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Selecting an academic program that’s primary for your career can be one of the most difficult decisions a learner like you faces during their educational experience. With undergraduate programs particularly, two of the most common options will be a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and a Bachelor of Science (BS). Some BA and BS degrees can be for the same major, though the learning outcomes, core requirements, and group of potential careers can be vastly different.
In this guide we will explore differences, career pathways, and potential earnings for both BA and BS degrees. Also, you will be able to understand how our BA and BS degrees at AIU are significantly different from others.
Defining the Degree: BA vs BS
At a fundamental level, both the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science are undergraduate degrees that students receive from graduating from a college or university. However, they are also different; let’s explore BA vs BS meaning:
What is Bachelor of Arts (BA)-
Generally, a liberal arts & humanities focused degree that provides broad overall learning experiences that continue to emphasize communication, cultural literacy, critical thinking, and exploration. According to an affiliation with a more firm definition of the degree, students typically take an often wide variety of courses and delve into many disciplines, while aiming to provide students with as many skills as they can and a more flexible way of thinking in a more broad and thoughtful method.
What is Bachelor of Science (BS) –
This degree is more of a technical specialization that focuses on analytical and scientific process, scientific inquiry and scientific activities, and/or application of technical skills or mathematics in a particular subject area. BS programs will more likely consist of an emphasis in a specific subject area that will have more rigid requirements and limited elective options and build knowledge from a more rigorous standpoint versus broad experiences. BS degrees are typically designed for subject specificity focused careers such as scientific, technology-based occupations, or a research role.
The above differences support two very different philosophies – Bachelor of Arts vs Bachelor of Science – in education generally.
A BA is more focused on skill development around knowledge within a broader context and a BS if more about focussing on a skill within a particular context.
Core Curriculum and Coursework
Bachelor of Arts (BA)-
BA programs typically consists of:
- General education requirements
- Major requirements, with some interdisciplinary requirements
- Courses that included humanities, languages, philosophy, social sciences and arts
As an example BA in Political Science might include elective classes in history, sociology, and international relations that will help students understand systems of government more accurately in historical and cultural contexts
Bachelor of Science (BS)-
BS programs usually consists of:
- Fewer general education requirements
- More focused on math, science, and empirical research
- More likely to have labs like hands-on projects.
Typical Majors Offered
Although some majors will only have either a BA or BS, there are others that can be earned as either, depending on the institution’s flexibility.
BA Majors commonly offered:
– English Literature
– History
– Philosophy
– Anthropology
– Sociology
– Political Science
– Journalism
– Languages
BS Majors commonly offered:
– Computer Science
– Biology
– Chemistry
– Engineering (Mechanical, Civil, Electrical)
– Physics
– Mathematics
– Environmental Science
Dual-Format Majors
Some majors such as Psychology, Economics, Geography and Business may have either BA or BS, and students can choose based on whether they want a general perspective, or more scientific angle.
Course Structure and Learning Style
A Bachelor of Arts (BA) provides much flexibility in structure so that students can explore different interests beyond their majors. BA programs offer creative thinking, writing skills, and encourage lively debate.
Whereas Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees are structured (typically, courses have a defined sequence) and detailed (there is a higher level of expectation for thoroughness and, repeating the example, require laboratory work or some sort of quantitative analysis).
How are AIU’s BA and BS Programs Unique and Exemplary?
We at Atlantic International University are not bound by the traditional confines of a BA and BS degree. Rather, we provide you an education that is more empowering, if you want it to be—learner driven, outcome oriented, and globally situated.
- More than 8,000 Learning Opportunities across your chosen Curriculum: At AIU, the institution allows a unique opportunity for students to author their own curriculum of study with over 8,244 learning components, including core topics and elective modules, and even interdisciplinary alternatives. Whether you choose a BA or BS program, you can integrate topics that align directly with your mission and aspirations.
- Integrates Omniology and Andragogy into the Programs: At AIU, our BA vs BS degree programs do not reflect a conventional institution. Rather, it is guided by omniology (the study of everything) and by andragogy (adult learning theory), which means we are advocating for holistic education that focuses on self-actualization, innovation, and learning for life, not memorization.
- Maximum freedom and flexibility: Both programs (the BA and BS) at AIU ARE ALL ABOUT maximum flexibility. You can study at your own pace, from anywhere, with AIU’s advanced online study platform— complete with a virtual library (for literature), laboratories, webinars, and artificial intelligence supported learning (and growth).
