BS and BA degrees are the two most popular degrees for any undergraduate program. People tend to use BS and BA degrees interchangeably however, there is a clear distinction between BS vs BA.
The former focuses on science, technology, and math while the latter typically requires more on the arts, humanities, and social science. Despite the obvious differences between the BA and BS degrees, there is still some overlap.
Hence, in this copy, you will learn what BA and BS are about and some differences in some of their programs. Also, you will learn about the differences between BA degrees and BS degrees.
What Is BA Degree?
A bachelor of arts degree is an undergraduate college degree that can open doors for your career and also deepen your knowledge in an area of studies, such as psychology, business, and many other fields, or can be a stepping stone to furthering your education in a graduate school program.
Earning a bachelor’s degree is one of the most important steps you can take toward increasing your earning potential and job opportunities.
A Bachelor of Arts degree is a four-year college degree that covers standard education requirements and then allows students to specialize in an area of interest.
This means that students in this BA degree program complete core and elective coursework in psychology, in addition to general education requirements for any Bachelor of Arts degree.
A Bachelor of Arts degree is designed to prepare you with critical thinking skills, communication skills, and a foundation in the humanities.
What is BS Degree?
A BS Degree is a Bachelor of Science Degree, which is an undergraduate degree that is typically available in a scientific or technical field, we would explore more about this degree so you can fully understand the meaning of a BS Degree;
A BS Degree is an award for the completion of an undergraduate degree program. Naturally, BS and other bachelor’s degree programs take up to 4 years to complete, but enhanced programs are available and sometimes it takes a longer period to finish the program.
Many BS Degree programs like every other bachelor’s degree program require around 120 credits but some programs require more or fewer credits.
The BS Degree programs are mostly available in scientific and technical fields, such as; life sciences, computer science, and mathematics. It is also available in a wide range of subject areas, which includes from business to biology.
Some examples of available BS Degree programs include subjects in;
- Animal Behavior
- Neuroscience
- Statistics
- Interior design
- Geography
- Game design
Besides, BS degree programs are also available in online formats, but this greatly depends on the subjects.
Some examples of online BS Degree program include subjects in;
- Public health
- Mathematics
- Electrical engineering
- Sports management
- Information technology
- Environmental science
Whether science or art, you may want to check out How To Get A 6 Month Bachelor Degree Online – Easy Step-by-step Guide
BS vs BA In Psychology
A bachelor’s degree in psychology is an important first step in pursuing a career in the psychology field. While selecting an undergraduate psychology degree, you may be faced with two bachelor-level program choices. They include a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in psychology or a Bachelor of Science (BS) in psychology.
Hence, before selecting a program you have to decide whether a B. A or a B.S is the right choice for you. These details would help in your decision;
You may want to check out some jobs you can get into with a bachelor’s in paychology in High Paying Jobs With A Bachelor In Psychology
What is a B.A in Psychology?
A B.A or Bachelor of Arts in Psychology intends to prepare students for professional careers related to psychology. A B.A often involves more elective requirements than a BS (bachelor of science), allowing students to focus on areas of study beyond general psychology.
Students seeking a BA in psychology can take electives, it is usually the preferred option for students who wish to explore a wider range of career options after graduating.
A B.A in psychology is a good fit for the following students;
- Students who are interested in related topics beyond general psychology
- Students who are looking forward to going directly into the workforce immediately after college.
- Students who are interested in pursuing psychology – adjacent careers such as; law, political science, counseling, social works, journalism, or business.
What is B.S. in Psychology?
The BS or Bachelor of Science in psychology has a lot in common with the BA in psychology, what makes it different, however, is that the BS program usually includes additional math and science courses rather than electives or topic specializations.
The courses might be related to the scientific and mathematical aspects of psychology. In other words, this means more focus on lab work, statistics, and psychology research methods.
This contrast can often make the BS in psychology more suited for individuals seeking to eventually enter academia and pursue further research.
A student best suited for a BS in Psychology is;
- Interested in elements of scientific research and processes
- Looking to pursue a graduate degree in psychology
- Passionate about the sciences
A B.S might be the best for students who already have the intention of continuing to a psychology graduate program. But both the BA and BS in psychology are suitable for entrance to graduate psychology programs.
BS vs BA In Psychology what does it mean?
- BA in Psychology offers a wide range of electives outside of general psychology, meanwhile, BS in Psychology focuses more on math and other science-related courses.
