Difference between BA (Bachelor of Arts) & BSc (Bachelor of Science)

Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BSc) degrees are two distinct undergraduate programs available at most colleges. Although it is clear that a BA typically focuses on liberal arts while a BSc centers around scientific subjects, there are various differences between the two degrees.

Key Takeaways

• BA courses focus on humanities and literature, while BSc courses involve studying science subjects.
• BA degrees are designed to encourage research in humanities, while BSc degrees involve lab work and accurate results.
• Some people believe that a BSc degree offers more flexibility and employment opportunities than a BA degree.

What is Bachelor of Arts?

BA courses impart knowledge in humanities and literature. In most of these courses, students take 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 often 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 subjects, 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.