What Is a Bachelor of Science?
A Bachelor of Science (BS) degree is typically more technical and specialized. If you enjoy solving problems, running experiments, or working with numbers, this might be your lane.
Key Features of a BS Degree
✔️Heavier focus on math, science, and data-driven subjects
✔️Structured curriculum with fewer electives
✔️Prepares students for careers in science, technology, engineering, and health
Common Bachelor of Science Majors
Prepares students for careers in healthcare, research, or biotech
Ideal for aspiring scientists, pharmacists, or lab techs
A mix of fieldwork and data to solve environmental issues
The foundation for engineering, data science, and space exploration
A more science-heavy version, ideal for clinical or research roles
What Is a Bachelor of Arts?
A Bachelor of Arts (BA) leans into the humanities, fostering creativity, communication, and broad analytical thinking. If you love writing, storytelling, or exploring culture, the BA might be the right fit.
Key Features of a BA Degree
✔️More flexibility in course selection
✔️Focus on critical thinking, argumentation, and communication
✔️Great for careers in education, media, public relations, and law
Common Bachelor of Arts Majors
Great for careers in PR, journalism, or social media
Prepares future teachers and education leaders
Ideal for writing, publishing, or law school prep
Builds deep analytical and research skills
Explores the role of media in culture and society
BA vs BS: What's the Real Difference?
Let's break it down simply:
| Feature | BA Degree | BS Degree |
|---|---|---|
| Curriculum Focus | Broad, liberal arts | Specialized, technical |
| Skill Emphasis | Communication, critical thinking | Analytical, quantitative |
| Flexibility | High (more electives) | Low (structured course path) |
| Common Careers | Journalism, education, marketing | Engineering, healthcare, research |
| Example Majors | English, History, Media | Chemistry, Biology, Physics |
Both degrees offer value — it just depends on what kind of learner you are and what future you're aiming for.
Which Degree Is Better for Your Career?
Here's the truth: There's no one-size-fits-all answer. Whether a BA or a BS is better depends entirely on what you enjoy, what you're good at, and where you see yourself going.
Factors to Help You Decide
Ask yourself:
- Do I enjoy solving technical problems or expressing ideas creatively?
- Am I more analytical (BS) or expressive and people-focused (BA)?
- What career paths excite me, and what degree is most common in that field?
- Do I want the flexibility to explore different subjects or a focused, in-depth track?
Still unsure? Look up sample course schedules for majors you're interested in — it can reveal much about which format you'll thrive in.
How Test Scores Can Help You Stand Out
No matter which degree path you choose, strong academic performance in high school — especially in AP courses — can make your application stand out.
Here's how your test prep pays off:
- AP exams: Scoring well in AP Bio, Calc, or Psych signals you're ready for a BS track. High scores in AP English, U.S. History, or Art History show strength for BA majors.
- SAT/ACT scores: Admissions officers look at how your scores compare to those of other applicants for a given major. For competitive BS majors (like Engineering or Nursing), higher math scores are key. For BA programs, verbal/writing sections might carry more weight.
Pro tip: Use your AP and test prep time to explore your academic strengths — they might point you toward your ideal degree.
Conclusion: It's Not About Better — It's About Better for You
Choosing between a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science isn't about picking the “better” degree. It's about selecting the one that better fits your goals, passions, and strengths.
As a high school student, now is the perfect time to explore your options — take AP classes, prep for the SAT or ACT, and talk to college advisors. Whether you're headed for a BA in English or a BS in Chemistry, what matters most is that your path supports the future you want to build.
