What’s a bachelor of science degree, and why should I consider it?

Both BS and BA degrees include roughly 120 credit hours of coursework. Many of the general education classes for BS and BA degrees are the same. You'll take introductory courses in English, history, and social science in both curricula. 

In a BS degree, you may need to take more lab science classes and advanced math courses than your counterparts in a BA degree. 

A BS degree emphasizes quantitative skills, technical abilities, logic, and reasoning. A BA degree focuses on critical thinking and communication. Both programs have research components, but BS classes teach quantitative research methods and analysis.

Schools offer some degrees as both a BA and a BS, emphasizing different aspects of the curriculum. You may need a BS degree to pursue certain degrees and certifications, such as a professional engineer license.