Some of the most critical decisions in our lives are those concerning our education. For those of us who find it challenging to make decisions, considering pursuing higher education can be nerve-racking. In addition to choosing a career, you also have to decide what kind of university program you want to enroll in. If you weren’t aware that there is more than one type of bachelor’s degree – you are not the only one. In this article, we present three types of bachelor’s degrees and how they differ from one another so you can choose what fits your needs and goals best.
What Is a BA Degree?
A Bachelor of Arts degree or a BA is a four-year undergraduate degree that one can obtain in a university or college. A BA program is generally more extensive with less specialized courses, accentuating humanities or human society and culture courses. Universities and colleges offer BA programs in several disciplines like education, journalism, English language and literature, sociology, etc.
How long does it take to get a BA degree?
Depending on the country, it generally takes three to four years to complete a Bachelor of Arts degree. In the US, a BA program typically takes four years. Although four years is the time it would take a full-time student to complete the required 120-130 credit hours to obtain a BA degree, this isn’t always the case. It often takes students more than four years to complete a BA program because they juggle studying and working or family responsibilities. On the other hand, some universities offer accelerated bachelor’s programs for students who want to graduate up to a year earlier and have more flexibility in their classes.
Benefits of taking a Bachelor of Arts degree?
A Bachelor of Arts degree is very versatile and can lead to career opportunities in a wide range of fields. With a BA degree, you can pursue careers in education, business, technology, history, etc. Some of the most common career choices for someone with a Bachelor of Arts degree are:
- Teacher
- Counselor
- Social worker
- Government officer
- Historian
- Writer
- Artist
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BAU), the median salary for someone with a bachelor’s degree is considerably higher than for someone with only a high school diploma. Obtaining a BA can be the first step towards a more specialized career.
What Is a BSc Degree?
A Bachelor of Science or BSc degree is also an undergraduate degree obtained in postsecondary education. Compared to a BA degree, a BSc program is more focused with more specialized courses on science, mathematics, technology, or engineering. Some of the most common BSc concentrations include business, social sciences, education, communications, engineering, etc.
How long does it take to get a BSc degree?
A Bachelor of Science (BSc) program typically lasts four years in the US, meaning it takes four years for full-time students to fulfill the requirements, i.e., credit hours to obtain a BSc. Similarly, students can get a Bachelor of Science degree in three to four years, depending on the country. However, some universities offer part-time programs for students who wish to pursue a BSc while working or taking care of other obligations.
Benefits of taking a Bachelor of Science degree?
A Bachelor of Science degree can be the perfect first step towards your desired career. Depending on your specialization, a BSc can lead to a number of diverse and advantageous careers such as:
- Research scientist
- Clinical research specialist
- Lab technician
- Biochemist
- Assistant professor
- Assistant nurse
- IT technician
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, you can increase your earning potential even in entry-level positions by obtaining a bachelor’s degree. Furthermore, a Bachelor of Science degree can lead to a number of fulfilling careers which naturally increases job satisfaction.
What Is a BBA Degree?
A Bachelor of Business Administration or BBA is yet another type of undergraduate degree. Students enrolled in a BBA program attend classes designed to prepare them for a career in the business world. A BBA program offers courses that cover the basic principles of business. The most common BBA specializations include management, finance, accounting, marketing, entrepreneurship, etc.
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How long does it take to get a BBA degree?
It typically takes students three to four years to complete the required 120 credit hours and obtain a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. Many universities offer students the choice of completing a BBA program full-time, part-time, or online.
Benefits of taking a Bachelor of Business Administration?
A Bachelor of Business Administration degree is one of the most sought-after undergraduate degrees. Pursuing a BBA is perfect for those interested in business careers. BBA opens doors to a variety of careers, including but not limited to:
- Marketing manager
- Accountant
- Financial advisor
- Human resources specialist
- Sales manager
- Market research analyst
- Management analyst
According to the BLS, obtaining a bachelor’s degree, including a BBA, increases job opportunities. Pursuing a BBA degree is a great way to build a professional network that can later help you advance in your career.
What Are the Differences Between BA, BSc, and BBA Degrees?
A Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Science, and a Bachelor of Business Administration are all four-year undergraduate degrees. The main difference between the three lies in the focus of each program. Firstly, a BA program is more generalized compared to a BSc program. A BA and a BSc program have courses that fulfill universal education requirements, i.e., English (language) and writing, mathematics, natural and social sciences, history, etc.
However, a BSc program applies a more focused approach to a selected discipline, e.g., science, technology, or engineering. On the other hand, a BBA is the most focused of the three degrees. BBA is a degree entirely focused on business administration and business-related subjects.
To conclude, choosing a program that is tailored to your needs and career interests is advantageous for many reasons. Though similar in many aspects, there is always a reason you can obtain a bachelor’s degree either as a BA, BSc, or BBA. Before selecting a particular program, it is advisable to consider your needs, abilities, and career goals.
