What's the Difference Between a BA vs. BS Degree: Business Administration

If you're considering a business administration degree (also called a business management degree), you'll see quite a few different degree program options. What is the difference if you earn a Bachelor or Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) degree? Do these two types of degrees offer different practical skills? Do they have differences in core business courses? Is one better than the other for your career goals?

For starters, Rasmussen University does not award Bachelor of Arts degrees. Rasmussen University awards Bachelor of Science degrees. Looking at higher education degrees in general, a Bachelor of Arts degree focuses more on general liberal arts courses like literature, sociology and communication, while a Bachelor of Science degree is more specialized in areas like technology, healthcare, and other STEM fields.

However, the difference between a BA and a BS in Business Administration is much less pronounced.

BA vs. BS in Business Administration: Curriculum differences

There are sometimes small differences in the courses or curriculum requirements for these two types of degree. But this will vary between each university. When you are considering a program, look at the core business administration course requirements and the number and types of electives you'll need to take. Look closely at any specialization options under each degree as well.

A BA might include more electives or opportunities to choose varied course learning options. This is because the BA sometimes lacks the specialization aspect of a business degree. Instead, these programs might leave more available course time for liberal arts electives.

There are typically more general education requirements with the BA. Things like creative writing, languages and other art courses might be more utilized in the curriculum versus the BS.

A Bachelor of Science program in business administration might offer specialization tracks for students who gravitate towards certain areas of business.

For example, the business management program at Rasmussen University offers specializations in...

• Business intelligence
• IT project management
• Logistics and operations/ supply chain management

BA vs. BS in Business Administration: Skill differences

In most cases, both degree types will include training in soft skills (aka transferrable skills) critical for business practices. Important soft skills for business include critical thinking, problem solving, interpersonal skills, digital fluency, and communication.

These skills are critical for employability in most fields, and all higher education institutions should be concerned with their graduates’ employability regardless of degree choice. In fact, legislation requires this focus due to gainful employment considerations.

If you want to study languages (for example, if you want to go into international business), choosing a BA program that offers elective courses in language might be supportive for those career paths.

If you enjoy the sciences or are analytically-minded, a BS degree might offer some skill areas you'd thrive in. These programs may have technical areas of focus like business analytics, data analytics, technology and quantitative training (i.e., math).

How do you choose between arts and technical specialization options in business management?

Both degree types should give you the technical skills and foundational education you need to oversee business operations. The BS is typically a more-specialized degree, which is useful if your career goals involve specific aspects of business you prefer.

I sought BS degrees for both my bachelor’s and master’s degree programs because I did have areas of specific interest for both degrees. To be transparent, I learned that the area of focus I chose for my bachelor’s degree wasn't actually that interesting to me. I'd chosen marketing, and I didn't enjoy it as much as I'd hoped.

I learned through that experience that leadership and organizational effectiveness were much more appealing to me. So, when I chose a Master's degree program in business administration, I elected that focus area. (To learn more about that area of business administration, check out 4 Organizational Leadership Careers for Ambitious Career Advancers.)

At that point in my career, this worked out especially well because I had already obtained a good deal of professional and technical experience in a project management, finance, and sales. I applied those skills with my new degree to seek higher-level professional opportunities.

Is there a difference between BA vs. BS in business administration to employers?

Is there a difference in professional career options based on having a BS or a BA?

In my experience, not really. With one exception—specialization. In many cases, it is valuable to have an area of specialization. If your degree program allows you to choose a concentration or focus area, that can help employers understand your readiness for roles like that in their organization.

Specialization can be obtained either through experience or a degree focus such as logistics, data analysis, human resources and marketing. This can help because organizational leaders and hiring managers often look for experience or training in the technical aspect of the job when making hiring decisions.

Also, hiring managers and human resource professionals usually hire or promote individuals into leadership positions based on their demonstration of technical skill expertise such as logistics, data analytics, human resource management, finance, accounting, marketing, etc...

It all starts with a business program

Regardless of the type of business management degree you pursue, every program will have its own nuances and differences. Show your business savvy now by carefully targeting the program that best matches your goals and personal interests. Whether you plan on graduating and heading into a company or continuing through a graduate degree program (like an MBA), it all starts with the bachelor's degree.

Get all the details about program length, courses, specializations and more by heading over to Rasmussen University's Business Management degree page. For tuition information, possible grants and more, fill out the contact form on the page, and an admissions representative will connect with you to answer your specific questions about the program.