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Whether you want to apply for a promotion, get up to date on developments in your field, or jump into an entirely new profession, a Bachelor of Arts university degree can help you get there. Before enrolling, you should know: What is a Bachelor of Arts degree?
A Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree has a broad academic focus, covering topics ranging from psychology to art to political science. It’s a flexible program with a liberal arts foundation, designed to meet the needs of many different kinds of students, including working adults. Before you go back to school, understanding what a BA degree is, what career opportunities it offers, and the difference between a Bachelor of Arts degree vs. Bachelor of Science is crucial.
What Is a BA Degree?
A Bachelor of Arts is an undergraduate degree with a liberal arts focus and general education core. One of the most flexible bachelor’s degree programs, a BA degree allows students to take courses in multiple disciplines, such as the humanities, social sciences, languages, and arts.
BA vs. BS Degree: Key Differences and Who Each One Fits Best
Before you apply for an undergraduate degree program, you need to decide whether you will pursue a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science (BS). Although these degrees have similar program lengths and basic course requirements, they also have several key differences.
| Bachelor of Arts | Bachelor of Science | |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative load | Fewer quantitative courses, more electives and coursework in communication, humanities, and liberal arts | Heavy quantitative load with advanced math and science courses |
| Course style | Flexible, holistic, and creative, emphasizing critical thinking and theoretical knowledge | Structured, practical, and technical, often with lab components |
| Ideal learner fit | Students interested in interdisciplinary studies and freedom to explore diverse career paths | Students interested in science, technology, engineering, and math careers (STEM) and developing deep technical expertise |
You can gain valuable knowledge and skills from either a BS or BA program — one isn’t inherently better than the other. The right choice ultimately depends on your career goals, interests, and strengths.
Common BA Majors
Liberal arts, general studies, and the humanities are the most popular undergraduate fields of study in the United States, largely because they encompass so many different subjects. Popular majors within these areas include:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Communications
- History
- Business
Many jobs that require a Bachelor of Arts degree will accept a variety of majors, even if they aren’t directly connected to the position, because students in these programs develop a well-rounded set of soft and hard skills.
What a Bachelor of Arts Degree Includes
A BA degree program combines general education requirements with major-specific courses and electives. General education classes often cover transferable soft skills, including:
- Writing
- Communication
- Critical thinking
- Research
BA requirements also include courses specific to each student’s major. To round out their program, students choose electives in areas aligned with their interests.
Some programs offer special degree programs. For instance, a Bachelor of Arts honours degree is a more in-depth version of a standard BA. This type of program allows you to specialize in a particular area of study and usually requires fewer multidisciplinary classes, but the specific requirements differ between schools.
How Long Does a BA Take? Full-Time, Part-Time & Accelerated Paths
Generally speaking, full-time BA students follow a four-year traditional path, while part-time students typically need five or six years to finish their degrees. Some schools offer accelerated BA degree programs with condensed terms, which make it possible for students to graduate in two to three years.
Every student has to work through a degree program at their own pace, particularly when they need to balance personal and professional responsibilities. For mid-career adults, a part-time schedule may be ideal because you can schedule courses around your work hours. Taking advantage of evening classes, hybrid options, and online bachelor’s degree programs can help you earn your degree without interrupting your career.
If you already have some college credits under your belt from a previous associate degree or unfinished undergraduate degree program, transferring course credits is another way to graduate more quickly. At City University of Seattle, you can transfer up to 135 undergraduate credits.
FIND THE RIGHT PROGRAM FOR YOU
What Can You Do With a BA Degree? Top Jobs & Growing Paths
For many students, the importance of a college education boils down to job prospects. These are a few possible BA career paths:
- Teacher: A Bachelor of Arts in Education prepares you to become a classroom teacher by introducing you to pedagogical theory, classroom management techniques, and educational psychology.
- Journalist: Journalists conduct research and write articles and books about important topics, and a BA program offers instruction in interviewing, digital media, ethics, and writing.
- Human resources specialist: A BA business program teaches essential skills for human resources (HR) specialists, including conflict resolution, employee relations, and talent management.
- Social worker: Social workers, who help people overcome challenging situations, often have a BA in a related field that covers critical topics such as human behavior, social policy, and cultural diversity.
- Graphic artist: If you have a combined interest in art and technology, taking courses related to design, image tools, typography, and visual communication could lead to a job as a graphic artist who creates logos, websites, and ads.
- Manager: Managers guide their teams so they can achieve organizational goals, and a BA in Management could help you qualify for managerial roles in areas such as operations, project management, finance, and HR.
As well as these options, a BA is an asset if you want to pursue virtually any profession requiring clear communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
FAQs: What Students Ask Before Choosing a BA Degree
What is a Bachelor of Arts degree good for?
A BA degree is useful for a wide range of careers in fields such as education, business, civil services, and the creative arts. It’s also excellent preparation if you want to pursue a master’s degree or graduate certificate.
Is a BA degree worth it?
Obtaining a BA is worthwhile for many people, including mid-career professionals who want to enhance their skill sets, change career paths, or advance within their companies. In some cases, earning a bachelor’s degree can lead to a salary increase.
How long is a Bachelor of Arts degree program?
The length of a BA program depends on the requirements and whether you attend as a full-time or part-time student. In most cases, full-time students complete their degrees in around four years, while part-time students may need five or six years to graduate.
What’s the difference between a BA and a BS?
The most significant difference between a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science is the focus. A BA centers around liberal arts and general education, while a BS emphasizes math, science, and technical skills. BA programs also tend to have a flexible curriculum that allows students to take more electives.
Explore Flexible BA Paths at CityU
Learning never stops, and earning a Bachelor of Arts degree is a great way for adult students to expand their skills and knowledge while continuing their careers. Whether you take one, two, or four courses a semester, a bachelor’s degree could help you grow in your current company or dive into an exciting new industry.
CityU offers in-person, hybrid, and online Bachelor of Arts degree programs so you can tailor your education to your needs. Transfer pathways help you graduate more quickly, and advisors can give you insights into financial aid, majors, and career pathways. Explore the admissions application process to take the first step toward earning your Bachelor of Arts in Education or other BA degree.
