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Learn the differences between a BA vs BS in Psychology

B.A. vs. B.S. in Psychology — What’s the Difference?

March 15, 2022

Are you thinking about earning a psychology degree but uncertain about where to start? When weighing a B.A. vs. a B.S. in Psychology, you might believe the difference to be only one letter. In reality, pursuing an art or science degree can change what you learn about psychology and how you learn about it. Whether you seek a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology or a Bachelor of Science in Psychology can also affect your career options.

What’s the Difference Between a B.A. and B.S. in Psychology?

Both B.A. and B.S. in Psychology programs are designed to be completed within four years in an undergraduate institution. They also similarly offer a foundational understanding of psychological development, social psychology and neuropsychology. A student of either program can expect to graduate with knowledge about the brain, its functions and how it affects behavior.

B.A. in Psychology

A Bachelor of Arts in Psychology is considered a liberal arts degree. While enrolled in a B.A. in Psychology program, you’ll complete courses in humanities and social sciences as well as general electives in psychology. The intent of this degree program is to expose students to a broad foundation of coursework, including popular fields of social, clinical, cognitive and developmental psychology.

Because of the more liberal nature of an arts degree, a B.A. in Psychology can be paired with other fields of study like marketing, political science and education.

A B.A. in Psychology is ideal for students who plan to enter the workforce after completing their undergraduate degree and want to apply their background of psychology to a non-psychology job or career field.

Career opportunities for students pursuing a B.A. in Psychology:

  • Writer
  • Lawyer
  • Market Researcher
  • Teacher
  • Child Care Worker
  • Social Worker

If you aren’t sure whether you want to go to graduate school, a B.A. in Psychology might be a fit for you.

B.S. in Psychology

A Bachelor of Science degree also covers foundational coursework in psychology, but the focus is more on the scientific study and research aspects of it. Students will not only learn about theories but also design and conduct experiments to test them. Students pursuing a B.S. in Psychology should expect hands-on labs, statistics and specialized courses.

Other than the scientific studies, the B.S. in Psychology will provide you with in-depth knowledge of psychology. At Regent University, popular courses include:

  • Theories of Personality: an examination of the leading schools of personality theory and human behavior
  • Abnormal Psychology: a survey of abnormal behavior including dissociative disorders, mood, developmental, anxiety and more
  • Multicultural Psychology: an assessment of the psychological issues affecting racial, ethnic and cultural groups
  • Social Psychology: a study of theories and research about perception, attitude change, attraction, prejudice, values and more

A B.S. in Psychology is ideal for a student who wants to pursue a graduate degree in psychology or a similar field and paves the way for high-paying and stable careers.

Career opportunities for students pursuing a B.S. in Psychology:

  • Counselor
  • C-level Management
  • Organizational Psychologist
  • Clinician
  • Psychotherapist
  • Forensic Psychologist

A B.S. in Psychology has more career paths open as higher education is pursued. A master’s in psychology will help you get higher-ranking positions and equip you to take the lead on research study initiatives or help others with counseling.

The Right Degree for You

While knowing the difference between a B.A. vs B.S. in psychology is important, it’s even more critical to choose the degree that best fits your academic interests and career goals. While both degrees provide a broad overview of the field of psychology, the Bachelor of Arts is best for those wanting to apply their degree to a career in human resources, marketing, business, law, management and more. For those wishing to make psychology their primary choice in both academics and career, the Bachelor of Science is a better option.

What Does Regent Offer

Regent offers various psychology and counseling degrees. The Bachelor of Science in Psychology is one of the most popular programs at Regent University for several reasons.

  • You can pursue your B.S. in Psychology online or on campus in Virginia Beach.
  • Regent offers APA and CACREP accredited counseling and psychology options, meaning that what you learn here will be applicable everywhere in the United States.
  • Nonlicensure professional certificates at the master’s level are available for graduates seeking to expand their knowledge without committing to 30+ credit hours.
  • Students of the B.S. in Psychology program can choose to continue their education at Regent by pursuing an M.S. in Psychology, M.A. in Counseling or M.A. in Human Services.
  • You can complete your education in psychology— from bachelor’s to doctorate— at Regent University. When you start a B.S. in Psychology here, you can trust that your education will be in good hands until the day you receive your Psy.D.  

Ready to take the next step? Request more information today and discover how a B.S. in Psychology will help you achieve your career goals.

Table: b.a. vs b.s. in psychology a BA is for those that want to pursue non-psychological career fields like teaching, marketing, and writing. A BS is for those who wish to pursue psychological careers like counseling, clinical therapy, and forensic psychology. Both can provide a student with a foundational understanding of psychology and can be completed within four years with only a high school diploma.