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Bachelor’s in psychology programs can award either a BS or BA degree. Both can lead to careers in the field, but there are some differences.
A bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science in psychology trains students in foundational psychological theories and practices, human behavior, mental health conditions, and cognitive processes. With a BA or BS in psychology, graduates may work in human resources, business, sales, or education as they apply analytical, communication, and critical thinking skills alongside their degree knowledge.
BA and BS degrees in psychology offer students opportunities for exciting careers and foundations for continued study. While they differ, one degree is not necessarily better than the other. Read on for more information about which one may be right for you.
Differences Between a BS and a BA in Psychology
Standard curricula between a BA and a BS in psychology vary, but both generally cover psychological theory, principle, and practice. Choosing between a BS or a BA in psychology depends on a student’s personal interests and professional goals. Degree specializations within each bachelor’s program, considered briefly below, also allow learners to distinguish between curricula so they can opt for the degree that best meets their needs.
Curriculum Differences
Students in BA and BS programs in psychology study general theories and basic research methods in the field. Bachelor of arts learners may take classes in cognitive, behavioral, and social psychology while pursuing coursework in history, political science, and sociology. Many BA programs may include options for learners to specialize in forensics or in social work, further extending the breadth of the program to train students for careers in those fields.
A BS in psychology includes similar coursework in subsets of psychology with more advanced classes in neuroscience, statistical analysis, and clinical psychology. Concentrations in areas such as workplace, developmental, and addictions psychology prepare students for graduate work in the field while many BS programs offer a BS-to-MS in psychology degree option.
Salary and Career Differences
Bachelor of arts and bachelor of science degrees in psychology provide students opportunities for careers in psychology and related fields.
For graduates with a BA in psychology who attend graduate school and become psychology professionals, the field will experience 14% job growth by 2026. Because the curriculum for a BA offers a range of coursework in the arts, humanities, and social sciences, it opens up professional opportunities in business, law, criminal justice, and journalism. A BA program provides students with the communication and critical thinking skills applicable to positions like social service case workers, human resource specialists, and nonprofit program associates.
With a BS in psychology, students gain analytical and research skills applicable to careers like psychiatric technicians, laboratory assistants, career counselors, and rehabilitation case workers. Both BA and BS degrees train learners to express empathy to others, to evaluate and understand the best needs of clients, and to work in the best interest of those around them. As a result, many psychology students enter into teaching, market analysis, and customer service.
Advantages of a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology
Bachelor of science in psychology degrees emphasize biology, chemistry, and other natural sciences alongside mathematics and statistics. Students who seek to train as psychiatrists often earn a BS in psychology, as do learners interested in pursuing healthcare or organizational careers. Many BS programs feature degree tracks in business with additional coursework in leadership, management, and human resources.
A BS program serves as a stepping stone to graduate study in psychology by training students in research methods and data analysis. Learners may have the opportunity to observe psychological professionals and gain insights into the field, as well as take extensive upper-division coursework in psychology.
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Advantages of a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology
A bachelor of arts in psychology includes courses in the arts, humanities, and social sciences. Many BA programs in psychology also require a foreign language component. A BA typically allows students more flexibility in the curriculum than a BS in the field, as it requires fewer psychology courses and more classes in related fields. A BA in psychology prepares students for graduate school to train as psychologists or to work in a setting that requires knowledge of human cognition and behavior. BA programs in psychology also provide students with communication and analytical skills applicable to careers in journalism, human services, social work, and law.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
When choosing between a BA and a BS in psychology, consider resources like the ones below, which offer information about programs, careers, and opportunities. Students interested in psychology should explore schools’ curricula before entering a program. They also should factor in how a bachelor’s degree meets their personal and professional interests and goals.
Learn More About a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology
A bachelor’s degree in psychology builds critical thinking and analytical skills employers value while preparing students for graduate study in the field. Learners can pursue a BA and explore psychology alongside other liberal arts, or they can earn a BS and build additional science and mathematics competencies. Additional considerations — including cost, degree concentrations, and credit hour requirements — all contribute to choosing the right program.
Explore Psychology Careers
Students interested in psychology careers can pursue either a BA or a BS in psychology. Keeping in mind career opportunities and goals while looking at programs remains an essential part of the process. A BA opens up opportunities in fields like criminal justice and social work while a BS prepares learners for more research-based, clinical professions. Many psychology bachelor’s degrees prepare students for specialized careers in subsets of the field, including organizational psychology and forensic psychology.
Psychology is the study of the mind, a discipline that encompasses topics such as cognition, emotion, human development, and the biological and social aspects of behavior. If you’re interested in the field, you may want to pursue a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology or a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology.
Are you wondering which degree is right for you? Both degrees offer a comprehensive understanding of the field of psychology. To understand the differences between a BA and a BS in Psychology, you can start by examining each degree title. Although the specifics of coursework can vary by institution, the primary difference between a BA and a BS in Psychology is that a BA degree typically includes more liberal arts courses, while a BS degree tends to have greater math and science requirements.
Explore the similarities and differences of the two degrees, from curricula and career paths to job outlook, so you can choose the best program for your goals.
