This article will cover what is a Bachelor of Arts degree, why you should study it, and different careers you can pursue with it.
What is a Bachelor of Arts (BA)?
A Bachelor of Arts, often abbreviated as BA, is an undergraduate degree that offers a broad education in social sciences, humanities, arts and design, and liberal arts.
How long does it take to get a Bachelor of Arts degree?
This degree usually takes three to four years to complete, depending on the country and institution.
Unlike more technical degrees, a BA emphasizes humanities, social sciences, and functional skills such as research, writing and critical thinking.
Key features of Bachelor of Arts degrees
- Critical thinking: A BA emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and effective communication.
- Interdisciplinary approach: This degree is known for its interdisciplinary approach, encouraging students to explore multiple fields of study. This can be particularly beneficial for those who are still undecided about their career path.
- Study abroad opportunities: Many BA programs offer opportunities to study abroad, providing students with a global perspective and enriching their educational experience.
What is a Bachelor of Arts degree good for?
A Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree is one of the most versatile undergraduate degrees you can pursue. Whether you’re passionate about humanities, social sciences, fine arts, or languages, the BA degree opens doors to myriad opportunities.
But you might wonder, what is a Bachelor of Arts degree good for? Let’s explore the distinct benefits and possibilities that come with earning a BA degree.
Versatile and broad skill set
One of the key advantages of earning a Bachelor of Arts degree is its versatility. The BA curriculum often allows students to take a wide array of courses across different disciplines, which equips you with a broad set of transferrable skills that are highly valued in many job markets.
Highest-value skills you get in Bachelor of Arts degree programs:
- Critical thinking
- Communication
- Research skills
- Analytical skills
- Problem-solving
- Persuasion
- Public speaking
- Project management
- Writing skills
- Negotiation
- Leadership
- Interpersonal skills
- Strategic thinking
- Conflict resolution
- Literary analysis
Promising career opportunities
Another compelling reason to consider a BA degree is the diversity of career opportunities it offers. Graduates can pursue roles in marketing, education, public relations, social services, and arts administration, to name a few.
According to a 2024 Georgetown University report, by 2031, managerial and professional office occupations will be the largest source of good jobs, with 84% of these requiring a Bachelor’s degree.
Many BA degrees provide a fantastic baseline for managerial and professional office jobs.
Here are a few specific careers that a Bachelor of Arts degree can prepare you for:
- Marketing and advertising: Your ability to analyze human behavior and craft compelling narratives can serve you well in marketing roles.
- Education: Many BA graduates become educators, bringing their expertise to schools and universities.
- Public pelations: Strong communication skills make BA graduates excellent candidates for public relations roles.
- Social services: If you’re passionate about helping others, a BA degree can lead to fulfilling careers in social work or community service.
- Arts administration: For those interested in the arts, roles in museums, galleries, and cultural institutions are a natural fit.
Personal development
Beyond career benefits, a BA degree is also great for personal growth.
The courses you take often encourage introspection and foster a lifelong love for learning. You’ll develop a well-rounded intellect and gain a nuanced understanding of the world, making you not just a desirable job candidate but also an informed, conscious individual.
For example, Emil Magnusson, who studied philosophy at Stockholm University emphasized how valuable that BA degree was for developing his understanding of himself:
“Philosophy will help you question, find answers to, and expand your idea of your world. It helps you think outside of the box.”
You can read even more accounts of how Bachelor of Arts degrees impacted graduates in our articles about the value of philosophy and international relations.
Cultural and global awareness
In a globalized world, the cultural awareness and interdisciplinary knowledge that come with a BA degree are invaluable.
A McKinsey report from 2020 showed that companies with the highest cultural and ethnic diversity outperformed companies with lowest diversity by 36%:
In 2019, top-quartile companies outperformed those in the fourth one by 36 percent in profitability.
The numbers are similar for gender diversity:
“Our 2019 analysis finds that companies in the top quartile for gender diversity on executive teams were 25 percent more likely to have above-average profitability than companies in the fourth quartile—up from 21 percent in 2017 and 15 percent in 2014.”
Many BA programs include studies in languages, history, and social sciences, helping students understand and engage with people from different backgrounds.
This global perspective is particularly useful for careers in international relations, global business, and diplomacy.
Advanced studies and specializations
A Bachelor of Arts degree also serves as a strong foundation for further studies. Many BA graduates go on to pursue advanced degrees in law, business, or education.
Bachelor of Arts program methodologies consist of academic research and writing – key skills you’ll need if you decide to pursue further studies.
What’s more, the flexibility of a BA program lets you explore various fields, helping you identify your true interests and strengths for postgraduate studies.
Bachelor of Arts online
For those who need flexibility, many institutions offer a Bachelor of Arts online. This mode of study is perfect for working professionals, parents, or anyone needing a more adaptable schedule. Online programs maintain the same rigor and quality as on-campus offerings, so you’re not missing out.
What next?
If you’re still debating whether a BA is the right path, consider the vast opportunities it offers.
The broad and comprehensive education provided by a BA can serve as a solid foundation for a plethora of careers. Plus, its focus on essential skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication can give you a significant edge in the job market.