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What is the Difference Between a BA and a BS in Psychology?
12-02-2025
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 7% growth in employment for psychology students from 2023 to 2033. Moreover, approximately 13,000 job openings for such professionals are expected to be added each year over the next decade. Psychology is an interesting field that dives deep into the intricacies of human behaviour and mental processes.
If students are interested in pursuing a degree in psychology, one of the primary decisions that they must make is whether to pursue a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology. This choice can be particularly challenging as both degrees provide a solid foundation in psychology and offer lucrative career opportunities.
Despite the similarities, both degrees vary greatly in terms of the structure and content of the coursework in each programme designed to prepare students for very different career paths and outcomes. The blog aims to cover BA vs BSc Psychology to aid students in making an informed career decision:
What is BA Psychology?
The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology is popular for its versatility, combining psychological concepts with a foundational liberal arts curriculum. This approach equips students with skills applicable to various industries and a broader understanding of the professional world.
Non-Psychology Courses
- In the first two years of the programme, students typically take courses such as:
- English Composition
- Interpersonal Communication
- Statistical Literacy
- Cultural Anthropology
- Digital Literacy
- Ethics and Moral Reasoning
Core Psychology Courses
Advanced psychology courses focus on key topics like:
- Theories of Personality: Examines major theories of personality to help students understand the influence of environment and genetics on development.
- Physiological Psychology: Explores the brain, nervous system, and biological systems to understand mind-body relationships and psychological disorders.
- Abnormal Psychology: Studies psychological disorders, their causes, treatments, and diagnostic challenges.
- Statistics for Behavioural and Social Sciences: Introduces descriptive and inferential statistics for data analysis in psychology.
- Lifespan Development: Covers human growth and development from conception to death, with insights into physical, cognitive, and social factors.
What is BS Psychology?
The foundational curriculum in a BS in Psychology can be similar to that of a BA course; however, it may vary depending on the university. The key difference between BS and BA in Psychology lies in the focus on research and analytics in a BS programme, which makes it ideal for students aiming for research-oriented careers or licensure.
BS Psychology students usually take more courses in applied statistics and research methods. They also conduct a larger research project as a capstone course. The difference between BS and BA in Psychology is that the BS programme emphasises analytical skills and practical research experience, while the BA focuses more on interdisciplinary liberal arts courses.
Common Subjects in a BS in Psychology Curriculum:
- Introduction to Psychology
- Emotions
- Intelligence and Creativity
- Stress and Well-being
- Attention and Perception
- Statistical Methods for Psychological Research
- Motivation
- Nature and Methods of Physiological Psychology
- Cognition
- Endocrine System
- Nervous System and Biopsychology
- Memory
- Psychology of Individual Differences
- Learning
- Hypothesis Formation
- Non-parametric and Parametric Statistics
- Observation and Interview Methods
- Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis
- Emotional and Social Development
Difference Between BA and BSc Psychology: Brief Overview
Traditionally, a BA programme focuses on liberal arts courses, making it an excellent choice for students looking to diversify their studies. In contrast, a BS programme focuses more on math and science courses, which may better prepare students for graduate studies in psychology or related fields. The table below illustrates the difference between BA and BSc in Psychology:
| Particulars | BA in Psychology | BS in Psychology |
| Programme Name |
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology |
Bachelor of Science in Psychology |
| BA and BS Psychology Duration |
4 years |
4 years |
| BA and BS Psychology Areas of Specialisation |
Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Forensic Psychology, Clinical Psychology |
Behavioural Neuroscience, Biopsychology, Counselling Psychology, Developmental Psychology, School Psychology |
| BA and a BS in Psychology Common Courses |
Psychology, Law, and Social Policy; Social Psychology; Cognitive Psychology; Abnormal Psychology |
Behavioural Neuroscience; Neurobiology |
Difference Between BA and BSc Psychology: Curriculum
While some students may often get confused between BA and BS Psychology due to the same subject focus, each curriculum differs from the other.
