What carries more weight degree-wise: a BA or BS in a particular field?

Answer 1

Neither, unless the person doing the hiring has a bias.

A BS in a technical field may indicate more coursework specific to the sciences. A BA might indicate more courses in humanities along with the coursework in the major.

There are many doctors who earned a BA as their undergraduate degree.

Answer 2

I remember hearing that, technically, a BS is a higher degree. In most cases, people treat them as being equal.

The fact is that in most cases, you don't have a choice of which degree to take for a certain major. If you want to major in English Lit -- you can only get a BA. If you want to major in Physics, you can only get a BS.

There are a few exceptions. Many schools offer both a BS in Economics and a MA in Economics. They offer the BS through the business school, and the BA through the College of Arts and Sciences. In this case, the BS offers a stronger business background and the BA requires a broader background.

The other case that I know of is The University of Minnesota offeres a BS in Mathematics through their Institute of Technology and a BA through their College of Liberal Arts. The BS was considered the better degree.

Answer 3

I know that in science, a BS will hold more weight than a BA as a BS usually implies a greater focus on science classes. However, a BA in science might be better off in teaching as it implies a greater focus on liberal arts. Nevertheless, both types of degrees cover most of the same basic classes, with the diffence being which electives being chosen, so in an overall sense, they really aren't that much different as seen by the open-minded employer.

Answer 4

There aren't very many majors that fit into both colleges. Computer Science is one of them. As a programmer for many years, a BS will teach you the skills to be a technical person in the field. The problem solving skills and other taught areas relate to Computer Science. A BA will take those same skills and apply them to other areas of learning. You will be required to take more writing classes, more history, more foreign language, and even philosophy classes. I think those other required classes may not help you get that first job, but the skills will be used later as you climb the corporate ladder.

Answer 5

I have found it pretty much to be the same, but I think that a BA is supposed to seem as if you have had, or maybe actually have had, more arts classes, so therefore a job within the arts or social sciences would look more fondly on the BA.

BS... more science, and more science/tech jobs may look more at that...

But as I was saying, from personal experience, I have found it to be the transcripts that they are really looking at. The classes, and the GPA!

Answer 6

It really depends on the school you came from. Sometimes either one is seen as better. Supposedly the BA is supposed to be better because it comes from the old tradition of getting a well-rounded education. But since science and technology have become so useful since then, it's been viewed much more positively.

Answer 7

There two dif't degrees.
One based on technical stuff - BS.
And one more based on humanities and the like - BA.
So depends on the job.
BA are known for more liberal arts type with rigorous writing and English orientation.
BS are known for more hard sciences and math oriented courses.
comes down to right brain left brain almost.
they're not the same degrees, trust me I have one.

Answer 8

The field itself makes it either an A or an S.

S is for sciences
A is for arts

You can't get a BS in English for example.

Answer 9

Neither. You need the B in that field and that is either an A or an S.

Answer 10

probably BS, but usually doesnt matter all that much though skills and experience are more important