Psych majors dive into human development, social behavior, and mental disorders. But should you enroll in a BA or a BS in psychology program?
Many colleges offer both options. Does it matter for your career or grad school chances? Before declaring your psych major, make sure you understand the difference between the two degrees.
Defining the BA and BS in Psychology
What's the difference between a BA and a BS? In short, a BA is a bachelor of arts, while a BS is a bachelor of science. Both are four-year degrees, but the graduation requirements often differ. For example, a BA typically requires one year of foreign language classes, while a BS includes more social science and research courses.
When it comes to earning a bachelor's in psychology, some colleges offer a BA, and others offer a BS. Some provide both a BA and BS option. The two degrees each provide a rigorous education in psychology. In fact, you often take the same psychology classes whether you earn a BA or a BS.
Popular Online Psychology Bachelor's Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
BA vs. BS in Psychology: Sample Curriculum
To better visualize curriculum differences, take a look at the credit requirement breakdowns below, pulled from three universities that offer both a BA and BS in psychology.
Remember that degree plans vary from one school to another. Evaluate requirements at your prospective institutions when deciding whether a BA or a BS in psychology is the right choice for you.
Curriculum Comparison Example #1
| Comparison Point | BA in Psychology | BS in Psychology |
|---|---|---|
| Total Credits | 120 credits | 120 credits |
| General Education | 42 credits | 42 credits |
| Major | 32-33 credits of psychology core courses; 9-10 credits of psychology electives | 32-33 credits of psychology core courses; 9-10 credits of psychology electives |
| BA or BS Requirements | 6-8 credits of foreign language courses; 6 credits of additional humanities courses (art, English, history, modern languages, music, philosophy, or theatre) | 6 credits of additional science courses (biology, chemistry, geology, geosciences, mathematics, physics, or natural science) |
| Electives | 25-27 credits of open electives | 36 credits of open electives |
Curriculum Comparison Example #2
| Comparison Point | BA in Psychology | BS in Psychology |
|---|---|---|
| Total Credits | 120 credits | 120 credits |
| General Education | 38 credits | 38 credits |
| Major | 22 credits of psychology core courses; 6 credits of psychology electives; 3-credit psychology capstone | 26 credits of psychology core courses; 6 credits of psychology electives; 3-credit psychology capstone |
| BA or BS Requirements | N/A | 7-8 credits of additional science and mathematics courses |
| Electives | 53 credits of open electives | 42 credits of open electives |
Curriculum Comparison Example #3
| Comparison Point | BA in Psychology | BS in Psychology |
|---|---|---|
| Total Credits | 180 credits | 180 credits |
| General Education | 55 credits | 55 credits |
| Major | 45 credits of psychology core courses; 12 credits of psychology electives; 4-credit psychology capstone | 45 credits of psychology core courses; 12 credits of psychology electives; 4-credit psychology capstone |
| BA or BS Requirements | 24 credits of liberal arts courses, including second-year language proficiency | 15 credits of science and quantitative studies courses |
| Electives | 40 credits of open electives | 49 credits of open electives |
Career Paths and Opportunities with a BA or BS in Psychology
You largely have the same career opportunities with a BA or a BS in psychology. For example, psychology majors can work in social or community services, human resources, or counseling roles with a BA or a BS. You can qualify for these psychology major careers, including roles like substance use counselor, regardless of whether you hold a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science in psychology.
Similarly, your degree type has little impact on your earning potential. Those with a bachelor of science in psychology report a median pay of $67,000 per year, according to March 2024 data from Payscale. However, those with a bachelor of arts in psychology earn a median pay of $69,000 per year, based on March 2024 Payscale data.
Graduate School Options with a BA or BS in Psychology
If you want to become a psychologist, you need a graduate degree. Does earning a BA vs. BS in psychology matter for grad school?
Graduate programs do not delineate between applicants with a BA or a BS, since both majors adequately prepare you for graduate study in psychology. Instead, graduate programs care more about your GPA, prerequisite courses, and research interests.
As a result, matching your undergraduate coursework with your graduate interests can help you get into grad school. For example, if you are interested in educational psychology, taking classes in early childhood education or child development can matter more than your degree type. Similarly, if you're interested in social or experimental psychology, additional courses in math, statistics, and research will be helpful.
Personal Factors for Choosing a BA or BS in Psychology
College is not solely about career or grad school preparation. It can also help you grow as a person and enrich your life. The choice between a BA or a BS in psychology can also come down to what subjects and topics you want to learn more about.
When choosing between a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science in psychology, consider what skills you want to gain and what types of classes interest you. If you want to take foreign language classes or you enjoy literature, a BA will give you more opportunities to explore those interests. If you're considering a double major in biology, a BS can help you check off more science requirements.
Should You Choose a BA or BS in Psychology?
Ultimately, the choice between a BA or a BS in psychology is up to you. Both programs prepare you for diverse career paths or graduate school. But you take different classes outside of your psych major requirements depending on your degree type.
If you're still stuck, consider asking a faculty member or academic advisor for insight into your specific goals and interests. Regardless of your choice, you can explore exciting topics, such as human behavior, personality development, and abnormal psychology as a psych major in either program.
Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing a BA or BS in Psychology
Is a BA or BS more respected?
Both a BA and a BS are respected degrees. You need a minimum of 120 credits to earn either degree, including major coursework, general education requirements, and electives. Your general education requirements differ depending on whether you choose a BA or a BS.
Is a BS in psychology difficult?
Earning a BS in psychology can be challenging. You take classes on research methods, statistics, and science to graduate with a BS. However, studying topics like personality development, abnormal psychology, and mental health disorders can make earning your BS in psychology interesting.
Is a BA in psychology worth it?
Yes, a BA in psychology can be worth it. Professionals with this degree report a median annual pay of $69,000, according to March 2024 Payscale data. As a psychology major, you also explore fascinating topics like human development, social behavior, and abnormal psychology.
Is a BS better than a BA in psychology?
Both a BA and a BS in psychology prepare graduates for psychology careers or graduate school. You'll often take the same psychology classes regardless of whether you earn a BA or a BS. The main difference between the degrees is your graduation requirements. With a BA, you'll take more humanities and foreign language courses, while a BS requires more math and science courses.
Page last reviewed on March 13, 2024
