Want a happy retirement? Here’s what experts say you need to do
Everyone wants to be happy in retirement.
So what will it take to get there?
It’s not just saving money, although that is key, according to certified financial planner Wes Moss, chief investment strategist at Atlanta-based Capital Investment Advisors and author of the upcoming book, “What the Happiest Retirees Know.”
“Does more money buy more happiness?” he said. “Yes, it does, actually, but only up to a certain point.”
That point is $500,000 in retirement savings; after that, happiness plateaus, Moss said his research shows.
Here are financial strategies you can employ now and in retirement to attain happiness, according to experts.
Universities may offer two types of sociology degrees: a bachelor of arts (BA) and a bachelor of science (BS). BS in sociology programs focus more on research theories and methodologies than BA programs, concentrating on data collection and analysis. They also typically include more courses focused on the major. In contrast, BA in sociology programs take a more interdisciplinary approach, focusing more on the liberal arts than BS programs.
01. The History of Bachelor’s Degrees
The common term “Bachelor’s Degree” can be traced back to the 12th century. In the 12th century, baccalaureus, or bachelor, referred to a knight bachelor, who would have been the lowest ranking knights in medieval Europe. Within the next 100 years, the term would also refer to junior members of guilds (name for associations that oversaw a merchant’s practice or trade) or universities. Through popular etymology, the term morphed into the phrase ‘Bachelor’s degree’ by the year 1700. Now, ‘Bachelor’s degree’ refers to an undergraduate degree that is given to a college or university student who completes four years of study.
Bachelor’s degrees generally require 120-credit hours if your school follows a semester system, and 180-credit hours if your school follows a quarter system. The degree is usually broken down into 3 parts:
General Education classes: foundational coursework like basic classes in English, Math, Science, and/or History.
Major classes: specific classes tailored towards your major, an in-depth study of your subject matter
Electives: courses that compliment your major but may not directly relate to it. Used to broaden your education and customize your degree to fit your interests and career goals.
02. Here are The Differences between a BA and a BS in Sociology :-
Bachelor of Science
A Bachelor of Science degree in sociology is intended for students who are interested in pursuing graduate-level work in sociology or a related field such as anthropology. This degree require students to take many advanced level courses in sociology, giving students a comprehensive understanding of the field and preparing them for graduate classes in sociology. Many graduates of this degree program pursue master’s and doctorate degrees in sociology and become postdoctoral researchers as well as associate, assistant and full professors of sociology in colleges and universities.
Bachelor of Arts
A Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology is intended for students who are interested in careers that are not necessarily related to sociology. Many students who pursue this degree begin their careers as entry-level employees in a variety of economic sectors, including real estate, entertainment, insurance companies and other private industries. Furthermore, a Bachelor of Arts degree is very flexible in that it gives students the opportunity to pursue other interests in addition to the major. Therefore, this degree is also appropriate for students interested in teaching sociology in high school.
03. Curriculum
Coursework may vary depending on the university. BA degrees tend to have a liberal arts approach, requiring fewer core or major credits and allowing more flexibility to customize your education to your particular interests. It may be easier to double major or minor in another subject. BS degrees are typically more structured, strictly focused on the major and mastering the technical skills needed for their chosen field.
If you know you want to pursue an advanced degree in the future, that can help determine what you choose to study now. For example, if you would like to earn a master’s in social work one day, then opting for a social sciences BA or BS degree might be a wise choice.
Questions to ask yourself when choosing a program:
- How will this program prepare me for my career goals?
- What kind of courses are taught in this program?
- Is there opportunity for team projects, mentorship, or career support?
04. Degree Requirements
The following requirements must be satisfied for a Bachelor of Arts with a major in sociology.
Hours required and general/college requirements
A minimum of 120 semester hours, of which 42 must be advanced, and fulfillment of degree requirements for the Bachelor of Arts degree as specified in the “University Core Curriculum” in the Academics section of this catalog and the “College of Arts and Sciences” requirements.
Major requirements
30 hours in sociology, of which 21 must be advanced, including the sociology core curriculum plus 15 additional hours in sociology, of which 12 must be taken at UNT and at the advanced level (3000 or 4000). Note: Students must receive a C or better in sociology core curriculum courses.
The following requirements must be satisfied for a Bachelor of Science with a major in sociology.
Hours required and general/college requirements
A minimum of 120 semester hours, of which 42 must be advanced, and fulfillment of degree requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree as specified in the “University Core Curriculum” in the Academics section of this catalog and the “College of Arts and Sciences” requirements (excluding foreign language).
Major requirements
36 hours in sociology, of which 24 must be advanced, including the sociology core curriculum plus 18 additional hours in sociology, of which 12 must be taken at UNT and at the advanced level (3000 or 4000). Note: Students must receive a C or better in sociology core curriculum courses.
05. Should You Get a Sociology B.S. or a B.A.?
Depending on the career you want to have, you should probably select one or the other bachelor’s in sociology before the end of your undergraduate career. If you know for sure that you intend to pursue an advanced degree and a career in sociology, selecting a bachelor of science is an excellent choice.
This degree will not only help you to focus on the discipline more during your undergraduate years, but you may find that you have a leg up when it comes time to apply for graduate school. Universities may be impressed with your focus and dedication.
In some cases, you may even find that pursuing a B.S. during your graduate years has made you eligible to skip certain courses at the graduate level because you have already completed some of the prerequisite courses. This will give you a head start on pursuing your Ph.D. if that is your goal.
In other cases, students who think that they want to pursue sociology as their career but are unsure that they want to study one topic to the exclusion of others will want to pursue a sociology B.A. This will allow them to dip toes into the waters of sociology while still exploring and pursuing disciplines that are unrelated but may help to propel them forward toward the career that they want.
Earning a B.A. in sociology is an excellent background for someone who is planning to pursue a career in either the arts, business, communications, science, government, public health or any number of other fields.
