Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)

A Bachelor of Science (commonly abbreviated as a B.S. or B.Sc.) is a globally recognized academic degree
awarded to undergraduates for completion of their course. The degree generally takes three to five years to complete, but will vary depend on the country, institution, subject area and courses selected. Programs resulting in a Bachelor of Science degree are generally more strictly focused on their subject matter and students are expected to concentrate their academic energies on mastering the technical and practical facets of their field. Bachelor of Science degrees are usually offered in technical and scientific areas like computer science, nursing, mathematics, biochemistry, and physics. Emerging courses for Undergraduates.

Overview

• Recognition. Globally recognized.
• Duration. Typically 3-5 years.
• Subjects. There are several fields that are almost always considered to be sciences and thus award Bachelor of Science degrees. These fields include, biology, biochemistry, chemistry, physics, earth science, social science, general science, mathematics, sport/exercise science, computer science and almost all fields of engineering.
• Assessment. Varies based on country, university and subject. For some programs there may be continual assessment that makes the final grade. For others, it may be a heavily weighted final exam.
• Grading. Varies based on country, university, and subject.

Global Differences

The Bachelor of Science degree is awarded across the globe, and two of the main differences tend to be: the duration of the degree and subject selection.

In both the United States and Canada, the Bachelor of Science degree typically takes four years to complete and is awarded for the completion of undergraduate studies in mathematics, engineering, computer science, physical sciences, economics, and related fields. Less frequently the B.S. designation is applied to professional studies in the areas of business, nursing, medicine, law, hospitality, or architecture.

In Britain and Ireland, as in the United States and Canada, a Bachelor of Science is typically awarded upon the successful completion of an undergraduate program in one or more fields of the sciences. The completion period for the degree may vary by country, subject field, and school.

Additionally in the UK, there is an Honours designation added to the Undergraduate degree. The B.Sc. or B.S. is awarded for passing an ‘ordinary’ undergraduate major or program. The B.Sc. (Hons) is awarded for the completion of an honours degree, which requires students to demonstrate superior academic performance (as opposed to accepting a ‘pass’ grade) and in some cases an extra year of honours studies.

Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science?

Prospective students trying to chart their course through college might be wondering what is the difference between a B.A. and a B.S. The primary difference between the two types of degrees is the focus of the coursework students are required to complete in order to earn them.

A Bachelor of Science degree typically focuses on science-related disciplines whereas a Bachelor of Arts focuses on liberal arts programs. However what is considered to be an art of science may vary from institution to institution.

To cite some examples:

A particular subject, for example Economics, can be awarded a Bachelor of Science at one institution, a Bachelor of Arts at another institution or have the option of one or the other based on the curriculum selected. The University of Nottingham allows students to tailor their module choices in the Economics major to graduate with either a B.Sc. or B.A.

In the UK, the London School of Economics offers a B.Sc. degree in nearly all subject areas, even those usually associated with an arts degree. On the other hand, University of Oxford almost exclusively awards arts qualifications. Thus, in both instances, there are historical and traditional reasons for the differences.

In the US, Northwestern University’s School of Communication grants B.Sc. degrees in all of its programs of study, including theater, dance, and radio/television/film. University of California, Berkeley grants B.S. degree in Environmental Economics and Policy in College of Natural Resources, and B.A. degree in Environmental Economics and Policy in College of Letters and Science.

The differences pose a very important question for students – what degree should I chose?

What degree is right for me?

Academically, both a B.A. and B.S. are equally valued. Both offer students an opportunity to gain knowledge and skills in their area of interest, and build a platform for employment or postgraduate studies. Students need to identify which is a better fit – which track caters to their chosen subject and strengths in that major. The coursework required for a Bachelor of Arts degree generally allows students to sharpen their communication and writing skills. By comparison, the demands of a Bachelor of Science degree typically foster analytical skills and a detailed understanding of subject matter.

When deciding which degree program is the best fit, students need to identify:

• Subjects: What subject they wish to study as it may only be offered as a B.A. or B.S.?
• Curriculum: The course content and teaching style for a B.A. in a subject vs. a B.S. may vary significantly from university to university.
• Career options: Does the B.S. provide the right foundation for your future job?
• Entry requirements: Do they have the appropriate entry requirements e.g. Maths?
• Interest: Do they enjoy analytical classes or does their interest lie on the creative side?

A Bachelor of Science degree offers a multitude of study options for students, and upon graduation the opportunity to enter the professional world or pursue post-graduate studies. It is imperative that students identify what subject area their interest lies in and subsequently enroll in a program that provides the best platform for their future endeavors.