Bachelor of Arts

Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Bachelor of Arts

Role / Field:

An undergraduate degree focusing on the liberal arts, awarded by universities.

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Foundations

A Bachelor of Arts (abbreviated BA or AB; from the Latin baccalaureus artium, baccalaureus in artibus, or artium baccalaureus) is the holder of a bachelor's degree awarded for an undergraduate program in the liberal arts, or, in some cases, other disciplines. A Bachelor of Arts degree course is generally completed in three, four, or five years or more, depending on the country and institution. The Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree is an undergraduate postsecondary degree that puts a focus on liberal arts and studies. In comparison, a Bachelor of Science (BS or BSc) has a greater focus on science, math, and engineering.

Key Developments & Impact

The Bachelor of Arts degree is a type of baccalaureate degree. A Bachelor of Arts degree is usually completed in four years: that is, it requires four years of full-time coursework during term time. However, just as with other degrees, some may require a longer time period. This is due to factors such as the student's ability, motivation, and access to financial assistance to earn the degree. Just like other baccalaureate degrees, a Bachelor of Arts is historically offered only at public and private universities and colleges.

Enduring Legacy

A Bachelor of Arts, just like...

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Bachelor of Arts

True or False: “The Bachelor of Arts degree is exclusively focused on scientific and mathematical disciplines.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The BA degree emphasizes the liberal arts, whereas a Bachelor of Science (BS) typically has a greater focus on science, math, and engineering.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Bachelor of Arts