What is the difference between a BA vs. BS degree? Is earning a BA in Computer Science the same as getting a BS in Computer Science? Is a BA in Psychology more beneficial than a BS in Psychology?

Related Guide: Best Majors for Future Job Market

As more and more universities give you the option to choose between a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree, it’s important to understand the similarities and key differences between these two types of degrees.

What is the Difference in a BA vs. BS Program?

The key difference between a BA and BS degree program is where you want to take your career long-term.

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

A BA can allow you to study a wide range of subjects related to both your major as well as general education courses such as writing, art, history, philosophy, and religion.

• BA offers more flexibility for you to explore a variety of careers

This broad foundation for your degree can help you pursue an education that reflects your interests and passions.

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

A BS degree is first and foremost a science degree and usually focuses heavily on science and mathematics courses, building a technical understanding of your major.

• BS has more stringent requirements

A BS degree typically has a more substantial major requirement than a BA. A BS major typically requires around 54 credits.

What is a BA degree?

Simply put, the B.A. degree definition is a Bachelor of Arts degree. More broadly, a Bachelor of Arts degree is typically designed to provide students with a comprehensive education balancing major courses with a general education focused on the liberal arts.

Out of the usual 120 to 180 required credits for a B.A., your major will likely only comprise of around 36 credits.

Other required credits for a B.A. may be through courses in:

• Writing
• Art
• History
• Philosophy
• Religion

Bachelor of Arts degrees are generally offered in fields related to humanities and the arts such as liberal arts, communication, foreign languages, English, music, and journalism.

What is a BS degree?

The textbook BS degree definition is a Bachelor of Science degree that prepares you for work in the technical field. According to California Polytechnic State University, a BS major requires 54 credit hours.

A BS degree student may major in fields such as:

• Mathematics
• Science
• Business
• Computer technology
• Engineering
• Psychology

Bachelor of Science degrees are generally offered in science or technology fields such as computer science, biology, physics, chemistry, biochemistry, environmental science, and mathematics.

Can You Choose Between a BA or BS Degree in Certain Fields of Study?

Yes, a number of universities allow you to choose between a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science in certain degree fields. For example, it’s common to see universities offering both a BA/BS in Business, Psychology, and Economics, to name a few.

Many students find that a Bachelor of Arts offers more flexibility and elective courses, so it might be considered one of the easiest degrees depending on your major. That being said, math and science are a breeze for many technically-inclined students. For that reason, choosing between a BA or BS degree is largely a personal choice, especially if you feel that you are strong in the social sciences/humanities (B.A degree) or math and science (B.S. degree).

For those of you who want to get college credits fast, a BA degree may be a better option as it generally offers more elective courses with no pre-requisites.

Curriculum

Every university or college has a slightly different course schedule; however, there are several overarching course expectations for BA and BS students. Using a Business degree as an example, Concordia University states that a BA degree will have more required liberal arts classes such as history, communication, English, religion, and writing. In contrast, a BS degree will have courses that are more focused on math, science, and statistics.

BS vs. BA – Program Components

While many universities offer the same majors in either a BS or a BA, that doesn’t mean that they are the same degree. This table compares and contrasts several significant aspects of a BS and a BA.

Both degrees can offer value to students and potential employees, but this value increases when it pairs with an understanding of where you want your career to take you.

Career Preparation

Despite having the same major, the courses that you take in a B.A. will be different than the courses you take for a B.S., aligning you toward different careers.

A B.A. typically prepares students to work hands-on with individuals, while a B.S. typically develops more technical skills. An example of this is how a B.A. in Psychology can help prepare you to be a counselor. In contrast, a B.S. in Psychology can better prepare you for medical school and a career in medicine.

According to U.S. News, a key difference in-between a B.A. and a B.S. is the breadth and depth of a career applicant’s understanding. A B.A. is more likely to give you a broad knowledge of the field, while a B.S. is more likely to study a particular area in great depth. Both are quality attributes in a career trajectory but may have different values based on what a prospective employer needs.

