Loading
The alphabet soup of college degrees — B.A., B.S., A.A., B.F.A. — confuses a lot of students. The differences are real but usually smaller than they sound. Here's what each means and when the distinction actually matters for you.
B.A. — Bachelor of Arts
A four-year degree with more breadth — more humanities, social sciences, languages, and electives alongside your major. Common for fields like English, history, communications, psychology, and many liberal-arts majors. Offers flexibility to explore widely.
B.S. — Bachelor of Science
A four-year degree with more depth in technical and quantitative coursework — more math, lab science, and major-specific classes. Common for engineering, computer science, biology, nursing, and business. Some schools offer both a B.A. and a B.S. in the same major, with the B.S. being more specialized.
Associate degree (A.A. / A.S. / A.A.S.)
A two-year degree, usually from a community college. An A.A./A.S. is often designed to transfer toward a bachelor's (the affordable 2+2 path); an A.A.S. is more career- and job-ready. A great low-cost start to a four-year degree or a direct path to work.
Specialized bachelor's (B.F.A., B.S.N., B.Arch., etc.)
Some fields have their own degree: a B.F.A. for fine arts, a B.S.N. for nursing, a B.Arch. for architecture, and more. These are usually more focused and professional, often with specific accreditation that matters for licensure.
B.A. vs. B.S.: usually not a big deal
For most students, a B.A. and a B.S. in the same field lead to similar opportunities — the B.S. just packs in more technical coursework. Employers and grad schools care far more about your skills, courses, and experience than the two letters on the diploma.
It matters most in technical and licensed fields. If you're aiming for engineering, nursing, or a path that needs heavy math and science (or specific accreditation), the B.S. or a specialized degree may be the right or required route. Check what your intended career or grad program expects.
Don't pick a college or major based on B.A. vs. B.S. alone. Look at the specific curriculum, the strength of the program, the cost, and the outcomes in your field. The quality and fit of the program matter far more than the abbreviation on the degree.
Plan your path: explore majors with the major & career explorer, choose a college even if undecided, and compare types of colleges.