<p>It seems to me that a B.A. would be a better fit than a B.S., because it'd be nice to learn in a slightly more humanities-based way, plus the B.S. degree options at the UCs aren't what I would choose. I'd like to major in neurobiology, but it's a B.A. I talked to my mom and she says that there is no way I should try a B.A. Apparently if I get a B.A. I won't be taken seriously when I get a job later. I won't be able to find a good job in biology. </p>
<p>I'm not sure if I believe her. It seems a little farfetched that the UCs would offer "useless" degrees. I can't believe that just because a degree has a different name or slightly different classes, it's "useless." (NOT MY WORDS)</p>
<p>So should I listen to my mom, or just take the neurobiology B.A.?
What are the actual differences between a B.A. and a B.S.?</p>
<p>I am planning to go into research, I will probably get a Master’s if not a PhD. I am currently not interested in becoming a doctor, but I don’t know for sure. That may change even though right now I only want to go into research.</p>
<p>A PhD is the BARE minimum for any hopes of quality research positions in biology or life sciences. You will probably have to go through several years of postdocs after your PhD before you will be able to secure a permanent position.</p>
<p>The truth is there is not much difference between BS and BA, except certain courses. Look at potential graduate school programs for your desired concentrations and see what kind of curriculum they recommend you have. This may be applicable to either the BS or BA degree.</p>
<p>When you say neurology, do you mean neuroscience? Most neuroscience programs accept people from a wide variety of backgrounds, from psychology to computer science, so I don’t think the difference between a BS and a BA would make much of a difference in that case.</p>
<p>Before sschoe2 gets in this thread and tell you to not do biology at all, here this:</p>
<p>If you are planning on doing research, a BS is usually preferred over a BA. The BA degree is for people that are in the liberal arts and want to double major in bio, or for those that want to teach. (You can still teach with a BS). A BA may be useful if you are wanting to get into some counseling program or something and you’d like to focus your studies on say, biology and psychology. </p>
<p>If you want to study neuroscience, you will definitely want to go the BS route. </p>
<p>Also, check to see if your school has any accreditation in the specific degrees. At my school (and many others), the BS in chemistry is accredited by the ACS (American Chemical Society) but the BA is not.</p>
<p>sschoe2 does bring another voice to the forum, that biology-related jobs all across the board are difficult to come across. But if you do plenty of research and make yourself stand out you’ll be more appealing to hire in research positions. Don’t let it stop you if it’s really want you want to do. Biology PhDs do not suffer poverty. Few PhD disciplines suffer unemployment & poverty. But you may have to stay with a crappy job until you can get a permanent position, and its up to you if its worth it.</p>
<p>Although, it is important you know what you are getting into and understand the possible stress that will come with pursuing such a thing. Anecdotes only point out one case, statistics are where the reality lies.</p>