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Your chance of acceptance
Duke University
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UCLA
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Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

Extracurriculars

Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

What's the real difference between a B.A. and B.S. in Biology?

I’m trying to figure out if I should go for a B.A. or B.S. in Biology. What exactly is the difference, and does it matter in terms of job prospects or grad school later on? Does one look better to colleges or is it just about what classes you want to take?

9 months ago

The main difference between a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biology is the focus of the curriculum.

A B.S. usually has a more technical and science-focused curriculum with more requirements in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. It is often preferred by students who are interested in research, laboratory work, or planning to continue their education in medical or graduate school.

On the other hand, a B.A. in Biology typically includes a broader liberal arts education with fewer science courses required and more electives or courses in the humanities and social sciences. This can be advantageous for students interested in fields that intersect with biology, such as public health policy, education, or environmental law.

As for job prospects or graduate school, neither is inherently “better” than the other. It depends on your career goals and the specific requirements of the jobs or programs you're interested in. Employers and grad schools look for different things depending on the role or program, so it’s more important to gain relevant experience and excel in whichever degree you choose.

9 months ago

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