If you’re an adult who is considering going back to school, you’ve already taken a big step. You’re looking at this decision through the lens of your real-life experience. You’re considering your career goals and what you want your next move to be. 

One of the first choices you’ll make is what type of degree to pursue. Universities typically offer either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree. Both a BA and a BS are bachelor’s degrees, but they differ in focus and structure. Understanding those differences can help you choose the path that best fits your goals and career direction.

What Is a Bachelor of Arts (BA)?

A Bachelor of Arts degree emphasizes a broad educational foundation and is often centered on liberal arts and social sciences. If you pursue a BA degree, you may be able to take more elective courses, which could give you the option to explore additional subjects or even pursue a double major.¹ 

• In a BA program, you often take a wide array of general-education courses in areas such as the humanities, the social sciences, and foreign languages, alongside courses in your chosen major.
• Your coursework may emphasize critical thinking, writing, cultural awareness, and interdisciplinary approaches.
• BA degree programs sometimes focus on developing “soft skills” like communication, collaboration, and problem-solving.

What Is a Bachelor of Science (BS)?

A Bachelor of Science degree focuses on the technical, quantitative, or scientific aspects of a field.¹ The degree curriculum usually emphasizes specialized courses that relate to the degree major.

• A BS degree is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in a specific field. This can include laboratory courses or courses in research and data analysis.
• Many BS programs place a strong emphasis on quantitative reasoning and analytical skills. Your courses can help you learn how to approach problems logically and use data to make informed decisions.
• The curriculum for BS degrees is often directly tied to a specific career path. You’ll take a number of courses related to your degree program, giving you a good foundation of knowledge in your chosen subject. 

What Are the Similarities Between a BS and a BA?

While there are differences between the two degrees, both a BA and a BS are, of course, a bachelor’s degree. They typically require the same number of credits—around 120 for most bachelor’s degree programs in the United States. They each usually take four years to complete. Both include a mix of general education classes and major-specific courses. Earning a bachelor’s degree is valuable for many careers.

BS vs. BA: Which Is Better?

Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees are equally valuable. What matters most is the quality, content, and fit of the program for your goals and interests.2 Here’s how to choose a degree program that’s right for you. 

1. First, be sure that any university you’re considering is accredited. Accreditation assures the quality of education, ensures your degree and credits are transferable to other institutions, and it is often required for federal financial aid.
2. Look at the curriculum for the degree program you’re interested in at the universities you’re considering. Do the courses sound interesting to you? Are the courses aligned with your career goals? If you’re planning to go to graduate school after earning your bachelor’s degree, does the curriculum cover the prerequisite courses for a graduate program?
3. Find out if the degree program is accredited. In addition to the university itself being accredited, some degree programs have separate accreditations. For some professions, such as nursing and social work, programmatic accreditation is required in order to pursue professional licensure or certification. 

Choosing between a BA and a BS doesn’t have to be complicated. What matters most is aligning the degree with your goals, your experience, and the future you envision.

Earning a Bachelor’s Degree Online at Walden University

At Walden University, we understand the unique needs of adult learners. Our online bachelor’s degree programs are designed to be flexible and supportive, allowing you to balance your education with your work and family commitments. Walden is an accredited university.

We are proud to offer a range of Bachelor of Science programs that are designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in today's competitive job market. Our BS degree programs provide a focused, career-oriented education that is grounded in real-world application. You’ll learn from faculty who are experts in their fields and have extensive experience working with adult learners.

Here are some of the BS programs we offer: 

• BS in Business Administration: Thrive in today’s global economy with practical knowledge taught by business experts in this online degree program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
• BS in Communication: Learn to better connect, engage, and motivate with a bachelor’s degree in communication.
• BS in Criminal Justice: Prepare for a career in law enforcement, corrections, or the legal system with a bachelor’s in criminal justice.
• BS in Early Childhood Studies: Make a difference in the lives of young children and their families.
• BS in Elementary Education: Prepare for licensure as an elementary school teacher and help shape the future of our children.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing: Walden’s CCNE-accredited online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) Completion Program was built with busy working nurses in mind, offering flexible learning formats, a rigorous curriculum, and the support you need to balance school with life’s demands.
• BS in Psychology: Explore the complexities of the mind and human behavior.
• BS in Public Health: Promote health and wellness in your community and around the world.
• Bachelor of Social Work: Create the change you want to see—for individuals, your community, and yourself—with Walden’s Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)-accredited online Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program. 

No matter which program you choose, at Walden, you can be confident that you’ll receive a high-quality education designed to prepare you for success. We’re committed to helping you achieve your goals and make a positive impact in your community and beyond.

Walden University is an HLC-accredited institution offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs online. Expand your career options and earn your degree in a convenient, flexible format that fits your busy life.

¹Source: www.coalitionforcollegeaccess.org/mycoalition-counselor-all/ba-vs-bs-degrees 
²Source: www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/understand-the-difference-between-a-ba-and-bs-degree 

Walden’s BS in Business Administration (BSBA), Master of Business Administration (MBA), Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), and PhD in Management programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing (BSN), master’s degree program in nursing (MSN), post-graduate APRN certificate program, and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Walden University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.ccneaccreditation.org).

Accreditation
Walden’s Bachelor of Social Work is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) Commission on Accreditation, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Accreditation of a baccalaureate or master’s social work program by the Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation indicates that it meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of program quality evaluated through a peer review process. An accredited program has sufficient resources to meet its mission and goals, and the Board of Accreditation has verified that it demonstrates compliance with all sections of the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards.

Note on Licensure
The Walden University Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program is designed to prepare graduates to practice as licensed social workers in states that offer licensure at the bachelor’s level. However, each state board responsible for the regulation of social work has its own requirements for licensure, including appropriate accreditation of academic programs.

Walden’s Bachelor of Social Work has received accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Board of Accreditation (BOA). Accreditation by the CSWE-BOA indicates that the program has met all criteria for the assessment of program quality evaluated through a peer review process. A program that has attained accreditation status has demonstrated a commitment to meeting the compliance standards set by the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards.

Prospective students enrolling in licensure-leading programs are advised that relocation to another state may impact the student’s ability to complete field experiences and/or to obtain professional licensure, certification, or other credential in another state. Prospective students are advised to carefully review, evaluate, and understand the requirements of the applicable licensure board in the state in which they intend to relocate.

Walden University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (www.hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.