BA vs. BS Salary Differences

The degree you choose can have life-altering implications down the line, so it’s no wonder that people often ask questions like: If I earn a BA in Computer Science will I earn less than if I get a BS in Computer Science? What are the salary differences in a Psychology BA vs. BS or Biology BA vs. BS?

Overall, there is little difference in pay expectations for a BA vs. a BS.

As you consider the differences in salary for BA and BS degrees it is essential to consider what you want to get out of your degree and how the salary expectations for a BA or a BS will impact your decision.

What Does a BA Degree Stand For?

A BA degree stands for Bachelor of Arts degree.

What Does a BS Degree Stand For?

A BS degree stands for a Bachelor of Science degree.

Are BA/BS Degree Programs the Same Thing?

BA/BS degrees are not the same degrees.

The key differences between a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science are that a B.A. typically requires more courses in the humanities (writing, art, history, philosophy, or religion) while a B.S. usually has more science and mathematics courses.

Is a Business Degree a BA or BS?

A business degree can be achieved as either a B.A. or a B.S. It is largely dependent on the school administration’s policy. At many universities, you have the option to choose either one.

What Is the Difference Between a Computer Science BA vs. BS?

The difference between a BA in Computer Science and a BS in Computer Science will vary depending on the university. That being said, in most cases, the Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science will be considered a Humanities track while the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science will be considered a Science track.

To give you an example, let’s take a quick look at Florida State University which offers both a Computer Science BA and BS.

According to the university, the key differences between the Computer Science BA vs. BS are as follows:

• BA in Computer Science follows a Humanities track.
• BS in Computer Science follows a Science track.
• BS in Computer Science is ABET accredited. The BA in Computer Science is not.
• BA in Computer Science is often a good option for those who want to pursue two majors as there’s more flexibility in the degree program.
• BA in Computer Science requires fewer mathematics and theoretical computer sciences courses.
• BS in Computer Science is so mathematics heavy that you will automatically earn a minor in mathematics when you complete your degree.
• BA in Computer Science has more open electives than the BS in Computer Science.

Here’s the program guide for the Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science:

And here’s the program guide for the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science:

Although this is just an example of one university, it can help to give you a very real sense of the key differences between pursuing a Computer Science BA vs. BS. The same is true for a degree in Computer Programming.

What Is the Difference Between a Psychology BA vs. BS?

The primary difference between a Psychology BA vs. BS is that the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology has more psychology-focused courses which are social science courses. In contrast, the Bachelor of Science in Psychology is considered a Science track for students interested in pursuing careers in science. Instead of focusing so heavily in psychology, there are additional course requirements such as biology, calculus, and chemistry. This may be a great fit for you if you are interested in heading to graduate school.

Let’s take a quick look at Concordia University which offers both the Psychology BA and the Psychology BS degrees.

According to the university, the key differences between the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and the Bachelor of Science in Psychology are as follows:

• BA in Psychology is a Humanities/Social Sciences track. The BS in Psychology is a Science track.
• BA in Psychology has more psychology courses.
• BS in Psychology has more courses in science, such as calculus, biology, statistics, and chemistry.
• BA in Psychology is best-suited for students who want a career in the psychology field (child psychology, forensic psychology, etc.)
• BS in Psychology can be a good choice for students heading to graduate school or medical school as they can fit their additional science requirements into the degree plan.

The choice of a Psychology BA vs. BS depends largely on what you want to do after graduation. If you plan to head to graduate school, then Concordia recommends the BS in Psychology. If you want to get right into the work-force, then the BA in Psychology may be a better option.

What Is the Difference Between a Biology BA vs. BS?

The main difference between a Biology BA vs. BS is the Bachelor of Science in Biology is a Science track while the Bachelor of Arts in Biology is a Humanities or Social Sciences track.

What Is the Difference Between an Economics BA vs. BS?

