Choosing a degree for pursuing graduation is one of the most important decisions in a person’s life. All streams have their pros and cons. As far as the most common bachelor’s degrees are concerned, BS and BA hold high importance. This can be attributed to the fact that everyone wishes to have a stable career as soon as possible. The best way to rule out the best option is to weigh down the future opportunities as per the innate capabilities of the student.
BS vs BA
The main difference between BS and BA is that the former provides a more scientifically factual degree while the latter is based on the application of arts disciplines. Both vary based on core values imparted. They are similar in duration but the semester schedule varies due to the practical aspects. Pursuing BS is considered more difficult than pursuing a BA.
BS stands for bachelor of science. Maths and science are most commonly associated with this degree. The 3 most common science variants include physics, chemistry, and biology. Microbiology is also an emerging attraction.
BA stands for bachelor of arts. Social sciences are the center of attraction under this course. The stream chosen is referred to as humanities. The most advanced disciplines are that of liberal arts. Due to the greater scope of interdisciplinary approaches, no 2 courses are compulsory.
Comparison Table Between BS And BA
| Parameters of Comparison | BS | BA |
| Definition | It is defined as a bachelor of science which focuses on imparting mathematical and scientific education. | It is defined as a bachelor of art which focuses on imparting education in humanities subjects. |
| Scope of Teaching Methodology | Numerous specializations are offered in BS courses. | BA courses include electives in all fields. |
| Course Schedule | The subjects have a stricter course schedule. | A wider scope is provided due to interdisciplinary approaches. |
| Technicality of Subjects | The BS subjects have technicality as their core. | Humanities courses lack inherent technicality and are majorly theoretical. |
| The Reliability of Double Major | Not required in most cases due to the resume requirements. | It is a lot easier to double major. |
What is BS?
BS is also known as a BSc degree. The technical fields are the center of attraction. BS degrees are chosen for engineering courses or those looking for a profession in the medical field. The standards vary a lot based on the subject chosen. All sciences are further subdivided and the course modules vary since laboratory work takes up a significant amount of time.
A rigid course schedule is followed due to the high intensity of advanced disciplines. The student might have to indulge in a lot of extra classes and devote more time to excel in this course. The duration of a BS degree is a maximum of three years. Semesters are divided based on the progression of the field. Lesser credits are required and the intensity of analytical thinking is sans bound.
There is prominent laboratory work involved in such courses since the practical aspect is given more importance than the theoretical part. Some widely chosen subjects include anatomy, physiology, chemistry, and algebra. If the aspirant wishes to go for a more technical job in the future, opting for BS might be the best option since the course curriculum progresses through a fixed pattern.
What is BA?
BA is also known as a bachelor of arts. This is a comparatively easy course that requires minimum technical knowledge and maximum learning. In most cases, a language is chosen as a base and other social science subjects are chosen by the aspirant as per the future plans. Once this course is complete, one of these subjects can be chosen as a major too. The jobs one can get after BA vary widely since there are no restrictions in the field.
Administrative services, at times, require deeper knowledge in such subjects. These include geography, history, health policy, environmental education, etc. The creativity quotient is quite high in BA courses. Various languages form an important branch of BA courses. Everything regarding the language’s progression is taught while a student pursues BA in English or any other foreign language. BA lasts for three to four years.
BA is highly significant in application-based subjects like endocrinology, immunology, psychology, etc. Psychology is a highly reputed subject since it predominantly features a BA as well as a BS degree. The former category includes the theoretical aspects like hypothesis generalizations, etc. Less emphasis is laid on the statistical approach that follows crucial research work and surveys. These courses require critical learning and deeper knowledge.
Main Differences Between BS And BA
- BS is bachelor of sceince while BA is bachelor of arts. The former is more technical than the latter.
- The teaching methodology is stricter in BS, as compared to BA. BS has more intense semester structure than BA.
- The course schedule in BS includes more laboratory work while BA has theoretical aspects.
- Technicality in modules is higher in BS than that of BA. Psychology and communications are two common disciplines.
- Double major is less reliable in BS due to the difficulty in comprehension. BA has easier double major curriculum.
Conclusion
Pursuing a particular degree has a lot more to it than academics. The practical knowledge and overall experience matter much more than the course curriculum. A lot of master’s degrees have also gained popularity in recent decades. As far as doctorates and M. Phil are concerned, the scope is quite vast but greater time investment makes this option less preferable. BA and BS are chosen mainly due to the ease of access and the fixed duration of the courses.
The choice of subjects is considered more significant than the course domain. In addition, the mode of imparting education also varies from subject to subject. Interdisciplinary approaches are also held in high spirits thanks to the wider scope of combinations. Other types of courses include diplomas and training. The best way to choose the best one is to take some aptitude tests and decide individually.
References
- https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/10748120210431376/full/html
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0098628315620874