Is a Business Degree a BA or BS? What’s the Difference? | American Public University (2024)

02/21/2024

Many business students often ask, “Is a business degree a BA or BS? What is the difference?” It can often be confusing to understand the distinctions between a bachelor of arts (BA) and a bachelor of science (BS) degree.

The choice between a BA and a BS degree in business is more than just a matter of course selection. It's about aligning your degree with your professional goals and the skills you wish to develop.

Whether you lean toward a broad liberal arts education or a focused, technical approach to business studies, each type of degree offers unique opportunities and challenges.

Understanding the Distinction Between the BA and BS

To ensure you choose the bachelor's degree that suits you, it's crucial to understand the general differences between these two degrees.

The main difference lies in the focus of the degree program. For example, a bachelor of arts in business typically emphasizes a broader education, involving a wider range of subjects beyond the core business courses.

On the other hand, a bachelor of science in business concentrates more on the technical and quantitative aspects of business. It provides a further insight into analytical tools and methodologies; students who enjoy math might find that the courses for this degree might be more suitable for them.

While both BS degrees and BA degrees cover fundamental business principles, their coursework and approach differ. That way, students can tailor their education to their individual strengths and career aspirations.

How the Courses of Business Degrees Differ

The curriculum for a BA in business often includes a diverse range of liberal arts courses. In addition to core business courses, students may take general courses such as humanities, social sciences, foreign languages, and fine arts classes.

This broad educational foundation equips students with a well-rounded skill set. They learn how think critically, communicate effectively, and understand the social and cultural contexts in which businesses operate. Students who are people-savvy and who are strong writers may be more suited to this type of degree.

By contrast, the BS in business – often regarded as a more rigorous program – tends to have a more focused, technical curriculum. For example, students typically take intensive courses in areas such as accounting, finance, economics, statistics, and operations management. As a result, students develop the quantitative skills to analyze data, solve complex business problems, and make informed decisions based on solid analytical foundations.

It's important to note that specific courses and requirements may vary between universities and programs. Ideally, students pursuing a bachelor's degree in business should thoroughly research and compare the curricula of different institutions.

Career Trajectories

When considering career trajectories, the choice between a BA or BS degree in business is important. While both degrees can provide the fundamental knowledge and skills to pursue various career paths in the business world, the specific job roles a student can pursue may differ based on the degree type.

A BA in business is designed to provide a broad perspective, offering graduates a foundation in critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills.

This skill set makes BA students useful in roles that require strong interpersonal skills, such as marketing, human resources, and customer relationship management. Additionally, the broad knowledge gained through a BA degree enables graduates to be more business-savvy, take on diverse responsibilities, and easily adapt to changing work environments and business practices.

On the other hand, a BS in business equips graduates with a deeper understanding of quantitative analysis and technical skills, making them useful in fields such as finance, accounting, data analysis, and business operations. The specialized knowledge acquired during a BS program allows graduates to tackle complex financial models, conduct rigorous data analysis, and optimize business processes.

Ultimately, the choice between these two degrees depends on a student's career goals, strengths, and interests. It's essential to research specific job roles, industries, and the educational requirements and skill sets potential employers seek.

Specializations Available with Each Degree Type

Both BA and BS degrees in business offer opportunities for students to specialize in various areas of business. Courses in these specializations allow students to delve deeper into specific subjects that align with their interests and professional goals.

In a BA program, college students may find courses in marketing, entrepreneurship, international business, or human resource management. These specializations provide a focused curriculum that supplements the broad education provided by the BA degree, allowing students to develop expertise in specific business domains.

Similarly, a BS in business may offer specializations in finance, accounting, business analytics, or supply chain management. These education tracks provide in-depth knowledge and technical skills, enabling students to focus on becoming subject matter experts in their respective areas.

The Influence of BA vs. BS on Postgraduate Opportunities

Another crucial consideration when choosing between a BA and BS degree in business is the impact on postgraduate opportunities, such as pursuing a master's or Ph.D. While both types of bachelor’s degrees can lead to postgraduate studies, the specific programs can be different.

A BA degree in business provides a solid foundation for master’s-level studies in fields such as business administration, marketing, management, or entrepreneurship. Graduates with a BA degree can pursue a graduate degree that has a focus in these areas, building upon the knowledge and skills acquired during their undergraduate studies.

A BA degree can also serve as a pathway to interdisciplinary graduate programs that combine business with other fields, such as public policy or healthcare management.

With a BS degree in business, graduates may choose more specialized master's programs or research-oriented graduate studies. Business analytics or operations management programs may align with the quantitative and analytical background provided by a BS degree. Graduates with a BS degree may also have opportunities to pursue research in niche areas of business through Ph.D. programs.

Choosing the Right Business Degree

Choosing between a BA and BS degree in business is a decision that depends on a college student's professional goals, strengths, and interests. While both degree types have their own merits, students should carefully consider their career aspirations, preferred learning style, and skill set before deciding what type of bachelor’s degree to pursue.

It's essential for prospective bachelor's degree students who want to study business to thoroughly research and compare the available options at many colleges and universities. Factors such as program structure, general education and specialized course offerings, postgraduate opportunities, and potential career paths should all be considered. As a result, prospective students will be better able to make an informed decision and pick the right program for their educational needs.

Business Degrees at American Public University

Choosing between a bachelor of arts in business and a bachelor of science in business is a decision that can shape your professional path.

As you weigh your program options, consider the diverse and comprehensive degrees offered by American Public University (APU). APU’s business and management degrees, ranging from business administration to human resources management, caters to a variety of interests and career goals to help students determine which major fits them.

A key highlight of American Public University’s programs is our online format, providing convenience for working professionals and adult learners balancing other commitments. The courses, led by industry experts, not only provide academic knowledge but also impart real-world insights and practical skills.

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