For most teens, the transition from high school to college is a challenging task. You must also endure the stress of picking your degree program before you can pack your bags and leave the comforts of your home (and of your mom’s cooking).
The choice of a college and the post-secondary program is an important task, especially if the implications of different degrees like AB are still confusing (Bachelor of Arts). Over many late hours, you will spend transcripts requesting, you will fill out online applications, and you will write personal statements that deprive you of sleep.
We are here to help you through the difficulties of an AB course if you aim to graduate but don’t fully get the significance thereof.
What is AB Degree?
The Bachelor of Arts is (BA or AB) conferred for an undergraduate program in arts from the Latin word baccalaureus artium or artium baccalaureus. Depending on nation and school, a Bachelor of Arts is usually finished within three or four years.
You can pursue an AB degree in a variety of topics. Apart from your undergraduate programs, your AB degrees require you to meet general educational requirements (GERs).
For example, most of your majors will address the ideas and techniques of the human mind, behaviour and emotions if you decide to take an AB in psychology. On the other hand, you also take a variety of courses in mathematics, physics, English literature and history. So I’m sorry to tell you that there are no escapes from algebraic equations and polynomials if you were to try to dodge math by opting to study comparative literature or any other degree of AB. You are going to at least take the lowest level of mathematics.
GERs are meant to teach you various and important skills that can make you a valuable member of society, whichever sector of activity you choose. They will also contribute to shaping your thinking and critical abilities. It has its idealistic implications, but you’ll get better-rounded at the end of the day.
Bachelor degrees are normally one of the main qualifications in the framework of qualification (sometimes two levels, when the non-honours and honorary degrees are taken apart), although certain bachelor degree qualifications are available at other levels (e.g., MBBS) and certain qualifications with non-bachelor degree can be classified as bachelor degrees in countries with qualifications framework (e.g. the Scottish MA and Canadian MD).
Courses associated with AB or BA
- African American Studies
- Anthropology
- Astrophysical Sciences
- Chemistry
- Architecture
- Art and Archaeology
- Classics
- Comparative Literature
- Computer Science
- East Asian Studies
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
- Economics
- English
- French and Italian
- Geosciences
- Princeton School of Public and International Affairs
- Psychology
- Religion
- Slavic Languages and Literatures
- German
- History
- Mathematics
- Molecular Biology
- Music
- Near Eastern Studies
- Neuroscience
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Politics
- Sociology
- Spanish and Portuguese
Eligibility to pursue AB or BA degree
To pursue Bachelor of Arts, one should have a high school diploma or a GED. Graduation is an important degree to pursue further studies like Masters or Doctorate. Choose the right course of your interest and pursue your graduation degree. There are some top universities all around the world offering amazing undergraduate courses. Find the one that fits in your budget and has a course of your choice.
Benefits of an AB Degree
Pursuing an AB degree has several possible advantages. The comprehensive education it offers is one of the key advantages. A broad education in the liberal arts and humanities equips recipients of an AB degree with a skill set that may be used in a variety of employment fields.
Programs leading to an AB degree may give students the chance to improve their communication and critical thinking abilities in addition to their general education. Employers in a variety of industries place a high value on these abilities, which can make AB degree graduates stand out in the job market.
Drawbacks of an AB Degree
Earning an AB degree may also have certain disadvantages. One disadvantage of AB degrees is that they could not be as narrowly focused as other bachelor’s degrees, which might make it harder for holders of AB degrees to break into particular sectors or businesses.
For instance, students with a solid background in math and science, which is often offered by a BS or BAS degree, maybe at an advantage while pursuing a job in a STEM profession. The emphasis on applied science in a BAS degree makes it a better choice for those who wish to start their careers right after graduation.
How can you choose the right AB degree for yourself?
One of the most important decisions a student must make is which course to choose. This is so that your course selection, which is based on your interests in it, might affect how well you perform. Here are some tips on choosing the right AB degree for yourself:
- Consider your Strengths
If you choose to pursue that field further, how well you do will depend on how strong your academic background is in that area. So, before selecting a course to devote years to, consider your strengths and shortcomings.
- Follow your passion
Your dedication to a certain AB degree will keep you going even when it seems difficult to keep going. On the other side, what distinguishes you from the crew is your willingness to take on the difficult portion of the course.
- Take Guidance
Making decisions with the assistance of an academic counselor will be very beneficial. This is because he or she has always been at your side and is familiar with your academic life, as well as your strengths and weaknesses.
What is the difference between AB and Other Bachelor’s Degrees?
The program’s focus is one of the key distinctions between an AB degree and other bachelor’s degrees. In contrast to other bachelor’s degrees, which could have a more technical or vocational concentration, AB degrees are concentrated in the liberal arts and humanities, as was previously indicated.
For instance, students who intend to work in a STEM profession after graduation frequently pursue a BS degree, which focuses on math, scientific, and technical disciplines. On the other hand, a BAS degree focuses on applied science and is designed for students who wish to start working right after graduation.
Aside from the subject topic, AB degrees may also be structured differently from other bachelor’s degrees. Programs leading to an AB degree may be more adaptable, enabling students to select from a greater variety of courses and customize their education to fit their interests and professional aspirations.
The final words
Even though both AB or BA degrees are identical, universities like Harvard and Princeton award AB degrees rather than BA ones due to their outdated abbreviation systems. In terms of the benefits of this degree, it exposes you to a variety of academic fields outside of your major to give you exposure. We hope you found this article informative and now you know everything about the AB degree.