Which is more useful a BA or BS?

Asked by: Marlene McLaughlin DDS  |  Last update: December 19, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (62 votes)

Do employers prefer a BA or BS degree? It depends on the career field and your personal experience. A BS can set you up with more hands-on experience to prepare you for the workforce, but a BA will also help you get relevant skills and knowledge to land a job after graduation.

Is it better to have a BS or BA?

In academia, the Science version of a degree (Bachelor of Science vs Bachelor of Arts) is generally considered to be the superior version. The amount of difference is slight enough that it practically doesn't matter. Most employers won't care as long as it is a Bachelor's degree of some sort.

Is it better to get a BA or BS in math?

If you plan on going the research route, the graduate studies route, or the math professor route, a BS might be better for you. On the other hand, if you plan on going the business route, the teacher route, or pretty-much-anything-else route, a BA might be better.

Do med schools prefer BA or BS?

It doesn't matter whether your degree is a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.).

Is a BA or BS better for grad school?

In short, no. There's no type of bachelor degree that's seen as "better" or harder to earn by all employers and grad schools. Both BA and BS degrees require hard work and skills across multiple areas.

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20 related questions found

Do employers prefer BA or BS?

Do employers prefer a BA or BS degree? It depends on the career field and your personal experience. A BS can set you up with more hands-on experience to prepare you for the workforce, but a BA will also help you get relevant skills and knowledge to land a job after graduation.

Can I get into grad school with a BA?

You typically need a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university to gain acceptance to a graduate program. In many cases, it's helpful if your undergraduate major is related to the discipline you want to study going forward.

Is a BS better than a BA in biology?

In summary, the BS in Biology tends to offer a more specialized and in-depth study with a strong focus on laboratory work and research.

What is the best Bachelor's degree to become a doctor?

According to the BLS, 48.7 percent of all physicians and surgeons employed in 2015 chose biology as their undergraduate major [1]. The Association of American Medical Colleges reports that over half of all 2021-2022 medical school applicants majored in biology or biological sciences for their undergraduate degrees [2].

Is a BA or BS in psychology better for med school?

While the rigor between a BA and a BS is relatively similar, a BS may be a better fit for students looking to pursue graduate work in the medical field or academia. Some science-focused master of psychology programs may also find a BS more attractive.

What pays more a BA or BS?

Does a BA or BS make more money? Earning potential can vary based on your field and role, but BS graduates may earn slightly more in positions that require specialized technical skills.

Is finance a BA or BS?

Finance majors typically work toward a Bachelor of Science in Finance (BS), but some schools offer a Bachelor of Arts in Finance (BA) degree.

Are BA degrees worth it?

Whether you're looking to start or change your career, a bachelor's degree can help you do it. One of the best things about a bachelor's degree is that it can open up a wide variety of career paths ranging from business to marketing to technology.

Is BA a respected degree?

Both a BA and a BS are respected degrees. You need a minimum of 120 credits to earn either degree, including major coursework, general education requirements, and electives. Your general education requirements differ depending on whether you choose a BA or a BS.

Which degree is best for business?

  1. Finance. Finance is the area of business that has to do with assets and capital. ...
  2. Accounting. Accounting majors learn how to guide a business's financial decisions. ...
  3. Business administration and management. ...
  4. Logistics and supply chain management. ...
  5. Management information systems. ...
  6. Marketing.

Is BA or BS better for psychology?

Both degrees may pave the way to a variety of academic and professional paths. However, employment in research and neuroscience may fit those with a BS in Psychology, while those with a BA in Psychology may do better in helping professions like counseling, teaching, and social work.

What is the hardest Doctor degree to get?

What is the most difficult type of doctor specialty? Neurosurgery is known to be particularly challenging because of the intricate nature of the nervous system and the significant risks involved in surgical procedures.

What major is most accepted to medical school?

According to this data, there are three major groups—humanities, math and statistics, and physical sciences—that enjoy higher admissions rates than others. In fact, these are the only three groups that get into medical school at a rate greater than 45 percent.

What is the highest-paid Doctor degree?

The highest-paid physicians in the US are in surgical and procedural specialties such as neurosurgery, thoracic, and orthopedic surgery. These physicians earn an average annual salary of $600,000 or higher.

Should I choose BA or BS?

A BA and a BS serve different purposes. Neither degree ranks as better than the other, but one might better suit specific career goals. For example, if you're interested in technical careers, you may need a BS for graduate school applications. In some majors, you may choose between a BA and a BS.

Is a BA harder than a BS?

BS programs tend to have more required core and major courses than BA programs, and may take more time to complete.

Can you go to med school with a BA in biology?

A bachelor's degree in biology gives students the background knowledge needed to earn a M.D. However, majors need to plan their classes well to be prepared for medical school.

Can you do a masters without a BA?

However in most cases, you will need to complete a Bachelors degree before being accepted on a Masters. Those students that do get a place on a masters without Bachelors degree have a number of years of professional work experience as well as a track record of learning through this time.

What does graduating with a BA mean?

A BA (Bachelor of Arts) or a BS (Bachelor of Science) degree are both four-year university degrees that share general education requirements. In the U.S., these common courses are standardized and may include: English and writing, mathematics, natural science, and social science and history.

Does it matter where I get my bachelor's degree?

Overall, most hiring managers agree that while having a certain school on your resume might draw excitement, having the right skills and a demonstrated capability of producing quality work matters most.