Quote:
Originally Posted by L210
In this case, I don't think it's HR that doesn't know the difference. I'm not too familiar with BAs in engineering, but I am familiar with BAs in other STEM fields. Some schools only offer a BA for all of the liberal arts which include mathematics and the natural sciences (physics, chemistry, biology, etc.). Some schools even go as far as classifying computer science as a liberal art since it's heavily based on mathematics. IIRC, there is at least one Ivy League college that only offers BA degrees for non-engineering, STEM fields. I don't think any hiring manager will be throwing out that application/resume.
The difference between a BA and BS varies widely among schools that offer both for individual subjects. Some schools will offer a BS in psychology or criminal justice. At some schools, the only difference between a BA and BS is a foreign language requirement. Other schools will allow BA majors to take more free elective courses and less science and math courses. I don't know why you assume that BA degrees in STEM fields don't include lab work. I guess the most important thing in engineering would be ABET accreditation. I've heard that BA degrees in engineering are usually not ABET accredited.
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Too add to this BS/BA discussion (agree with what you have posted)-the University of Colorado gives all BAs in its college of arts and sciences. My daughter has a BA in biology. She took a ton of science/math courses, obviously, plus her gen ed courses.. CU gives a BA in computer science. St. Olaf College, where my other daughter went, even gives a BA in nursing. In fact, St. Olaf does not have any BS degrees, just BA and BM (Bachelor's in Music). St. Olaf does require religion courses and foreign language of everyone, and has a lot of gen ed credits. That daughter, too, received a BA in biology. Of course there were a lot of lab courses in such a major, both at St. Olaf and CU.
St. Olaf College | Academic Catalog 2013-14
B.A. Degree | Computer Science | CU-Boulder
College of Arts and Sciences
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