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

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the implications of transferring to UC Berkeley for a degree in physics or astrophysics, specifically focusing on the distinction between a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree. Participants explore the perceived differences in rigor and the potential impact on future employment or graduate school applications.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that if a school only offers one type of degree, there is no difference between a BA and a BS.
  • Others argue that typically, if both degrees are offered, the BA is less rigorous than the BS.
  • A participant questions the significance of holding a BA when seeking employment or applying to graduate school.
  • Some express confidence that a BA from UC Berkeley will be well-regarded in the job market.
  • Another participant notes that the offering of a single degree may be rooted in tradition, citing examples from other prestigious institutions.
  • Humor is introduced with comments suggesting the discussion itself is somewhat trivial or nonsensical.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the implications of holding a BA versus a BS, with multiple competing views regarding the significance of the degree type in professional and academic contexts.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the rigor of degrees and their implications for future opportunities remain unresolved, as well as the cultural significance of degree nomenclature across different institutions.

renob
Messages
89
Reaction score
0
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?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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:
 

Similar threads

Programs BA or BS in Physics: Why Does Berkeley Only Offer a BA?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Schools Cornell vs. UC Berkeley for Engineering Physics
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Choosing between unis—UC Berkeley, Cornell
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Schools Choosing between UC Berkeley and Caltech - Math
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
5K
Academic Guidance for Astrophysics Goals: UC Merced vs UC Santa Cruz or Berkeley
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Admissions How to get a Medical Physics PhD?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Admissions Could anyone offer some advice on my college choice for Physics/Astro?
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
952
Which B.S. from UC Davis to support NucE from UC Berkeley?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Programs BA vs. BS In Physics + Why can't I get a BS in Both Math and
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Schools How important are different schools for undergrad and graduate degree?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K