I have previously written about BS/MD programs. If you are interested in such programs you have probably noticed that some are called BA/MD programs. But what is the difference between a BS/MD and a BA/MD program?
In general, colleges that award the BA degree, bachelors of arts, require that upon graduation a student have background knowledge in not only their major but also in a broad range of fields. For instance, a chemistry major will still need to have taken classes in the humanities, social sciences and fulfill a foreign language requirement for graduation.
On the other hand, colleges that award for BS degree, bachelors of science, for some majors have the student focus on their particular major and may not require the broad range of classes required for a BA degree.
One is not better than the other and for those taking the typical route to medical school, there is no difference.
So how do you choose between a college offering a BA/MD program and one offering a BS/MD program. Colleges with these programs do not care what your undergraduate major is as long as you complete certain courses before starting medical school. If you have interests outside the sciences and want to explore English, history, anthropology or whatever non science course you wish, then a BA program may be the better option.
If you really wish to focus on your particular science interest and not worry about non science classes then a BS program may be your better option.
But, many of the colleges offering these programs have both a BA and BS degree available so in reality you won’t need to choose when deciding which programs to apply to.
Bottom line? In choosing a program, whether it is called a BA/MD or BS/MD program, should make little difference to most applicants.
Want more information about BS/MD programs? Check out the Guide to BS/MD Programs.
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