- Interdisciplinary and Practically Focused: BA students can combine their literature with environmental studies, while a BS student could incorporate artificial intelligence topics with behavioral science. You can include topics that are relevant to your practical, real-word challenges, as opposed to isolated, artificial case studies. AIU encourages students to be prepared to deal with living and working sustainably in a complex world with persistent problems.
- Purpose-Driven Education: There is intentionality built into both the BA or BS programs at AIU, and it connects with the intention behind the broader AIU mission of positively changing the world. All students are encouraged to design and undertake community-focused projects, social innovation and research to positively affect people, planet, and all life forms.
- Unyielding Support, Backed by a Global Community: At AIU, the supportive possibilities available to you will continue past your graduation after you have your BA/BS degree, or Masters or Doctorate. Your relationship with AIU will involve ongoing mentorship, career counselling, alumni networks or fellowships, and opportunities for growing international and collaborative learning opportunities follow long after graduation.
There is nothing like which is better BA or BS degree at AIU. We offer both the degrees with equal significance while ensuring that your individuality and unique learning goals are preserved, as we offer the best career opportunities and holistic growth in an interconnected context.
Career Paths and Industry Expectations
Your selected degree can influence not only your first job but also the course of your professional career.
BA Graduates
- Are likely to find work in positions that require communication, analytical and interpersonal skills
- Common industries: Education, Journalism, Government, Nonprofits, Public Relations, Arts and Media
- Job titles may include: Communications Officer, Policy Analyst, Educator, Writer, Human Resources Manager
BS Graduates
- Are primarily going to be looking for positions in science, technology, engineering or healthcare
- Common industries: IT, Engineering, Finance, Biotech, Medicine, Research
- Job titles may include: Software Engineer, Lab Technician, Data Analyst, Nurse, Environmental Consultant
In summary, BS degrees prepare graduates for technical, or specialized positions, while BA degrees are more foundational, or geared toward interdisciplinary, or people – professional jobs.
Employment Outlook and Income Statistics: BA vs BS
Employment Trends
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), reports that in 2023, individuals with a bachelor’s degree will earn a median weekly wage of $1,432 (weekly wage for high school diploma is $935). Those individuals also experience a lower unemployment rate of only 2.2%.
BA Career Paths and Salaries:
| Job Title | Median Salary |
| Public Relations Specialist | $67,440 |
| High School Teacher | $62,360 |
| Market Research Analyst | $68,230 |
| Social Worker | $55,350 |
| Communications Manager | $76,000 |
BS Career Paths and Salaries:
| Job Title | Median Salary |
| Software Developer | $132,930 |
| Registered Nurse (BSN) | $81,220 |
| Data Analyst | $99,720 |
| Civil Engineer | $91,810 |
| Biochemist | $103,810 |
Post Secondary Return on Investment
According to the Center on Education and the Workforce at Georgetown University, STEM graduates (mainly BS degrees) typically earn the most of any group of graduates in the US over their lifetimes, with median career-level earnings of more than $3.4 million. Liberal arts graduates (mostly BA degrees) earned an average of $2.1 million over their lifetimes. Bear in mind, many liberal arts graduates later pursue graduate degrees and/or take on leadership roles.
Demand & Security
BS degrees are typically in areas of high demand (healthcare and tech occupations) that are expected to grow 13% and 15% respectively by 2032, (US Dept. of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for 2022).
Graduate and Advanced Education
Both BA and BS degrees can be used for graduate education. However, types of degrees also reflect the types of program you may qualify for in graduate education:
- BA graduates typically chase graduate degrees in law; education; public administration; international relations; journalism; and creative writing.
- BS graduates typically have greater chances of applying to graduate programs in medicine; engineering; data science, public health; pharmacy; and applied research.
Graduate education programs don’t just look at your degree title. In addition to what your degree was, many won’t care if they have a BA or BS, they will usually look at your GPA, research activities, recommendation letters, internships and leadership positions. Data based graduate programs (statistics, research, engineering, etc.) might prefer a BS based foundation because of the nature of the programs, but overall performance is what counts.
Flexibility & Interdisciplinarity
One of the most important factors from a BA, is the flexibility and breadth of academic experience.BA grads can:
- Complete a double major or minor in unrelated disciplines
- Combine their studies with language studies or foreign/international exchange/cross-cultural studies
- Meet many of their electives in creative and interdisciplinary courses of study
BS degrees do not have the same amount of flexibility since they are often mapped out to achieve more objective endpoints such as a technical, vocation, or professional credential. For many technical fields (engineering, nursing, computer science etc.), the licensing or accreditation is only possible through the foundation (BS degree).
