Learn which type of bachelor’s degree is right for you.
Have questions about choosing the right online bachelor’s program? Our new blog series, Ask an Advisor, addresses common questions we receive from prospective students.
To tackle this week’s question, we checked with Heather Searcy, Associate Director for Academic Advising in UNC Greensboro’s Students First Office. We asked her about the difference between a Bachelor of Arts degree (BA) and a Bachelor of Science degree (BS), and how her team advises students who are trying to decide between the two.
“Generally speaking, decisions regarding BA vs. BS are primarily dictated by the majors students wish to pursue,” Searcy says. “There are a few exceptions, however. For majors that are offered in both a BA and BS (such as Psychology, Biology, Mathematics), we generally talk with students about their career and educational goals to drive those decisions.”
The Bachelor of Arts
BA degrees often include a smaller number of major requirements (in terms of credit hours), which makes them desirable if you plan to:
- Double major or incorporate minors into your education
- Pursue a particular advanced degree that requires prerequisites that are not built into your selected major
UNCG offers the following BA degrees online:
The Bachelor of Science
BS degrees typically incorporate more coursework to develop analytical and research skills (through math and science courses). This can better prepare you to pursue research or advanced degrees.
UNCG offers the following BS degrees online:
- Accounting
- Business Administration
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance
- Hospitality and Tourism Management
- Information Systems & Supply Chain Management
- Integrated Professional Studies
- Public Health Education
- Human Development & Family Studies (Early Care)
- Human Development & Family Studies (B–K)
- RN to BSN
A Commitment to Quality
Whether you choose a BA or a BS from UNCG, you can expect a high-quality online program. In fact, U.S. News & World Report has recognized our online bachelor’s programs as being among the best in the nation.
Want to learn more about UNCG’s dedication to offering outstanding online programs and supporting online students? Check out our Online by Design podcast.
