BA vs BS: Which is the Better Business Degree?

So you’re thinking about getting a degree in business administration. Congratulations! Doing the research to learn more about this bachelor’s degree is the first step on your road to a successful college experience and career, so you’re in the right place.

A business degree will help you to become an expert in organization, management, and operations. With this degree, you can set yourself up for success, and be empowered to land a career as a consultant, analyst, financial manager, and much more.

Now, you’ll need to determine which type of business degree you want: a Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Arts (BA). While both are business degrees, these two degrees differ in a few ways. So if you find yourself debating: BA vs BS degree, keep on reading.

Is a Business Degree a BA or BS?

It’s actually both, depending on your specialty. Physics and chemistry, for example, will fall under the BS program, while music and English will fall under the BA program.

Still confused about which degree to pursue? Let’s get a little more in-depth about what exactly that means.

What Is a BA Degree in Business Administration?

A Bachelors of Arts (BA) degree in business administration has a focus on liberal arts studies and general business knowledge. This means it may apply to a wider range of career paths than the more-specialized Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in business administration.

When you graduate with a BA, you will not only learn essential skills related to accounting, finance, and international business, but you’ll also learn skills that apply to many other careers, such as writing business plans, leading teams, and dealing with legal challenges.

Notably, you aren’t confined to working in a stereotypical “business” job with a BA degree. Instead, you could find yourself working in operations at a nonprofit company, or negotiating contracts at a public relations agency.

The choice to pursue a BA degree is more common if you’d like to be in certain industries, like:

• Communications
• Nonprofit
• Banking
• Law
• Public service
• Public relations

Those pursuing the BA degree are typically looking to not only be business-savvy, but people-savvy as well, and they may be strong writers and communicators looking for variety in the job duties.

What Is a BS Degree in Business Administration?

A Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in business administration has more of a focus on mathematical concepts, like statistics, in order to apply them to the world of business. The BS degree offers more practical experience and is especially helpful for those who want a more specialized, technical career, such as economics, accounting, or business analytics.

With a BS degree, you often can choose a specialized “track” to work towards in addition to your general courses. Tracks may include options such as management or analytics.

A BS degree will focus on practical skills and experience suitable for pursuing a career in industries such as:

• Finance
• Market research
• Sales
• Consulting
• Human resources
• Accounting

If you’re pursuing a BS degree, you may be expected to take more courses in mathematics and practical skills than you would with a BA degree.

Bachelor of Arts vs. Science: Which Is Better?

There’s no right answer on which degree is “better” — a BA vs BS degree. One is designed to show how the major fits into the wide net of other topics, connecting them all in order to gain further insight (BA). The other is designed to emphasize the importance of the major, allowing you to focus your efforts on a more narrow path (BS).

It may help to think about your own interests, values, and career goals. You can determine which degree, a bachelor of arts vs science, is better for you by:

• Deciding the title of your “dream” role, then researching which degree is more applicable for that role.
• Browsing through the courses to see which ones spark more of your interest.
• Finding mentors in the industry you want to work in, and asking what type of degree they pursued.
• Talk it out with a career counselor or advisor, who can often provide great advice.

Only you can decide which is better for you: a BA or BS in business administration.

Can I Get a Business Degree Online?

Yes! UC Online offers fully remote programs with an accredited university, so you can enroll from anywhere. And you won’t be the only one. In the fall of 2022, NCES data showed that over 53% of students were enrolled in online courses.

Additionally, UC Online makes it even easier to earn your bachelor’s in business with our pre-business administration program. This associate program is designed to help you transition seamlessly into UC Online’s Bachelor of Business Administration program by providing a baseline understanding of the skills essential for success in a professional business setting.

Why Choose UC Online for My Degree Completion?

At University of Cincinnati Online, we provide fully online academic programs from a premier research and higher learning institution. And that’s not the only reason people choose UC Online.

• Nationally-renowned faculty. From serving on national boards to getting published and practicing in the fields they teach, our staff are some of the best and the brightest.
• Personalized support. From application through graduation, we guide you through every step of the admissions process, and stay with you every step of the way to answer your questions.
• Flexible programs. Our online programs are of the same high quality and integrity as traditional courses, but you have the freedom to complete them wherever you please.

Create your dream career with our flexible programs, and make an academic path that suits your lifestyle and career goals. No matter where you are in life, the University of Cincinnati Online will meet you there. Take a closer look at UC Online’s business degree programs and apply today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is a BA or BS better in business?

There’s no definitive answer to which degree is better—it depends on your career goals and personal interests. A BA in business often provides a broader education with a focus on people skills and communication, while a BS emphasizes analytical and technical skills for specialized roles.

Does a BA or BS make more money?

Earning potential can vary based on your field and role, but BS graduates may earn slightly more in positions that require specialized technical skills. However, both degrees open doors to high-earning careers, and salary differences are often influenced by industry and experience rather than just the degree type.

Do companies prefer a BS or BA degree?

Companies generally value both degrees and look for candidates who match the job requirements and company culture. A BS may be preferred for technical or analytical roles, while a BA can be a great fit for roles requiring strong communication and strategic thinking.