BSc, BA, and BBA are all bachelor’s degree programs, but they differ in their focus and course offerings.
Many undergraduate students are often confused about the differences between such programs. BSc hons (Bachelor of Science with honours) can be a world apart from an ordinary pass BA (Bachelor of Arts).
Below, we explain each program and define its differences.
Defining Each Degree Program
BSc (Bachelor of Science) in Business:
A Bachelor of Science in Business is a degree program that combines business education with a focus on maths, science, and technology. Students in this program will typically delve deep into mathematical economics, business analytics or finance.
A BSc degree requires strong foundation knowledge of mathematics and statistics. Often, students will learn how to create models and algorithms to accomplish business objectives.
BA (Bachelor of Arts) in Business:
A Bachelor of Arts in Business is a degree program that combines business education with a focus on liberal arts and humanities. Students in this program will typically take courses in accounting, finance, economics, management, marketing, and other business-related topics, as well as courses in history, literature, philosophy, and other liberal arts subjects.
A BA degree in Business is a good option for students who are interested in business, but also want to develop their critical thinking and communication skills.
BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration):
A Bachelor of Business Administration is a degree program that provides students with a broad-based education in business.
Students in this program will typically take courses in accounting, finance, economics, management, marketing, and other business-related topics.
The BBA is a good option for students who are looking for a well-rounded business education, and who want to develop the skills necessary for a wide range of business careers.
More often than not, BBA students will have the option to specialise in a “BSc” or “BA” field, such as business analytics or human resource management respectively.
Which Degree Program is Best For Me?
The choice of which degree program is better for a student depends on their individual goals, interests, and strengths. Each of the three degree programs has its own strengths and benefits, and the best option will depend on the student’s career aspirations, educational background, and personal interests.
For example, a student who is interested in pursuing a career in finance or accounting may be better suited for a BSc in Business or a BBA, as these programs often provide more specialised training in these areas.
On the other hand, a student who is interested in humanities may be better suited for a BA in Business.
Ultimately, the best way to determine which degree program is right for a student is to research and compare the different options.
Although it is defined that BSc may be more specialised in the sciences, certain BA curriculums may be math intensive as well. Students must check their degree outline before jumping to the conclusion that their BSc, BA, or BBA degree is geared towards a specific set of modules.
What Is The Opinion of Employers?
Employers may have different opinions on the different undergraduate degree programs, depending on their specific industry and job requirements.
In general, employers will typically look for candidates who have the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to succeed in the position they are hiring for.
This means that the specific degree program a candidate has completed may be less important than their ability to demonstrate their skills and competencies through work experience, internships, extracurricular activities, and other achievements.
That being said, certain industries or positions may place a higher value on particular types of degree programs.
For example, a position in finance or accounting may require a more specialised business education, such as a BBA or a science degree in Business. On the other hand, a position in marketing or advertising may require more creative and communication skills, which could be developed through a BA in Business.
This becomes more varying when different geographies are taken into account. In Europe, it is common for business schools to issue a BSc rather than a BA or BBA. However, in Singapore, BBAs are more dominant than BScs.
Should My Degree Type Be Part of My Selection Criteria?
The specific degree program you choose will depend on your interests, strengths, and career aspirations. For example, if you are interested in pursuing a career in finance, accounting, or business management, a specialised undergraduate course with a BSc title would be beneficial (i.e Bachelor of Science in Accounting).
On the other hand, if you are interested in a broader range of topics and want a well-rounded education, a BBA in Business may be a better fit. Though it is important to note that most BBA programs require you to eventually become a specialised undergraduate (i.e Bachelor of Business Administration specialised in Marketing).
Roles that require communication may prefer an arts degree over the aforementioned programs.
Your choice of degree program should not be the only factor in your selection criteria. Other factors to consider when choosing a university or college include the institution’s reputation, the quality of the faculty and teaching resources, the availability of relevant internships and job placement programs, and the location and cost of the program.
Ordinary Pass Degrees vs Honors
An ordinary pass degree and an honours degree are two different types of undergraduate degrees.
A pass degree is an undergraduate degree that is awarded to a student who has completed the necessary coursework and requirements of a specific degree program. Pass degrees typically do not require the student to complete additional coursework or research beyond the core requirements of the program.
On the other hand, an honours degree is an undergraduate degree that requires additional coursework, research, or both beyond the standard requirements of a degree program. Honours degrees typically require a higher level of academic achievement and involvement in research or other scholarly activities.
One key difference between pass degrees and honours degrees is the level of academic achievement and distinction associated with each type of degree. Honours degrees are generally considered to be more prestigious and can be an important factor in a student’s academic and career success.
Honours degrees can also provide additional benefits such as research opportunities, specialised coursework, and advanced training in specific areas. Additionally, having an honours degree can be advantageous when applying for graduate school or pursuing a career in a competitive field.
However, it’s important to note that pass degrees can also be valuable depending on the student’s goals and career aspirations. Pass degrees can still provide a solid foundation of knowledge and skills in a specific field, and may be sufficient for some entry-level positions or career paths.
Key takeaways
In conclusion, when considering bachelor degrees, it’s important to understand the differences between pass degrees, honours degrees, BSc degrees, BA degrees, and BBA degrees. Each degree has its own unique requirements and expectations, which can impact a student’s academic and career trajectory.
It’s important to carefully evaluate your own academic interests and career goals when deciding which degree program is right for you. Additionally, while employers may have different opinions on the value of different types of degrees, having a solid academic foundation and demonstrating a commitment to learning and personal growth can be an important factor in achieving success in any field.