B.S. vs. B.A? What is the Real Difference?

College Majors Science Majors
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<p>I am a second semester college freshman who wants to be a Biology major and double minor in Environmental Studies and English, but I'm not sure whether a B.S. in Biology or a B.A. would be better suited for my goals and desires. Here are some of my school's requirements for all that I want to do:</p>

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<h2>B.S.: Minimum of 34 hours in biology. BIO 113, 114, 213, 214, BIO 391 (a research experience) and at least two 300-level 4 hour biology courses, CHM 111, 120 and 122, PHY 113, 114 and one additional course in mathematics or physical sciences at the 200 level or above. (Plus I am planning on taking Calculus, which is not a 200 level). </h2>

<h2>B.A.: Minimum of 34 hours in biology. BIO 113, 114, 213, and 214 and at least two 300-level 4 hour biology courses, CHM 111 and 122 and one additional course in mathematics or physical science. (Again, it would be Calculus). </h2>

<h2>Environmental Studies Minor: A total of 18 hours, including 9 elective hours. ENV 201 (placed out of because of AP scores), ANT 339, ECN 150 (which is required but does not count towards the minor), and ECN 241. </h2>

<h2>English Minor: A total of 21 hours, at least 15 of which must be in ENG 301-399. </h2>

<p>So, my big question is what, besides classes, is the big difference between a B.S. and a B.A.? I am not planning on going pre-med if that makes a difference, and I know that if I do this course schedule with a B.S. I will be taking 18 hours for 4 out of my next six semesters (and 17 is the max for us, so I would need permission and that could be a headache). </p>

<p>My goals for the future include getting at least a Master's, and most probably a Ph.D. in either Zoology/Animal Studies or Conservation Biology and working with animals in some way (not being a vet but, like I said, doing conservation field work and that fun stuff). Would a B.S. or a B.A. serve me better in reaching these goals, or, in all actuality, does it really make enough of a difference to matter or am I stressing over nothing?</p>

<p>Thanks for all the help in advance and I'm sorry if I rambled a bit and made this post unnecessarily long.</p>

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<p>The BA is pretty much focusing on bio and a little bit of chem while the BS will give you a well rounded formation in sciences with more math, physic and a research experience.
Overall, the BS should be better for you especially if you want to go to grad school where you might need those classes as requirements. On the other hand, if you want to double major, it might be easier to take the BA but if I were you I’d try the BS.</p>

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<p>The BS has additional course requirements: more mathematics and physics. The BS degree is more valuable than the BA because you have more exposure to important topics.</p>

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<p>Thanks Telayl. I also had another thought. Do you think it would make a huge difference if I technically did a B.A. but also took some Physics and Calc classes, just not as many as the B.S. requires?</p>

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<p>On paper a B.S. is more rigorous than a B.A., but in reality it depends on what you take instead of those additional B.S. requirements. Your course choice can result in a more rigorous curriculum even if it lacks the additional math or physics. Liberal arts colleges only offer B.A. degrees, yet on a per capita basis, liberal arts colleges produce twice as many students who earn a PhD in science than other institutions: [The</a> Colleges Where PhD’s Get Their Start | The College Solution](<a href=“http://www.thecollegesolution.com/the-colleges-where-phds-get-their-start]The”>The Colleges Where PhD's Get Their Start) Employers and graduate schools don’t make a distinction between a B.A. and a B.S.</p>

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<p>Harvey Mudd confers Bachelor of Science degrees.</p>

<p>Note that not just any LAC will be a good feeder for PhD in sciences – many LACs emphasize particular areas of study but are weak in or do not even offer majors in some other areas, so one has to choose carefully to find one appropriate to the intended major. Harvey Mudd would be good for the sciences, but does not even offer humanities and social studies majors. On the other hand, some other LACs are good in the humanities or social studies, but weak in the sciences.</p>

<p>What matters is the content (courses and the like) behind your degree, not the “of Science” versus “of Arts” title of the degree.</p>

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<p>Thanks guys. You’ve all been really helpful. I think I might do the B.A. but just take more focused electives and give myself a little less stress than 18 hours a semester. :)</p>

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A minor in ES seems redundant to me. Many undergraduates are focused on racking up double majors and minors, but honestly, they don’t matter that much. Your coursework is what’s important if you plan to go to graduate school. I recommend sticking with biology and an English minor and keeping some flexibility. </p>

<p>Consider taking some business courses if you can. Many people overlook them, but they can be quite helpful when looking for jobs in animal science. They’re also useful for those planning to own their own veterinary clinics, though I realize you don’t plan to go the vet med route.</p>

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<p>Thanks Warbler. I realize that it does seem a little redundant. I actually just tagged it on because I only have to take two classes that I’m not already taking as a Biology major to complete the minor, so I figured “Hell, why not just add a name for it.” Thats the only reason. If it were more work, I would probably not be doing it. </p>

<p>Some of those classes include economics classes, so I’m not sure if that counts as “business” classes.</p>