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What are the differences between a B.A. and a B.S. in computer science? Is having a B.S. better or is the difference insignificant to employers?
Do you learn more in one, is one easier, etc.
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Immad’s Answer
If you are talking specifically about BA vs BS degree in computer science, I don't think there is much difference. Some universities just have different nomenclatures for the degrees they award. So as far as CS is concerned, it really doesn't make a difference.
alright thanks :)
Z
Kiran Kumar Hari
Senior Advisor, Infrastructure Decommissioning Engineering
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Kiran Kumar’s Answer
BA: Computer Science degree, CS electives, liberal arts core/electives
BS: Computer Science degree, CS electives, science and mathematics core/electives
From what I understand, a BS is the way to go if you want to get the best tech positions and the more technical roles.
There are plenty of exceptions, from the BA who is taking on a very technical/analytical/scientific, to the high school dropout who is a world-class programmer, to the EE guy who codes better than his CS grad associates. However, the exception isn't the rule, so if you want to position yourself for the best CS opportunities, go for the BS.
Of course, if you want to double major in CS with an engineering discipline (EE, ME, AE), a BA won't hurt your chances because you'll cover all the math and science in your engineering BS.
In short, go BS if you want to work in tech, science, or engineering. Otherwise, BA will be enough.
BS: Computer Science degree, CS electives, science and mathematics core/electives
From what I understand, a BS is the way to go if you want to get the best tech positions and the more technical roles.
There are plenty of exceptions, from the BA who is taking on a very technical/analytical/scientific, to the high school dropout who is a world-class programmer, to the EE guy who codes better than his CS grad associates. However, the exception isn't the rule, so if you want to position yourself for the best CS opportunities, go for the BS.
Of course, if you want to double major in CS with an engineering discipline (EE, ME, AE), a BA won't hurt your chances because you'll cover all the math and science in your engineering BS.
In short, go BS if you want to work in tech, science, or engineering. Otherwise, BA will be enough.
Thank you for your input :)
Z
Updated
Jamie’s Answer
Bachelor of Science Majors are generally your science-based degrees....engineering, chemistry, physics, math etc. BAs are more like the liberal arts degrees as mentioned above such as history, psychology. I don't think you will find a BA in Computer Science. Maybe you could get a BS in Computer Science and a Minor in a liberal arts degree.
Thanks for the advice.
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Updated
Matt’s Answer
Having been involved in hiring many fellow software engineers over the last 20 years, I'm pretty sure it doesn't matter.
It's unusual for someone to get good at software engineering in college as a result of coursework. University CS programs teach theory, which is important, but far more important to mid-level to senior engineers than to entry level engineers.
Most recent college graduates who are good at software have extensive experience outside the classroom. Whether you took one physics class or three is considerably less important. The qualities I look for in an entry level engineer aren't so much related to what degree they earned or what grades they got. I look for basic technical skills, good communication skills, a growth mindset, and someone excited to learn. A portfolio of work outside the classroom, or meaningful internship experiences are far more relevant than whether you took an arts core or a sciences core. So I wouldn't worry too much about the letters attached to your degree. Look for a program that will help you find opportunities outside the classroom.
It's unusual for someone to get good at software engineering in college as a result of coursework. University CS programs teach theory, which is important, but far more important to mid-level to senior engineers than to entry level engineers.
Most recent college graduates who are good at software have extensive experience outside the classroom. Whether you took one physics class or three is considerably less important. The qualities I look for in an entry level engineer aren't so much related to what degree they earned or what grades they got. I look for basic technical skills, good communication skills, a growth mindset, and someone excited to learn. A portfolio of work outside the classroom, or meaningful internship experiences are far more relevant than whether you took an arts core or a sciences core. So I wouldn't worry too much about the letters attached to your degree. Look for a program that will help you find opportunities outside the classroom.
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