Computer BA Vs BS | BestCollegeReviews.org (2024)

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Computer BA Vs BS | BestCollegeReviews.org? ›

Typically, a BA requires more electives that cover humanities and liberal arts topics. A BS focuses more on math and science topics. Other differences vary among colleges. For example, Rice University offers BA students a broad overview of the computer science field.

BA allows more humanities and arts electives; BS focuses on advanced technical topics. BA for a multidisciplinary approach; BS for specialized technical roles. Similar starting salaries and job prospects in the computer science field for both BA and BS graduates.

Neither degree ranks as better than the other, but one might better suit specific career goals. For example, if you're interested in technical careers, you may need a BS for graduate school applications. In some majors, you may choose between a BA and a BS. Many psychology programs, for instance, offer both options.

The major difference between a BA and a BS in Computer Science is that a BA has an incorporated minor, whereas a BS does not, meaning that you have to declare a minor in order to complete your BA. On the other hand, for a BS in Computer Science, you don't need to declare a minor (but you can if you want to!).

The answer usually depends on the position. Most employers view the degree types as equals. Computer science jobs that require more creativity, like user experience design, may best suit BA graduates. Employers hiring for jobs that require problem-solving and strategic thinking may prefer BS degree-holders.

That's more than education majors (89,398), physical science majors (29,238), and mathematics majors (27,092) [1]. But computer science has gotten a reputation for being a difficult bachelor's degree to earn because it involves learning how to program and combines a wide variety of theoretical and practical subjects.

A bachelor of arts degree emphasizes more humanities and social science coursework, while a bachelor of science degree may focus on natural sciences and engineering. When choosing a BA vs. BS, both types of degrees can lead to high-paying jobs. In general, however, professionals with a BS often earn higher salaries.

In general, employers tend to care less about whether an applicant holds a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science and more about the reputation of their university and the relevance of their major.

If you are planning on a specialized career after graduation, such as architect or engineer, a B.S. may be more appropriate. If you aren't exactly clear yet on your career path, then a B.A. might be better, as you can explore your major with wider breadth of coursework to determine what you want to do.

Bachelor of Arts (BA) – THE HUMANITIES TRACK

The core B.A program will involve Computer Science essentials such as programming, software development, but will also address topics such as social sciences, literature, and foreign languages.

Which computer field has the highest salary? ›

Starting a career in computer science isn't as easy as graduating and showing up to a job interview. While new grads can expect a friendly job market, a candidate's competitive edge comes from specific expertise in a particular branch of computer science.

As stated previously, the primary distinction between a B.A. and B.S. in computer science is their academic focus. A B.A. provides students greater exposure to liberal arts subjects, while B.S. programs are more directed to the finer technical aspects of computer science.

Note that students wishing to study computer science at UC Berkeley have two different major options: The EECS major leads to the Bachelor of Science (BS), while the the College of Letters & Sciences offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree.

Along with more advanced mathematics courses, a computer science degree also entails more theory-oriented computer science courses such as the theory of computing. A computer information systems degree program, meanwhile, will require you to take business courses such as accounting, marketing, and business management.

If the computer science job you want is in research, then you may need a doctorate. Other than that, you do not need a degree to get a job in computer science. However, data indicates your salary may get a boost from having higher education in a good major like computer science.

Computer science professionals tend to do more independent work creating computer programs and applications, using algorithms and writing code. IT professionals typically focus more on using technology to support business goals, while frequently interacting with others to help solve tech issues.

Generally, computer science jobs tend to offer higher pay than information technology jobs, particularly in software development, artificial intelligence and data science. However, information technology jobs can also provide competitive salaries, especially in cybersecurity and network administration.