Bachelors of Arts in Geology...

<p>So for the past year or so I've been planning to get a Bachelors of Science degree in Geology, but recently I've been considering a Bachelors of Arts degree instead. Now, I realize that the BS degree would give me better career prospects, but I'll have all of the preparatory coursework for a BS degree anyway.</p>

<p>Basically, I'll have taken 5 quarter of math (could take one more), 3 quarters of Calculus based Physics, 2 quarters of chemistry (again, could take one more), and a quarter of MATLAB programming. This would suffice for the BS degree, but the difference would be the upper division coursework. Essentially what I'd miss out on are two upper division mineralogy courses and the summer field geology course (although I could still take the field geology course if I wanted to.) I'm not at all interested in a career in oil/gas, and I'm not particularly interested in a mineral exploration career. I'm more interested in either hydrology or environmental science, and I'm not sure how pertinent these mineralogy/optical mineralogy courses would be.</p>

<p>Now, the reason I'm considering the BA degree is because it would allow me to study abroad. This is something I'm highly interested in but would not have the opportunity to do with the BS degree. I feel that studying abroad is an opportunity I wouldn't want to miss during college, but I also wouldn't want to have my degree hold me back.</p>

<p>Anyway, I'll stop rambling. Hopefully someone has some insight.</p>

<p>I really couldn’t tell you whether you should choose between BS or BA. If I was in your situation I would stick with the BS. I think the BS would carry more weight for you when applying to grad school or going to industry. However, I will say that you must go to field camp. Going to field camp will essentially validate your degree. Without it you can only limit yourself.</p>

<p>Thanks for the input! I’m definitely leaning towards the BS, and I’ll make sure to take the field camp course either way. I can hopefully find a time to go abroad after I graduate.</p>