The B.S. vs. B.S.A. Degree

Your main Natural Sciences degree options, explained.

CNS offers multiple degree options, but most undergraduates pursue either the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or the Bachelor of Science and Arts (B.S.A.). Students decide which degree to pursue during their second year, unless they are in an honors program, where students have their degree options set when they opt into their program.

The Bachelor of Science

  • About 75% of the degree is science and math courses.
  • Students may have a specialization that is a deeper study within the major (e.g., the B.S. Biology major has 10 specializations, ranging from Genetics and Genomics to Cell and Molecular Biology).
  • The B.S. provides great preparation for those planning to pursue graduate school in the subject.
  • In some majors, undergraduate students have the opportunity to take upper-division courses with graduate students.

The Bachelor of Science & Arts

  • The degree provides an interdisciplinary or cross-disciplinary experience for our students.
  • Students will have a solid core in math and science coursework, with about 18 hours of upper-division courses related to the major (this can be throughout the different areas of specializations).
  • About 18-21 hours are saved for the student to pursue any minor or certificate, including those outside of CNS. Minors are required to be subjects outside of CNS.