Best Degrees
/
15 Most Common Bachelor of Arts Degrees

15 Most Common Bachelor of Arts Degrees

This article explores the most common types of Bachelor of Art degrees, including liberal arts, social work, and communications. We'll also answer some common questions about Bachelor of Arts degrees.

Are you looking to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree? Maybe you haven't decided on a degree program yet and are curious about the different BA programs available.

Keep reading. In this article, we'll discuss common Bachelor of Arts degrees such as:

  • Humanities
  • Liberal arts
  • English

We'll also answer some questions you may have about BA degrees.

The Most Common BA Degrees

The following 15 degrees are commonly offered as Bachelor of Arts and are available at many colleges and universities.

1. Humanities

Humanities degrees are interdisciplinary programs that challenge students to explore culture and society from many different angles.

Coursework commonly includes studies of literature, history, philosophy, theology, gender studies, political studies, anthropology, and art.

2. Liberal Arts

Liberal arts degrees are exceptionally broad, allowing students to build skills and pursue interests in many different subjects. They are beneficial degrees that can lead to careers in many fields.

Liberal arts degrees often offer areas of concentration, allowing students to focus their studies in a more specific field. Coursework typically includes a wide study of arts, sciences, and humanities.

3. English

English degrees provide an in-depth education of the English language, including advanced topics related to reading comprehension, writing, editing, and more.

These common BA degrees may offer concentrations in creative writing, technical writing, or education for students interested in these specific fields.

4. Fine Arts

Fine arts degree programs are often available as Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees, but they are also commonly offered as a major area in Bachelor of Arts programs.

Fine arts degrees take an in-depth look at various art forms such as musical performance, acting, painting, dancing, sculpting, photography, and jewelry-making. They often lead to careers in one or more of these art forms.

5. Communications

Communications degrees are offered at the majority of colleges and universities throughout the country. They are versatile degrees that can lead to careers in almost every professional field.

These bachelor's degree programs provide education in various forms of communication, including digital and professional communication, advertising, written and spoken communication, and more.

6. Education

There are many types of education degrees, and they are often available as Bachelor of Arts programs.

Education degrees provide a well-rounded education on a variety of subjects and interacting with students of varying ages. They often include student teaching experiences as part of the program.

7. Political Science

Political science degrees are commonly offered as Bachelor of Science programs as well as Bachelor of Arts. They can prepare students for careers in law, government, and public service.

These programs teach political history and theory while also focusing on related subjects such as economics and current world problems.

8. Foreign Language

Many Bachelor of Arts programs include foreign language requirements. For students interested in careers as translators or other fields, a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in foreign language may be ideal.

Foreign language degrees focus on one or more languages other than English, helping students become fluent in these languages. This skill is relevant and highly sought after in various industries.

9. Social Work

Social work degrees are often offered as Bachelor of Arts programs. These degree programs prepare students for careers as social workers or in other human service fields.

These programs may include courses on behavioral science, child protection, social policy, and human rights. They also commonly include internships or practicums.

10. Visual Arts

Visual arts students learn a variety of topics related to various art forms such as:

  • Photography
  • Film and video
  • Printmaking
  • Graphic design
  • Sculpture

Bachelor of Arts degrees in visual arts can lead to fulfilling artistic careers in various industries.

11. Psychology

Psychology majors often pursue Bachelor of Arts degrees. These programs are broad, providing a well-rounded education in psychology as well as:

  • Arts
  • Sciences
  • Humanities

Those with a degree in psychology can pursue a variety of entry-level careers. They also often pursue graduate degrees in:

  • Psychology
  • Mental health counseling
  • Behavioral sciences

12. History

BA degrees in history provide a variety of options for focused studies and can lead to careers in:

  • Government
  • Business
  • Archaeology
  • Education

Coursework may include subjects such as:

  • History of civilizations
  • Research, and historiography
  • Language
  • Gender
  • Specific cultures

13. Philosophy

Philosophy may be its degree or may be offered as a concentration in a humanities program. Philosophy degrees require a lot of research and make a study of unanswerable questions.

Students in philosophy programs study topics like logic, ethics, metaphysics, and philosophy of mind, politics, and science.

