Is a Psychology Degree a BA or BS?

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Jane Flores

Are you considering pursuing a psychology degree but confused about whether it’s a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS)? This is a common question among students who want to study psychology, and the answer might surprise you.

What is the difference between a BA and a BS degree?

Before we dive into the specifics of psychology degrees, let’s briefly understand the difference between a BA and BS degree.

A Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree is generally awarded to students who complete programs in humanities, social sciences, or liberal arts. These programs focus on theoretical concepts and critical thinking skills.

In contrast, a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree is awarded to students who complete programs in sciences, engineering, or mathematics. These programs emphasize practical skills and scientific research.

Is Psychology a BA or BS Degree?

Now that we have an idea about the difference between BA and BS degrees let’s see where psychology fits in.

Psychology can be either a BA or BS degree depending on the program you choose to enroll in. Both degrees offer similar coursework but differ in terms of emphasis.

A BA in psychology focuses more on theoretical concepts such as human behavior, cognition, perception, and development. Students pursuing this degree are required to take courses in philosophy, literature, history and other humanities subjects.

On the other hand, a BS in psychology emphasizes scientific research methods such as experimental design, statistics, data analysis and interpretation. Students pursuing this degree are required to take courses in mathematics and science subjects like biology, chemistry or physics.

How do I choose which one is right for me?

Choosing which type of psychology program to pursue depends on your career goals. If you’re interested in counseling or social work where you’ll be working directly with people then a BA may be more suitable for you as it focuses on human behavior.

If your interest lies in research or working in a lab setting, then a BS degree may be more appropriate as it offers deeper insights into scientific methodologies.

Conclusion

In summary, whether you choose a BA or BS in psychology depends on your career goals and interests. Both degrees have their strengths, and you should choose the one that aligns with your future aspirations.

Remember, this decision is not set in stone. You can always switch between degrees or add a minor to your program to supplement your education. The most important thing is to choose what you’re passionate about and what will help you achieve your goals.