The key difference between an Economics BA vs. BS is the Bachelor of Science in Economics is a Science track while the Bachelor of Arts in Economics is a Social Sciences track.

In the BA track, you’re likely to study more theoretical concepts and history of the economy, with a broad overview of the financial world. The science track will likely focus more on statistics and business math, giving you a better grounding in calculating interest rates, annuities, and returns on investment.

What Is the Difference Between a Physics BA vs. BS?

The main difference between a Physics BA vs. BS is the Bachelor of Science in Physics is a Science track while the Bachelor of Arts in Physics is a Humanities track.

What Is the Difference Between a Chemistry BA vs. BS?

The main difference between a Chemistry BA vs. BS is the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry is a Science track while the Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry is a Social Sciences or Humanities degree track.

What Is the Difference Between a Mathematics BA vs. BS?

The main difference between a Mathematics BA vs. BS is the Bachelor of Science in Mathematics is a Science track while the Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics is a Humanities or Social Sciences track.

Which Degree is Faster? A BA or a BS Degree?

Generally speaking, a Bachelor of Arts usually has more flexibility because there are more elective courses. But a large number of accredited universities now offer fast-track online classes that can be completed in 5 weeks to 8 weeks online. If you enroll at one of these universities, a BA degree still might give you more flexibility, but the BS degree can be completed quickly, too.

If you want to graduate as fast as possible, check out our in-depth guide detailing the fastest way to get a bachelor’s degree online.

Which Is the Right Degree for You?

As you wrestle with the decision of a BA degree vs. BS degree, plus whether to get a bachelor’s degree online vs. on campus, knowing where you want to take your career can help give you direction as to which degree you choose. By understanding your intended career trajectory, you can choose whether having the initials BA or BS behind your degree will better support your ambitions and desires.

The post BA vs. BS – What’s the Difference? appeared first on MyDegreeGuide.com.

The terms college and university are often used interchangeably here in the United States. Generally, people use both terms to refer to any institution of higher education.

But technically speaking, there is a difference. Colleges and universities are not quite the same things. Let’s explore colleges and universities… what they are and how they differ.

What Is the Difference between a College and University?

The difference between a college and university is the type of degree programs offered. Colleges typically offer only undergraduate degrees, while universities offer both undergraduate and graduate degrees.

But there are exceptions to this rule!

For example, Dartmouth College and Boston College are colleges that offer graduate level education.

What Is a College?

A college is an institution of higher education that focuses on undergraduate degree programs. That is, they may offer 2 year associates degrees or 4 year bachelor’s degrees, but typically do not offer graduate level programs such as a master’s degree or doctorate degree.

For example, Ivy League university Columbia University also has a college: Columbia College.

At the college, there is a wide range of majors offered to undergraduate students.

But if you want to pursue a master’s degree or doctoral program, you will be enrolling at the university, Columbia University. For example, if you want to pursue a Master’s degree or Doctoral degree in Anthropology, the programs are offered through Columbia University:

Types of Colleges

Colleges come in all shapes and sizes.

When comparing colleges, there are several types, including:

• Community Colleges
• Liberal Arts Colleges
• Career Colleges
• Technical Schools
• Trade Schools
• Vocational Schools

It’s easy to see why so many people are confused about the differences between a college and a university!

For example, Penn Foster Career School is a college that offers undergraduate programs leading to a diploma, certificate, or an associate’s degree. Some might refer to Penn Foster as a college or even a university, but since they do not offer graduate level degree programs like master’s programs and doctorate degrees, they are not a university. The school is a college, but most refer to these types of schools as a career school or a technical school.

Colleges are generally smaller in terms of enrollment and degree offerings, but that is not always the case. Larger colleges such as Columbia College offer dozens of undergraduate programs. But your local community college may only offer a few associate degree programs.

If you’re interested in exploring the different types of degrees offered by colleges and universities, you can do that here: Types of college degrees.

