Usually the B.S. requires more credits than the B.A. The qualitative differences, beyond the credit-load differences, are helpful in making a decision between these two degrees.

A higher, within-major credit load is required for the B.S. degree. The B.S. degree tailors a student’s path toward more advanced study, to be competitive for private industry jobs requiring immediate levels of higher quantitative skills. However, the B.S. requirements may affect some students’ abilities to pursue a minor, or be affected by circumstances even outside of a degree (i.e., work, family, personal interests). It is useful to realize that the Department has a view that we are a part of, rather than apart from, the world.

The B.A. – B.S. choice should be made, with advice from faculty, relatives and knowledgeable associates, and the in light of the many considerations just mentioned. The choices offered by our degree programs are indeed, all choices of enrichment.

In the Environmental Science Department, we offer the following majors and degrees:

• Earth Sciences, B.A. and B.S.
• Environmental Policy and Planning, B.A. only
• Environmental Science, B.A. and B.S.
• Environmental Studies, B.A. only
• Marine Biology, B.A. and B.S.