The Difference Between a B.A. and B.S. Degree
The Difference Between a B.A. and B.S. Degree Generally, a Bachelor of Arts focuses on the humanities and arts while a Bachelor of Science emphasizes math and science. By Josh Moody | June 18, 2021, at 9:51 a.m. Picking a college major can be a daunting task for many students. But once they settle on a major, they may be faced with another decision: choosing between a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree. While some colleges have B.A. or B.S. programs only in certain disciplines, others offer both options. To help students make that choice, experts say they should consider their long-term goals. Generally, a B.A. focuses on the humanities while a B.S. emphasizes science and math, notes Ellen Schendel, associate vice president for academic affairs at Grand Valley State University in Michigan. "I think a lot of this becomes about what the student wants to learn and how they want to use their education once they graduate, and how they want to tell their story about who t...