BA of Biochemistry vs BS of Biochemistry

[Anonymous]

Trying to compile an employer’s or career focused pro/con list for whether a student interested in Biochemistry and a career in research should be open to both BA and BS degree programs. They really like a smaller state college which offers a BA in Biochemistry, but it’s not straightforward whether it would put her at a disadvantage longterm that it’s not a BS degree.

Any insight is helpful. She’s a good student at a good private school her in the area. Not interested in large state flagship schools.

[Anonymous]

By institutional tradition, some of the most renowned schools in the country offer B.A. degrees only, including in fields such as physics (or biochemistry). Nonetheless, course selection will be important to graduate schools, so be sure that this student chooses appropriate courses in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, physics, mathematics/statistics and computer science under guidance from his undergraduate academic advisor.

[Anonymous]

For undergrad, it’s probably fine, but if they are interested in research, they should probably focus on a BS so they can get some lab experience — or look for a MS in grad school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For undergrad, it’s probably fine, but if they are interested in research, they should probably focus on a BS so they can get some lab experience — or look for a MS in grad school.

What? For research and a graduate degree, it doesn’t matter. You also shouldn’t be looking at an MS- complete scam degree-when you can just get a PhD that’s funded.

[Anonymous]

As a STEM hiring manager, I absolutely prefer someone with a BS degree over a BA degree. Most BA degrees in STEM are watered down, meaning the student does not know as much.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As a STEM hiring manager, I absolutely prefer someone with a BS degree over a BA degree. Most BA degrees in STEM are watered down, meaning the student does not know as much.

I hope you aren't an actual hiring manager. This is completely inaccurate for colleges that lack a BS, due to historic status of how they give degrees. Many BAs are more rigorous than colleges with BS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As a STEM hiring manager, I absolutely prefer someone with a BS degree over a BA degree. Most BA degrees in STEM are watered down, meaning the student does not know as much.

I hope you aren't an actual hiring manager. This is completely inaccurate for colleges that lack a BS, due to historic status of how they give degrees. Many BAs are more rigorous than colleges with BS.

yes. true. PP cannot be a hiring manager.
Most of the ivies and Williams, other historic colleges, offer A.B. (BA) in chemistry or biology, no S.B. (BS) offered. No biochem as its own major. If the BS is not offered and the institution is an established known great school, then it is fine. These schools are known to be rigorous; research as undergrad and/or honors thesis is commonly required or strongly encouraged at these schools in addition to coursework.

[Anonymous]

Nobody cares.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For undergrad, it’s probably fine, but if they are interested in research, they should probably focus on a BS so they can get some lab experience — or look for a MS in grad school.

This is incorrect. Some BAs have way more lab experience, and some top programs only offer the BA.

Also, if you want to go into substantive research you will generally need a PhD.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As a STEM hiring manager, I absolutely prefer someone with a BS degree over a BA degree. Most BA degrees in STEM are watered down, meaning the student does not know as much.

I hope you aren't an actual hiring manager. This is completely inaccurate for colleges that lack a BS, due to historic status of how they give degrees. Many BAs are more rigorous than colleges with BS.

I really am a STEM hiring manager.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As a STEM hiring manager, I absolutely prefer someone with a BS degree over a BA degree. Most BA degrees in STEM are watered down, meaning the student does not know as much.

I hope you aren't an actual hiring manager. This is completely inaccurate for colleges that lack a BS, due to historic status of how they give degrees. Many BAs are more rigorous than colleges with BS.

I really am a STEM hiring manager.

Then that is really concerning. I've never heard of a hiring manager who cares about this distinction at all because it means nothing.

[Anonymous]

If the school offers both, get the BS. Otherwise it (obviously) doesn't matter

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As a STEM hiring manager, I absolutely prefer someone with a BS degree over a BA degree. Most BA degrees in STEM are watered down, meaning the student does not know as much.

I hope you aren't an actual hiring manager. This is completely inaccurate for colleges that lack a BS, due to historic status of how they give degrees. Many BAs are more rigorous than colleges with BS.

I really am a STEM hiring manager.

So you wouldn't hire a Princeton chemistry major since Princeton only has the BA?