BS in Psychology vs. BA in Psychology
A heads-up comparison of Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Bachelor of Science in Psychology degrees.
Psychology is a fascinating field that can lead you down a range of rewarding career paths. If you're interested in pursuing a college degree in psychology, you may be wondering which type to choose: a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology or a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology. Both programs have advantages and disadvantages, and the decision you make will depend largely on your interests and career goals.
In this article, we'll break down the pros, cons, similarities and differences between the two main types of undergraduate psychology degrees, and help you figure out which one is the best fit for you.
What Is a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology?
A Bachelor of Arts in Psychology is a psychology degree with a focus on liberal arts and humanities. Students who pursue this degree can study a broad range of topics, such as social psychology, addiction psychology, and applied behavior analysis. Bachelor's of Arts in psychology include more electives than a BS in areas like philosophy, literature and history -- this curriculum flexibility opens up BA grads to variety of careers outside of psychology.
Advantages of a BA in Psychology
Broader range of courses
A bachelor of arts in psychology allows for a wide range of electives in other disciplines. This can help students develop a more well-rounded skill set and additional career options.Strong writing and communication skills
A BA in psychology places a significant emphasis on critical thinking, writing and communication. This can be beneficial in a variety of creative roles.Good preparation for graduate school
A BA in psychology provides a solid foundation for students who plan to pursue a graduate degree in psychology or complimentary fields.Disadvantages of a BA in Psychology
Fewer research opportunities
A Bachelor of Arts in Psychology typically has fewer research opportunities when compared to a Bachelor of Science in psychology. This can be a drawback for students who plan to pursue a research-oriented role, such as psychology research analyst or research psychologist.Limited exposure to scientific methods
A BA in psychology does not provide as much exposure to scientific methods and statistics as a BS in psychology.What Is a Bachelor of Science in Psychology?
A Bachelor of Science in Psychology is an undergraduate education program that focuses on the scientific aspects of psychology. Students who pursue this degree will study topics such as research methodology, statistics, and neuroscience. To make room for this increased scientific curriculum, a BS degree in psychology typically includes fewer elective courses than a BA in Psychology.
Advantages of a BS in Psychology
Strong research skills
A BS in psychology provides students with a strong foundation in research methods and statistics. This can be an advantage for students who plan to pursue a research-oriented career.Strong preparation for doctorate programs
A BS in psychology can provide a strong foundation for students who plan to pursue a doctoral degree in psychology, psychiatry or related fields.More continued education opportunities
Bachelor of science degrees in psychology tend to align well with Master of Science (MS) and Masters of Business Administration (MBA) programs in psychology and related subjects. Some schools offer accelerated programs where you can earn your BS and MS in psychology simultaneously.Disadvantages of a BS in Psychology
Fewer opportunities to develop communication skills
A bachelor of science in psychology typically has fewer opportunities to develop written and oral communication skills than a bachelor of arts in psychology.Less freedom to take electives in other disciplines
A BS in psychology typically has fewer opportunities to take optional courses in other domains, which can limit a student's exposure to diverse topics of interest.Which Degree Should You Choose?
The decision between a bachelor of science or bachelor of arts in psychology depends on your personal goals and desired career path. If you're interested in pursuing a career in research or becoming a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist, a BS in psychology may be the best choice. On the other hand, if you're interested in developing strong communication skills and still unsure of which career path in psychology is ultimately for you, a BA in psychology may be a better fit.
Related: Is Psychology a Good major?