One of the most popular academic subjects in the world is psychology, the scientific study of the human mind and behaviour. Professionals in the field are high in demand, whether they specialise in clinical psychology, health psychology, counselling, forensic science, or one of many other areas.
But which psychology course should someone pursue right after finishing school? A Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) degree - which one should they get? Although there are some significant differences between the two degrees, they are usually pretty similar. Read on to learn more about the differences!
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BA vs B.Sc in Psychology: Introduction
BA in Psychology: A Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology is a 3-year degree. Students who are interested in pursuing a BA Psychology course can choose to specialise in a number of areas, with some of the most popular ones being organisational psychology, child psychology, and forensic psychology. Students also acquire knowledge of the different schools of thought in the field and gain an understanding of the theories that comprise the course's syllabus. Additionally, the degree makes sure that students approach the issue from a variety of perspectives.
B.Sc in Psychology: A Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Psychology will place more emphasis on the science and math aspects. In comparison to what is taught in BA Psychology, there is more lab work and statistics. This course is more closely focused on building the practical skill that students require. Students get hands-on experience, experimental learning opportunities, and a clear understanding of what organisations want from a psychologist. It places a greater emphasis on experiential learning and higher conceptual application. The goal of the course is to develop a focus on the research and statistical features of the field.
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BA vs B.Sc in Psychology: Differences
- The fundamental distinction between the two fields is seen in the coursework and curriculum. However, a B.Sc in Psychology is more technical and scientific with an emphasis on math and statistics, while a BA in Psychology is more liberal arts-oriented.
- While a B.Sc in Psychology is best for students with a science background who want to go into medicine or pursue a career in neurosciences, a BA in Psychology is best for students with a liberal arts background who want to work in fields like counselling, education, social work, journalism, or law.
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BA vs B.Sc in Psychology: Career Opportunities
With a B.Sc. in Psychology or a BA in Psychology, there are countless career choices available, and the popularity of the field does not appear to be fading any time soon. Students may find themselves building incredibly lucrative careers if they have a strong knowledge basis and practical experience in the industry.
B.Sc in Psychology: For those considering a career as a practising psychologist, they must choose a Bachelor of Science degree as it tends to place more of an emphasis on psychology courses in general and provides better training. Students who complete a B.Sc in Psychology will find employment at medical facilities, health centres, and corporate and governmental organizations.
BA in Psychology: Students who graduate with a BA in psychology have a number of career options after graduation, including law, social work, counselling, journalism, political science, education, and more. A Bachelor of Arts in Psychology can be a wonderful option if one wants to start working right away or if they want to go for postgraduation in law or counselling.
To choose the most suitable option for you, think about your ambitions and what you plan to achieve with your degree in both cases.