Choosing the right college is only part of the journey. Knowing which type of degree your student is pursuing is just as important—especially when it comes to mapping out a strong academic path and post-graduation plan.
A common question families ask is: “What does a BS in college mean?” Understanding the answer can help students make smarter decisions about which colleges to apply to, what classes to take in high school, and how to align their major with career and financial goals.
In this guide, we break down the meaning of a BS degree, how it differs from other types of bachelor’s degrees, and how it fits into the broader context of college planning.
Why understanding degrees matters early in the process
For families beginning the college admissions journey, it’s easy to focus on school names and admissions stats. But understanding the type of degree your student will pursue—such as a Bachelor of Science (BS)—is equally important.
The degree type impacts:
- The courses your student will need to take
- The types of careers they may qualify for
- The college programs that are a strong academic fit
Knowing what a BS degree entails can shape everything from your student’s high school course selection to their long-term earning potential. That’s why it’s crucial to include degree type in the early stages of your planning process.
What does “BS in college” mean?
A BS, or Bachelor of Science, is an undergraduate academic degree awarded for completing a college program with a strong focus on science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) subjects.
The defining features of a BS degree include:
- Emphasis on technical, quantitative, and analytical coursework
- Fewer elective courses and more structured major requirements
- Strong foundation in math and science principles
Common majors that result in a BS degree include:
- Computer Science
- Nursing
- Engineering (Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, etc.)
- Biology and Chemistry
- Physics
- Environmental Science
Students pursuing a BS degree often gain skills that are directly applicable to in-demand, high-growth careers.
For a broader overview of how degrees work and what options exist, see our Beginner’s Guide to College Degrees.
How a BS compares to a BA and other undergraduate degrees
While the BS degree is rooted in science and technical disciplines, it’s not the only type of undergraduate degree. Another common option is the BA, or Bachelor of Arts.
Here’s how the BS and BA typically differ:
Curriculum focus
- BS: More specialized, with a heavier emphasis on technical courses, labs, and scientific or mathematical analysis.
- BA: Broader liberal arts foundation, with more flexibility in course selection, allowing students to explore humanities, languages, and social sciences.
Career preparation
- BS: Often geared toward students aiming for specific careers in science, healthcare, technology, or engineering.
- BA: A good fit for students pursuing fields such as communications, education, psychology, or political science—often with an eye toward graduate school or interdisciplinary work.
Program structure
- BS: Typically requires more credits within the major and fewer general education electives.
- BA: Encourages exploration outside the major, often including a foreign language requirement.
Other degree types include:
- BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts): For students pursuing performing or visual arts.
- BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration): A business-focused degree with a practical management curriculum.
- BSW (Bachelor of Social Work): For students preparing for a career in social work or counseling.
Choosing between these degrees depends on your student’s strengths, interests, and long-term goals. The best degree is the one that matches their academic preferences and career aspirations.
How the type of degree affects college planning
The type of degree a student pursues can shape their entire college admissions strategy—starting as early as high school. For students interested in a BS program, there may be more rigorous prerequisites or expectations related to STEM coursework.
Key planning areas include:
High school course selection
Students targeting a BS should prioritize advanced math and science classes, including AP or IB courses when available. Some competitive programs may expect lab science experience, calculus, or computer programming as part of the academic profile.
College list development
Not all colleges offer both BA and BS tracks in every subject. Some institutions lean more toward liberal arts (BA-focused), while others are research-intensive with a stronger BS curriculum. Understanding this helps students apply to programs that fit their academic goals.
Application strategy
Admissions criteria may vary slightly for BS programs. In addition to GPA and standardized test scores, admissions officers may review subject-specific grades more closely or expect strong math/science performance.
For a deeper dive into college prep, check out our article on How High School Students Can Prepare for College.
How a BS degree can shape career pathways
One of the most important considerations when choosing a degree is understanding how it connects to the job market. A BS degree is often associated with some of today’s most in-demand and highest-paying career fields.
Career tracks and industries
Graduates with a BS often go into industries like:
- Healthcare (nursing, medical technology, public health)
- Engineering (mechanical, civil, biomedical, etc.)
- Technology (software development, cybersecurity, data science)
- Environmental and physical sciences (biology, chemistry, earth science)
These fields tend to prioritize technical training and often require a BS for entry-level roles.
Earning potential and job security
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), many occupations requiring a BS degree offer median annual wages above the national average. Fields such as computer science and engineering consistently show strong job growth projections.
Grad school and professional advancement
A BS degree can also serve as a stepping stone to graduate or professional programs, including medical school, pharmacy school, or specialized master’s programs in technology or research.
For more insight on which degrees offer strong returns on investment, explore our post on Best College Majors for a Strong ROI.
Common myths and misunderstandings about a BS degree
Despite its widespread use and prestige in STEM fields, there are several myths surrounding BS degrees that can lead to confusion when selecting a program.
“A BS degree is always harder than a BA.”
While BS degrees typically emphasize technical and analytical coursework, that doesn’t make them universally more difficult. A student who excels in writing or languages may find the BA pathway more challenging. Difficulty depends more on a student’s strengths and interests than the degree label.
“BS degrees are only for science majors.”
Although BS stands for Bachelor of Science, it’s not exclusive to science majors. Degrees in fields like psychology, business, and even economics can be offered as either a BS or a BA depending on the program’s focus and coursework.
“Employers prefer one degree over the other.”
In most industries, employers care more about the candidate’s major, skills, and experience than the degree type. The distinction between a BS and BA is rarely a deciding factor in hiring unless the role demands highly technical expertise.
“All colleges offer BS degrees.”
Not all colleges provide both BA and BS tracks. Liberal arts colleges may only offer BA degrees, even in scientific fields. It’s important to research each college’s curriculum structure to understand the available degree options.
Adding this clarity helps families make informed decisions and avoid assumptions that could limit opportunities or misguide planning.
Is a BS degree better? It depends.
Many families wonder whether a BS is inherently better than a BA or another type of degree. The truth is: it depends on the student.
Students interested in technical careers, scientific research, or graduate programs in STEM may find that a BS provides the structure and coursework needed to prepare them well. But for others—especially those drawn to interdisciplinary studies or the humanities—a BA or another degree type may offer more flexibility.
What matters most is:
- Academic fit and interest
- Career goals
- Preferred learning style and curriculum structure
How CBRG helps families choose the right degree path
At College Benefits Research Group, we take a personalized approach to help each family navigate degree decisions with clarity and confidence. Here’s how we support your journey:
- Assess student interests and strengths: We help students identify where their academic preferences intersect with career opportunities.
- Build a college list that aligns with goals: Whether your student wants a BS in Computer Science or a BFA in Fine Arts, we help you target the right institutions.
- Plan for affordability: Understanding how degree type affects total cost and future income helps families make smarter financial decisions.
Our college planning specialists ensure every aspect of your student’s academic path supports their success. Learn more about what a college planning specialist does.
Help your student choose with confidence
Understanding the meaning of a BS in college is more than just decoding an acronym—it’s about making sure your student’s academic journey is aligned with their goals.
By choosing a degree path that reflects their strengths, values, and long-term plans, your student will be better prepared for a successful college experience—and beyond.
Whether you’re just starting to research majors or finalizing your college list, CBRG is here to help you make informed decisions at every step.