What it is
The Bachelor of Science (BS) is one of the two most common bachelor's degrees (alongside the Bachelor of Arts). It's a four-year undergraduate degree that emphasizes technical, scientific, and quantitative depth in the major — more required courses in the field, and often more math, science, and lab or applied work.
The degrees & designations
A BS is offered across science, tech, engineering, health, and business fields. A few examples — click through to the major:
How long it takes
About four years of full-time study (roughly 120 credit hours). Some fields (like engineering) may run closer to five with co-ops or heavy sequences.
What you study
Compared with a BA, a BS devotes more of the degree to the major and its technical foundations — additional major courses, math and science, labs, and applied projects — with fewer free electives. The exact mix depends on the field.
Getting in
Admission requires a high school diploma or GED, transcripts, and often essays, recommendations, and (sometimes) tests. Selectivity varies by school.
Cost & funding
Cost ranges widely, from lower-cost public in-state tuition to private universities. Grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans are common, and starting at a community college can reduce cost.
Where it leads
A BS prepares graduates for careers in technical, scientific, and applied fields, and is the standard foundation for graduate, professional, and doctoral study in those areas.
How it compares
The BS vs BA difference is emphasis, not rank: a BS goes deeper into the field's technical core; a BA is broader, with more electives and humanities. Many majors are offered as either — the same subject, a different balance.
Is it right for you?
A BS fits students who want depth in a technical, scientific, or quantitative field and a strong foundation for careers or graduate study in that area.
Explore further
This is a reference guide. Keep exploring:
Key facts
- WhatA four-year bachelor's degree emphasizing technical/scientific depth
- Length~4 years / ~120 credits
- Vs a BAMore major and STEM depth; fewer free electives
- Common inSTEM, health, computing, business, and applied fields
- Leads toCareers and graduate study in the field
Where to learn more
Keep exploring the resource: