Is earning a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree easier than getting a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree? Is a BS only for STEM fields? The answer to both of these common myths is a resounding no. While both degrees have their own strengths and challenges, the best choice depends on your interests and goals.
The BA vs. BS degree debate has been a long-running one, filled with many misconceptions and old assumptions. In this article, we’re going to set the record straight and help you make an informed decision. We’ll go over key differences between BA and BS degrees, their focus areas, and how to choose the right one based on your career goals. And maybe we’ll bust a few more myths along the way.
What is a BA Degree?
What do Oprah Winfrey, Conan O’Brien, and Barack Obama have in common? They all earned Bachelor of Arts degrees. As you can see, a BA can take you anywhere — from the Oval Office to the late-night stage to the top of a global media empire. Who says successful people don’t get BAs?
While some assume BA degrees are limited to traditional humanities, today’s programs build real-world skills in communication, problem-solving, and adaptability that apply across industries. A BA focuses on liberal arts and humanities with an emphasis on critical thinking, communication, and broad academic exploration. This flexibility is what makes it such a valuable degree in today’s evolving job market, where adaptability means success.
BA programs build a strong foundation with a breadth of courses that include history, literature, philosophy, and social sciences. At many institutions, BA programs include a foreign language requirement, while BS programs often do not. These degrees also include elective flexibility to encourage interdisciplinary learning and broaden perspectives. This well-rounded approach allows BA graduates to apply their skills in a range of careers, sometimes in ways that may not seem obvious at first.
Choosing a major within the BA curriculum doesn’t necessarily lock you into one particular career path. Many of the skills, such as writing, critical thinking, and interpersonal communication, are highly transferable. These versatile competencies, developed throughout a BA program, are sought after in business, media, education, and even STEM fields like tech.
For example, a communications major can find success as a journalist or marketing manager. Political science majors aren’t stuck with government jobs; they can go on to become attorneys or corporate strategists. And an English major might become a copywriter, an editor, or a UX writer for a tech company. The possibilities are wide open with a BA, and you get out what you put in.
What is a BS Degree?
When you hear “Bachelor of Science,” do you picture beakers, lab coats, and equations on a blackboard? While BS degrees are often associated with STEM, many institutions offer BS programs in areas like business and communications, depending on the technical emphasis of the curriculum. So, if a BS isn’t just about science, what makes it different from a BA?
What sets a BS apart is its approach to specialized learning. A Bachelor of Science degree emphasizes technical and analytical skills with a focus on math, science, and practical application. The BS curriculum is more rigid and structured than a BA, which allows fewer free electives and less room for exploration. The trade-off for this is more hands-on expertise in the chosen major.
BS coursework is heavy in mathematics, laboratory science, and data analysis. In a field like communication, for example, the difference between a BA and a BS is the focus on technical skills. The BA program is more holistic and theory-driven, while the BS is practical and career-oriented, concentrating on the technical aspects of communication. This pragmatic emphasis is reflected across all majors within the BS program, from business and healthcare to computer science and engineering.
Because of this specialized focus, BS degrees are common for fields that require strong quantitative and analytical skills. Popular BS majors include biology, computer science, engineering, nursing, and finance. Roles in healthcare, engineering, and technology are among the fastest-growing occupations projected over the next decade, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. These programs prepare students to step into in-demand careers upon graduation.
Whether you decide on a BS in accounting or computer science, you’ll be able to hit the ground running with the technical expertise and problem-solving skills you’ll have learned.
Key Differences Between BA and BS Degrees
A Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science are both four-year undergraduate degrees, but they differ in curriculum focus, skill development, and career readiness. Let’s compare them head-to-head and see what each degree offers and how they shape future opportunities.
Curriculum Focus
The BA spreads its credit requirements across diverse subjects, while the BS concentrates that time to develop specialized expertise. These different routes affect coursework, flexibility, and the overall learning experience for each.
BA programs:
- Take a broad, interdisciplinary approach
- Emphasize the humanities, social sciences, and the arts
- Offer more flexibility with electives
- Usually have a foreign language requirement
- Encourage theoretical and conceptual learning
BS programs:
- Take a structured approach with a specialized focus on quantitative disciplines
- Focus on technical and scientific coursework
- Have a more rigid curriculum with less room for electives
- Usually do not have a foreign language requirement
- Include more math, labs, and research-based classes
Skill Development
Both degrees build valuable skills and prepare graduates for employment or graduate studies. The BA’s breadth of course offerings strengthens humanities-based skills, whereas BS programs provide depth of knowledge in a particular discipline.
BA programs develop strong skills in:
- Critical thinking
- Creativity
- Interpersonal communication
- Intercultural awareness
- Problem-solving
BS programs build strong skills in:
- Technical expertise
- Analytical reasoning
- Quantitative reasoning
- Research
- Logical decision-making
Career Readiness
Both degrees can lead to fulfilling careers and opportunities for personal growth. A BA is better suited for those who thrive in environments that encourage flexibility and creative problem-solving. BS programs are ideal for people who prefer structured learning paths that emphasize technical skills and analytical prowess.
