Bachelor of Arts vs. Bachelor of Science: What’s the Difference?
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Bachelor’s degrees typically come in two formats: bachelor of arts (BA) and bachelor of science (BS).
A bachelor of arts usually includes broader general instruction in the liberal arts and humanities, whereas a bachelor of science includes more focused, applied work. That’s not always true, however, and different schools have very different formats for their degree programs.
Both degrees usually take a similar amount of time to complete, and both typically include elective options to let you customize your experience.
Popular Online Bachelor’s Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
What Is a Bachelor of Arts Degree?
A bachelor of arts degree is a more traditional college degree with a broad focus on the humanities in addition to your discipline.
You can earn a BA in an area like history, communications, or religious studies — but the humanities aren’t the only area where BAs are offered. You’ll also find BA degrees in business, psychology, and healthcare.
Some schools also offer BAs in STEM-focused areas like chemistry as employers increasingly value the soft skills taught by a liberal arts education. Some of the soft skills you might learn in a BA program include communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
A BA program usually includes a diverse selection of general education requirements. Regardless of your chosen major, you’ll take courses in language arts, history, and culture. Studying in a number of different fields can help prepare you for a rapidly changing work environment.
Earning a BA usually takes four years and about 120-semester credits to complete, although some schools offer degrees in an accelerated format.
Popular BA Degrees
What Is a Bachelor of Science Degree?
Bachelor of science degrees offer more hands-on learning focused on a specific area of study. These programs tend to have more work experience and project-focused courses.
You’ll likely still have general education and elective courses as part of your degree program, but a BS also usually comes with internship and lab-learning requirements. That includes real-world projects as part of your curriculum, whether you’re a business major working with a consulting firm or an engineering major helping with an infrastructure project.
A BS tends to feature fewer open electives and more technical, field-focused courses than a BA degree. However, you might have access to course pathways to get a concentration or specialization.
A BS typically takes about the same amount of time to earn as a BA.
BA vs. BS Degree
Whether you should choose to pursue a BA or a BS ultimately depends on your interests and career goals.
A BA tends to offer broader, more customizable options, whereas a BS will typically involve more intensive, hands-on coursework. Both can set you up to land a job right out of college or go on to graduate school.
Bachelor of Arts
- A wider variety of elective options
- A broad education across multiple disciplines
- You can explore topics outside of your major
- You’ll learn soft skills like communication and analytical thinking
Bachelor of Science
- You’ll get focused coursework in your major
- Classes will likely include hands-on experience
- May require an internship or residency
- More focused on STEM and tech applications
Additional Bachelor’s Degree Options
Although the BA and BS dominate undergraduate academics, there are other degree options to consider. You can also choose to pursue a bachelor of fine arts (BFA), bachelor of applied science (BAS), and bachelor of business administration (BBA).
- Bachelor of Fine Arts: The BFA is specific to fine arts disciplines like musical theater, printmaking, acting, illustration, and photography. BFA students gain substantial practical training in their craft by completing workshops and independent studio time.
- Bachelor of Applied Science: Like a BFA, the BAS focuses on the development of skills in a specific field, though these tend to be technical areas like IT networking and commercial property management. To enroll in a BAS program, students may need a relevant associate of applied science degree.
- Bachelor of Business Administration: In lieu of a STEM-heavy bachelor of science in business administration, students can earn a BBA to gain a more holistic understanding of the structure and operation of private enterprises and public organizations. BBA students take classes like entrepreneurship and managerial decision-making.
Frequently Asked Questions About BS vs. BA Degrees
It depends on the career field and your personal experience. A BS can set you up with more hands-on experience to prepare you for the workforce, but a BA will also help you get relevant skills and knowledge to land a job after graduation.
Note: The insights on this page were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed July 16, 2024.
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