Difference Between AB  and BS Psychology

Graduating Senior High School (SHS) students planning to take up Psychology in a university nonetheless have one foremost selection to reflect on whether to take a BS or  AB program. Is there a massive distinction between the two courses? Is one higher than the other? Though these two courses may appear alike, understanding their similarities and variations can noticeably assist in finding out which direction fits your dream profession best.

Before we talk about the distinction between AB and BS, it is vital to first outline the two programs. What is AB? And  What is BS  means? Let’s start with AB/BA or Bachelor of Arts. AB is a four-year course that focuses on humanities, liberal arts, or social sciences. It is an extensive interdisciplinary program that consists of general education courses and electives as well as core study areas. Courses in the AB/BA programs are flexible but much less specialized. While BS or Bachelor of Science focuses greater on the scientific and technical side. BS courses are normally strict in specializing in their subject matter.

What is AB Psychology and BS Psychology?

Both courses are a four-year diploma program that helps college students understand the human mind and behavior. Students enrolled in these programs will learn how to conduct and interpret distinct psychological tests and evaluations in a range of areas such as aptitude, intelligence, and personality.

AB deals more with theoretical techniques so college students who prefer to have extra freedom in selecting their elective psychology subjects choose to take a BA program. Meanwhile, BS Psychology requires courses in natural science in training for a profession in medicine or research. If you are fascinated in pursuing natural science or medicine, you can choose to take the BS course. 

AB Psychology students should accomplish a total of 109 units while those in the BS Psychology program should obtain 129 units additional units/subjects from natural sciences. Of the listed subjects mandatory subjects are:  2 subjects for the basic courses, 13 required courses, and 2 electives should be taken by both AB and BS Psychology students including the required General Education subjects. Read more: Policies and Standards for undergraduate programs in Psychology

What are the career opportunities for BS Psychology and BA Psychology?

Earning an AB or BS Psychology degree can lead to careers such as Psychometrician, Psychologist, Guidance Counselor, or Psychotherapist, amongst different fields. A student in AB Psychology is an incredible alternative if you are fascinated in psychology however choose to strive in different disciplines too. Students in this course have the alternative to pursue education, law, journalism, social work, counseling, and business.

What are the characteristics that I need to possess if I want to succeed in these courses?

If you want to succeed in psychology, it pays to have a keen interest in people and the intricacies of human behavior. As you begin to get alongside with human beings and recognize them, your private reflection and evaluation of these dynamics would be beneficial whilst analyzing Psychology.  Having good communication skills is additionally necessary because you will need to listen and engage extra with extraordinary persona types. Strong analytical and decision-making skills can also contribute greatly as you study, assess, diagnose, and advocate excellent actions.