What Is a University?

A university is an institution of higher education that offers both undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Generally, universities are large – some enroll tens of thousands of students – and offer a wide variety of courses.

Oftentimes, universities are comprised of multiple schools or colleges, each dedicated to an area of study. For example, under the umbrella of Harvard University, we find the graduate schools Harvard Business School, Harvard Law School, Harvard Medical School, and so on. Similarly, under the umbrella of Cornell University, we find Cornell College of Business, Cornell College of Engineering, and so on.

The first definition of “college,” the one everyone thinks of is a higher educational institution. But the second definition is an organization of professionals in a specific area. So, when a university organizes its programs into Colleges, they’re using this second definition.

Are University and College the Same Thing?

Technically, a university and a college are not the same. The term university refers to an institution offering both undergraduate and graduate degree programs, while the term college generally refers to an institution that offers only undergraduate degree programs.

The lines can really get blurred when you start talking about special degree programs such as a combined bachelor’s degree and master’s degree program. In most cases, these types of programs will be offered by a university since part of the program of study involves graduate-level study.

However, in everyday speech, most people use the two terms interchangeably. Both terms are used to describe any institution of higher learning, and few people differentiate between the two.

What Makes a College a University?

A college becomes a university when it begins offering graduate programs, such as master’s and doctorate degrees. Note that it does not have to offer both. It doesn’t even need to offer multiple graduate programs. As long as a college offers one master’s program, it qualifies as a university.

Some specialized universities don’t even offer associate’s or bachelor’s degrees. They only offer master’s and/or doctorates. They still count as universities because they offer graduate degrees.

When a college does begin offering graduate programs, it will often change its name to reflect the transition. It doesn’t have to change its name, though. Many schools value the tradition of their name and retain the “College” name. Others do change to “University” but keep the “College” name to designate a particular School or Department, typically the liberal arts programs.

This can create confusion when you have a College within a University, but just know that when a university uses the term “College,” it designates a set of programs that the university offers. They may also call these departments or colleges Schools, such as the School of Medicine at a particular University.

What Is the Difference between Community College and University?

Community colleges, also called junior colleges, offer 2-year degree programs, awarding associate degrees and professional certificates.

Universities, on the other hand, offer 4-year bachelor’s degrees, as well as graduate-level degree programs. The types of bachelor degrees typically consist of either being a BS or BA degree.

The middle level, colleges, offer both 2-year associate’s degrees and 4-year bachelor’s degrees but do not offer master or doctorate programs.

While a 2-year associate degree is sufficient in some professions, most students use community college as a stepping stone on their way to earning a bachelor’s degree. They enroll at a community college to earn general education credits at a lower cost and then transfer to a college or university for their remaining two years.

What’s the Difference between College and University Accreditation?

Accreditation is the most important factor when choosing a school, and it works the same way and is just as rigorous for both colleges and universities. The difference is with a university, the accreditation board will also evaluate the school’s graduate programs.

Accreditation boards may also make exceptions. If they are evaluating a university, they may accredit the university with the exception of the School of Law, for example, until that department raises its quality.

Look for accreditation by one of these regional boards:

• The Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC)
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

Just as a regional board can make exceptions, other specialized boards can accredit certain Schools or Colleges or individual programs within a university or college without accrediting the university or college as a whole.

The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, for example, can accredit particular business programs or Schools. Such accreditation is in addition to regional accreditation, not a substitute for it.

You can see what accreditation a school has by searching on the US Department of Education’s website.

Can You Get Financial Aid for Going to Either University or College?

Yes, you can potentially get financial aid for going to either a university or a college. The only stipulation is that the school maintains proper accreditation. The government will not provide funding for a non-accredited school because there’s no guarantee that you’ll receive a high-quality education without the oversight of an independent accrediting board.

To see what financial aid you qualify for, fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Which One is Better College or University?

Whether a college or university is the better choice for you depends on what type of degree you are pursuing.

