Only a B.A. in physics, how bad can it be?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the implications of holding a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in physics compared to a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree, particularly in the context of graduate school admissions and employment opportunities. Participants explore perceptions and distinctions made by academic institutions and employers regarding these degrees.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the distinction between a B.A. and a B.S. may not significantly impact graduate school admissions, as admissions committees focus more on coursework, grades, GRE scores, research experience, and letters of recommendation.
  • Others question whether employers make a distinction between the two degrees, with one participant proposing that as long as the institution is accredited, the degree type may not have a substantial effect on employment prospects.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the importance of the degree type for employers, indicating that there is no consensus on whether a B.A. is viewed negatively compared to a B.S.

Contextual Notes

Limitations: The discussion does not clarify specific fields of employment or types of graduate programs, which may influence the relevance of the degree distinction.

Strangeline
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I hear that sometimes it doesn't even matter, but do people still make a distinction? The main difference to a B.S. is I'm not taking any programming classes with my physics degree
 
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Strangeline said:
do people still make a distinction?

For what? For grad school admission, people are going to look at the courses you actually took and the grades you got in them, plus your GRE scores, research experience, and letters of recommendation, not the name of your degree.
 
for employers i mean
 
Strangeline said:
for employers i mean

As long as the school is accredited, I don't think it will have a large effect.
 

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