Ask a number of students and the two top decisions when choosing to study a degree will be which university they will go to and the subject they will study. Little or no student pay particular attention to whether they will be studying a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree.
What's The Difference?
The difference between the two types of degree is actually relatively small and in most cases is down to the specific university.
Some experts suggest that a Bachelor of Arts degree focuses more on a liberal arts education that may be more use if you are uncertain as to whether you will want to continue in to the related industry. Some Arts degrees also stipulate in their criteria that students are required to complete a number of credits in a foreign language. They tend to be of wider scope and place emphasis on humanities and wide-ranging understanding in a recognized discipline.
Bachelor of Science degrees tend to include more mathematical and scientific courses. Indeed, students may have to include more statistical or research elements in to their degrees and the subject matter may be more focused on application of the methods learned in the degree. As above, students may wish to include a foreign language in their courses but, unlike the Arts degree, it is not mandatory. Students will be expected to take a more focused approach to their studies which will include a mix of liberal arts, technical knowledge, mathematics, research as well as practical skills that may be required whilst working in the field.
Essentially, the type of degree is traditional to the university. It is based on how many credits within the degree are focused on liberal arts courses. An Arts degree must include 75% of the program in the liberal arts; Science degrees must have at least 50%.
Which Degree Is Better?
Whilst one degree is not necessarily better than another, a number of education experts suggest that students who complete a Bachelor of Science degree may have more flexibility and enjoy more career opportunities. The caveat is that in most cases it is preferable for the student to choose the degree that fits best with their interests, skills and career goals.
As students are now taking on more debt than ever to fund their degree, it is essential that students have a clear idea of what they want to do after completing their studies and that their qualification is tailored towards that goal. There is evidence that employers prefer graduates with a Science degree rather than an Arts degree, indeed, students who complete the former often are seen to command a higher salary.
Bachelor of Arts degrees are good options for students who have a strong interest in a particular field but may want to include other disciplines. Plus, a Bachelor of Arts degree may be more useful if the graduate subsequently chooses to change career and enter a different industry.
Bachelor of Science degrees are good for individuals who are certain of their career goals and desire to gain in-depth knowledge of an industry prior to working in the field. It is often for this reason that graduates with a Science degree are seen by employers to be the preferred candidate as they will appear to be more motivated within their chosen field.
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