Is a Business Degree a BA or BS

Is a Business Degree a BA or BS? Understanding the Difference and What It Means for Your Career

Choosing a business degree can be confusing, especially when you see options like a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) in Business. You might ask yourself: Is one better than the other? Which one do employers prefer? Does the type of degree change what I learn?

Let’s break it all down in simple terms and explore everything you need to know.

🎓 What Is a Business Degree?

A business degree is an undergraduate qualification that provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to work in various business roles. It typically includes subjects like finance, marketing, management, accounting, and business law. But depending on the university, students may earn either a BA or a BS in business.

So, what’s the difference?

📚 What Is a BA (Bachelor of Arts) in Business?

A BA in Business focuses more on liberal arts and humanities. This means you’ll study not just core business topics but also a broader range of subjects like psychology, sociology, communication, and even foreign languages.

✨ Features of a BA in Business:

Includes more electives in non-business subjects.
Encourages creative thinking and communication skills.
Often allows for double majors or minors in non-business fields.
Ideal for students who want a flexible, interdisciplinary education.

🧠 Subjects You Might Study:

Organizational Behavior
Business Ethics
Communication Skills
Marketing Principles
Foreign Language (optional but common)

💼 Who Should Choose a BA?

If you are interested in entrepreneurship, human resources, marketing, communications, or non-profit work, a BA might be the better fit.
It’s also suitable if you plan to pursue law school or a master’s in social sciences later on.

🧮 What Is a BS (Bachelor of Science) in Business?

A BS in Business emphasizes mathematics, statistics, and analytical skills. This degree is more technical and focuses on the quantitative side of business operations.

🔍 Features of a BS in Business:

Includes more math and data-based coursework.
Prepares students for technical or finance-heavy roles.
Less flexible than a BA — more structured curriculum.
Ideal for careers in finance, accounting, data analysis, and economics.

📊 Subjects You Might Study:

Financial Accounting
Business Analytics
Statistics
Microeconomics and Macroeconomics
Operations Management

💼 Who Should Choose a BS?

If you’re aiming for a job in investment banking, consulting, financial analysis, or supply chain management, this is likely the better choice.
Also ideal if you enjoy working with data, numbers, and structured problem-solving.

🆚 BA vs. BS in Business: Key Differences at a Glance

Feature	BA in Business	BS in Business
Focus Area	Liberal arts + business	Technical and quantitative business
Flexibility	More electives, flexible curriculum	More structured and specific
Course Load	Communication, writing, ethics	Math, analytics, economics
Career Path	HR, marketing, PR, entrepreneurship	Finance, data analysis, consulting
Grad School Options	Law school, humanities, MBA	MBA, MS in Finance, Economics, etc.

🏫 Do All Colleges Offer Both BA and BS in Business?

Not always. Some colleges only offer one type. For example:

University of California, Berkeley offers a BS in Business through its Haas School of Business.
University of Washington offers a BA in Business Administration.
Arizona State University offers both BA and BS in Business, depending on specialization.

So, it’s important to check with your university and see which degree they offer and how they define each.

🎯 Does the Degree Type (BA or BS) Matter to Employers?

Most employers care more about your skills, experience, and achievements than the specific type of business degree you hold. Whether you have a BA or BS:

If you have internships, certifications, good grades, and real-world experience, you’re in a strong position.
However, some technical roles (like financial analyst) may prefer a BS.
Creative or customer-facing roles like marketing, brand strategy, or HR might lean toward BA graduates.

What matters most is how well you can apply what you learned in the real world.

🧭 How to Choose Between a BA or BS in Business

Ask yourself the following:

Do you enjoy numbers, data, and logic?
Go for a BS.
Are you more into people, ideas, and communication?
A BA might suit you better.
Do you want to customize your learning with electives or a minor?
BA offers more flexibility.
Are you looking for a highly technical or financial role after graduation?
BS will prepare you better.

✅ Real-Life Examples

Sarah, who wants to start her own marketing agency, chooses a BA in Business because she wants to pair it with a minor in Graphic Design.
James, aiming for Wall Street, chooses a BS in Business with a focus on Finance and Analytics.
Emma, interested in working internationally, selects a BA in Business with foreign language electives and global business studies.

🔗 Sources and References

All information has been derived from and validated by reliable educational and university sources:

📌 Final Takeaway

A business degree can be either a BA or a BS — and neither is “better” than the other. It all depends on your interests, career goals, and the kind of education experience you want.

Both paths can lead to exciting opportunities. What matters most is how you use your degree — the skills you build, the experiences you gain, and the value you bring to your future career.

Want more guidance on choosing the right business path? Feel free to ask! Do Comment down Below –