Physics BA vs BS: Virginia Tech Difficulty Comparison

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the differences in difficulty and implications of pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) versus a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in physics at Virginia Tech. Participants explore the academic requirements, time management concerns related to ROTC commitments, and the perceived value of each degree type.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the B.S. may be more meticulous and challenging compared to the B.A.
  • Others argue that the distinction between the two degrees may not significantly impact undergraduate education or future opportunities in physics.
  • A participant expresses concern about time management due to ROTC commitments, indicating that a bachelor's degree is the most feasible option.
  • There are inquiries about the extent of difficulty between the B.A. and B.S., with some participants seeking clarification on whether the difference is minor or significant.
  • One participant notes that the course catalog primarily lists requirements for the B.S., suggesting a lack of clarity on the B.A. requirements.
  • Another participant mentions that there are various versions of the B.A. depending on its combination with other fields of study.
  • It is suggested that students should consult academic advisors for personalized guidance regarding their degree choice and requirements.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the difficulty comparison between the B.A. and B.S. degrees. Multiple viewpoints exist regarding the relevance of the degree type and its impact on future academic or career paths.

Contextual Notes

There is uncertainty regarding the specific course requirements and differences between the B.A. and B.S. degrees, as well as the implications of pursuing one over the other in relation to ROTC commitments.

tibreaker
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So next year I am going to be a freshmen physics major at Virgina Tech. I was wondering if there was anybody that could explain the difference in difficulty with a physics BA vs. BS (if there is one) at Virginia Tech and if one is "better" than the other. Thanks.
 
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The B.A. is Bachelor of the Arts and the B.S. is Bachelor of Science. A thread about this is right here:
https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/ba-vs-bs.193362/
A B.S. is probably more meticulous and challenging. Why would you want to go into physics for only a bachelor's degree?
 
It's a little complicated but basically I'm going to be a cadet at VT doing Air Force ROTC and I'm concerned about time management between ROTC and my major. Because of this only a bachelors is in the foreseeable future. Thanks.
 
I don't believe that B.A. versus B.S. matters then (if at all). It's only undergrad work, so, even if you did want to pursue physics further, a mere title shouldn't affect anything.
 
Okay thanks for the info. Now, do you know to what extent a B.A. is easier than a B.S.? Is there a minor difference or a significant one? Because if there is only a minor difference, then I might as well just stick with the B.S., right?
 
It really doesn't matter. Lots of times, schools can offer both both degrees with same requirements/prerequisites. Pick what you want (I'd go for B.S., IMO, though).
 
tibreaker said:
difference in difficulty with a physics BA vs. BS (if there is one) at Virginia Tech
The VT website probably lists the course requirements for the two degrees. What are the differences between them?
 
They offer a B.A. and a B.S. but only have a course catalog for a B.S.
 
tibreaker said:
only have a course catalog for a B.S.
You can find checksheets with detailed course requirements for all degrees here:

http://www.registrar.vt.edu/graduation/checksheets/a-z/index.html

Enter "physics" in the search box. They don't seem to have ones for 2020 yet (your graduating class?), so choose 2018 as the most recent.

From the physics overview page:

http://www.undergradcatalog.registrar.vt.edu/1516/science/phys.html

a traditional course of study as preparation for joining the technical staffs of industries or government laboratories, or for graduate studies in physics or astronomy (B.S.); or to pursue an interdisciplinary course of study with a strong background in physics (B.A.).

It looks like there are serveral versions of the B.A. depending on what it's going to be combined with.

At some point VT will probably assign you an academic advisor. Ask him/her about it. Since you're going to be in ROTC, you should probably also talk to somebody in the ROTC program. They're surely used to advising their students about issues like this.
 
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