BA or BS?

[donga]

I'm graduating from the University of Arizona this upcoming May 2006 with a Bachelor's of Science in Molecular and Cellular Biology and a second degree in Psychology. I can get either a B.S. or B.A. in Psychology because of my MCB degree, so the distinction is really in name only.

My question is, what should I make the second degree: B.S. or B.A.? I'm going into the peace corps after undergrad, and then I'm taking a serious look at law school after those two years. Which would be more advantageous for my plans and future? Thanks for your help.

 

[natehan]

Well, Bachelor of Science usually constitutes more comprehensive core-requisites. I've never heard of a situation where you can choose. Should've went to your school.

 

[aquajet]

Indeed, that is interesting. All else equal, I'd go for the B.A. just because you've already got the B.S. That way you could say you've got both.

BTW...congrats!!!

 

[latisha1903]

Well, Bachelor of Science usually constitutes more comprehensive core-requisites. I've never heard of a situation where you can choose. Should've went to your school.

never heard of getting to choose either. but it really depends i suppose on what you plan to do. i am also in undergrad [communications/journalism emphasis] which will be a B.A. because its not looked at in a scientific approach but more of art [college of arts and science] it depends on what aim or direction you're going to take.

 

[Kobushi]

I would probably go BA for two reasons.

1. You've already got a BS.
2. Your future plans tend to lend themselves to a BA.

I have 2 BA's and I'm now working on a MS. But I started all my upper division course work with both AA and AS degrees. Although, I can't say that the destinction between any of the above has helped me in any particular instance. In the end, it'll prolly just be fun to say you have both.

 

[mad jew]

By itself, I think the BS looks better but since you already have a scientific degree, I reckon most employers will be more impressed by your more diverse choice of getting a BA too.

 

[Jschultz]

Hold on, I think my buddy was in this dilemma before.

I think his counseler said something like, the B.S is good for working in the industry, works in the field well...whereas the B.A is good for moving on to a M.A and phD for teaching and education of Psychology.

I could be (and probably am!) wrong!

 

[Chundles]

I reckon if you can BS your way to a BA you'll be AOK.

I'd go for the BS (we call it a BSc - nobody wants BS after their name) as it lends itself to connotations of more work than a Bachelor of Attendance.

 

[leftbanke7]

never heard of getting to choose either. but it really depends i suppose on what you plan to do

Up here at the U of Utah, there are some degrees that you can choose whether to get a BS (have to take 2 upper level math/logic classes as gen eds) or a BA (have to take 4 semesters of a foreign language or ASL as gen eds). In all actuality, I don't think it makes much of a difference whether you get a BA or BS so long as you just get a degree.

 

[gwuMACaddict]

the funny thing about it...

is that the BA is the BS degree...

ALWAYS go BS if it's an option... ALWAYS

 

[Abstract]

I reckon if you can BS your way to a BA you'll be AOK.

I'd go for the BS (we call it a BSc - nobody wants BS after their name) as it lends itself to connotations of more work than a Bachelor of Attendance.

Yeah, BS is such an American thing. Well, I think the British may use it as well. Either way it's a weird thing to call your degree.

EDIT: I'd go with a BA instead of a BSc. People say a BA is easier, but that's not fair, really. It's easier to "pass" an arts subject, but to do well and earn a 1st Class (A to A+) is harder in subjects like history, or any program related to politics and conflicts or something, as grading is so much more subjective, generally.

This is coming from a PhD student in science, btw.

 

[CanadaRAM]

Oh my, just think what the impact could be of the initals...

J. Donga, BABS

Hey Babs! Howya doin?

You'll never live it down

O'course, the option is BS^2

 

[kwajo.com]

I'd go with a BA instead of a BSc. People say a BA is easier, but that's not fair, really. It's easier to "pass" an arts subject, but to do well and earn a 1st Class (A to A+) is harder in subjects like history, or any program related to politics and conflicts or something, as grading is so much more subjective, generally.

seconded. getting a 1st class BA is really hard at a good institution

 

[donga]

haha, i appreciate the input. Thanks.