How to Choose Between the BA and BS

The Food Systems, Nutrition, and Health major offers two degree pathways—the Bachelor of Arts (BA) and the Bachelor of Science (BS)—so you may choose the academic experience that best aligns with your interests and career goals.  Deciding between a BA and a BS may feel challenging, especially if your interests span both the social and biological sciences. The good news is that both degrees share a common foundation, and the choice ultimately comes down to how much science-focused coursework you want and how you envision using the degree after graduation.  

Why choose the BA? 

The BA is ideal if you want a broad, interdisciplinary education that explores how food systems connect to society, policy, sustainability, equity, and public health. The BA offers more flexibility for double majors, study abroad, and students whose interests center on systems change and human impact. 

Why choose the BS? 

The BS is ideal if you are looking for a stronger STEM foundation and more direct preparation for health professions or science-based graduate programs. It includes deeper coursework in chemistry, biology, physiology, analytical methods, and related sciences, while maintaining the same food systems core.  

How do the majors differ? 

Both degrees share the same core Food Systems, Nutrition, and Health curriculum, meaning students in either pathway build a common foundation in food systems thinking, nutrition, policy, and public health. The biggest difference is in the supporting coursework: the BA allows you to fulfill more credits through social sciences, humanities, and broader electives, while the BS requires additional coursework in natural sciences.   

Which option is best for you?  

Below are some of the most common goals of FSNH majors and how they often align with each degree option: 

1. Preparing for health professions or clinical graduate programs

Students preparing for dietetics, medicine, nursing, dentistry, physical therapy, occupational therapy or similar fields often choose the BS, which includes the science prerequisites required by many professional programs.

2. Pursuing research or science-based graduate study 

Students interested in graduate programs with strong STEM expectations such as the natural sciences, nutrition science, food systems, or public health research typically prefer the BS, which offers deeper training in biology, physiology, and analytical methods. 

3. Working in food policy, sustainability, or advocacy 

Students focused on systems change, policy, education, communications, or nonprofit work often choose the BA, which provides greater flexibility to explore social sciences, humanities, and interdisciplinary perspectives. 

4. Combining FNSH with another major or experiential opportunity 

Students planning a double major, study abroad, or substantial internship experiences may find the BA a better fit due to its flexibility, though careful planning can make either degree work.

5. Career preparation with no plans for immediate graduate study 

Students planning to enter the workforce directly after graduation in roles such as the food industry, sustainability initiatives, public health organizations, education, communications, or program coordination often choose the BA for its flexibility and emphasis on interdisciplinary skills. Students seeking more technical or science-focused entry level roles may prefer the BS. 

No matter which degree you choose, FSNH advising can help you connect coursework to your goals and adjust your plan as your interests evolve. 

When do you need to choose? 

If you aren’t sure which degree to choose when you are first ready to join the Food Systems, Nutrition, and Health program, we can help! The biggest decision point is whether to start taking the science series that make up the Supporting Sciences portion of the BS.  This is because these courses typically require more time due to their sequential structure. Starting earlier allows for a more distributed course schedule, while a shorter timeline may necessitate taking multiple science classes concurrently to meet degree requirements on time. If you are worried about timing, FSNH advising is always happy to talk with you about how to make this decision and to develop a course plan that works for you.