Choosing a college major can be both exciting and overwhelming. And just when you think you have made your decision, you may be faced with another choice: pursuing a Bachelor of Science (BS) vs a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree. If you’re not familiar with the two, you may wonder which one aligns best with your academic and professional goals. But is there really a “better” choice between the two? Let’s break down their differences, the common majors of both, and the potential career paths they may lead to.
Bachelor of Science (BS) vs Bachelor of Arts (BA): What’s the Difference?
When it comes to undergraduate degrees, colleges and universities offer two main options: Bachelor of Science (BS) and Bachelor of Arts (BA). While both are four-year university degrees and share general education requirements, they have distinct focuses, coursework, and career opportunities.
- A BS degree is typically more specialized, helping you gain in-depth knowledge related to your chosen major. This helps prepare you for a graduate program or career in a specific field. It also usually means you don’t have the flexibility to study other subjects outside of your major.
- A BA degree is generally more broad-based learning with a focus on liberal arts. With a BA, you can explore various topics beyond your major and choose electives that interest you.
Common BS Subjects and Majors
A Bachelor of Science degree primarily focuses on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics—(STEM) fields. The core subjects studied are usually mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, computer science, engineering, and economics. The curriculum usually requires students to complete labs, research, or other trainings.
Some common BS majors are:
- Business
- Nursing
- Social Sciences and History
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Psychology
- Engineering
Common BA Subjects and Majors
A Bachelor of Arts degree includes a diverse range of subjects within the humanities, social sciences, and liberal arts. Core subjects may be literature, history, philosophy, psychology, sociology, political science, anthropology, languages, and fine arts. Many colleges allow students to build their own curriculum when pursuing a BA.
Some common BA majors are:
- Communication
- Creative Writing
- History
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Journalism
What Career Opportunities Are There for BS and BA Degrees?
If you hold a BS degree, you might be well-suited for technical positions, such as a healthcare professional, engineer, financial analyst, researcher, or technology specialist. If you have a BA degree, your diverse skill set could better prepare you for a wider range of jobs. This could create opportunities in fields like education, media, journalism, marketing, and the arts.
It is important to note that the same major can lead to different career paths depending on whether it’s pursued as a BS or BA. For example, studying business with a BS might lead to careers in accounting or market research, while a BA in business could lead to roles in event planning or social media marketing.
Example BS Careers
- Accountant
- Software Developer
- Electrical, Civil, or Mechanical Engineer
- Nurse
- Data Analyst
- Statistician
Example BA Careers
- Educator
- Graphic Designer
- Marketing Coordinator
- Journalist
- Social Worker
- Public Relations Coordinator
Skills Developed in a BS Degree
Because BS programs are more specialized, you may gain skills related to your major to help prepare you for a specific field. These skills include:
- Critical Thinking: Through the study of in-depth subjects, you’ll develop the ability to analyze, evaluate, and make informed decisions.
- Problem-Solving: You’ll test ideas and use your initiative to find solutions to complex problems.
- Technical Skills: You’ll receive training and technical expertise that is specific to your chosen field.
Skills Developed in a BA Degree
BA programs are designed to help develop many skills that can be easily transferred from one job to the next. Because BA programs study a broad range of subjects, you learn to develop skills like:
- Communication: You’ll learn to work with others and effectively communicate your ideas and opinions to help prepare you for a professional workplace.
- Creativity: Through studying diverse subjects, you learn to think outside of the box and come up with new ideas and unique ways to solve problems.
- Cultural Understanding: Your courses may expose you to different cultures, traditions, and perspectives from around the world and may even offer opportunities for studying abroad or community work.
Tips for Choosing a BS or BA Degree
Choosing between a BS or BA degree depends highly on your interests, strengths, and career goals. Think about what subjects you like to study most and review the curriculum of both the BS and BA programs that you’re interested in. You can also speak with academic advisors, professors, and professionals in your field of interest. They are there to provide valuable insights and guidance based on their experience and knowledge of the industry.
A BS degree might be for you if:
- You want to focus on technical or scientific subjects.
- You are more analytical and enjoy working with numbers.
- You’re interested in careers that need strong technical expertise. Such as healthcare, finance, or engineering.
- You prefer structured and specialized coursework.
A BA degree might be for you if:
- You want to study various subjects, including humanities, social sciences, and fine arts.
- You enjoy reading, writing, and engaging in discussions.
- You are interested in careers that need strong communication and interpersonal skills. Such as journalism, education, or marketing.
- You prefer a flexible schedule.
What Options Are There for Further Study?
If you plan to further your education through graduate school, check to see what the program prefers or requires from your undergraduate studies. Some advanced degrees may have specific undergraduate degree preferences that you will want to meet before applying.
Depending on your career goals, you may choose to pursue further education with a BS or BA degree. Many continue on to pursue a master’s degree or Ph.D. in a specialized field that relates to their undergraduate degree. This often leads to more career opportunities, leadership roles, and higher-paying positions.
Are There Salary Differences Between a BS and BA Degree?
Your career earning potential is influenced by more than the type of degree earned. These include your specific field of study, industry, location, and level of experience. Generally, careers in STEM fields (often linked with BS degrees) tend to offer higher salaries. This is because of the specialized technical skills and knowledge needed. If you are a BA degree holder, you may find yourself in a role that involves communication and interpersonal skills. They may not always pay as well as STEM-related positions.
The choice between a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts degree is going to depend on your academic and career goals. Knowing that a Bachelor of Science degree offers specialized knowledge in a particular field vs where a Bachelor of Arts degree provides a broader education, it’s important to take the time to research and explore your options. Remember to talk with academic advisors and professionals in your field of interest to help you choose wisely. Ultimately, you want to pursue a degree program that you’re passionate about and will keep you motivated throughout your time in college.
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