The bachelor of arts degree is one of the most common four-year college degrees. It encompasses a range of liberal art and humanities subjects, including English writing and literature, history, foreign studies and languages, communications, philosophy and most social sciences. Students pursuing a B.A. degree generally have fewer major requirements than students pursuing a bachelor of science degree and are able to choose between a wide variety of elective options that allow them to pursue subjects not related to their major. Graduates with a bachelor of arts degree can seek employment in their field of specialization or continue their education at the master's or PhD levels.
The bachelor of science degree also encompasses a range of subjects. As the name implies, a B.S. degree involves the study of a science. B.S. degrees cover subjects ranging from biology and chemistry to nursing, engineering, physics and more. In general, students who pursue B.S. degrees must follow a rigid course schedule that is focused on their major and cannot pursue as many electives as students pursuing B.A. degrees. Graduates can seek employment in their fields of study, but many choose to continue their education past the B.S. level.
A bachelor's of business administration (B.B.A) seeks to give students a solid business foundation and the tools needed to successfully work in a competitive business environment. Programs often include courses on business ethics, different business markets (global, national, local, etc.) and effective business techniques.
The focus of the courses needed to complete a bachelor of education (B.Ed.) degree includes effective pedagogy and classroom management skills. Education students can pursue a bachelor of education degree outright or receive an education degree after completing a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science degree in a specific field.
The bachelor of fine arts degree is designed to prepare visual and performing artists for entry into the artistic world. Visual artists include painters, sculptures, graphic designers and any other student who practices a "fine art." Performing artists include musicians, actors and others. The goal of a B.F.A program is to hone the artist's skills and educate him on the history and techniques associated with his areas of interest.