What is the difference between a B.S. and B.A college degree?

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) is a technical degree, whereas the Bachelor of Arts is broadly focused. A B.S. is most commonly awarded to majors in the physical and biological sciences as well as engineering and agricultural studies, while the B.A. degree covers humanities and social sciences.

Because a B.S. is not as broad as a B.A., students pursuing a B.S. have less freedom to enroll in elective or special-interest courses. B.S. students sometimes have to complete more college credit hours than B.A. students to graduate. Students in both degrees, however, can complete their degree in four or five years of full-time study.