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What is the difference between a B.A. and a B.S.?

What's the difference and does it matter when choosing a career?
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Jenna’s Answer

B.A. = Bachelor of Arts
B.S. = Bachelor of Science

They are both four year undergraduate degrees. I have a BS in Communications, and my brother has a BA, since we went to different schools, and those were the programs that were offered. We covered very similar materials, and we were both able to use our degrees to get where we wanted to be in our careers. Sometimes the BS will have a stronger foreign language or math requirements, but it really depends on the school and your program. If you have a choice, check with your guidance counselor for some assistance to identify which one is the best fit for you.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for your advice! Mireia
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Tracey M.’s Answer

Hi Mireia, all answers this far are good ones and accurate. I see from your other questions you’re considering a career in health care professions. For you, a B.S. may prepare you more thoroughly than a B.A., if the college you’re attending offers a choice. More science, anatomy, chemistry, and biology courses may appear in the B.S. curricula. Or, better yet, explore a pre-dental or pre-med track with your admissions counselors with whom you’re already corresponding.

Tracey M. recommends the following next steps:

Ask about pre-dentistry or pre-med options at the colleges you’re exploring
Read course descriptions in B.A. and B.S. degrees you’re considering to understand which fit best with your goals.
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Richard’s Answer

I would just like to add to the previous answers; I obtained a BA in biochemistry. It required one or two fewer science and math courses but accepted my credits in foreign language and humanities that I received for AP courses in high school. I was able to finish my BA in 3 years which was important for me since my medical school,residency and fellowship required an additional 10 years after college.
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Ellen’s Answer

Hi Miriea

A BA stands for Bachelor of Arts, while a BS stands for Bachelor of Science. Both are 4 year undergraduate degrees, meaning you have to have a high school diploma to get into either programs. Both degrees are considered equal in terms of education.

Usually a BA is for studies that focus more on the arts and the humanities--literature, history, art, music, and so on. While a BS is for studies that focus more on the sciences. However, it really depends on the college or university and how they award their degrees.

It is the same with a MA or a MS degree. I was awarded a MS in art education at my university, but at other universities, the same program would be awarded a MA in art education.

I hope this helps.
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Vickey’s Answer

<span style="color: rgb(49, 50, 51);"> B.A. l (Bachelor of Arts) is undergraduate studies like Languages, Arts& Music, Communication, and most of the disciplines in the </span>Humanities area<span style="color: rgb(49, 50, 51);">.</span>

<span style="color: rgb(49, 50, 51);">The Bachelor of Science (B.A.) is the title for degrees in sciences (Computer Science, Engineering, Health Sciences.</span>

<span style="color: rgb(49, 50, 51);">Both degrees usually are 4 year, undergraduate, degrees. </span>
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Rachel’s Answer

I graduated with a BA in Spanish literature and then went on to medical school. I would say that it does not matter whether you have a BA or a BS. These details are often inconsequential when applying to grad school or a job.
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Rebecca’s Answer

A B.A. stands for Bachelor of Arts and usually includes subjects like English, History, Economics (although some school house Economics in their business departments), Psychology, etc. A B.S. stands for Bachelor of Science and includes majors like chemistry, math, biology. As I mentioned, some schools house different disciplines in different departments so it can vary by school.
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