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Difference Between BA and BS Degrees
If you’re an undergraduate student trying to figure out your major, you may be wondering about the difference between a BA and a BS degree. The broad answer is a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree focuses on the humanities and social sciences while a Bachelor of Science (BS) emphasizes science and math. These two types of degree programs vary in terms of coursework, skill development, and the types of careers they can prepare students for. Below we’ll explore the key differences between a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science.
Learn more: Everything you need to know about undergraduate degrees
What is a Bachelor of Arts?
Bachelor of Arts degree programs emphasize a liberal arts curriculum that covers a broad array of subjects. As a result, students in BA programs take fewer credits that are directly related to their major. Instead, students earn credits through a broad array of courses in the humanities, social sciences, and foreign languages. Below are just a few examples of BA majors:
- Film
- Journalism
- English
- International Studies
- Political Science
- Philosophy
- Religious Studies
What is a Bachelor of Science?
Bachelor of Science degree programs usually focus more strictly on subject matter directly related to the student’s specific field of study. As a result, BS students are required to take more credits directly associated with their major in order to master the technical and practical facets of their field. This means they have less opportunities to explore topics outside of their major. Below are just a few examples of BS majors:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Sport/exercise Science
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Mathematics
Read more: How to choose a college major
What’s the difference between a BA and a BS?
Coursework
The main difference between a BA and a BS is the focus of the coursework each type of degree requires. Colleges grant BAs to students who majored in the humanities and social sciences, while BS degrees are granted to students majoring in STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) subjects. General education requirements differ for each degree type. Students pursuing a BA are generally required to take a liberal arts curriculum that involves an array of humanities and social science courses. Alternatively, BS majors follow a curriculum that emphasizes science and math courses.
Related: What is a liberal arts degree?
Skill development
Because BA and BS students study different material, they tend to develop different skill sets. BA degrees are designed to strengthen students’ critical thinking, writing, and research skills through a liberal arts curriculum. Meanwhile, BS majors develop their problem-solving and analytical reasoning abilities by studying the technical and practical facets of their field.
Career options
Since each degree program fosters the development of different skills, BA and BS earners have different career options. Students who graduate with a BA often develop skills that are transferable to a variety of fields. For instance, English majors can get jobs as teachers, news reporters, freelance writers, public relations specialists, and more. While BS degree holders also have many career paths, oftentimes their major is more directly related to a specific field. For example, computer science majors often get jobs such as web developers and software testers.
Related: What is the average starting salary out of college?
Is there any overlap?
Not all majors are specific to one degree program or the other. Some subjects such as psychology, accounting, and business are regularly offered in both Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degree programs. This gives students the option of taking the broader sweep of the BA track or the more tightly focused approach of the BS track.
Also read: How to choose a college
Which degree is better?
Because BA and BS degrees serve different purposes, neither one is better than the other. Each degree holds the same academic weight, but the ways they are utilized varies greatly. As we’ve discussed, BA and BS degrees tend to hone different skills and prepare students for varying career paths. The main thing to consider when deciding between a BA and a BS is to think about how each degree program could impact your future.
See also: Scholarships for college students
Other types of bachelor’s degrees
BA and BS degrees aren’t the only bachelor’s degrees that undergraduate students can earn. Below are a few of the other common bachelor’s degree types:
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
BFA programs train students in visual and performing arts. Common BFA majors include dance, painting, film, theater, sculpture, and animation. BFA programs typically require different generation education courses than BA and BS programs. Instead of humanities, social science, and natural science courses, BFA majors usually take additional art courses.
Related: Top art scholarships
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
BBA programs train students in core business areas such as business communications, management, economics, and finance. BBA students take fewer liberal arts classes, more business courses, and typically choose a concentration such as accounting, marketing, human resource management, or strategic management.
Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS)
BAS programs often build on the skills and knowledge gained in an Associate of Applied Science program. BAS students acquire advanced technical knowledge related to specific fields such as engineering, construction management, and information technology.
Frequently asked questions about BS and BA degrees
Is a BS harder to earn than a BA?
Is political science a BA or a BS?
Is psychology a BA or a BS?
Do BS holders earn more money than BA holders?
Can I pursue a graduate degree with a BA or BS degree?
Can I double major with a BA and a BS?