What is the difference between a B.A. and a B.S. in mathematics?

Question

Are there different classes required? Which one looks better when you've graduated and are looking for a job?

Answer 1

I agree with the first poster about the BA vs BS. I have a BS in Math from Brown University, and so at Brown the BS was a more serious degree than the BA (it required you to take twice as many courses (6 vs 12) and two of those extra courses was a year of Several Variable Analysis, which is a very hard course). But there are schools (like Berkeley and Princeton) that have *exceptional* reputations but don't offer the BS degree.

Ultimately it won't matter too much (you'll be accountable for the math you know, not the printing on your diploma; if you apply to graduate school, the BA vs BS issue becomes moot anyways). I would suggest pursuing the BS if your school offers it, and to not worry at all if they don't.

Answer 2

Little to no difference --- I think it depends on your university. Different schools give a BA to their math majors, while others give a BS. I think the types of courses you need to take are roughly the same.

Probably more impressive than the BA vs BS is the university where you get your degree from. If it's a big name school, that will be more impressive than some podunk university that no one's ever heard of.

As far as looking for a job, either one will be impressive! Just the very fact that you've majored in math will blow most people away. I know, because I majored in math and when people find that out they are very impressed and make lots of wonderful assumptions about how smart I must be. It is a great degree to have when looking for a job!

Answer 3

It varies with each university, but it'll be somewhere between 12-15 credits of elective differences and a probably 9-12 hours of required differences.

of course, with the differences leaning towards science on the BS side, and leaning to more whatever on the BA side with greater freedom of class choices. There also might be a language or humanities requirement or two on the BA side.

Answer 4

Bachelor of Arts vs. Bachelor of Science

IE for example:

A psychology major may choose to obtain either a Bachelor of Arts degree (BA) or a Bachelor of Science degree (BS). The psychology faculty recommends the BA for most students.

The BA degree is a liberal arts degree. It provides general knowledge in many fields and emphasizes intellectual skills such as thinking, problem solving, reasoning, and judgment. The primary goal of a liberal arts degree is not to prepare the student for a specific job but to develop an educated citizen, the traditional objective of a college education.

The general knowledge, intellectual skills, and values that come from a broad liberal arts education are valuable for a lifetime. The liberal arts orientation of the BA degree compliments the student's knowledge of psychology.

The BS degree is narrower and more specialized than the BA, emphasizing mathematics, science, and computer skills. It is most appropriate for students planning research careers in areas of psychology requiring a strong background in mathematics and the sciences. Neuroscience, cognitive psychology, learning, and perception are examples of such areas.

However, even for students headed for research intensive careers in these areas, the BA degree supplemented by selected science and mathematics courses can be the best overall choice. Psychology advisors can help with decisions in individual cases.

Answer 5

No pun intended, but BS always looks better on a job application. Only it's usually written BSc.

Answer 6

The B.S is a more serious degree. Another description of a b.a. is 'bugger all' a more streetwise interpretation of a 'bachelor of arts'

Answer 7

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