There are many interdisciplinary hybrid programs as well :
These programs largely exist for the purpose of merging the BA and BS paradigms.
Global Appeal & Agility
Both degrees have recognition and appeal in a global context. All degrees have value globally because many employer priorities are rooted in skills/experience, nonetheless there is a strong preference for BS degrees in technical occupations but a preference for BA degrees in diplomacy, media and education.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the BA degree is around 51% in the U.S. versus BS degrees at 39%. (So there seems to be a slight preference or availability of programs with BA degrees in many of the colleges and universities in the U.S.)
Skills Acquired from Each Degree
BA Degree Focus:
- Communication and writing skills
- Critical reasoning and ethical thinking
- Creativity, and cultural understanding
BS Degree Focus:
- Quantitative reasoning
- Research skills and scientific methods
- Technical skills
Both types of unique skills are desirable in different ways. BA students are strong in job categories that support person-to-person communication and leadership, while BS students are better suited to technical jobs and advanced degree research.
Global Perspectives and Employer Perceptions
The BA vs BS distinction varies internationally; some countries do not even use the terms BA and BS, or there may be the emphasis on specialization at an earlier stage of formal education.
Employers Preferences
- In countries with technologically-based economies (for example, USA, Germany, India) BS degrees are preferred because they are perceived to be more rigorous with more depth of technical material.
- In the areas of public service, media, arts and diplomacy, BA degrees are highly regarded because undergraduate BA communication, BA research, BA leadership or engagement training are crucial for success in those fields.
In the rest of the world, employers increasingly view people through the lens of skills, experience, and adaptability rather than simply by degree name. Internships, portfolios, position papers, practical and extra-curricular activities have often made this difference.
Case Study: BA vs BS in Psychology
Psychology is perhaps the best area that can be offered as both a BA and BS, whilst working with this account is fundamental to understanding the differences between the two degrees.
BA in Psychology
- Focuses on aspects of social behaviour, culture and ethics and communication.
- Offers masses more elective choices, e.g., literature or philosophy.
- Provides graduates with a range of essential skills which are useful for careers in education, counselling, social work or human resources.
BS in Psychology
- Primarily focuses on neuroscience, biology, statistics and lab based research.
- Prepared and organized pathways for education and careers to research based occupations can be via healthcare, or medical school.
- Primarily provides a framework of education and training to pursue occupations such as clinical psychologist, psychiatrist or pharmaceutical.
Based on the American Psychological Association (APA) point of view, most students that have BS degrees tend to something or pursue an advanced research or clinical degree, whilst most students with a BA degree seem to move into applied psychology or some other degree that is interdisciplinary in its basis ( APA Career Paths).
In Conclusion: Which Degree is For You?
Therefore, it is not about which degree is ‘better’ in the BA and BS degree comparison, but which aligns with who you are and your strengths, interests and long-run goals. Hence, if you want to determine how to choose between BA and BS, explore below:
You should choose a Bachelor of Arts if you:
- Flourish in diverse, multi-disciplinary environments
- Prefers any kind of writing or speaking, or, using complex critical thinking
- Want to work in many different industries, or, have the flexibility to broaden your career opportunities.
You should choose a Bachelor of Science if you:
- Are a ‘data’ or ‘maths’ or ‘science’ person
- Like structured and technical studying
- Want to work in an occupation in healthcare, a STEM industry, or in an area where mostly research is done.
In the end, the success of the degree will rely on how you make it work for you. We have elaborately discussed the BS vs BA difference above. Whether you get a BA or a BS, making sure that you are building an excellent resume with relevant skills, internships, and real-life project work will ensure you stand out in the global workforce.
Are You Ready to Move Forward?
Unlike other institutions, at Atlantic International University (AIU), you won’t have to choose a rigid academic path. You can tailor your own self-designed program of study and combine elements of a BA and a BS. If you have an interest in the arts, science, or a combination of both, AIU provides you with a learning opportunity to explore your future through customized programs of study, fieldwork, and real-world applications.
Enroll at AIU and transform the possibilities of your academic and professional pursuits.
FAQs
Q. Is a BS better than a BA?
Not necessarily—BS is more technical/science-focused, BA is broader/liberal arts-focused. “Better” depends on your goals.
Q. Do employers care about BA or BS
Usually no—employers focus more on your skills, experience, and major than the degree type.
Q. Is it harder to get a BA or BS?
It depends—BS often requires more math/science courses, which some find more challenging.
Q. Is it a BA or BS in education?
It is a BA in Education at AIU.