The BA in Psychology provides insights into the biological structure of the human mind, its behaviours, and cognitive psychology. On the other hand, the BS in Psychology focuses on the scientific study of human behaviour, influenced by cognitive processes, emotions, motivation, stress management, and other cerebral functions. The table below illustrates the key subjects covered in BA and BS Psychology:
| BA Psychology Subjects | BSc Psychology Subjects |
| Introduction to Psychology | Introduction to Psychology |
| Development of Psychological Thoughts | Emotions |
| Statistical Methods for Psychological Research | Intelligence and Creativity |
| Organisational Behaviour | Stress and Well-being |
| Introduction to Psychological Disorders | Attention and Perception |
| Developmental Psychology | Statistical Methods for Psychological Research |
| Counselling Psychology | Motivation |
| Psychology of Individual Differences | Nature and Methods of Physiological Psychology |
| Social Psychology | Cognition |
| Behaviour and Modification Counselling | Endocrine System |
| Psychiatric Social Work | Nervous System and Biopsychology |
| English Communication | Memory |
| Environmental Science | Psychology of Individual Differences |
| Psychological Research | Learning |
| Introduction to Counselling | Hypothesis Formation |
| Theories of Counselling | Non-parametric and Parametric Statistics |
| Biopsychology | Observation and Interview Methods |
| Research Methodology | Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis |
| Child Psychology | Emotional and Social Development |
Bachelor of Science vs Bachelor of Arts in Psychology: Career Opportunities
Both BA and BS in Psychology students have similar career opportunities in fields like social services, human resources, and counselling. Regardless of the degree, psychology majors can pursue roles such as substance use counsellor or social worker.
While a BS in Psychology may offer better preparation for graduate studies in the medical field, the American Psychological Association confirms that both degrees equip students well for further studies and professional growth. Some of the common career pathways in each degree are as follows:
| Degree | Career Pathway | Job Description |
| BA in Psychology | Counselling Psychologist | Provides mental health support, diagnoses disorders, and offers guidance in schools, hospitals, or private practice. |
| School Psychologist | Assesses and supports students with learning, emotional, or behavioural challenges, collaborating with educators. | |
| Social Worker | Assists clients in need, offers counselling, and connects them to community resources in various settings. | |
| BS in Psychology | Research Scientist | Conducts experiments, analyses data, and publishes findings on psychological or behavioural studies. |
| Neuroscientist | Studies the brain and nervous system, focusing on research and treatments for neurological disorders. | |
| Clinical Psychologist | Diagnoses and treats mental health issues using evidence-based therapies like cognitive-behavioural therapy. |
Final Thoughts
The choice between a BA Vs BS In Psychology is a decision that depends on a student’s choice of a profession in the future. Psychology forms the basis of both degrees. While the BA course is multidisciplinary, the BS is oriented on research and analytical activities.
An increased demand for experts in psychology proves that pursuing these programmes can help students find diverse, well-paid jobs. Both paths enable students to pursue careers such as counselling, social work, and research.
FAQs
Q1: What is the difference between BA vs BSc Psychology?
A1: BA Psychology focuses on the social aspect of psychology. This degree explores how human behaviour affects our day-to-day lives due to cultural and social values. BSc Psychology is a research-oriented degree focusing on human behaviour's biological and neural aspects.
Q2: Is a BA or a BS in psychology more popular?
A2: Both BA and BS in Psychology are popular degrees that prepare students for rewarding careers in the future.
Q3: Is a BA or BS more respected?
A3: Both degrees are equally sought-after and respected as they provide students with relevant skills and knowledge to pursue fields like social work or criminal justice.
Q4: Is a BS in psychology difficult?
A4: Pursuing a BS in Psychology can be challenging at times as students need to study different research methods, and learn statistics in their coursework. The inclusion of topics like abnormal psychology, character development, and neural and endocrine functions can often be demanding for students.
Q5: Is a BS better than a BA in psychology?
A5: There is no definitive answer to this question, as the nature of both courses is very different. While a BA in Psychology prepares students to pursue a career in social sciences and liberal arts, a BS in Psychology is ideal for students who wish to build a career in the scientific or medical field.