Julie- One common distinction is based on a historical distinction that some liberal arts schools used. A "standard" degree was the B.A. but if you took fewer humanities courses (often specifically fewer language courses) you could receive a B.S. Frankly, I'm puzzled why people want to switch to what is often viewed (tradionally?) as an inferior degree to the B.A. (which is usually an A.B. anyway!?). What is the rationale for the switch to a B.S.? Are you doing this for all majors or will it be a choice? I think that's the rationale that your Academic Policy committee is looking for also (but I'm just guessing). How, in other words, will you explain the distinction to your accreditors? :) Tim
-----Original Message----- From: Julie Osland [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, December 14, 2006 8:53 AM To: Teaching in the Psychological Sciences (TIPS) Subject: [tips] What makes a Bachelor of Science Degree different from a B.A. Dear Tipsters: My department is in the process of trying to change our degree designation from B.A. to B.S. Our initial proposal and rationale was rejected by our Academic Policy Committee on the grounds that an empirical approach and use of the scientific method is not what distinguishes a B.A. from a B.S. In our department, all majors must take experimental psychology, plus select two additional research based lab courses from offerings such as experimental social, learning, sensation and perception, motivation and emotion, and health psychology, We have read the Wikipedia version (that a BA usually requires fewer courses in the major and allows a student to take a greater number of electives outside the major and that the BS designation is typically reserved for the physical sciences). However, it seems prudent to seek additional sources of information on what distinguishes a B.A. from a B.S degree. If any of you could offer insight on this issue, we would greatly appreciate it. Thank you, Julie Osland Assistant Professor of Psychology Wheeling Jesuit University --- To make changes to your subscription go to: http://acsun.frostburg.edu/cgi-bin/lyris.pl?enter=tips&text_mode=0&lang= english --- To make changes to your subscription go to: http://acsun.frostburg.edu/cgi-bin/lyris.pl?enter=tips&text_mode=0&lang=english
