Should I get a BS or BA degree in Chemistry?

Question

I'm currently a senior looking into universities hoping to major in Chemistry to be come a Forensic Chemist one day. But I'm not sure which degree I should chose for my particular job path. Chemistry(BA or BS)?

Any suggestions?

Answer 1

It depends on your long term future goals. If you are looking towards getting a Masters or PhD in chemistry and your BA degree program requires foreign language then I would say you are better off with a BA. Reason for saying it is due to the fact many graduate programs in Chemistry require knowledge of a foreign language like German and taking a BA program where foreign language is a part of the requirement will help you with meeting your entrance requirement for graduate work. However if you future goal is not graduate work in chemistry or the BA program does not require foreign language then I would recommend a BS degree.  

Answer 2

it depends on your goals but for most science-related fields the BS will be more useful since it is more science-focused than the BA.  Of course if the courseload is impossible the BA may be easier, but if at all go for the BS.  When in doubt, the BS is your best bet if you're sure you want to go into science.  Forensic Chemistry is more science-focused so I think the BS is your best bet, unless the course load is impossible.  Of course if you're just entering university/college now you've got time to declare your major, so you don't have to declare right away if you;re really unsure.  Good luck!

Answer 3

While I agree with Dancing_Smurf, I would also add that you will have a better time figuring this out after you get to university and have a chance to talk with your chemistry and forensics professors.  Understand that the first two years for each major at university are very, very similar.  I would suggest mapping out the two curricula side-by-side to see how much different they are.. and when they begin to diverge.  Every school lists the course you must take each year to follow a particular curriculum...  start there and see.

Okay.  The other factor is that you may develop other interests as you proceed through your curriculum.  So know that you can easily switch from a BA path to a BS or vice versus within your first year or so... no problem.

Hope that eases the pressure and gives you something to help you decide.

Peace