Which is better: BS or BA in Chemistry?

Question

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I know BS is more difficult, right? But can you still do a lot with a BA?

Answer 1

Being the holder of a BA in Chemistry, I would first question those answerers (and the asker) who automatically assume that the BA curriculum is less rigorous than the BS. That may vary from school to school, but in my case, the BA was considered to be the more difficult to obtain. The core Chemistry and Math requirements were identical, but the BA had the added feature of a language requirement. I could have opted for Music Appreciation, Art Appreciation, and one Social Science elective, but chose two years of German instead.

In practice, there is no difference in the credentials as far as future employment is concerned. Over a career with a major US chemical company, I have been in positions which involved supervising and hiring technical staff. There was no distinction made between BA and BS chemists. Of course, it may have helped that the President of the company held a BA in Chemistry.

Answer 2

Depends. BS usually requires the same or more credits. On the otherhand, there is less labwork with a BA. I'm talking about money, of course. More credits means more money, more labs means more costs, so it depends. My best guess is that a BA is far better for the University or College than the BS. Oh wait, do you mean whats better for YOU?!?! Oh. How could we answer that for you? No way. I got a BS with a major in Chemistry and a minor in Chemistry, too. So, I can tell you if you have a deep desire to understand things and make things then a BS is a better start, but only a start. A BA is better for those who might like to actually appreciate a sonnet or Chopin's work, motivation or politics. I'd say a BS is insufficient for professional employment (need a MS or PhD) and a BA is less than best for entrance into graduate schools in chemistry. There are, of course, other types of graduate education like Medical School, Pharmacology, Biophysics,... Which is better a 3.5 point in a BS program or a 3.8 in a BA program? Getting a tenured position at an academic institution is almost equivalent to being signed in the pro's (you name the sport). So if thats what you want, get a BS and more. Making a good living involves working with people rather than in the lab. There are more good jobs outside of the lab for people with a technical degree and since the money is good, there's nothing wrong with the BA route, either. Well-rounded or nerd. You pick. Your skill set is what will determine your "sucess" in any particular job. Laboratory sciences and most technical careers require specific skills to get in the door. Most other jobs' skill sets are poorly taught (are not taught) in
college and so the ambiguity of the arts is at least a start in nurturing, developing and acquiring the skill set you need to eventually reach your desires. Most lab jobs do NOT do much to improve those skill sets, but then again its usually up to you in any job to go that extra mile. A BS is a more solid (technical) education. A BA should allow you to expand your horizons a bit more. Both are valuble. Depends.

Answer 3

I suggest a BS. That is the route I chose over the BA. A BS requires more math and science while a BA requires fine arts or foreign language.

Answer 4

Absolutely a bachelor of science is the way to go . Advanced math courses, algebra and science are a must for a degree in Chemistry . And when it gets a little hard and perhaps a little boring in a year or two, don't give up but knuckle down and finish. You will make about a million dollars more in a lifetime and get that diploma to hang on the wall. If you don't have the money , do anything you must to get it . Borrow it and pay back later no matter how 'late' . After you finish you cross that bridge .But FINISH !

Answer 5

A BS. The classes are much harder for a BS, but your money making potential is much greater than with a BA.

Answer 6

Most people seem to think they can get further with BS. But I'd suggest a BA.

Answer 7

My med school advisor tells us to major in whatever we want. Honestly, it doesn't matter at all what your major is, just as long as you take the pre med courses. If you like intense science, go for the BS. If you don't, do the BA.

Answer 8

I didn't know you could get a BA in chemistry, as chemistry is a science, not an art.

Answer 9

It depends on what you want to do. If you want to work in a science related field you should get a BS. There's more science required to get that degree.

Answer 10

BA in Chemistry is useless. Unless you think you can end up like Bill Nye or someone like that. I guess that is considered BA.