If you’re interested in the human mind and behavior, a bachelor’s degree in psychology is a great place to start. You can choose between a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology and a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Psychology. Both degrees will give you a foundation for understanding the intricacies of the human experience, but they have different focuses.
The degree you choose depends on your interests and career goals. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you decide! We’ll explore the key differences between a B.A. psychology vs a B.S. psychology degree, the career paths each degree can lead to, and other factors to consider before you commit to one program or the other. Regardless of which degree you pick, you’ll find that many career opportunities are open to you.
What is a B.A. in Psychology?
A Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology is a degree that emphasizes a broad education in the liberal arts, with a strong focus on the humanities and social sciences.
The curriculum typically includes core psychology courses covering the main areas of the field, along with general education requirements and elective courses that allow students to explore other interests. Many programs also require a year of foreign language study, which isn’t usually a requirement for a B.S.
A B.A. in Psychology is designed to equip students with strong communication and interpersonal skills, as well as critical thinking and analytical abilities. It’s a solid foundation for a wide range of careers that involve working with people or analyzing human behavior.
What is a B.S. in Psychology?
A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Psychology is a degree that emphasizes science, technology, research, and data analysis. You’ll still take core psychology courses and fulfill general education requirements, but you’ll also take more science and math courses than you would with a B.A.
Many B.S. in Psychology programs include laboratory courses where you’ll participate in studies, collect data, and analyze results.
A B.S. in Psychology is designed to equip you with strong research and data analysis skills, scientific writing abilities, and critical thinking skills.
Key Differences: B.A. vs. B.S. in Psychology
The differences between a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Psychology often come down to course requirements, the skills you’ll develop, and the overall focus of study. Let’s break it down:
Course Requirements
- Foreign Language: B.A. programs often require you to demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language. At the University of North Dakota (UND), “Level II proficiency in a foreign language” is required for both the B.A. and B.S. degrees, but this is not always the case at other universities.
- Science and Math: B.S. programs typically require more coursework in science and mathematics. At UND, the B.S. degree requires “an additional course in either algebra, precalculus, or computer science.”
- Lab Work: A B.S. might require you to take lab-based courses to gain hands-on research experience. UND requires a “laboratory-based course” as one of the upper-level psychology courses for the B.S. degree.
Skill Sets
- B.A.: A B.A. program emphasizes the development of strong communication and interpersonal skills, which makes it a good choice for roles that involve lots of human interaction.
- B.S.: A B.S. program focuses on building research and analytical skills, making it a good fit for jobs that require data analysis and scientific investigation.
Focus of Study
- B.A.: The B.A. has a broader focus, incorporating humanities and social sciences alongside psychology.
- B.S.: The B.S. has a more specialized focus on the scientific side of psychology.
Career Paths and Opportunities
So, you’re considering a psychology degree – great choice! But which one? Let’s peek at what doors each might open.
With a B.A. in Psychology, you might find yourself drawn to careers in human resources, social work, or counseling. Some entry-level teaching positions could also be an option. Keep in mind that further education, like a master’s degree, is often needed for career advancement in these fields.
A B.S. in Psychology, on the other hand, often gears you toward research-oriented roles. Think research assistant, lab technician, or even data analyst. Your science and math background will be valuable in these positions.
Now, let’s bust a myth: the idea that one degree leads to drastically higher earnings. According to Payscale data (November/December 2024), the median pay for someone with a B.S. in Psychology is around $68,000 per year, while the median pay for a B.A. holder is about $70,000. So, the difference isn’t as huge as you might think. Your specific job, experience, and location will likely have a bigger impact on your salary.
Finally, remember that both the B.A. and the B.S. are excellent stepping stones to graduate studies. Whether you dream of becoming a therapist, a researcher, or something else entirely, either degree can get you started on the path to your advanced degree.
Graduate School Options
The good news is that graduate psychology programs typically don’t favor one type of bachelor’s degree over the other. What matters more are your GPA, GRE scores, research experience, and letters of recommendation.
That said, it’s smart to tailor your undergrad coursework to your interests in graduate school. For example, if you’re interested in experimental psychology, it can be useful to take extra math and statistics courses. If you want to study educational psychology, you might want to take extra classes in child development.
Common graduate paths for psychology majors include clinical psychology, counseling psychology, research psychology, and school psychology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a psychologist need a BA or BS?
To become a licensed psychologist, you’ll need a doctoral degree (PsyD or PhD), not just a bachelor’s. Whether you choose a BA or BS for your undergraduate psychology degree won’t ultimately prevent you from pursuing that advanced degree. However, your choice can influence the path you take to get there.
Is a BA in psychology worth it?
A BA in psychology can be a valuable stepping stone to various careers, even if you don’t become a licensed psychologist. It can lead to entry-level positions in human resources, social work, marketing, and other fields where understanding human behavior is beneficial. It’s especially worthwhile if you plan to continue your education in psychology or a related field.
Which is better, BA or BS in psychology?
Neither degree is inherently “better.” The best choice depends on your career goals. A BS might be advantageous if you’re interested in research or a science-heavy field. A BA might be better if you’re interested in a more general understanding of psychology or plan to pursue a career that requires strong communication and critical thinking skills.
Does a BA or BS in psychology make more money?
Salary isn’t typically determined by whether you have a BA or BS in psychology alone. What really makes a difference is the job you pursue after earning your degree and/or the level of education you attain beyond your bachelor’s. Advanced degrees and specialized skills are the biggest drivers of higher earning potential.
Summary
When it comes to choosing between a BA in Psychology and a BS in Psychology, the best degree for you really depends on your interests and career goals. Think about what you’re good at and what you enjoy doing.
It’s also a good idea to talk to professors and advisors at your school. They can give you valuable insights and advice based on their own experiences and expertise. Share your ambitions and what excites you with them.
Finally, take the time to research the specific requirements of the programs you’re considering. Every school is different, so make sure you know what you’re getting into.