What Can I Do With A 3-Year Bachelors Degree?
Are you thinking about pursing a 3-year Bachelors degree —or already working toward your degree and wondering what comes next? Whether you’re just beginning your academic journey or preparing to graduate, this chapter is here to support your career exploration and help you discover the possibilities ahead.
Getting Started
Career exploration takes time and is an iterative process that begins with reflection. Ask yourself: what kind of life do I want?
If you’re unsure where to begin, we recommend starting with the following chapters:
- Start Here: Your Career Path
- The Importance Of Self-Assessment In Career Planning
- How To Research Career Paths
- Finding Your Impact: A Problem-Solving Approach To Career Planning
- Take Action: Test Out Your Career Ideas
For personalized support, book an appointment with a Science Career Advisor at the Science Careers & Experience Centre (BSB 127) on OSCARplus.
3-Year Programs At McMaster
Interested in learning more about 3-Year programs at McMaster? Visit the consult the Academic Calendar for detailed program information. For guidance on program eligibility and requirements, connect with an Academic Advisor in BSB 136
Differences Between A Bachelor Degree And An Honours Bachelor Degree
| Degree | Bachelor Degree | Honours Bachelor Degree |
| Duration | Full-time studies takes approximately 3 years to complete. | Full-time studies takes approximately 4 years to complete; some specialized programs may take longer to complete, such as co-op programs typically take 5 years to complete. |
| Further Education | May not be qualified for some Master’s, professional school or post-grad programs. If you are interested in pursuing further education, we encourage you to research the admission requirements for each program on each school’s website. | Likely to be eligible for Master’s, professional school and post-grad programs. However, each program may have preferences or require you to have studied in a specific area. |
| Employment | Depending on the job you apply for, employers may not differentiate between a 3-year bachelor with a Honour’s Bachelor degree; they may prioritize how you highlight your competencies. | Increase opportunities for variety of post-graduation jobs if the employer is prioritizing someone with a Honour’s Bachelor degree; however, you still need to be able to effectively articulate your competencies. |
Interested in what alumni have done with their degree? Join MacConnect.
Employment With Further Education
It is very common for students to complete further education after their bachelor degree. Many college programs and post-graduate diplomas or certificates are designed to provide specialized training for a specific occupations that may be preferred or required by an employer. McMaster offers a variety of continuing education courses which will allow you to gain further academic experience in fields such as: Business and Management, Communication and Design, Health and Social Services, and Metallurgy.
- Interested in explore further education options? Use the Government of Canada Can Learn Program Search tool to discover further education programs across Canada, including certificates and diplomas.
- Want information on a specific occupation? Use the Government of Canada Job Bank “Job Profiles” tool.
Examples of occupations that can be explored with further education
Click on the occupation to learn about it’s labour market trends, job availability and occupational requirements.
- Biotechnology Technologist – Forensics
- Cardiovascular Technologist
- Educational Assistant (EA)
- Dental Assistant
- Dental Hygienist
- Financial Planning/Services
- GIS Technician
- Hearing Instrumentation Specialist
- Human Resources Management IT Technician
- Marketing Management
- Orthotics/Prosthetics Technician Paramedic
- Pharmacy Technician
- Paralegal
- Personal Support Worker
- Physiotherapist Assistant
- Public Health Inspector
- Respiratory Therapy
- Registered Massage Therapist
- Radiation Technologist (X-ray, Ultrasound)
Employment And The Value Of Articulating Your Skills!
Depending on what job you apply for, employers may not differentiate between a 3-year Bachelor degree and a Honours Bachelor degree. Instead, hiring managers may be more influenced by how you demonstrate interest and highlight your accomplishments and relevant skills gained through your studies and experiences. Skill-based hiring is on the rise, where employers may prefer to hire someone with the right skills and competencies rather than the degree or minimum number of direct experience. For these reasons, it is critical you understand the value of your Science degree and the transferable skills gained through your studies and activities (such as work, volunteering, research, clubs, conferences, experiential/co-operative education, a global exchange, and more)!
Read about the Science Professional Competencies Framework to learn about the skills employer’s in science are seeking and help you identify transferable skills you’ve developed during your 3-year degree.
Need more support with your career planning?
Meet with a Science Career Advisor
Book a 30-minute appointment with the Science Careers & Experience Centre (BSB 127) in advance through OSCARplus.
Design your future with SCIENCE 2DL3
Enrol in SCIENCE 2DL3: Design Your Science Career— an interactive career development course designed to help undergraduate students take charge of their future with creativity and confidence.
Explore these additional chapters:
- Finding Your Impact: A Problem Solving Approach To Career Planning
- Conducting Information Interviews
- Searching And Applying For Experience
- Where Can I Find Experience?
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Discover real stories of what your peers are doing with their career.
