BA vs. BS

[sabrachfeld]

I'm currently applying for graduation at Charter Oak. My concentration was in psychology but the majority of my credits are in the arts, therefore i was given a choice between receiving a BA or a BS. I would like to go on and apply for PhD in psych. Can someone please explain the difference between the two degrees and which one would be more useful for me in furthering my education?

Thanks

[kassie]

I was a psychology and dance double major for quite some time before I switched to social work. The only major difference in the curriculum at the university I attend is that the BA required a foreign language and two lab sciences, and the BS did NOT require a foreign language, but required three lab sciences and an extra math course, I believe. My Psychology advisors said it really didn't matter at all in the long run which we chose, it just depended on what our personal strengths were.

[cookderosa]

The distinction, if one exists, will be specific to the school you earn your degree from. In some cases, like Kassie said, there might be an arts requirement. Penn State University,for example, requires BA holders to have a year of foreign language- not BS holders. You can google their global campus program, they actually have both psychology bachelor degrees available online- so you can see an example of how one college does it.

There is no difference in level, distinction, tracking, prestige, or accreditation when you are comparing a BA/BS. They are the same level. There can be differences within a school that offers both, but once you step outside your college, every college in the country has its own psych bachelor's track- no two programs are the same- and so it's going to be 100% personal preference.

[Sunshine]

I agree with the previous posts, it's up to you and what you would prefer. I have come across some degree programs where the BS is more specialized, requiring more credits within the major (up to 42), and the BA allows more freedom for credits in the arts & sciences. As others have said, this is specific to the school, and all have different requirements.

[brain122]

Wondering which one you chose, or did you make the decision yet?

One thing to think about is, what you want to do with the degree. I agree with the earlier posts about the BS being a little more specialized. Maybe not at all institutions though.

Some companies prefer to hire BS and won't consider BA. I think it's a little silly, but it does exist.

The BA, in general, shows a college history of more liberal arts and the BS shows a history of more math and science (even if it wasn't the case).
IMO, that's the true distinction between the two.

The BS probably seems a little stronger because I think many people think of math and science wizards, i.e engineers, when they hear the term "BS".

I would like to say that I am not trying to offend anyone with that comment.
It's only what seems to be in some fields and the general talk around the traditional college campus.

Pls. Pls. Pls. don't be offended. To me a BA is just as strong as a BS, however, in the job market one may be preferred over the other.

An earlier post mentioned BA needs foreign language and BS may not. That is true in many cases (if not all). I think it's mainly due to the fact that more math and science are required, which would take those credits.

[bat21]

A B/S= Stronger Math and Science Background required

A B/A= Stronger Arts and Humanities Background required


A B/S will help you with a Technical Job, as a B/A will help you with a Teaching or Human Services type job.

I have both a B/S in Crim Justice and B/A in Liberal Studies.

[brain122]

A B/S= Stronger Math and Science Background required

A B/A= Stronger Arts and Humanities Background required


A B/S will help you with a Technical Job, as a B/A will help you with a Teaching or Human Services type job.

I have both a B/S in Crim Justice and B/A in Liberal Studies.

That's a great way of putting it!
Nice job!

[JanusthePhoenix]

Pls. Pls. Pls. don't be offended.

Gibb's Rule #4: Never say you're sorry.

[Griffin]

kassie and bat21 are pretty much on the money. A distinction DOES exist, primarily requiring more hard sciences &maths and fewer humanities & electives. A BS is not necessarily more "specialized" to psychology, as psychology is considered a social science, not a hard science.

I seriously considered extending my college career by 2-3 years in order to get a BS instead of a BA in psych. I decided not to do it after recommendations from all of the scientists and therapists I know, as well as a social worker, a life coach and a hiring manager. It makes almost no difference whether you have a BS or BA. It just means that you're less competitive for hard-science-heavy graduate programs. But on the bachelor's level, one is not "better" or "more useful" than the other one.

[journey21]

I'm currently applying for graduation at Charter Oak. My concentration was in psychology but the majority of my credits are in the arts, therefore i was given a choice between receiving a BA or a BS. I would like to go on and apply for PhD in psych. Can someone please explain the difference between the two degrees and which one would be more useful for me in furthering my education?

Thanks

Columbia College's explanation to me, was that a B.S. looks better on a resume. So, I went with a B. S.

Hope this helps some.