B.S vs B.A degree

[prettyslick]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I am leaning towards getting a second bachelors degree. What's the difference between B.S and a B.A degree? Reason why I ask this: I am considered an "International Student". I can't just take classes on my own without declaring a major. I have to declare a formal degree as to what I am pursuing (even though my main purpose of getting a second bachelors would be to take extra science class to improve my overall and science uGPA). I already have a B.S degree in Biological Sciences. If I major in Chemistry (for example) for a second degree, would it matter if I pursue a B.S or B.A? I see that B.A degree has less requirements (which would be ideal for me because it will give me more flexibility to take classes that I want rather than trying to squeeze in all the required classes in 4 semesters for a B.S degree). I would appreciate someone's input on this matter as I was confused. Thanks.

 

[Isoprop]

I am leaning towards getting a second bachelors degree. What's the difference between B.S and a B.A degree? Reason why I ask this: I am considered an "International Student". I can't just take classes on my own without declaring a major. I have to declare a formal degree as to what I am pursuing (even though my main purpose of getting a second bachelors would be to take extra science class to improve my overall and science uGPA). I already have a B.S degree in Biological Sciences. If I major in Chemistry (for example) for a second degree, would it matter if I pursue a B.S or B.A? I see that B.A degree has less requirements (which would be ideal for me because it will give me more flexibility to take classes that I want rather than trying to squeeze in all the required classes in 4 semesters for a B.S degree). I would appreciate someone's input on this matter as I was confused. Thanks.

there's very little difference in the two degrees. they are equivalent. generally speaking, a B.S. in a science requires more math and more labs, and a B.A. requires more breadth and general education classes. this varies at each university.

if you already have a B.S. then you may need to take some additional general education classes to obtain a B.A. if the B.A. gives you additional flexibility, i would advise to do that instead.