<p>one of the schools i'm looking at only offers a b.a. but the other offers both, explaining that b.a. is more for teachers and b.s. is more for people going into the industry. (they are both reputable schools). does it matter?</p>
<p>No, it does not matter because each school decides what degree or degrees they will offer. There is no "standard" as to what a BA requires and what a BS requires. </p>
<p>Historically, the BS degree was supposed to be more oriented to the physical sciences and the BA was more humanities oriented. For example, the BS degree required extra science classes but had no foreign language requirement. But that's not true anymore.</p>
<p>My school offers both a BA and BS in fields such as Math, Physics and Chemistry . The BA is in the Liberal Arts School and the BS in the Engineering and Physical Sciences school. For the BA you need to fulfill a language requirement that you don't for the BS, but the BS has more extra non-major math and science courses than does the BA. Also the BS has more major classes that you have to take than the BA. The BS in Math is 56 credits vs 41 for the BA. </p>
<p>Other than that, there isn't much of a difference. Either way you have a Bachelors degree in Math. Look at the catalogs for the schools that offer both, and see which one looks like it will fit you better. If you are at all interested in a double major, you'll probably want to go with the BA, because it offers more electives. </p>
<p>Worried_mom is correct with everything she said, until you get into fields where ABET accreditation matters. Then there are strict requirements on the coursework for a program to be accredited and that is very important to some fields, but ABET only accredits programs in Engineering, Computer Science, and Applied Sciences, so it sounds like that doesn't apply to you, but if you every change your mind and want to go into Civil Engineering or something like that it will be very important to find an accredited program. And even then, the nave of the degree can vary. BSEE, BSEng, BEE, BS, BA could all be virtually the same if ABET accredited. It's the ABET stamp that matters. </p>
<p>But again, for Math, it makes very little difference. Find the program that you think will be best for you, and the school where you will succeed.</p>
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difference B.A. and B.S. in math
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b.s. is more for people going into the industry.
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<p>Uh, and what exactly is this 'math industry' of which you speak? Does such a concept even exist?</p>
<p>Not to speak for Elliot, but I would guess he was referring to a job with a corporation, (ie actuary, quant, etc.) and the BA is for people who want to be a teacher. I agree the language is confusing. And no, I don't think there is a math industry.</p>
<p>Although there's no math industry, many mathematicians do go into fields other than academia. I'm guessing industry in this context means "not academia".</p>
<p>To the best of my knowledge, the BA degree simply means that more flexibility in course selection is allowed. For example, say that college A offers a BA and a BS in math, and the following courses...</p>
<p>MATH 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
APPLIED MATH 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
STATISTICS 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10</p>
<p>The two degrees might both require 20 courses, but the BS might specify, for example, MATH 1-10, STAT 1-2, APPLIED MATH 1-3, 5 electives, whereas the BA might specify MATH 1-5, STAT 1-2, and 13 electives.</p>
<p>Sorry for the misunderstanding...I realize there is no math industry...</p>
<p>By "industry" I basically meant any sort of statistical/consultant type jobs for corporations, engineering firms, stock market type stuff, etc.</p>