Psychology is a highly popular field of study, and for good reason. After all, who doesn’t love exploring the inner workings of the human mind?
However, if you’re interested in pursuing a degree in psychology, you might be wondering whether it’s considered a Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree. The answer isn’t quite as straightforward as you might think.
What’s the Difference Between a BS and BA Degree?
Before we dive into the specifics of psychology degrees, let’s first explore the difference between a BS and BA degree. In general, a BS degree tends to focus more heavily on science and math courses. This means that students pursuing a BS degree will typically take more classes in subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, and statistics.
On the other hand, a BA degree tends to have more of an emphasis on humanities and social sciences. This means that students pursuing a BA degree will typically take more classes in subjects like English, history, sociology, and philosophy.
Is Psychology Considered a Science?
The answer to this question is somewhat complicated. While psychology certainly involves scientific methods such as experimentation and statistical analysis, it also incorporates aspects of humanities and social sciences such as philosophy and sociology.
Because of this interdisciplinary nature, some universities offer both BS and BA degrees in psychology depending on which aspects they choose to emphasize. Additionally, some universities may offer other variations such as Bachelor of Science in Psychology with concentrations in neuroscience or cognitive science.
Which Degree Should You Choose?
Ultimately, the decision between pursuing a BS or BA degree in psychology will depend on your personal interests and career goals. If you’re interested in conducting research or pursuing careers that involve data analysis or experimentation (such as neuroscience), then a BS degree may be more appropriate for your needs.
On the other hand, if you’re interested in pursuing careers that involve working with people (such as counseling or social work), then a BA degree may be more appropriate. Additionally, if you have a passion for other humanities or social science subjects and want to explore them alongside psychology, then a BA degree may be the better choice.
Conclusion
In the end, whether psychology is considered a BS or BA degree will depend on the university and their specific program. However, it’s important to remember that both degrees can lead to successful careers in psychology and related fields. By considering your personal interests and career goals, you can make an informed decision about which type of degree is best for you.