If you’re looking to earn a bachelor’s degree, you can consider either option. Both colleges and universities may also offer fast online classes that last only 5 weeks to 8 weeks long. Even if you plan to pursue a more advanced degree later, you can earn your undergraduate degree from either a college or a university.

If you’re pursuing a graduate level degree such as a master’s or doctorate, a university is the choice for you.

What Is the Difference between a 4 Year College and a University?

The difference between a 4 year college and university is the degree levels offered. A 4 year college offers undergraduate degrees, while a university offers degree programs at both the undergraduate and graduate level.

Some might say that a community college offers the easiest college majors and degree programs, but that is not always the case. Many community colleges have been known to offer top-notch academic programs to help students prep for a 4 year university.

What’s the Difference between Harvard College and Harvard University?

Harvard University refers to the whole school, including all of its undergraduate and graduate level programs.

Harvard College, on the other hand, refers only to the undergraduate liberal arts program available at Harvard University. This is an example of a university organizing its degree programs into departments or Colleges.

Is Harvard a College or a University?

Both! Harvard University is comprised of Harvard College, the school’s undergraduate liberal arts program, as well as 10 graduate and professional colleges. You can learn more about the differentiation here.

What Is the difference between Columbia College and Columbia University?

Columbia University is made up of a number of schools, including its undergraduate liberal arts college known as Columbia College. Remember, the second definition of “college” is an organization of professionals. Universities often organize their programs by topics that are then administered and taught by the appropriate College for that subject area.

What Is the difference between Yale University and Yale College?

Yale University is comprised of fourteen schools, one of which is Yale College. Yale College is the university’s undergraduate liberal arts college. The university’s other schools are at the graduate level and include Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and twelve professional schools.

Many universities started as colleges and may retain the name as a way to organize their original liberal arts program under the umbrella of the university. When a university adds a major department, that will often be called a College as well, such as the College of Business. Colleges can also be called Schools in a university.

What’s the Difference between College and University in USA?

In the USA, the terms college and university are often used interchangeably and refer to the same thing.

But technically speaking, a college is an institution that focuses on undergraduate degrees, while a university is an institution that offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees. When a college begins offering graduate programs, it will often change its name to university to reflect the addition of the new program.

What is the Difference between University Education and College Education?

Both university education and college education can provide a foundation of skills and knowledge to help prepare you for a career.

At a university, you may pursue a more advanced degree such as a master’s or doctorate, while colleges usually only offer undergraduate degrees. You can, however, earn both 2 year and 4 year degrees at either a college or university. But a junior or community college will only offer 2 year degrees.

You may also be interested in our guide to the Best Majors in College.

The post What’s the Difference Between College and University? [2024 Guide] appeared first on MyDegreeGuide.com.

While it often matters more what classes you took and what your major area was than what actual degree you earned, the specific degree you list on your resume or job application could make a difference.

What’s important is discovering which degree is right for you and your future career path. With so many types of bachelor degrees available to students, it can become confusing and overwhelming to choose one.

Check out the brief descriptions below of the most common bachelor degrees available to you to get a sense of which would be the right fit.

Related Guide: 30 Best Majors in College

What Are the Different Types of Bachelor Degrees?

The U.S. Department of Education recognizes over 80 types of bachelor’s degrees.

1. Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.)
2. Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
3. Bachelor of Business (B.B.)
4. Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.)
5. Bachelor of Science in Business (B.S.B.)
6. Bachelor of Canon Law (B.C.L.)
7. Bachelor of Computer Science (B.C.S.)
8. Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (B.S.C.S.)
9. Bachelor of Criminal Justice (B.C.J.)
10. Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (B.S.C.J.)
11. Bachelor of Divinity (B.D.)
12. Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.)
13. Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.Ed.)
14. Bachelor of Wireless Engineering (B.W.E.)
15. Bachelor of Engineering (B.E./B.Eng.)
16. Bachelor of Science in Engineering (B.S.E./B.S.EN.)
17. Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering (B.S.A.E.)
18. Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering (B.S.A.E.)
19. Bachelor of Science in Biological Systems (B.S.B.S.)
20. Bachelor of Science in Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering (B.S.B.A.E.)
21. Bachelor of Science in Biological Engineering (B.S.B.E.)
22. Bachelor of Biomedical Engineering (B.B.m.E.)
23. Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering (B.S.B.E./B.S.B.M.E.)
24. Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering (B.S.Ch.E.)
25. Bachelor of Science in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (B.S.Ch.B.E.)
26. Bachelor of Science in Chemical and Materials Engineering (B.S.C.M.E.)
27. Bachelor of Civil Engineering (B.C.E.)
28. Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (B.S.C.E.)
29. Bachelor of Science in Civil and Infrastructure Engineering (B.S.-C.I.E.)
30. Bachelor of Computer Engineering (B.Comp.E.)
31. Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering (B.S.C.E./B.S.Cmp.E.)
32. Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering (B.S.C.S.E.)
33. Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering (B.S.E.C.E.)
34. Bachelor of Electrical Engineering (B.E.E.)
35. Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (B.S.E.E.)
36. Bachelor of Science in Engineering Management (B.S.E.Mgt.)
37. Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering (B.S.En.E./B.S.Env.E.)
38. Bachelor of Fiber Engineering (B.F.E.)
39. Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering (B.S.I.E.)
40. Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Engineering (B.S.Mfg.E.)
41. Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Systems Engineering (B.S.M.S.E.)
42. Bachelor of Science in Materials Science and Engineering (B.S.M.S.E.)
43. Bachelor of Science in Materials Engineering (B.S.MA.E.)
44. Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (B.M.E.)
45. Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (B.S.M.E.)
46. Bachelor of Science in Metallurgical Engineering (B.S.Mt.E.)
47. Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering (B.S.MI.E.)
48. Bachelor of Science in Systems (B.S.-SYST.)
49. Bachelor of Software Engineering (B.S.W.E.)
50. Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering (B.S.S.E.)
51. Bachelor of Systems Engineering (B.S.E.)
52. Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering (B.S.S.E.)
53. Bachelor of Engineering Technology (B.E.T.)
54. Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology (B.S.E.T.)
55. Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering Technology (B.S.C.E.T./B.S.Civ.E.T.)
56. Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering Technology (B.S.C.E.T.)
57. Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering Technology (B.S.Con.E.T.)
58. Bachelor of Science in Drafting Design Technology (B.S.D.D.T.)
59. Bachelor of Science in Electrical/Electronics Technology (B.S.E.T.)
60. Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology (B.S.E.E.T.)
61. Bachelor of Science in Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology (B.S.E.M.E.T.)
62. Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology (B.S.M.E.T.)
63. Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.)
64. Bachelor of Forestry (B.F.)
65. Bachelor of Science in Forest Research (B.S.For.Res.)
66. Bachelor of Hebrew Letters (B.H.L.)
67. Bachelor of Journalism (B.J.)
68. Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.)
69. Bachelor of Liberal Studies (B.L.S.)
70. Bachelor of Literature (B.Lit.)
71. Bachelor of Marine Science (B.M.S.)
72. Bachelor of Music (B.M.)
73. Bachelor of Nursing (B.N.)
74. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.)
75. Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm.)
76. Bachelor of Philosophy (B.Phil.)
77. Bachelor of Religious Education (B.R.E.)
78. Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
79. Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (B.S.Ch.)
80. Bachelor of Technology (B.T./B.Tech.)

The National Center for Education Statistics notes that the 5 most popular bachelor’s programs include business, health professions, social sciences and history, engineering, and biological and biomedical sciences.

