Difference between Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts

Key Difference: B.Sc. stands for Bachelor of Science. It is an undergraduate academic degree that is conferred on completion of a four to five years science academic programme. B.A. stands for Bachelor of Arts. It is also an undergraduate academic degree that is conferred on completion of a four to five years arts and literature academic programme.

The Bachelor of Science and the Bachelor of Arts, both are undergraduate degrees. The Bachelor of Arts describes a course that deals with Arts, whereas, the Bachelors of Science describes a course that deals with Science. Both the degrees differ from one country to another. What is the difference between both the degrees? What the degrees offer?

B.Sc. or B.S., short for Bachelor of Science, describes a course that mainly focuses on Science. Science is a subjective term and thus, differs from one country to another. The subjects that are studied in the syllabus reflect the country’s notion about science. B.Sc. students have to completely focus on the laboratories or anything that are scientifically oriented. The courses which are involved in this degree are mathematical equations and experimentations. If one wants to go into a field within Psychology that requires research, such as industrial and organizational psychology, they are often suggested to pursue a B.Sc. The term B.Sc. or B.S. has come from the Latin word Scientiae Baccalaurean. The difference arises due to segregation of arts and science; as what should be considered as science and what should be considered as art.

B.A., short for Bachelor of Arts, describes a course that mainly focuses on Arts. They deal with the courses that are related to humanities as well as foreign language courses, and may require fewer science and math courses. If one wants to go into counseling or pursue a graduate degree in another field, they can choose a Psychology program. One should go and choose the course according to his own aptitudes and abilities. If a student is weak in math, then he will not prefer to choose a science stream because in that he has to more focus on science and technical terms.

Comparison between Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts:

	Bachelor of Science	Bachelor of Arts
Description	Bachelor of Science is an undergraduate academic degree that is conferred on completion of a four to five year science academic programme.	Bachelor of Arts is also an undergraduate academic degree that is conferred on completion of a four to five year arts and literature academic programme.
Abbreviation	B.Sc. or B.S.	B.A. or A.B.
Course coverage	Basic science, also referred to as pure science.	Basic arts, also referred to as humanities or foreign languages.
Duration	Full time: 3-4 years Part time: 6 years	Full time: 3-4 years Part time: 6 years
Preferred Master Degree	Generally, M.Sc.	M.A.
Study	Throughout the course years, emphasis on science theory is laid, with focus on experiments, if required. The course is available in various fields of science. For example, B.Sc. (computer science), B.Sc. (IT), and honors.	Throughout the course years, the main importance on social sciences, geography, military studies and languages. The course is available in various fields of arts. For example, B.A. (mathematics), B.A. (English Literature).
Career options	Generally, the research areas are explored by the candidates. They have a good career option in research and development departments of various organizations.	At best, provides opportunities for developing skills of critical and systematic thinking. They have a good career option in computer related fields, animation, software industries and various auditing companies.
Focus area	Studies generally involve theories related to science and also the emphasis on experiments and practicals is laid, if required.	Studies involve social science, humanities, and focus on arts and literatures.
Eligibility	Generally, 10+2 or its equivalent examination with science stream.	Generally, 10+2 or its equivalent examination with arts stream.
Ph.D	Are eligible for Ph.D.	They are eligible for PhD.
Include	Depends upon the subjects included in the course.	Depends upon the departments include in the course.
Curriculum rigour	Tough and easy, depends upon the student.	Comparatively easy
Opted by	Students looking for a scientific course with less technical considerations.	Students looking for arts and literatures with less scientific considerations.