Blog Detail
20-10-2023
Besides engineering and medical sciences, B.A and B.Sc degrees have been popular career choices for a long time. While B.Sc emphasises on science curriculum, B.A focuses on liberal arts, creative thinking, and theoretical studies. Today, in this blog, we shall understand the key differences between these two undergraduate programmes and which degree can be the right option for you!
B.A vs. B.Sc: An Overview
Parameters |
B.A |
B.Sc |
Focus |
Humanities, social sciences, or liberal arts. |
Natural sciences, mathematics, and technical subjects. |
Eligibility |
50% in 10+2 from a recognised educational board; may require previous exposure to the English language |
50% in 10+2 from a recognised educational board with exposure to mathematics and science, such as algebra, geometry, chemistry, and physics. |
Skills required |
Critical thinking, writing, communication, research, and others |
Quantitative skills, problem-solving, scientific methodology, and others |
B.A vs. B.Sc: Course Duration
The course duration for B.A and B.Sc is 3 years, further divided into 6 semesters.
B.A vs B.Sc: Course Curriculum
B.A programmes involve writing, reading, and analysis of texts, along with exposure to areas such as literature, history, and the arts. On the other hand, the B.Sc curriculum includes courses in mathematics, laboratory sciences, and technical subjects. These programmes emphasise research and experimentation.
The B.A course is an undergraduate programme that comes with varied specialisations as discussed below:
Similarly, the B.Sc is also an undergraduate programme that offers specialisations in different areas, such as:
Let us understand the core subjects taught in each discipline:
Core Subjects in B.A Curriculum
Core Subjects in B.Sc Curriculum
B.A vs. B.Sc: Career Opportunities
B.A graduates can explore career opportunities in the fields of education, journalism, marketing, social work, counselling, politics, and the arts. On the other hand, a B.Sc graduate can take up career roles in the fields of science, technology, engineering, mathematics (also collectively called STEM), healthcare, and related fields. Let us see some of the booming career opportunities in each field:
Career Prospects with B.A
Upon completing graduation, you can explore career roles as teachers or educators, especially in subjects like English, history, or social studies. Furthermore, there is a consistent demand for individuals with strong writing and communication skills, social work knowledge, and counselling skills. Following are the top career options one can pursue after graduating with a B.A degree:
Career Prospects with B.Sc
B.Sc graduates are in high demand in industries such as technology, healthcare, engineering, and data science for technical roles. Additionally, you can also explore career roles in biotechnology, forensics, and related fields. Following are the top career options you can pursue after graduation in this field:
B.A vs. B.Sc: Final Thoughts
Both B.A and B.Sc degrees in any specialisation offer ample career advancement opportunities across different industries. However, if you are inclined towards a career in the liberal arts and possess abilities such as creative thinking and artistic freedom, then a B.A degree is an ideal career choice. On the other hand, if you wish to learn the core and applied science subjects and have an interest in developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills, then a B.Sc degree is the right career option. The choice of the appropriate career stream ultimately depends on the interests and cognitive ability of the students because there is an equal need for skilled graduates in both disciplines. Therefore, before making a final choice, one must thoroughly evaluate their abilities and passion before making the final decision!