To be awarded with a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree is a great accomplishment. However, many undergrads we spoke with at various university campuses in England and Ghana are oblivious about the implications of choosing one or the other. Some are torn between studying for a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science at the beginning of their university journeys. This confusion stems from the fact that some universities now offer these two qualifications in the same field of study. For example there is Bachelor of Arts in marketing (see University of Stirling, London Metropolitan University and University of Hertfordshire) and there is also Bachelor of Science in marketing (see University of Professional Studies, University of London and Goldsmiths, University of London.

In the field of media and communications, some universities offer BSc route (see University of Surrey, Loughborough University) while others advertise the Bachelor of Arts route (see University College of London, Glasgow Caledonian University, University of Leeds). This wasn’t the case some years back when there was only Bachelor of Arts Degree, thus, the conundrum students face at this academic crossroads is appreciated, therefore seeking professional guidance on which path to take is critical. This knowledge is imperative as each option has consequences on career paths.

The obvious difference in their names suggests there are distinctions but we need to go beyond merely basing the differences on their names. To help clarify, we have to look at the two separately.

Bachelor of Arts

A Bachelor of Arts degree encompasses a long catalogue of courses. The degree is mainly awarded to students in the overlapping fields of Humanities and Social Sciences, which fall under the broader umbrella of liberal arts. Similar to Humanities, Social Sciences typically refer to subjects that deal with systems and how they function. The human mind and global economy are examples of such systems.

The Academy of Social Sciences defines it as:

 “the study of people: as individuals, communities and societies; their behaviours and interactions with each other and with their built technological and natural environments”

They are academic disciplines that study human society and social relationships. Social Sciences are more interested in how systems have been constructed and how they have been functioning. They encompass a wide range of fields, each focusing on different aspects of social life. Here’s a brief overview of some key social sciences:

1. Marketing: The study of how to deliver customer-centred products and services profitably within a business or non-for-profit organisation context. Effective blend of product and services design, coordinated communications and the right prices of brands are crucial competencies that marketing practitioners and scholars have up their sleeves.

2. Communication Studies: The study of how information is conveyed and understood. Communication scholars explore media, interpersonal communication, and the effects of communication on society.

3. Education: The study of teaching and learning processes and practices. Education researchers focus on how people acquire knowledge, the effectiveness of different educational practices, and the role of education in society.

4. Sociology: The study of society, social institutions, and social relationships. Sociologists examine how people interact within groups, the structures of societies, and the effects of social change.

5. Psychology: The study of the mind and behaviour. Psychologists explore mental processes, emotions, and the ways individuals relate to one another and their environments.

6. Anthropology: The study of humans, past and present. Anthropologists investigate cultural norms, values, languages, and the biological aspects of humanity.

7. Economics: The study of the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. Economists analyse how resources are allocated, the behaviour of markets, and economic policies.

8. Political Science: The study of government, political processes, and political behaviour. Political scientists examine the functioning of political institutions, the formation of public policy, and the dynamics of power.

9. History: The study of past events. Historians research and interpret historical records to understand how past societies and events have shaped the present.

10. Geography: The study of places and the relationships between people and their environments. Geographers explore physical landscapes, human cultures, and the spatial aspects of human activity.

11. Law: The study of legal systems, legal principles, and the administration of justice. Legal scholars examine how laws are created, interpreted, and enforced.

You will find some of the above listed courses under humanities category. Each of these fields uses various research methods, such as qualitative analysis, quantitative analysis, and mixed methods, to investigate and understand complex social phenomena. The insights gained from social sciences are crucial for addressing social issues, informing public policy, and enhancing our understanding of human behaviour and society.

A Bachelor of Arts degree develops students’ abilities to communicate clearly and critically analyse ideas, theories, and concepts. Students learn how to reach their own conclusions and express them logically. During the final year, most students have to write a thesis in order to graduate.

Bachelor of Science

Before the idea of Bachelor of Science degrees came to fruition, all undergraduate courses were referred to as Bachelor of Arts. The University of London was the first institution to offer Bachelor of Science degrees in the in 1860 before the idea diffused to other universities. It is now a common practice globally.

A Bachelor of Science degree used to be awarded to students studying the Natural Sciences (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Physics), Engineering and Technology (e.g., Computer Science, Electrical Engineering), Health Sciences (e.g., Nursing, Public Health), Applied Sciences (e.g., Environmental Science, Mathematics). But it now covers some of the social science programmes listed above.

This degree route usually comes with additional emphasis on mathematical and scientific perspectives on the chosen field of study. It should be looked at as the path way that equips students with scientific diagnosis of a problem. The term ‘science’ is simply defined by the Britannica dictionary as:

“any system of knowledge that is concerned with the physical world and its phenomena and that entails unbiased observations and systematic experimentation. In general, a science involves a pursuit of knowledge covering general truths or the operations of fundamental laws”.

Central to this definition is unbiased observation. This suggests that a Bachelor of Science programme in Marketing, for example, will equip students to analyse marketing problems devoid of unfounded speculations. Analysis of the problems and the resultant opinions shared come as a result of scrutinizing and observing systematically collected data as proof.

As stated above, the same undergraduate programme can be available in both Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science. For example:

Psychology: BA in Psychology might include more courses in social sciences and humanities, while a BSc in Psychology would include more natural science and mathematics courses.

Economics: A BA in Economics may focus on theoretical aspects and policy analysis, while a BSc in Economics would include more quantitative analysis and statistical methods.

Students’ choice should be based on:

Career Goals: Consider the type of career you want. Technical and scientific careers may benefit more from a BSc, while careers in education, communications, and arts may align better with a Bachelor of Arts.

Interests and Strengths: If you have a strong interest in humanities and social sciences, a BA might be more suitable. If you excel in science and math, a BS could be a better fit.

Both degrees have equal value and that could be the reason why many students are not strategic about their choices. But the choice when made can impact career paths. It is therefore imperative for students to self-assess and ask the unavoidable critical question “where do I want to take this degree going forward”. Or “what is my career direction?” A Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing, for example, can lead to a marketing practitioner of a business organisation. A Bachelor of Science degree is designed to shape students to be more research-oriented, although holders of this degree can also perform the functions of a marketing practitioner. Thus, it is the choice to take if you want to study for a PhD later after graduating the bachelors or masters.

Written by: The Legacy Post
(The Legacy Research Team)