BA or BS - Physics or Applied Physics

[spacejammin]

I've been looking at various majors recently and noticed that my school offers a BA and a BS in physics, and a BS in applied physics. Looking at the course list I can see that there are more physics and math classes for the BS (6-8), while the BA only requires you to take 3 or 4 actual physics courses. Is the BA designed for those pursuing to be a high school teacher or something? Also the BS in 'applied physics' had almost the same class list as the BS in 'physics', why is this?

Also a side question, is it possible to get an undergraduate degree in astrophysics or is that mainly a graduate study?

 

[Ryker]

Also the BS in 'applied physics' had almost the same class list as the BS in 'physics', why is this?

In a nutshell, because the university looks cooler, if they list multiple specialized programs on their programs offered list.

 

[Phyisab****]

I would say the BA is for double majors, the only person I ever knew to get a B.A. in physics was a double major in math and physics. If you plan to go to grad school for physics, the B.A. will leave you quite unprepared.

 

[physics girl phd]

I'd suggest looking at the course catalog of your school. Generally the complete catalog (now usually available via an online pdf document) will give descriptions of the majors offered by the department, followed by the list of courses required for the major, followed by descriptions of the courses themselves.

Some universities offer undergraduate degrees in astrophysics, others do not.

 

[fss]

Is the BA designed for those pursuing to be a high school teacher or something?

Not necessarily, but BA degrees in physics are generally accepted to be less rigorous and for students who aren't as "serious" about pursuing it at a higher level.

Also the BS in 'applied physics' had almost the same class list as the BS in 'physics', why is this?

As I implied above, the core courses will probably be more or less the same depending on the institution. The BS will have requirements above and beyond that of a BA.

Also a side question, is it possible to get an undergraduate degree in astrophysics or is that mainly a graduate study?

Mainly a graduate study.