Various colleges still offer bachelor of science (BS), bachelor of arts (BA), bachelor of fine arts (BFA), and a bachelor of applied science (BAS) degree which you might be wondering what’s different between each of them.
In this article, we will discuss all the differences between a BS, BA, BFA, and BAS degree, the common majors and the career Outlook with the different degrees.
What Is A Bachelor Of Science Degree(BS)?
Students who enroll into a Bachelor of Science degree programs are mostly familiar with mathematics and science courses.
That’s to say that before you gain entry into a college to study and obtain a bachelor of science degree, you must have shown excellent academic performance in science courses while in high school.
Colleges and universities usually require applicants applying to a BS Degree program to maintain an average score in mathematics and science courses.
With this, you can see that it is definitely impossible to get into a bachelor of science program with low scores in mathematics and science courses like biology, chemistry, and physics.
Also, it will require a mix of both sciences and art courses.
For example, some colleges and universities offer majors like business administration and economics as both bachelors of science (BS) and a bachelor of arts (BA) too.
Economics is a course accepted in bachelor of science degree programs. This is because BS programs place a stronger emphasis on mathematical, technical, and numerical analysis.
So if you are interested in a bachelor of science degree program, it is important that you know that it consists of 120 credits (that’s 40 courses).
This program can be completed within 4 years.
There are other majors that can lead to being awarded a bachelor of science degree which includes engineering, science, technology, and mathematics.
With a bachelor of science degree, you can get jobs in industries such as computer science and technology, medicine, engineering, and healthcare.
What Is A Bachelor Of Arts Degree Or BA?
Bachelor of Arts degree programs offer coursework relating to humanities and liberal arts.
In high schools, students are expected to present excellent scores in mathematics and science courses, those who want to earn a bachelor of arts are also expected to perform excellently in arts courses.
Admissions into colleges and universities is dependent on excellent scores and grades.
Bachelor of Arts degree programs usually take four years to complete.
BA programs are also available on a part-time and full-time basis as well.
Political science and psychology are some of the subjects that can lead to a bachelor of science (BS) or a bachelor of arts (BAS) Degrees.
As a graduate with a bachelor of arts (BA), you can choose a career path in communication media, international relations, journalism, or even in the finance sector and lots more.
What Is A Bachelor Of Fine Arts Degree Or BFA?
This program covers majors in the performing arts, visual arts, and dramatic arts.
It can be completed within 4 years.
There are several important entry requirements for students who want to study and earn a bachelor of fine arts degree which includes auditions and supplementary materials.
So if you want to earn a bachelor of fine arts degree, you are expected to go for auditions, and you will also be required to present certain materials.
Creativity is required in majors such as acting, creative writing, filmmaking, music, photography, and studio arts.
There is a mix of subjects between a bachelor of fine arts (BFA) and bachelor of arts (BA) programs.
The difference is that bachelor of fine arts (BFA) programs lead students to develop applied technical and innovative skills.
For instance, those in BFA film studies programs make movies, and their work is reviewed. But students in BA programs only study film history and film theory.
This shows the difference between a BFA and a BA degree.
Read Also: Can You Major In Business And Minor In Psychology?
What Is A Bachelor Of Applied Science Degree Or BAS?
Bachelor of applied science degree programs concentrate on technical or STEAM subjects.
In general, graduate students with a bachelor of applied science (BAS) degree may find it difficult to qualify for general master of science programs in the same discipline.
There are study areas that offer a master of applied science (MAS) degree.
However, a bachelor of applied science (BAS) degree can also lead to higher academic degrees.
Generally, some subjects support bachelor of science (BS) and bachelor of applied science credentials.
For instance, some business programs lead to a bachelor of science while some other business programs also confer a bachelor of applied science (BFA).
Bachelor of applied science (BAS) degrees apply to various fields of study such as agriculture, engineering, information technology, physical sciences, and business.
Bachelor of applied science (BAS) degrees can be completed in four years.
What Is the Difference Between a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS)?
The coursework for students studying to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree is quite different from those who want to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree.
The Bachelor of Science program includes majors in mathematics and natural sciences.
Applicants seeking admission to bachelor of arts programs are required to present one year of foreign language coursework.
This is not a requirement for students who want to earn a Bachelor of Science degree.
Students who want to graduate with a BA degree take humanities and social science courses.
Mathematics and science courses are more specifically for BS majors.
Generally, both bachelors of science and bachelor of arts degrees are completed in four years.
Which Degree is Better, a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts?
Both BA and BS degrees are unique and useful, serving different purposes.
Most students are good at arts courses, and they decide to stick with their preferences.
Some students are top of their class in high school, performing excellently in science courses.
A bachelor of science is not better than a bachelor of arts degree and neither is a BA better than a BS.
It all depends on a student’s choice and ability to perform in a specific area of study.
Common Majors/ Career Outlook For A Bachelor Sciences Programs
Below are the common majors in BS programs.
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Psychology
- Environmental Science
Career Outlook For A Bachelor Of Science (BS) Degree Includes;
- Health Educator
- Environmental Scientist
- Mental Health Counsellor
- Marketer Research Analyst
- Wildlife Biologist
Common Majors/ Career Outlook For A Bachelor Arts Programs
Common Majors in BA programs include;
- Education
- Communication
- Media
- History
- English
Career Outlook For Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degrees include;
- Graphic Designer
- Public Relations Specialist
- Marketing Manager
- Technical Writer
- Probation Officers
FAQs
1. What Are The Other Bachelor’s Degrees Available?
Besides the four bachelor’s degrees mentioned in this guide, accredited institutions also offer other specific designations.
Colleges and universities also offer a bachelor of engineering (BE), a bachelor of business administration (BBA), and a bachelor of criminal justice (BCJ).
2. Which Bachelor’s Degree Is Best For me without any preferred major in mind?
If you find yourself in such a situation, perhaps a bachelor of arts will be the best option for you.
The Bachelor Of Art degree may provide the most flexibility if you don’t have a major in mind.
Conclusion
Every college degree is unique and useful, whether whatever it is “BS, BA, BFA, or BAS.
So regardless of their respective differences, they still share some notices similarly which is that all the degrees can be completed within a year.
It is a good career choice if you are aspiring for higher positions.
Hope this article was helpful?