Before deciding which degree is best for you, it’s helpful to understand the differences between the two main options.
A BA focuses on humanities, social sciences and the arts. Most BA students can also take more courses outside their major, allowing them to explore a wider range of interests. BA students are taught strong communication skills, cultural awareness, creativity, and critical thinking skills through activities such as critically scrutinizing sources of information to detect bias, identify context and evaluate authority.2
By contrast, BS degrees emphasize science, math and technology, with a focus on teaching technical skills, also known as “hard skills.” Although BS students can typically choose a few electives, most of their coursework will be more focused on their major. A BS major may combine lecture classes with labs and other forms of hands-on, experiential learning.2
Both BA and BS degrees can be worthwhile, useful and valuable — one of them isn’t inherently better than the other. It’s more a question of what you hope to get out of the degree program. When choosing between a BA and a BS degree, consider factors such as:
- Your academic interests and passions
- Your desire to develop certain skills and to explore knowledge areas
- Career possibilities
- Degree versatility
Graduates with a BA are generally better equipped to apply to a wider range of different jobs, whereas graduates with a BS should ideally have a more specific career goal in mind, because BS degrees aren’t quite as versatile.2