Each of these saw dramatic changes in growth over the past ten years as indicated below:

• Business majors — increased by 9%
• Health profession majors — increased by 94%
• Social sciences and history majors — dipped by 7%
• Engineering majors — increased by 74%
• Biological and biomedical sciences majors — increased by 40%

Most Commonly Conferred Bachelor Degrees

The National Center for Education Statistics does a great job of keeping track of every single degree conferred in the United States. If you love historical facts and statistics, you’ll probably enjoy their website filled with fun facts like this:  only 99 Library Science bachelor degrees were conferred last year. I know you’ll sleep better at night knowing this fact. You’re welcome!

Of special interest to me are the statistics related to the most popular degrees like Business Administration. Five year ago, there were 363,799 business degrees awarded. This includes several types of business degrees ranging from business administration to project management. Trailing behind business in not-so-close second place are the health professions degrees: 216,228. Coming in third place, we have psychology with 117,557 bachelor’s degrees conferred.

*Data provided by U.S Institute of Education Sciences, National Center for Education Statistics

In addition, you may want to reference some of the highest paying bachelor degrees as well.

Why Are There So Many Different Types of Bachelor’s Degrees?

Before diving into this question, it is best to define the difference between a degree vs major.

While most majors or fields of study fall within a single type of degree, there are some majors that fall within multiple types of bachelor degrees.

The overlap is usually seen between a Bachelor of Science degree and a Bachelor of Arts, the most common bachelor degrees that are offered and earned. For example, if you major in Biology, you can earn either a BS or a BA, depending on how many courses and which types of courses you complete. If you major in Education, you may earn a BA, a BS or a B.Ed. (Bachelor of Education).

The difference between a college and university in regards to the degree name doesn’t connote any real difference in what knowledge is acquired by completing that degree.

It’s often more helpful and revealing to check out which courses and concentrations are offered within that degree and major, rather than assuming something from the degree name. As in the Education example from above, some programs offer a B.Ed., while some only offer a BA or BS with an Education major.

If the courses you completed are important enough, most graduate programs or employers will check your transcript for those specific courses.

These various degrees are offered at a variety of institutions. At a small liberal arts school, you can earn a BS, a BA, a BFA or a specialty degree. The same can be said for a large land grant institution. It is very rare for an institution to only offer one or two types of degrees to its students.

Choose your degree based on your interests, the possibilities of majors, and the specific department within which you’ll be studying, rather than by simply choosing a college or university.

The Most Common Types of Bachelor’s Degrees

With over 80 recognized types of bachelor’s degrees floating around, it’s enough to make your head spin.

Instead of going over each and every one of even the most obscure bachelor’s, I’m going to focus on the most commonly awarded bachelor degree programs in the USA:

• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Arts

Yep. You got it. Out of dozens of bachelor’s degrees awarded across the nation, we can safely narrow down the list to the top 2 most commonly awarded bachelors.

Let’s dive in.

Bachelor of Science (BS)

A BS is one of the most common types of bachelor degrees that college students earn. If you plan to pursue a field in the sciences, this is the degree you’ll most likely encounter on your search for a program. Some of the majors within this degree include:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Computer Science
• Business
• Nursing
• Engineering
• Economics
• Nutrition
• Natural Sciences
• Education (Science Track)

Some of these majors have more stringent requirements than others. Engineering, for example, is known for its rigorous curriculum. In fact, many engineering students have difficulty graduating in four years without taking summer courses.

The University of California at Davis discovered that students in the engineering major were more likely to complete their degree within five years than students in other schools and majors were. Those other non-engineering students were more likely to complete their degree within just four years.

Just because you choose a BS doesn’t mean you’ll be required to complete the same number of courses as everyone else who is pursuing a BS. Each department and major determines what requirements must be met before a degree can be awarded.

Many BS degree programs require multiple lab classes, so be prepared to take courses that will require lab hours. If you complete your degree online, these lab hours may be simulated in other ways through virtual activities online, but the knowledge and skills attained from those labs will still be required.

