SHOULD I PURSUE A B.A. OR B.S.?
A Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree focuses on humanities and social sciences. This path offers a more broad, flexible curriculum for those interested in interdisciplinary studies or pursuing a minor and/or concentration.
A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) is more technical and specialized in math, science, and technology. Minors and concentrations can also be added to this degree path.
WHY PURSUE A B.A?
“I did a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and History many years ago, and I feel that the second major in history has really enhanced my career as a biologist. I spent a lot of time reading and writing and thinking about social context while I was working on that degree, and I think that that really informs both my research interests as well as my skills as a professional biologist today”
Dr. Allison Gardner,
Associate Professor of Arthropod Vector Biology
Expertise in Biology, Zoology, or Botany is essential to ensure that sound science is the foundation for public policy, laws, regulations, business decisions, natural resource management, and communication about scientific ideas and issues. Educators, artists, writers, lawyers, economists, public policy makers and politicians, and businesspeople in green industries, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and agribusiness greatly benefit from a strong background in science.
Pairing a B.A. with a second major or minor builds strength for careers in education, communication, policy, law, or business. In addition, the critical thinking, reading, and writing skills gained through courses in humanities and social sciences significantly contribute to a career in science.
Students are encouraged to explore career options through the University of Maine Career Center and with their academic advisor.
A minor or second major that adds breadth to the academic program by developing skills and knowledge outside of the primary major can make a student stand out from the pack.
The School of Biology and Ecology offers both B.S. and B.A. degrees in Biology, Botany, and Zoology. Both degrees provide a strong background in biological sciences. They have the same requirements in biological sciences and differ only in the level of chemistry, mathematics, physics, and social sciences required.
The B.S. requires more in-depth study of chemistry, math, and physics while the B.A. requires more in-depth study of social sciences and humanities. The B.A. ensures a broad societal context through a liberal arts education.
B.A. versus B.S. Requirements For Biology, zoology, and botany
| B.A. | B.S. | |
| Biology | 35 credits | |
| Math | Statistics and one additional quantitative literacy course | Statistics and Calculus |
| General Chemistry | 1 semester | 2 semesters |
| Earth, Chemical & Physical Systems | 2 semesters | 2 semesters Organic Chemistry, 2 semesters Physics |
| A minor or second major in an approved subject | ||
Suggested majors/minors to pair with a B.A. in Biology, Zoology, or Botany toward different career paths
education, museums, environmental education centers
BA in Secondary Education
Minor in Education
Minor in Theatre
numerical methods and data analysis
Minor or Major in Mathematics
Minor or major in Computer Science
Minor in Statistics
writing, editing, publishing
Minor in English
Minor in Journalism
Minor in Creative Writing
public relations
Minor in New Media
Minor in Media Studies
A minor or major in any foreign language
illustration, design, art
Minor in Graphic Design
Major or Minor in Studio Art
business and law
Minor in Accounting
Minor in Business Administration
Minor in Resource and Agribusiness Management
Minor in Marketing
Minor in Management
Minor in Legal Studies
public policy, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, resource management
Minor in Political Science
Minor in Political Theory
Minor in Philosophy
Minor in Sociology
Minor in Anthropology
Minor in Economics
Minor in Ethics and Political Philosophy
Minor in International Affairs
Minor in Marxist and Socialist Studies
Minor in Leadership Studies
Minor in Renewable Energy Science and Technology
“I completed an undergraduate B.A. degree in
ecology and was accepted directly into a doctoral
program in biological sciences at Dartmouth
College with a full graduate fellowship. There was
no question about my undergraduate preparation
for graduate studies.”
Professor Emeritus Christopher Cronan,
author of the textbook
Ecosystem Biogeochemistry – Element Cycling in the Forest Landscape