Bachelor of Science vs Bachelor of Arts in Finance

Learn more about the difference between a BA and BS degree in finance and how to choose the best bachelor’s degree program to meet your goals. Both a BA and BS are undergraduate degrees. They stand for Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS). When you get a bachelor’s degree in finance, you can choose between a BA degree or a BS degree. With a bachelor’s degree in finance, you can qualify for entry- and mid-level jobs in areas of business and finance. Your finance degree can open doors to good wages and other benefits. But what is the difference between a bachelor of science vs bachelor of arts in finance degree?

Is a Finance Degree a BA or BS?

If you’ve decided to get a bachelor’s degree in finance, you might want to know which degree you should get. There are two types of finance degrees.

• BA degree
• BS degree

But, what’s the difference between a finance degree BA or BS? Let’s take a look at both bachelor’s degree types.

Bachelor of Arts in Finance

BA degrees give you a broad education, even when you major in finance. In a BA degree program, you take many humanities courses. You spend time studying a foreign language and communications. You take writing and literature courses. In a BA degree program, you take fewer math and science courses and more humanities courses. A BA program can help you develop critical thinking skills. It can also prepare you for an advanced degree in social sciences.

Bachelor of Science in Finance

Unlike the BA degree, a BS degree focuses on a single area of study. You find BS degrees in STEM fields like science and math, but you also find them in finance. A Bachelor of Science in Finance degree offers courses that help develop your technical skills. You take more math and statistics courses and less humanities courses. This also means you won’t always have to complete a foreign language requirement. But some schools have this requirement whether you’re earning a BA or BS degree. While the two bachelor’s degree programs are different, some employers value the many similarities they have. Remember, a bachelor’s degree is a bachelor’s degree. And in finance, this is especially true.

Course Requirements for BA and BS Degrees in Finance

Bachelor of Science vs Bachelor of Arts in finance degrees vary by the courses you take. Here are some of the courses you will take in each degree program.

BA Finance Courses

Your finance education in a Bachelor of Arts program includes liberal arts studies. Curriculum is diverse and courses are well-rounded. You take many business administration and finance courses, but you also spend time studying a foreign language, humanities, and social sciences. Here’s a look at course samplings found in Bachelor of Arts degrees in finance.

Accounting

Most bachelor’s degree programs in finance require accounting courses. College students explore topics such as:

• Auditing and taxation
• Budgeting
• Cash flow statement analysis
• Labor statistics

You learn about the business world and how finance drives capitalism and other economic theories. Accounting courses develop critical thinking skills and help improve your technical skills.

American History and American Government

Students pursuing a BA finance degree take one or two history courses. These bachelor’s degree courses provide a background in important US history events. History courses help you develop your critical thinking skills, which are important for grad school and earning a master’s degree.

College-Level Algebra

This course serves as a review of algebraic concepts learned in high school. It also takes a deeper dive into the more complex aspects of math. The course prepares you for further study in:

• Calculus
• Finite mathematics
• Statistics

English Composition and Research

A well-rounded education means knowing how to research and write. English composition and research courses teach you about grammar and essay structure. Research courses teach academic writing. They also improve your research skills. Employers value college graduates who enter the workforce with strong writing abilities. And if you want to pursue a master’s degree, you’ll be one step ahead with these skills.

Finance

The foundational course of any business degree is general finance. Some schools refer to this class as principles in finance or general finance. In this course, you learn about the key concepts of finance and business administration. These courses include:

• Capital markets
• Debt analysis
• Financial statements

Once you take this foundational course, you’re ready to learn more advanced topics.

Micro and Macroeconomics

A bachelor’s degree in finance is not complete without an economics course. Most students take a micro or macroeconomics class. In these courses, you look at the history and development of microeconomics and macroeconomics. You learn how to conduct economic analysis. You also study the role that economics plays in culture and politics.

Bachelor of Science Finance Courses

When you earn a Bachelor of Science in finance (BS degree), you take fewer liberal arts courses and more science, math, and technical classes. Some programs demand you take more finance courses than BA degrees require. Here’s a look at some of the Bachelor of Science degree courses required in finance.

College Calculus

Some Bachelor of Science programs in finance offer a business calculus class. It’s sometimes referred to as a “calculus lite” course. Other schools require you take a regular calculus course. This class is rigorous and not designed for the business administration or finance major. It is open to:

• Computer science students
• Engineering students
• Other STEM-based majors for bachelor’s degree students

Communication

Communication is a critical skill in the finance industry. As a Bachelor of Science degree student, you can take a communication class. The course focuses on rhetoric and speech types. It gives both the BA and BS students practice giving business presentations on a variety of topics. This course teaches you how to incorporate the following in your presentations.

• Smooth delivery
• Sound research
• Sources
• Well-structured writing

Bachelor of Science and Arts students find communication helpful for any career path.

Corporate Finance

This course focuses on domestic corporate structures. It also covers both domestic and international corporate finance. Students learn financial analysis as it relates to corporate entities. It is a good choice for Bachelor of Science degree students.

Financial Statements

This course’s focus is on analyzing financial statements. BS students learn how to determine:

• Fiscal value
• Growth
• Health of businesses

Investment Management

This course teaches BS students about managing a variety of investment vehicles like securities for individuals and organizations. Other topics covered in a BS degree program include:

• Business ethics
• Investment strategies
• Regulations

Statistics

In a college statistics course, BS students learn how to analyze data sets using different technologies. Your Bachelor of Science degree in finance will have this course requirement. A Bachelor of Science program might even require you take more than one statistics course. Whatever career paths you take in your BS program, statistics can help you learn how to describe data and apply it in the real world.