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Another extremely popular degree among the types of bachelor degrees offered is the BA. This degree usually focuses more on subjects within the humanities and human sciences, but still includes some of the natural sciences as well. Possible majors within this degree include:

• English
• History
• Communication
• Human and Family Development
• Education
• Economics
• Earth Science
• Foreign Languages
• Fashion Merchandising
• Anthropology
• Geology
• Interior Design
• Philosophy
• Psychology
• Political Science
• Sociology

As you can see, there is some overlap with a few majors on the BS list. At many institutions, you can earn either a BS or a BA in subjects like Economics and certain natural sciences like Geology.

The distinction usually has to do with additional course requirements, with the BS typically requiring more math or science courses than the BA. Sometimes, however, the distinction has to do with the degree the institution is choosing to offer.

For example, one college or university might only offer a BA in Education and not the BS track for those wishing to teach science at the elementary or secondary levels.

This doesn’t necessarily mean that you won’t be as prepared for your future career, but you should investigate and confirm that the classes you need for adequate training will be offered within the BA program.

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)

Although the BFA isn’t the most popular bachelor degree type conferred, it’s worth noting if you want to pursue a degree in fine arts.

If you’re creative and artistic, a BFA may be a suitable fit for you among the types of bachelor degrees offered. A degree in fine arts conveys a commitment to the creation of art and aesthetics. The majors in this degree include:

• Creative Writing
• Dance
• Ceramics
• Art (Drawing, Painting, etc.)
• Photography
• Printmaking
• Graphic Design

These majors usually require a portfolio element of assessment in which you present your cumulative work in order to complete your degree. A BFA is very hands-on and often requires a natural skill base before getting started.

If you can’t draw a straight line with a ruler, you might not be cut out for a BFA, but if you have some artistic inclination that needs to be honed, you can probably do so through a BFA program.

Other Specialty Bachelor Degrees

Some institutions choose to label or name their degrees slightly differently than the more well-known labels explored here. If you find these types of degrees, don’t be scared of them.

Chances are, these degrees are quite similar in nature and requirements as a BS, BA, or BFA degree. Here are some specialty degrees you may encounter when searching the types of bachelor degrees that are out there:

• Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.)
• Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.)
• Bachelor of Computer Science (BCS)
• Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
• Bachelor of Nursing (BN)

There are other specialty degrees, too, but those above are the most common. It doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a better degree if you obtain a BN instead of a BS with a Nursing major. What matters and the program’s reputation, accreditation, and course offerings. Those factors will best prepare you for your future career field rather than the name of your degree.

If a college or university offers one of these specialty degrees, it probably won’t offer that major within another degree (like a BA or a BS), though this isn’t always the case. If the college or university you choose offers both types of degrees for your major, research closely what the differences are and then determine which is the best degree for you to pursue.

For example, you may only have the option to concentrate in a specialty area within one type of degree and not within another. These factors should all determine which degree is right for you.

Can you get two bachelor degrees at the same time? Yes, it is possible to obtain two bachelor’s degrees at the same time. Earning two bachelors degrees simultaneously is feasible, but it often requires careful planning and fulfilling the requirements of each program, which may extend the overall duration of your studies.

Online Bachelor Degrees

Almost every single one of the degrees and majors discussed here can be earned online. Many bachelor’s degree online programs also offer accelerated formats for a variety of majors. If you want to avoid the extra time it seems to take engineering students to complete their degree, for example, choosing an accelerated format might help you do so.

Through an online program, you can complete course requirements from the comfort of your own home and on your own schedule. This is particularly valuable if you live far from a college or university and can’t move or if you have a job or other responsibilities that prevent you from attending classes during the week.

When searching online programs, you’ll encounter the same types of issues with the names and types of degrees offered. Some online programs may only offer a BA in the major you desire to pursue, some may offer a BA and a BS, and some may only offer a BS. Again, it’s essential that you investigate the classes and requirements for each degree.

Relying on the degree name alone could send you down a path that doesn’t suit your interests or future career goals.

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