[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.faulkner.edu\/news\/the-difference-between-a-ba-and-bs-in-biology\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.faulkner.edu\/news\/the-difference-between-a-ba-and-bs-in-biology\/","headline":"The Difference between a BA and BS in Biology","name":"The Difference between a BA and BS in Biology","description":"
\nIf your goal is to pursue a career in the field of biology, attending college is an important first step. But which degree should you choose, bachelor of arts or bachelor of science? Although there is some overlap in coursework, these biology degrees are distinct.\n<\/div>","datePublished":"2023-09-05","dateModified":"2023-10-18","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.faulkner.edu\/author\/almediagroup\/#Person","name":"Faulkner University","url":"https:\/\/www.faulkner.edu\/author\/almediagroup\/","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/42f3399623a8fb3549b042a2288c44a6?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/42f3399623a8fb3549b042a2288c44a6?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Faulkner University","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.faulkner.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/Official-Horizontal-480x128.png","url":"https:\/\/www.faulkner.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/Official-Horizontal-480x128.png","width":480,"height":128}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.faulkner.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bachelors-of-Arts-vs-Bachelors-of-Science.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.faulkner.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bachelors-of-Arts-vs-Bachelors-of-Science.jpg","height":601,"width":900},"url":"https:\/\/www.faulkner.edu\/news\/the-difference-between-a-ba-and-bs-in-biology\/","about":["News"],"wordCount":727,"articleBody":"If your goal is to pursue a career in the field of biology, attending college is an important first step. But which degree should you choose, bachelor of arts or bachelor of science? Although there is some overlap in coursework, these biology degrees are distinct.Faulkner University is a Christian liberal arts university based in Mobile, AL. Here, we highlight some of the differences between a B.A. and a B.S. in biology.How the Two Degrees DifferBoth a bachelor of arts and a bachelor of science are four-year college degrees. A bachelor of arts (B.A.) is designed to provide an expansive education that covers both liberal arts and sciences. Students can choose from a wide range of courses, allowing them to customize their education while gaining a versatile skill set. In contrast, a bachelor of science (B.S.) is a more specialized degree. The degree is designed to give students in-depth knowledge of a specific field. Courses have more of a technical focus and students may take fewer electives or courses outside their subject area.What Does a B.A. in Biology Entail?The B.A. in Biology offered at Faulkner University offers the same rigorous scientific education as the B.S. program. However, students have greater opportunities for both general and biology-based elective courses. Advisors work with each student to help them choose the electives that best suit their educational and career goals.Faulkner University\u2019s B.A. in Biology program includes classroom and lab-based learning:50 hours of Core Curriculum courses, including Christian literacy courses, pre-calculus algebra, and biology6 hours of foreign language credits55 hours of discipline-required courses, including bioethics, genetics, biology electives, and a professional internship17 hours of departmental requirements, including statistics and chemistry12 hours of general electivesWhat Does a B.S. in Biology Entail?Students who choose a B.S. in Biology at Faulkner University gain preparation for advanced training and careers in the biological sciences. The B.S. in Biology is designed to support students pursuing further study in medicine, dentistry, ophthalmology, and other areas of human health. The 123-hour curriculum consists of:50 hours of Core Curriculum courses35 hours of discipline-required courses, including an internship, lab courses, and biology electives30 hours of departmental requirements, including physics, chemistry, and biochemistry8 hours of general electivesInternships and Practical ExperiencesStudents in both the B.A. and B.S. programs at Faulkner University are encouraged to talk with their advisers regarding their career goals. All biology students complete a supervised internship experience. Internships can be completed in any semester once a student has completed a minimum of twelve semester hours of biology classes. Advisers will work directly with students to identify local opportunities for hands-on internships that align with students\u2019 professional goals.Career Paths in BiologyStudents who earn a B.A. in Biology can pursue a range of opportunities that require skills beyond pure science and mathematics. These might include:Teaching or scientific educationCommunication specialistsHealthcare managementEnvironment and conservationAgricultural managementGovernment agency rolesThose who earn a B.A. in Biology are equipped for career paths in technical roles. These can include:Biological techniciansPharmaceutical developersMicrobiologists and disease researchersMarine biologistsGeneticistsNanotechnologistBiology Degree Postgraduate Education PathsSome students choose to pursue additional postgraduate education after earning a four-year degree. If you are interested in a master\u2019s or doctoral degree, your bachelor’s degree in biology can help position you to take this next step. For those considering medical school or a graduate degree in a scientific field, the technical focus of a B.S. is a good option. If you are interested in other fields such as law or public policy, the analytical skills you\u2019ll gain in a B.A. can provide a strong foundation.Explore Possibilities at Faulkner UniversityIf you\u2019re passionate about the field of biology, consider applying to Faulkner University, based in Montgomery, AL. Students in the university\u2019s Department of Natural and Physical Sciences can choose to pursue either a B.A. or B.S. degree in biology. Our biology degree programs help students develop their technical knowledge and professional skills grounded in Christian values. Faulkner University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). To learn more or begin the application process, contact our admissions team or request information today."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"News","item":"https:\/\/www.faulkner.edu\/news\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"The Difference between a BA and BS in Biology","item":"https:\/\/www.faulkner.edu\/news\/the-difference-between-a-ba-and-bs-in-biology\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]