If you had a choice between a BA or BS...?

[coolslugs]

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For those of you that majored in science in undergrad and had a choice between BA and BS, which one did you choose? If you got a BS, would you have gone back and go for a BA instead?

For my major, I have a choice between a BA and BS, and I can not decide which path to follow.
- If I choose the BA, I will be able to take 2-3 more social sci/ language classes instead of science classes. I believe these classes will help me understand a variety of people better in the future and are not available in dental school.
- If I choose the BS, I will have to take cell biology and clinical physiology on top of biochem, genetics, microbio, physio, and anatomy. Sometimes it just seems better to have a BS for a science major.

Any thoughts/ opinions?

 

[Toothinator]

It's kind of a win/lose situation. With a B.S. you will learn more Bio which may help you out for your DAT but if you get a B.A. it may be a little easier so you can get a higher GPA. It really isn't that much of a difference. If your school has a really tough Bio department like mine did I would say a B.A. would be better because the course load may not be as intense.

 

[ItsGavinC]

Allow me to be the first to break the bubble surrounding your pre-dent world, but it won't matter a hill of beans which you choose. Seriously.

Choose whichever interests you more. If you want to take more science classes, then do. If you don't, then don't. It won't make you the #1 student in your class and it won't make you the dumbest student in your dental class. It simply won't matter at all.

 

[coolslugs]

Allow me to be the first to break the bubble surrounding your pre-dent world, but it won't matter a hill of beans which you choose. Seriously.

Choose whichever interests you more. If you want to take more science classes, then do. If you don't, then don't. It won't make you the #1 student in your class and it won't make you the dumbest student in your dental class. It simply won't matter at all.

That was not really what I was asking. I was just wondering if anyone got a BS and regretted later on or vice versa.

 

[beannaithe]

I got a BA and kind of always wished that I had gotten a BS. But I love science a lot and it's my thing. I just didn't want to be in the experimental program that my school has just started because it could have meant that I didn't graduate.

But a BA let me take more variety in classes that I think made me a better rounded person. It also freed up a lot of time for research which was one of the things i wnated to do. Ultimately, your experiences add up to way more then the letters after your name.

Just my 2 cents/

 

[Smilemaker100]

For those of you that majored in science in undergrad and had a choice between BA and BS, which one did you choose? If you got a BS, would you have gone back and go for a BA instead?

For my major, I have a choice between a BA and BS, and I can not decide which path to follow.
- If I choose the BA, I will be able to take 2-3 more social sci/ language classes instead of science classes. I believe these classes will help me understand a variety of people better in the future and are not available in dental school.
- If I choose the BS, I will have to take cell biology and clinical physiology on top of biochem, genetics, microbio, physio, and anatomy. Sometimes it just seems better to have a BS for a science major.

Any thoughts/ opinions?

I completed a B.Sc majoring in "microbiology & immunology". If I had to do it all over again, I wouldn't change my decision. I have no regrets. If anything, even though some courses were challenging, (particularly the biochemistry and immunology courses) as far as I am concerned, it was the best major in the entire science faculty.

The degree I completed is very relevant to anyone who has intentions in pursuing a degree in medicine/dentistry/graduate studies. I still hold a fascination for the field. If I didn't get into dental school, I might have followed through with a research career in virology or oncology.

In regards to the arts component of my undergraduate education, I took some elective courses in the anthropology, sociology,art history and music departments. I was also involved with hobbies related to the arts which were not within the scope of my degree.

However, I must add that my alma mater now grants a special degree which is not an option at most universities (at least as far as I know). It wasn't available when I was a student. This interdisciplinary degree is called a "Bachelor of Arts & Science" (B.A & Sc) Degree and was only granted final approval by the university's Senate in the fall of 2005.

I think a B.A & Sc degree it is an interesting option for those undergrads who are not 100% confident about which career path they would like to follow . I strongly believe this option should be available at more universities because while I was an undergrad, I knew a number of classmates who were very confused about their interests.

My advice to you is to select a degree which will give you a certain flexibility to take electives which interest you in addition to those courses which are pre-requisites for dentistry. You also have to consider an undergrad program which has some future prospects in case you don't get into dental school.

 

[DrJeff]

The way I look at it is in the long run, especially if you want to go into the dental profession, is that the difference between a BS and a BA is the same as between a DMD and a DDS, meaning there is none. End of story.

 

[psiyung]

The way I look at it is in the long run, especially if you want to go into the dental profession, is that the difference between a BS and a BA is the same as between a DMD and a DDS, meaning there is none. End of story.

This is true, but only if you want to go into dental school. Things happen in people's lives, and things may change. I would personally go with the BS in case dental school doesn't work out, because it looks better when applying to other professional schools.

 

[Dukie]

This is true, but only if you want to go into dental school. Things happen in people's lives, and things may change. I would personally go with the BS in case dental school doesn't work out, because it looks better when applying to other professional schools.

I don't agree at all. Unless you are trying to get a phD in that specific field or a closely related scientific one, no school cares whatsoever.

 

[EyeAmCommi]

Get the B.S. It's the more "prestigious" one.

 

[aphistis]

Get the B.S. It's the more "prestigious" one.

According to who?

 

[ktcook83]

I went the BS route... no complaints or regrets here

 

[psiyung]

According to who?

Well, atleast at my school it was. The folks who got their BS in the same field usually took many more natural sciences, which always looks good on their resume (well, that is if you did decently in those classes).

 

[dentalman]

The letters BS or BA won't mean a darn thing once you're in school. Do what you would enjoy more. You don't even need a BS or BA to enter dental school. As long as you have your pre-reqs they will let you in. NO ONE ELSE will care ... except you. So it is entirely up to what you like.

In answer to your question ... my major (biochem) was only offered in BS, so that is what I did ... but all it is now is a little diploma on my wall that only I look at.

 

[DIRTIE]

Don't get either, I didn't, dental schools don't care. Bachelors degree is over rated, take the courses that interest you, will help you with your future, or maybe will be gpa boasters, but a BS or BA, who cares when you have your Doctorate!!!