Do Finance Majors Need to Take a Foreign Language?

Now you’ve answered the question: is finance a BA or BS degree? It’s time to choose which one will help you on your career paths. Some students look at what the degree requires. A Bachelor of Arts degree usually has a foreign language requirement. This is a good choice if you want to put your bachelor’s degree to work in international finance. A foreign language can also help you find work in a company with offices in other countries. It can also help you advance in your current position if you’re willing to relocate to another country. Some students looking to pursue an advanced degree prefer a foreign language requirement. Why? Because they enjoy learning a new language and want to conduct related research in a master’s degree program. Students with an eye on graduate school find their foreign language studies help them get into graduate school. They leverage their knowledge by getting an internship with an international finance firm. If this sounds like something that aligns with your career goals, look for BA and BS degrees with a foreign language requirement.

Earnings: BA in Finance Versus BS in Finance

Is finance a Bachelor of Science program that offers higher earnings than Bachelor of Arts? The research by salary and employment firm, Emolument, shows that individuals with a Bachelor of Science earn 17% more than those with a Bachelor of Arts. The caveat here is that the difference is due to the degree types as a whole. But data also suggests there is a pay gap that decreases over time as people progress in their careers. Those with BA degrees tend to catch up to, or even overtake, those with a Bachelor of Science degrees. But this takes about 10-15 years. What’s also interesting is that traditional and online programs are about the same. You don’t earn more money from traditional BS programs. Your online degree is worth the same as a traditional degree.

Importance of Accreditation

Employers look for college graduates with accredited BA and BS degrees. Accreditation is the review process taken by governing bodies to determine if schools meet standards of quality. It’s not permanent. It’s renewed to ensure schools maintain quality. There are three main accreditation organizations that govern business schools and programs at the collegiate level.

Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs 

Founded in 1989, the ACBSP was a collaboration among 150 institutions that were not accredited by the AACSB. This agency emphasizes teaching and instruction, rather than the research-heavy methodology of the AACSB. This accreditation is for non-research institutions to show they meet high teaching standards and have academic rigor. The ACBSP accredits programs at the following levels:

• Two-year (associate’s degree)
• Four-year (bachelor’s degree)
• Master’s degree
• Doctoral degree

Schools offering online programs and an online degree can also receive this accreditation.

Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

The AACSB is known as the top accreditation agency among business schools and programs. It accredits 5% of all schools that offer a business degree. The agency has operated since 1916 around the globe. It emphasizes research in business and management done at research universities.

International Accreditation Council for Business Education

Founded in 1997, the IACBE is the newest organization to provide accreditation to business programs. It bases its accreditation on the school’s mission and educational outcomes. It accredits degrees at all levels.

How to Decide Between a BA and BS in Finance

Here are a few tips to help you decide between Bachelor of Science degrees and Bachelor of Arts degrees in finance.

Choose Your Field

Determine your interest or specialty area in finance. These can include:

• Financial statement analysis
• Investments
• Personal finance

When you know what area of finance you want to work in, you can narrow down which degree will help you accomplish your goals.

Compare Requirements

If a business department or school offers both a BA or BS program in finance, compare the coursework. Look at your long-term plans and see if the courses fit with your future occupation. To help you compare, ask yourself these questions.

• What specializations does the finance or business degree offer?
• Are there courses that interest you and meet your career goals?
• Does one program offer more opportunities outside the classroom? Think internships and travel abroad experiences.

There are many different specializations in finance. Some business-driven, others not. The most unique specializations out there include environmental science and other social sciences. A student pursuing bachelor’s degrees should take specialized courses in their area of interest.

Consider the Reputation of the Institution or Program

The reputation of a college and program is important. Some programs have regional, national, and international reputations. These credentials open doors to many opportunities. As a culture obsessed with college rankings and reputation, it’s important to consider a program’s accreditation and awards. Look at their rankings and see where they stand. Pay attention to where you earn your bachelor’s degree or master’s degree. Not all BA degrees or BS programs are equal.

Talk to an Advisor

Advisors are a great resource when considering a Bachelor of Science Finance degree. They can give you advice on specializations, such as picking up that computer science focus. They can also help you find an online degree or master’s degree program. Advisors offer insight into your major and all that it offers.

Talk to a Professional in the Field

Speaking with a professional in the field is a good way to find out more about a specialization or area of interest. Maybe you’re on the fence about a specialization in computer science. Maybe you’re considering a Bachelor of Arts degree in finance with a political science focus. Talk to someone in the field. Speaking with an alum or professional can also offer networking opportunities. You never know where your connection could lead.

Final Thoughts on Getting a BA or BS Degree in Finance

A BS in finance won’t give you a huge advantage over someone with a BA in finance. But if the potential employer wants a technical background, your Bachelor of Science degree can make a difference. Some hiring managers favor one degree over the other, but it depends on what they’re looking for. If an employer wants to fill an analyst job, they might look for candidates with a BS degree. But those with an arts degree shouldn’t count themselves out. Their research and writing abilities will make them strong candidates for the job. Choosing between a BS and a BA in finance is an important decision. Not all bachelor’s degrees are equal. It’s important to take your time and do your research. Consider only accredited university programs. It’s worth noting that any degree can help launch a successful career in finance. You’re not limited to Bachelors of Science in finance programs. BDP Staff January 2023 Related Resources:

• 5 Degree Options for a Career in Finance
• 5 Differences Between Finance and Accounting
• 5 Top Paying Careers with a Bachelor’s in Finance
• 30 Best Online Bachelor’s in Finance Programs
• 30 Most Affordable Bachelor’s in Finance Online at Private Colleges

This concludes our article on BA finance degree versus BS finance degree.