Bachelor of Arts (BA) vs Bachelor of Science (BSc)
Although Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BSc) are two degree programs, there is a difference between the two degrees. From the outset, it is clear that a Bachelor of Arts course involves studying liberal arts while a Bachelor of Science course involves studying different science subjects. Nearly all colleges offer both the degrees called BA and BSc. Some courses fall under BA while some classify under BSc. It is always prudent to look into syllabi of the courses to know if what you want to pursue is there in the course. Through this article let us examine the differences between the two degrees.
What is Bachelor of Arts?
BA courses impart knowledge in humanities and literature. In most of these courses, a student takes up a foreign language to learn. B.A comes from the Latin word atrium baccalaurean. Humanities make up subjects in a BA course such as Psychology, Sociology, History, and public Administration.
Those who find it hard to understand the concepts of math and science prefer to go along with art subjects as there is more of reading and memorizing than cracking puzzles based upon scientific formulae. However, it is matters of choice also as some people have a leaning towards arts and literature while others are scientifically oriented.
Bachelor of Arts courses are designed to encourage research in humanities later on. These are courses that focus on interdisciplinary fields, and there are no rigid boundaries.
What is Bachelor of Science?
Bachelor of Science or BSc or BS as it is called comes from the Latin word Scientiae Baccalaurean. The course involves studying science subject, experimentation and solving mathematical equations. The subjects that are taken up for a BS course can be Physics, Chemistry, Math, and Biology.
Bachelor of Science courses involve doing a lot of lab work and coming up with accurate results. These are more computer and technology oriented and impart practical skills to students that are required to be absorbed in the industry.
While both BA and BS are undergraduate degrees and one is not necessarily better than the other, some feel that a BS degree is more flexible and offers more employment opportunities to students. BA is considered to be a general degree that is more suitable for those who wish to do thesis work in the chosen field. It is prudent to one’s interests, needs, skills and professional goals before pursuing either of the two degrees.
What is the Difference between BA and BSc?
Definitions of BA and BSc:
BA: BA refers to Bachelor of Arts.
BSc: BSC refers to Bachelor of Science.
Characteristics of BA and BSc:
Nature:
BA: Bachelor of Arts course involves studying liberal arts
BSc: A Bachelor of Science course involves studying different science subjects.
Latin Origin:
BA: B.A comes from the Latin word atrium baccalaurean.
BSc: BSc or BS, as it is called, comes from the Latin word Scientiae Baccalaurean.
Subjects:
BA: Subjects in a BA course can range from Psychology, Sociology, History, to public Administration.
BSc: The subjects that are taken up for a BS course can be Physics, Chemistry, Math, and Biology.
Focus:
BA: Bachelor of Arts courses are designed to encourage research in humanities.
BSc: Bachelor of Science courses involve doing a lot of lab work and coming up with accurate results.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Amador Valley Human Rights Club” by Melissa Ott – [CC BY-SA 3.0] via Wikimedia Commons
2. Experiments at DLR School Lab at ILA 2012 (7979904206) By DLR German Aerospace Center [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
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