14. Religious Studies

Religious studies degrees are available at some public and private schools. These programs explore various religions from many angles and perspectives.

Students in religious studies programs often take courses in theology, anthropology, ethics, and the history and geography of religion.

15. Business

Business degrees are often available as:

  • Bachelor of Arts
  • Bachelor of Science
  • Bachelor of Business Administration

These degrees lead to many different careers in business.

Coursework may depend on the business degree specialization you are pursuing. Common specializations include:

What Is a Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree?

Bachelor of Arts degrees are undergraduate degree programs that focus on humanities and liberal arts.

Whereas Bachelor of Science degrees emphasize science and mathematics, Bachelor of Arts degrees provide coursework in various social sciences and critical thinking. Both general education and elective courses place a strong emphasis on a more liberal, well-rounded education.

BA vs. BS: Choosing the Right Path for You

Some majors allow you to choose either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science. How do you decide which pathway is right for you?

As noted above, BS degrees take a more scientific approach to learning, while BA degrees focus on arts and humanities. So, the same major may have different coursework requirements if you pursue a BS degree than if you pursue a BA degree.

Only you can decide which area of study makes the most sense for you. Think about the types of subjects you enjoy and whether you are better at arts or sciences in general. Understanding your strengths and weaknesses will help you make the right choice for you as you pursue higher education.

Best Minors for a BA Degree

BA degrees typically include a diverse array of general education courses. You can pursue a focus on your degree by pursuing multiple fields of study through a double major or a minor.

For most students, pursuing a minor makes the most sense, as it generally takes less time. Minors are available in many fields, such as foreign language and visual arts.

The minor you choose will depend on your degree specialization and your career goals. By their nature, BA degrees are interdisciplinary, so there isn't such as thing as a 'best minor;' any minor you choose will allow you to focus on your degree.

For example, if you are pursuing a liberal arts or humanities degree, pursuing a degree in communications can help improve your critical thinking and communication skills while allowing you to pursue various career paths in communications.

What Can You Do with a Bachelor of Arts Degree?

Getting your Bachelor of Arts degree can lead to many career paths. Some of the top fields you could work in include:

You could also advance your career and pursue potential pay increases by furthering your education and specializing in particular areas.

Attending graduate school to get a master's degree or some other graduate degree, can help you obtain your career goals. This is especially true if you want to go into fields such as psychology and social work.

Navigating the job market with a BA degree can feel a little overwhelming, as there are so many career paths available. The good news is that, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), those holding a Bachelor's degree face lower unemployment rates than those with only an associate degree or a high school diploma.

Plus, pursuing higher education in the form of a BA degree can improve soft skills such as critical thinking and communication skills, making you a more desirable job candidate regardless of the specific type of career you pursue.

FAQs about Pursuing a Bachelor of Arts Degree

Keep reading as we answer some additional questions you may have about getting a BA degree.

What Are the BA Admissions Requirements?

Admission requirements vary from school to school. For most four-year bachelor's programs, you will have to meet a variety of prerequisites and major requirements. You may also have to have a minimum GPA, usually 2.5 to 3.0 depending on the school and the program.

What Financial Aid Options Are Available for a BA Degree?

Most first-year, full-time, college students have a variety of financial aid options available to them. They can pursue federal financial aid by filling out the FAFSA. Scholarships, work-study programs, tuition waivers, and tuition assistance programs can also help you pay for your studies.

What Subjects Are Included in a Bachelor of Arts Degree Program?

Required courses in BA programs vary depending on the school and the program. However, you will probably have to take courses in some or all of the following subjects:

Are There Online Programs Available for a Bachelor of Arts Degree?

Many schools offer online Bachelor of Arts degrees. Busy and nontraditional students often prefer online degree programs because they allow a greater amount of flexibility than campus-based programs. Some schools offering online degrees include:

How Many Years Does It Take To Complete a Bachelor of Arts Degree?

For full-time students, it usually takes about four years to complete a Bachelor of Arts degree. Students studying part-time will take longer, while those in accelerated programs may finish sooner. It all depends on how long it takes you to complete the requirements for graduation.

Start Your Bachelor of Arts Degree Today

Ready to start your BA degree? Check out each of the program types above to decide which one will best prepare you for your career goals and interests.

You might also like...

Related
Popular