Hello, I’m an incoming freshman college
I’m currently registered as a Bio major en route to a BS degree. However, I do plan on double majoring in Chem and Bio. I’ve already talked to my advisor and gave me the option between BS and BA. I’ve done some reading, but I still am not sure which one is more advisable for me to choose.
I do plan on going to grad school, and I’d like to get my PhD if possible. But I see myself more as a researcher rather than a medical doctor…if that helps…
After undergrad, I want to go on into neuroscience…so I just want some input?
Thanks for the help 
Someone can’t really tell the difference between a BA and BS in a given field without looking up the specific requirements for each degree at a particular school.
Some schools only offer a BA for all of their degrees; some offer a BS for science majors; and, some offer both BA and BS options for science degrees.
Some general differences for majors that offer both options is that a BS might require an additional number of courses in the major or additional courses in supporting sciences and math, or sometimes, completion of a thesis or research project. Sometimes, the distinction between the BA and BS major is that the BA is intended for students who want to combine science studies with another field or who don’t plan to pursue advanced studies or a career in research, whereas the BS is intended for students who do plan advanced studies or a career in science. So, the BA gives a student more flexibility to pursue other interests outside the science major.
You can still pursue graduate study and research in neuroscience with a BA. Since you’re planning a double major in biology and chemistry, a BA would give you more flexibility for completing a major in both fields. Having sufficient coursework in supporting sciences shouldn’t be a problem since the double major in those fields will ensure that. Also, since neuroscience is an interdisciplinary field, the BA might give you the flexibility for elective courses in related fields such as philosophy, psychology, linguistics, and computer science, depending on your particular interests in neuroscience. No matter which degree option you choose, however, participating in research would be important preparation for graduate study.
Hmmm…
I see. Yes, my advisor did mention taking additional two semesters of some math class if I were to choose BS in chem…
I don’t mind the extra work, but BA does give me a chance to take other classes as you mentioned…
Lol. Sorry if I sound indecisive, I just don’t want to waste time or effort
Thank you so much for your input!
A BS usually has more required courses in the major and supporting fields. It is also better for graduate school preparation (in general, not an absolute). You might want to reconsider the double degree though if it takes you an extra year beyond the nominal 4 years. You want to graduate school and so you should prepare yourself for that specifically. That means doing as much research as possible and taking the courses which prepare you best for your chosen graduate program. Taking a second major may impede that becuase you have a lot of other required courses to take. Consider a B.S. in chemistry with lots of biology electives or the other way around.
It depends entirely on the school. The official title of the degree isn’t as important as the actual content of the degree.