Transferring to UC Berkeley: BA vs BS in Physics/Astrophysics

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Transferring to UC Berkeley for a BA in physics or astrophysics raises questions about the significance of the degree type. The consensus is that if a school only offers a BA, there is no substantial difference compared to a BS, especially regarding job prospects or graduate school applications. Notable institutions like Oxford and Princeton also offer only BAs in similar fields, indicating that this is a common tradition rather than a reflection of academic rigor. Concerns about the degree's impact on future opportunities are largely unfounded, as employers and graduate programs recognize the quality of education from UC Berkeley. Ultimately, a BA from this prestigious institution is expected to hold significant value in the job market and academia.
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I'm planning on transferring into UC Berkeley for either physics or astrophysics. They don't offer a BS for either of these, only BA. Is there a big difference between the two?
 
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If the school only offers 1, there's no difference between them. (How could there be?) If they offer both, usually the BA is less rigorous.
 
Vanadium 50 said:
If the school only offers 1, there's no difference between them. (How could there be?) If they offer both, usually the BA is less rigorous.

What I meant was does it make a big difference after you get your BA? Like when you are looking for work or applying to grad school.
 
Anyone who knows anything will know that only one degree is offered. Don't sweat it.
 
Somehow, I think you'll do OK with a BA from UC Berkeley...
 
If it's the only programme, it's just tradition. Oxford, Cambridge, Princeton all offer only BAs in physics. I suppose if tradition is really followed, then Princeton offers ABs not BAs. Just like MIT offers SBs not BSs - I think they even call their music degrees SBs!
 
Sounds like a bunch of BS! ;-)
 
lubuntu said:
Sounds like a bunch of BS! ;-)

I've always thought so! :smile:
 
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