An Overview of the Two Degrees
A Bachelor of Arts in Psychology usually features courses in social psychology, psychology and ethics, and cognitive psychology, as well as a number of humanities and social sciences courses. These might include subjects such as comparative literature, sociology, anthropology, or foreign languages. In turn, the coursework allows students to build a broad knowledge base. Some BA in Psychology programs, such as Maryville University’s online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, also include a social science research sequence and a senior project within the curriculum. These aspects of a program can provide students with experience applying skills learned in the classroom to real-world scenarios. Depending on a student’s professional goals, a BA can lay a solid foundation for further study or lead to a position directly within the field of psychology.
A Bachelor of Science in Psychology typically will include core psychology courses as well as additional coursework that emphasizes math and science skills. BS in Psychology programs often focus on biology and research methodology and include courses like statistics. Required courses may include more extensive work in math, science, and quantitative research, and students may be required to conduct a research project and/or write a thesis. With this experience, graduates may be able to start work in the field immediately, although many choose to pursue further education.
What Do BS and BA in Psychology Graduates Do?
Many graduates with a BA in Psychology immediately enter the workforce in social services, marketing, or human resources. Others use their education as a foundation for a master’s degree in psychology, social work, law, or political science. It is common for BA students to pursue postgraduate degrees to develop research skills applicable to high-level psychology work.
BS in Psychology graduates are prepared to enter the workforce in a science-focused role. They can use their analytical and statistical skills to become psychiatric technicians or to support the work of experimental psychologists — positions that require strong attention to detail, statistical skills, and organization.
For recent graduates of both programs, many career possibilities are possible, such as:
- Human resources specialist: Human resources specialists recruit and hire new prospects and help employees navigate interpersonal issues in the workplace.
- Social science research assistant: These research assistants work under social scientists, helping them design and conduct studies, analyze outcomes, and prepare the results for publication.
- Counselor: Counselors work directly with clients on a range of specific issues. In drug and alcohol counseling, youth counseling, and career counseling, psychology graduates take on advisory roles, helping their clients make the best decisions possible for their unique goals and abilities. This position typically requires additional certifications and education beyond the undergraduate level.
- Psychology research assistant: Psychology research assistants work in labs, helping run research studies. They perform tasks such as scoring assessments, summarizing results, and communicating with clients.
- Psychiatric technician: Psychiatric technicians work under licensed psychiatrists, observing and tracking patients’ behaviors and vital signs, as well as assisting with other tasks.
- Rehabilitation specialist: These professionals help patients with physical injuries, disabilities, or mental health issues who need assistance with daily activities. Rehabilitation specialists assist with basic tasks, coordinate specialized care, and assist with rehabilitative activities, which might include physical mobility exercises or cognitive tasks.
Similarities Between a BA in Psychology and BS in Psychology
While there are many differences between a BA and a BS, both degrees offer coursework in a broad range of psychology topics, including human development through the lifespan, abnormal psychology, multicultural psychology, and social psychology. Both also require an understanding of statistics, though the extent to which it is emphasized varies.
Graduates are equipped to work in a variety of settings, including schools, businesses, government, and hospitals. Both degree recipients may go on to pursue similar postgraduate degrees, such as a Master of Science in Psychology, though both are also well equipped to study law, social work, or business at the master’s level.
Differences Between a Psychology BA and BS
Although they share some foundational courses, BA and BS in Psychology degrees do have differences within the specific required coursework, as well as in the typical career paths for graduates.
Coursework
The BA focuses on liberal arts courses, exposing students to the social sciences and humanities in addition to a range of psychology topics. For example, Maryville University’s online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology includes general education courses, extensive work in the discipline of psychology, and a senior project that gives graduates a strong understanding of research and its applications.
The BS approaches the discipline as a science, and tends to emphasize higher math, computer science, and quantitative reasoning courses alongside core psychology requirements. The curriculum is more likely to focus on research methods and applied psychology. Usually, general education courses center on science, particularly biology.
Further Education
Undergraduate degrees in psychology are great jumping-off points for a variety of postgraduate work. BA students can continue their education in psychology but are just as prepared to earn a master’s degree in another discipline, such as law, education, or social work. Alternatively, BS students may continue their work in a specific subfield of psychology or may choose to apply their science skills in medical school.
BA in Psychology vs. BS in Psychology: Which Is Right for You?
If your interest lies in the liberal arts component of psychology, or you want to lay a foundation for graduate-level work in a variety of fields, a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, such as Maryville University’s online psychology bachelor’s degree, offers in-depth psychology coursework and research opportunities. If you’re inclined toward science and mathematics and want to study the brain through a focus on biology and statistics, a Bachelor of Science may be preferable. In either path, graduates learn skills that are applicable in a number of rewarding careers.
Sources:
Houston Chronicle, “Job Description of a Day Rehabilitation Specialist”
Maryville University, Online Psychology Bachelor’s Degree
Psychology Today, “14 Career Options for Psychology Majors”
Very Well Mind, “Differences Between a BA and a BS in Psychology”
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Human Resources Specialists
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Market Research Analysts
