The B.S. degree requires a selection of writing and communication classes. Often this includes two semesters of writing: the first will often concentrate on basic writing techniques while the second will concentrate on the research paper. Some schools also require a third class in public speaking where you will practice your oral and written presentation skills. The college level writing and communication requirements will often transfer into any major at the university or college.
While both the B.S. and B.A. degrees require math and science, this is where you must be careful in your choice of classes. Many math and science classes that transfer into a B.A. degree will not transfer into a B.S degree. Often liberal arts majors will only be required to take a college level algebra course, while those in the math and sciences will require calculus and above. Students who take lower level math and science classes and then later decide to declare as a math or science major will find that they are behind and must retake classes at a higher level.
The remaining requirements for general education classes are the social sciences and humanities such as history, art, foreign language, social behavior, economics and political science. Each college or university will have its own specific number of credits required for each, but the general education student can count on taking courses in several of these areas. Some colleges also make foreign languages a requirement.
In order to obtain a B.S. degree, you must also declare a major. Majors can be declared in any number of areas including math, engineering, life science, physical science, literature, history, psychology and many others. The major requirements make up about half of the number of required courses for the degree, and you will spend much of your last two years in college on these required courses. You will also have to choose from a list of major electives to complete your education, the requirements of which are specific for each degree.