- BA in Psychology emphasizes humanities and social science, while the BS emphasizes research and analytics.
- BA in Psychology can lead to further education or careers in non-psychological fields while BS in Psychology prepares the graduates for careers or further education in psychology.
BS vs BA Psychology
The department of psychology offers undergraduate programs leading to a BS degree or a BA degree. The objectives of both programs are to provide a broad overview of psychology, and both require extensive exposure to areas other than psychology as a context of study in the major.
The BS program places more emphasis on the natural sciences and mathematics, but both the BS and BA degree programs provide excellent preparation for graduate school.
Both BS and BA in psychology require students to complete a set of three core courses which include; Introductory Psychology, Statistics, and Research and Writing in Psychology.
BS vs BA in Computer Science
The primary distinction between a BS and a BA in computer science is their academic focus. A BS program is directed to the finer technical aspects of computer science while a BA program provides greater exposure to liberal arts.
With BA you are more likely to have an overlap between the classes needed to fulfill your course requirements. Also, double majoring with a BA is generally less stressful than double majoring with a BS.
Although it is possible to do so with a BS, be aware that classes for BS majors are typically more demanding, this means that you may have little space for interests outside of your studies.
Majoring with a BS in Computer Science is better if you want a more technical job. But if you want a more creative job, then pursuing a BA might be better for you.
BS vs BA Computer Science
Students who are interested in studying computer science have the opportunity of obtaining a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree or Bachelor of Arts (BA). though the BA and BS share so many requirements they differ in the following ways;
- The BS requires two lab science courses
- The BS requires an upper-division math-oriented requirement
- The BS includes 23 credits of upper-division elective courses. Conversely, the BA requires just 8 credits of upper-division computer science courses
- The BA requires four semesters of second language course work or demonstrated proficiency.
BS vs BA Biology
BS students might specialize in either biomedical or biological science, they’ll typically take courses on animal behavior, organic chemistry, and evolution along with essential topics in physics and chemistry.
Meanwhile, BA students will study language, arts and potentially take on another college major.
Both biology degrees require much of the same course work, for the first two years of college, BS and BA students will be side by side as they complete their general education requirements. After that, both degree students will take required biology major courses such as;
- Introductory biology
- Introductory chemistry
- Organic chemistry
- Algebra
- Statistics etc
BS vs BA in Business
Graduates with a BS in business say they concentrated more on technical skills. They have received a focused education with an emphasis on math and science.
Most times those with a BA in Business refer to their emphasis in college as having been on ‘soft skills’ because they have taken liberal art courses.
It is really hard to determine which degree is better between BS and BA in business administration, the difference might not be in a matter of better or worse but in a different style.
The BS allows students to focus more heavily on their interests instead of learning a wide variety of subjects and applying them to their interests.
BS vs BA Similarities
Some individuals graduate from college with a bachelor of arts commonly referred to as a BA degree, others receive their BS Degrees. Whether you decide to earn your BS or BA, you can expect to take a wide variety of classes outside your field of study.
Both BS and BA are approximately 120 credit hours in length which means they will each take around four years to complete
Another similarity between the BS and BA is that they can each increase your salary potential.
BS vs BA Degree Differences
The main difference between the BS and BA is the subject matter. The BS degree coursework tends to focus on logic, reasoning, and quantitative skills whereas the BA Degree tends to focus on critical thinking, communication, and holistic learning.
However, there are some instances where you may have a choice of degree such as a BS or BA in Psychology. In that case, the focus of your program and most times the coursework you take will depend on the degree you choose to pursue.
Psychology majors may choose to pursue a BA if they prefer social work or counseling, or a BS if they enjoy lab research.
Conclusion
The bachelor of arts(BA) and the bachelor of science(BS) are undergraduate degrees you can earn to help elevate your career and develop relevant job skills.
Frequently Asked Questions On BS Vs BA
A BS and a BA serve different purposes, none of the degrees ranks better than the other, but one might better suit specific career goals.
Well, generally a BS Degree requires more credits than a BA Degree because a BS Degree is more focused in the specific major.
Honestly, doing a BA is more Difficult than a BS. Whether it is English or philosophy, doing a BA is really, really difficult.
Reference
- Studyusa.com – what is the difference between BA and BS Degree
- Saintleo.edu – similarities between bs and ba
- Cityu.edu– BS or BA in Business administration
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