What is the difference between the B.S. degree and B.A. degree in Economics?
The B.A. in Economics Curriculum and The B.S. in Economics Curriculum are designed to provide students with a solid understanding of economic theory and quantitative economic analysis. The introductory core disciplinary sequences in economic theory and quantitative analysis are identical; both rely on the same knowledge base of calculus and statistics. Where these two degrees programs differ is in their emphases of study at the advanced levels. The advanced data analysis component of the B.A. in Economics Curriculum pays additional attention to ordinal data and the study of surveys. The flexibility of the “Special Electives” requirement allows students the opportunity to study political, historical, cultural, and social institutions. In the advanced levels of the economic theory component of the B.S. in Economics Curriculum, the foundations of modern economics are examined using mathematically sophisticated models.
The primary difference between the B.S. and B.A. degrees in Economics is the level of mathematical abstraction and the foci of the statistical analyses. Both the B.S. and B.A. degrees produce strong analytical thinkers who are able to model and analyze complex problems. Students pursuing these degrees will be well equipped for public service, the business world, the pursuit of professional graduate degrees and/or graduate degrees in decision sciences or public policy. It should be noted, however, that the B.A. degree program is not recommended for students interested in pursuing graduate work in economics. The reason for this is that the curricula in graduate economics degree programs require a high level of mathematical sophistication.
