Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the decision of whether to pursue a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Physics for the purpose of applying to graduate school in Materials Science and Engineering (MS&E) or Management Science and Engineering (MS&E). Participants explore the implications of each degree type on course selection and graduate school applications.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
Main Points Raised
- One participant suggests that a B.A. in physics might allow for more chemistry and engineering electives, which could be beneficial for interdisciplinary studies in MS&E.
- Another participant points out that in the U.S., students can often take courses outside their declared major, although specific requirements may vary by institution.
- It is noted that there is no standardization between B.A. and B.S. programs, and the value of each degree may depend on the specific courses required by different schools.
- A participant raises the question of whether graduate schools would prefer applicants with a B.S. or a B.A. when applying to MS&E programs, especially when both degrees are offered at the institutions being considered.
- There is a discussion about the importance of the actual courses taken rather than the degree title itself, emphasizing that course requirements should be reviewed for each specific program.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the implications of choosing a B.A. versus a B.S. in physics, with no consensus on which degree is definitively better for graduate school applications in MS&E. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the preferences of graduate programs.
Contextual Notes
Participants mention that the requirements for B.A. and B.S. degrees can vary significantly between institutions, which may affect the decision-making process. There is also uncertainty about how graduate schools evaluate the relevance of coursework versus degree type.
