B.A vs. B.Sc: Which Degree is Right for You?

Besides engineering and medical sciences, B.A and B.Sc degrees have been popular career choices for a long time. While B.Sc emphasises on science curriculum, B.A focuses on liberal arts, creative thinking, and theoretical studies. Today, in this blog, we shall understand the key differences between these two undergraduate programmes and which degree can be the right option for you!

B.A vs. B.Sc: An Overview

B.A vs. B.Sc: Course Duration

The course duration for B.A and B.Sc is 3 years, further divided into 6 semesters.

B.A vs B.Sc: Course Curriculum

B.A programmes involve writing, reading, and analysis of texts, along with exposure to areas such as literature, history, and the arts. On the other hand, the B.Sc curriculum includes courses in mathematics, laboratory sciences, and technical subjects. These programmes emphasise research and experimentation.

The B.A course is an undergraduate programme that comes with varied specialisations as discussed below:

• Optional English, Psychology, Journalism,
• Economics,
• Psychology,
• Sociology,
• Psychology, Communicative English, Human Resource, Management & Employee Relations,
• Economics and Public Policy,
• Journalism and Mass communication

Similarly, the B.Sc is also an undergraduate programme that offers specialisations in different areas, such as:

• Animation
• Biochemistry, Genetics and Biotechnology (BcGBt)
• Microbiology, Biotechnology (CMBt)
• Digital Filmmaking
• Gaming
• Computer Science,
• Data Science and Analytics Integrated with the Institute of Analytics (IoA-UK)
• Forensic Science with Certified Fraud Examiner, USA + CSOFS, UK

Let us understand the core subjects taught in each discipline:

Core Subjects in B.A Curriculum

• English Language
• Social Sciences (viz., Psychology, Journalism, Economics, Political Science)
• Humanities (e.g., Philosophy, History, Literature, Art History)
• Foreign Language (in some cases)
• Core Courses in Major (e.g., Tourism Economics, Public Finance, Advertising, Public Relations, and others)
• Skill Enhancement Courses
• Internship or Projects

Core Subjects in B.Sc Curriculum

• Animation
• Biochemistry, Genetics and Biotechnology (BcGBt)
• Chemistry, Microbiology, Biotechnology (CMBt)
• Digital Filmmaking
• Gaming
• Computer Science, Physics, and Mathematics with certification in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AIML) and Cybersecurity
• Forensic Science
• Interior Design
• Data Science and Analytics Integrated with the Institute of Analytics (IoA-UK)
• Forensic Science with Certified Fraud Examiner, USA + CSOFS, UK
• Computer Science, Physics & Renewable Energy with certification in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AIML) and Cybersecurity
• Marine Sciences
• Computational Biology
• Skill Enhancement Courses
• Internship or Projects

B.A vs. B.Sc: Career Opportunities

B.A graduates can explore career opportunities in the fields of education, journalism, marketing, social work, counselling, politics, and the arts. On the other hand, a B.Sc graduate can take up career roles in the fields of science, technology, engineering, mathematics (also collectively called STEM), healthcare, and related fields. Let us see some of the booming career opportunities in each field:

Career Prospects with B.A

Upon completing graduation, you can explore career roles as teachers or educators, especially in subjects like English, history, or social studies. Furthermore, there is a consistent demand for individuals with strong writing and communication skills, social work knowledge, and counselling skills. Following are the top career options one can pursue after graduating with a B.A degree:

• Teacher: Teachers are employed in schools, colleges, and universities. They can teach subjects such as history, language, geography, and physical education.
• Journalist: Journalists report, write, and edit news and information across different media channels. They are commonly employed by newspapers, magazines, television stations, and radio stations to report and write news stories.
• Public Relations Specialist: Public relations specialists are employed by corporations and businesses to manage their public image, handle media relations, and promote their products or services.
• Social Worker: Social workers provide support and services in diverse settings, such as healthcare and social services, child and family services agencies, schools, mental health and substance abuse facilities, and within the criminal justice system.
• Human Resources Specialist: Human Resources Specialists are responsible for the recruitment, hiring, and employee relations of an organisation.

Career Prospects with B.Sc

B.Sc graduates are in high demand in industries such as technology, healthcare, engineering, and data science for technical roles. Additionally, you can also explore career roles in biotechnology, forensics, and related fields. Following are the top career options you can pursue after graduation in this field:

• Forensic Scientist: Forensic scientists analyse physical evidence in criminal investigations to support law enforcement agencies.
• Biotechnologist: Biotechnologists conduct research and develop products and processes in the field of biotechnology, such as genetic engineering and pharmaceuticals.
• Marine Biologist: Marine biologists conduct research on marine life, ecosystems, and the impact of human activities on oceans.
• 3D Animator: 3D animators create three-dimensional animations and visual effects for movies, video games, and simulations.
• Interior Designer: Interior designers plan and design interior spaces for homes, offices, restaurants, and other environments.

B.A vs. B.Sc: Final Thoughts

Both B.A and B.Sc degrees in any specialisation offer ample career advancement opportunities across different industries. However, if you are inclined towards a career in the liberal arts and possess abilities such as creative thinking and artistic freedom, then a B.A degree is an ideal career choice. On the other hand, if you wish to learn the core and applied science subjects and have an interest in developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills, then a B.Sc degree is the right career option. The choice of the appropriate career stream ultimately depends on the interests and cognitive ability of the students because there is an equal need for skilled graduates in both disciplines. Therefore, before making a final choice, one must thoroughly evaluate their abilities and passion before making the final decision!

FAQs

Q1. BA or BSc, which is better?

A1. There’s no one answer to which is better; it depends on what a student wants to do in the future. Students should choose a course based on their interests, career goals, and the subjects they enjoy studying.
A BSc might be the right path if a student is more inclined towards subjects like physics, chemistry, biology, maths, or computer science.
But for those interested in studying humanities, social sciences, or liberal arts such as English, history, psychology, economics, or political science, then a BA would be a better fit.
Students must think about what excites them most and where they see themselves building a career—that will help them make the best choice.

Q2. Is BSc harder than BA?

As BSc and BA have different subjects, it is difficult to compare these two undergraduate programmes. However, since BSc has science subjects and BA has arts and humanities subjects, it can be said that BSc is harder than BA because passing mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology is more difficult than passing history, psychology, political science, etc.

Q3. Is arts better than science?

A3. Both the arts and science are worthwhile academic disciplines with distinct advantages and job prospects.
Science courses, which include topics like physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics, are usually more analytical and technical. The humanities and social sciences, such as history, literature, psychology, and political science, are the main focus of arts courses.
Depending on a student's interests and goals, both paths can lead to fulfilling careers. Students ought to select a course of study that complements their long-term career objectives and areas of strength.