurship – Launch new ventures with skills in branding, financing, and sustainability.
- Environmental Crime Investigation – Blend science, law, and fieldwork for careers in forensics, crime investigation, GIS analysis, and policy enforcement.
Every program emphasizes career-ready learning, and students earn Career Edge digital badges to showcase new skills to employers.
Which Pathway Fits You?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Both Unity degree options lead to a respected bachelor’s degree that is accredited, flexible, and focused on sustainability and real-world impact.
- Choose the 120-credit Bachelor of Science if you want a broad, exploratory academic experience.
- Choose the 90-credit Applied Bachelor of Science if you want to graduate faster, save money, and gain skills you can use immediately.
Both pathways lead to the same destination: a Unity degree that prepares you for the future. The choice is how you want to get there.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Your path to a meaningful, sustainable career doesn’t have to take four years or cost more than it should.
Explore Unity’s 90-Credit Applied Bachelor’s Degrees and see how you can reach your goals faster while making a difference.