BA degrees are ideal for fields valuing:
- Interpersonal skills
- Adaptability
- Creativity
- A broad, versatile foundation
BS degrees are geared towards roles requiring:
- Technical knowledge
- Specialization
- Strong analytical skills
- Research proficiency
Now that we’ve covered the key differences, how do you decide which program is right for you? Our next section can help you with a little soul-searching and introspection.
Choosing the Right Degree
Choosing between a BA and a BS comes down to your career goals, personal interests, and plans on pursuing further education. Both degrees offer exciting opportunities, but if you’re unsure which path is right for you, here are a few questions to ask yourself (along with a suggested direction to take).
Consider Your Career Goals
- Do I see myself in a career that involves teaching, writing, or serving the public? (BA)
- Am I drawn to roles in healthcare, engineering, or fields within the tech and data sector? (BS)
- Do I want a job where strong communication and interpersonal skills are key? (BA)
- Would I prefer work where technical skills and scientific knowledge are essential? (BS)
Reflect on Your Interests
- Do I enjoy creativity, human interaction, and interdisciplinary learning? (BA)
- Do I find problem-solving, technical challenges, and scientific exploration more engaging? (BS)
- Would I be more at home discussing ideas, analyzing literature, and learning different perspectives? (BA)
- Do I become engrossed in working with data and statistics, conducting research, or working with computer systems and networks? (BS)
Think About Further Education
- Am I considering law school, a master’s in humanities, or social sciences? (BA)
- Do I have my sights on medical school, advanced technical degrees, or MBA programs? (BS)
- Would I prefer a path that keeps my options open for different graduate programs? (BA)
- Does my ideal career path require advanced, specialized study in science, technology, or business? (BS)
Hopefully, these questions helped bring clarity to your interests and long-term goals. If you’d like to see what career opportunities each degree can lead to, let’s take a look at the job outlook for BA and BS graduates.
Job Outlook for BA and BS Graduates
No matter which you choose, a bachelor’s degree increases your career opportunities and earning potential. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, people with a bachelor’s earn 66 percent more than those with just a high school diploma. Job outlooks vary by industry, but both a BA and a BS will pave the way for long-term career growth.
Five Careers with a BA Degree
Because BA degrees are multidisciplinary by nature, students develop strong communication, creativity, and interpersonal skills. Here are a few career paths that depend on these strengths to succeed:
Marketing Manager
- Blends strategic thinking and creativity to shape how brands communicate and connect with their audience.
- Average Salary: $159,660 per year
- Job Outlook: 6% growth from 2024–34
Social Worker
- Provides advocacy and social services to support individuals, families, and communities facing challenges.
- Average Salary: $61,330 per year
- Job Outlook: 6% growth from 2024–34
Graphic Designer
- Designs visual content and storytelling for advertising, branding, and marketing campaigns.
- Average Salary: $61,300 per year
- Job Outlook: 2% growth from 2024–34
Journalist
- Researches, investigates, and reports on current events by writing articles or producing multimedia content for media outlets.
- Average Salary: $60,280 per year
- Job Outlook: 4% decline from 2024–34
Health Services Manager
- Oversees the operations of healthcare facilities by planning, directing, and coordinating health services.
- Average Salary: $117,960 per year
- Job Outlook: 23% growth from 2024–34
Public Relations Specialist
- Manages the public image of individuals or organizations with strategic messaging, building media relationships, and handling media communications.
- Average Salary: $69,780 per year
- Job Outlook: 5% growth from 2024–34
Five Careers with a BS Degree
BS degrees emphasize technical and practical skills. Students develop specialized expertise in hands-on problem-solving, analytical reasoning, and critical thinking. This strong foundation leads to exciting opportunities in the following careers:
Software Developer
- Designs and builds scalable software applications by writing efficient code, implementing algorithms, and managing databases.
- Average Salary: $131,450 per year
- Job Outlook: 15% growth from 2024–34
Mechanical Engineer
- Designs, develops, and tests mechanical systems and machinery, applying principles of physics and materials science.
- Average Salary: $102,320 per year
- Job Outlook: 9% growth from 2024–34
Registered Nurse (RN)
- Provides direct patient care by administering treatments and medications, educating patients, and collaborating with healthcare teams.
- Average Salary: $93,600 per year
- Job Outlook: 5% growth from 2024–34
Data Analyst
- Analyzes and interprets complex datasets to identify patterns and trends and provide actionable insights for organizations.
- Average Salary: $112,590 per year
- Job Outlook: 34% growth from 2024–34
Environmental Scientist
- Researches environmental challenges, such as pollution and climate change, and develops solutions using scientific methods.
- Average Salary: $80,060 per year
- Job Outlook: 4% growth from 2024–34
Conclusion
Choosing between a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and a Bachelor of Science (BS) isn’t about which degree is “better.” Both are valuable, but the best choice is the one that aligns with your strengths, interests, and career goals. A BA offers flexibility and a broader interdisciplinary approach, while a BS provides a specialized focus and technical expertise. A bachelor’s degree, in general, allows you to pursue careers across any industry, from business and healthcare to media and technology.
Whether you’re drawn to the balanced, liberal arts-focused Bachelor of Arts or prefer the structured, technical approach of the Bachelor of Science, your future starts with the right degree. Ready to take the next step? National University provides the accessible, career-focused learning options you need to succeed. Explore our BS and BA programs today!
