As opposed to bachelor of arts majors like communications, theater and English, bachelor of science majors feature a scientific edge and emphasis on research and exacts rather than interpretations of things. With psychology majors, for instance, students can earn a bachelor of arts and focus on counseling or take the bachelor of science approach to deal with research and development. Medical majors like nursing and pre-med also award a bachelor of science degree. Other bachelor of science majors include computer science, engineering, accounting and mathematics.
To earn a bachelor of science degree, students must fulfill the requirements put forth by their school. This usually means completing general education requirements paired with requirements specific to the major. General requirements consist of basic courses such as one or two math classes, English courses, and science requirements. These are usually fulfilled within the first year or two of school while the student considers specific majors. Once a major is selected, the requirements for completing a bachelor of science depend upon that specific major. In general, bachelor of science degrees require more science and math courses than humanities courses. Earning a bachelor of science degree typically takes 4 years.
A bachelor of science degree can lead to a number of different careers. While bachelor of arts degrees might be applicable to a wider scope of jobs, bachelor of science degrees tend to be specific to career fields. For instance, with a bachelor of science in horticulture, students can work in greenhouses and nurseries, as well as landscaping, plant breeding or flower shop managing. Work as a computer programmer, lawyer, doctor or psychiatrist all benefit from a bachelor of science degree and in some cases require earning the degree first. Because of the narrow focus of a bachelor of science degree, the careers available that benefit from the degree correspond to the chosen major.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, many jobs that require a bachelor of science degree have high growth outlooks through 2016. Health care careers, for example, are expected to grow exponentially as the population continues to grow and age. Education careers also show strong growth levels. The careers expected to have the most job openings often require a bachelor of science degree, including lawyers, accountants and computer systems analysts. These careers pay well, with most expecting to yield salaries that total $40,000 or more annually.