I know a BA vs. BS does not matter because they both will give you the same jobs for the field you selected, but I’m curious: Why did my professor suggest a BS is better than a BA because he said something about the BS being specialized and more in-depth into the subject? Does this mean the classes are harder (more advanced)?
Thanks!
If a college offers both a BA and BS degree for the same major, then you need to look at what course or other requirements there are for each version. Any answer here will be specific to that college and possibly the division or major.
Generally a BS will have more required courses in the major versus a BA.
…but those classes won’t be any harder just b/c they are required for the BS. Think of it as more focused/specialized vs harder.
Also the ‘harder/easier’ construct is really, really individual! what’s hard for one person might be straightforward for another- and ime the most satisfying work isn’t the easiest- it’s work that is “challenging but achieveable”*
And finally, if your prof is a science prof, there is likely to be old-fashioned snobbery involved: BS would traditionally be seen as more “serious” than a mere BA. IRL these days it really does matter on the specifics of the school.
*Maria Montessori
At my school it mattered which college was issuing the degree. College of Arts and Sciences (so including bio, chem, geology, English) issued BAs. It required a foreign language, 4 courses in sciences. Journalism was a BS and didn’t have as many core classes. Engineering? BS. etc. Not sure which college issued degrees for Physical education but they were BS and no foreign language required. Easier? It depends on where your strengths are, as some of the courses for physical education were pretty ‘science-y’ like kinesiolgy and nutritian.