BA vs BS in CS

[ucbalumnus]

@acron611

A BS is a harder degree to get due to more credits needed. When an employer sees an individual with a A in CS and a BS in CS, they will most likely pick the BS. BAs are usually for people who want to do something interdisciplinary compared to the straight up math in a BS. If you want to be employed in the field of CS, choose the BS.

Generalizations like these may not be accurate for specific schools.

For example, at UCB, graduates from both BS (EECS) and BA (L&S CS) go to industry in computing jobs, with similar pay levels. Students who want to have a second major in math, statistics, or similar majors in L&S will find it easier to fit all of the courses in with the BA program in L&S.

@acron611

If you are thinking about being a lawyer or something other than CS, you could choose either or.

UCB students interested in patent law may want to note that the BS (EECS) program is ABET-accredited, so it automatically satisfies the patent exam requirements, while those in the BA (L&S CS) program may need to add some non-CS science to fulfill the patent exam requirements.