BA vs BS – How to Choose Between the Two?

Choosing between a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and a Bachelor of Science (BS) can be pretty confusing, right? Don’t fret, we’re here to help. This decision greatly contributes to your college experience and future career path. So, it’s a good idea to evaluate your options and then zero in on the one that best aligns with your educational needs. 

In this article, we’ll help you understand the differences between these degrees so you can pick the one that suits your interests, skills, and future goals. Let’s get started with the basics. 

A popular undergraduate degree, a Bachelor of Arts (BA) is typically awarded in the liberal arts and humanities fields. It offers you a well-rounded education, emphasizing critical thinking, communication skills, and a broad understanding of various subjects.

If you choose to pursue a BA degree, you have the option to select from a range of disciplines like literature, history, philosophy, psychology, sociology, languages, and the arts. You’ll get a chance to engage in coursework that encourages analytical thinking, cultural awareness, and creative expression.

Upon graduating, you’ll possess strong research and communication skills, which are valuable in various career paths, including education, journalism, marketing, and the arts.

A Bachelor of Science (BS) degree is an undergraduate degree typically awarded in fields related to natural sciences, technology, engineering, mathematics, and certain social sciences. It offers specialized and focused education, emphasizing quantitative and research-based skills.

In this program, you’ll delve into subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, engineering, mathematics, and economics. The coursework is typically more structured and requires a strong foundation in scientific and technical concepts. As a student of this degree, you would often engage in laboratory work, data analysis, and research projects.

Graduates with a B.S. degree are prepared for careers in fields such as scientific research, healthcare, engineering, information technology, and other specialized professions. As a fresh BS graduate, you would preferably be offered jobs that require a deep understanding of specific scientific or technical principles and analytical problem-solving skills.

Now that we know what these degrees mean, let’s check out how they differ from each other.

Aspect	Bachelor’s of Arts	Bachelor’s of Science
Focus	Emphasizes liberal arts and humanities	Focuses on natural sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics
Curriculum	Offers a broad and diverse curriculum	Provides a specialized and structured curriculum with a strong emphasis on quantitative and research-based skills
Core subjects	Literature, history, languages, philosophy, social sciences, arts	Natural sciences, computer science, mathematics, engineering, economics, and technical fields
Research	Emphasizes critical thinking, analysis, and communication skills	Encourages laboratory work, data analysis, and research projects
Career paths	Suited for diverse careers, including education, journalism, marketing, and the arts	Geared towards scientific research, healthcare, engineering, and technology-related professions
Skills	Fosters well-rounded skills and cultural awareness	Develops strong quantitative, technical, and analytical problem-solving skills
Electives	Offers flexibility to explore various subjects	Generally has fewer electives and a more rigid course structure
Degrees	Graduates earn a Bachelor of Arts degree	Graduates receive a Bachelor of Science degree
Examples of degrees	B.A. in English, History, or Psychology	B.S. in Biology, Computer Science, or Mechanical Engineering.
Versatility	Suitable for students with diverse interests and career aspirations	Preferred for jobs requiring a deep understanding of specific scientific or technical principles

Choosing between a BA and BS degree depends on a number of factors. Here are some points to consider when making this decision:

1. Interest and Passion: Consider your interests and passions. If you’re more inclined toward subjects like literature, history, philosophy, or social sciences, a BA might be a better fit. On the other hand, if you have a strong interest in natural sciences, engineering, mathematics, or technology, a BS could align better with your passion.
2. Career Aspirations: Think about your career goals. Research the professions you’re interested in and determine whether they typically require a BA or a BS. For example, if you aspire to become a research scientist or engineer, a BS might be more suitable, whereas careers in education, writing, or the arts often value a BA.
3. Skills and Strengths: Assess your skills and strengths. Are you more proficient in quantitative and technical areas, or do you excel in communication, critical thinking, and creativity? Your academic strengths can guide you toward the degree that aligns with your abilities.
4. Curriculum and Coursework: Review the specific curriculum and coursework for the degree programs you’re considering. BA programs typically offer a more diverse range of subjects and electives, allowing for exploration. BS programs are often more structured with a focus on specialized, technical subjects.
5. Long-Term Interests: Consider your long-term interests and goals. While a BA might offer flexibility and a broad educational foundation, a BS can offer in-depth knowledge in a specific field. Think about how your choice will impact your future opportunities and satisfaction in your chosen career.

Ultimately, the choice between a BA and a BS should align with your personal interests and career aspirations. Remember to research and reflect on your options to make the decision that best suits your unique goals and preferences.

When deciding between a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science degree, it’s crucial to align your choice with your education and professional preferences. 

If you’re passionate about the liberal arts, literature, and social sciences, a BA would be your obvious choice. On the other hand, if your interests lie in the natural sciences, technology, engineering, or mathematics, a BS would be better as it provides specialized, technical knowledge.

Also, consider your long-term career objectives and evaluate the specific requirements of your desired profession. This choice could be a career-defining move, so it’s wise to factor in your passions and strengths to make sure your degree supports your future success.