91ÊÓƵ

You know you want to study computer science. You’ve looked at programs, compared campuses, and started imagining yourself writing code for a living. Then a question stops you: Should you pursue a bachelor of arts (BA) or a bachelor of science (BS)?

Either degree leads to a career in technology, and both cover core ground in programming, algorithms, and problem-solving. The difference comes down to how your coursework is structured, how much room you have to explore outside your major, and how deeply you specialize in technical subjects before graduation.

This guide breaks down the similarities, differences, and career implications of a BA and BS in computer science so you can choose the path that fits your goals.

Why Is There a Difference Between a BS and a BA?

The is one of the oldest academic credentials, dating back to European universities in the 12th and 13th centuries. The came much later, emerging in the 1800s as scientific and technical disciplines earned their own recognition within higher education.

Whether a program awards a BA or a BS often depends on the college or school within a university that houses it. A college of engineering may grant a BS, while a college of arts and sciences may grant a BA. Some schools, such as 91ÊÓƵ’s Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems, offer both options under the same roof, enabling students to choose based on their academic and professional priorities.

Today, BS programs in computer science tend to emphasize deeper coursework in STEM fields. BA programs pair core computer science training with a broader range of courses in the humanities, social sciences, and other disciplines.

What Do Computer Science BS and BA Degrees Have in Common?

Before examining how these BS and BA degrees differ, it helps to understand how much they share. At 91ÊÓƵ, both programs are housed within Seidenberg, both are STEM-designated, and both require 120 credits over a standard four-year timeline.

Students in either program take foundational courses that cover the same ground:

• CS 121 Introduction to Computer Science
• CS 113 Mathematical Structures for Computer Science
• CS 122 Object-Oriented Programming
• CS 232 Computer Organization
• CS 241 Data Structures and Algorithms
• CS 242 Algorithms and Computing Theory
• CS 491 Software Engineering

Calculus I and a probability/statistics course are also part of each curriculum. Graduates from either track qualify for entry-level roles in software engineering, web development, cybersecurity, data analysis, and IT.

The workload is comparable. Whichever track you choose, expect to write code, work through complex problems, and build real projects.

What Are the Differences Between a BS and BA Degree?

The differences center on how much technical coursework you take, how much room you have to study outside your major, and how each program structures its requirements. At 91ÊÓƵ, the contrast is clear in the credit breakdown.

BS in Computer Science

The Computer Science BS requires a heavier load of computer science and math courses. Students complete courses in programming languages, operating systems, internet and distributed computing, and research methods as part of the required curriculum, along with Calculus II (or Mathematical Foundations of Machine Learning) and a lab science course. The program is accredited by ABET’s Computing Accreditation Commission, which can matter for certain engineering-adjacent roles and graduate programs.

If you already know you want to go deep on technical subjects, the BS gives you the structure to do that. ±Ê²¹³¦±ð’s BS program offers specialized tracks in AI, cybersecurity, mobile app development, and game programming.

BA in Computer Science

The BA degree requires fewer CS credits and does not mandate the same depth of math and science. Instead, it requires a minor, which gives students the flexibility to build a second area of expertise alongside computer science. Popular minor choices at 91ÊÓƵ include Digital Design, Economics, Marketing, and General Business.

Seidenberg also offers minors in and , which students in either program can pursue. The cybersecurity minor covers network defense, threat analysis, and security management, while the game development minor focuses on design, interactive media, and game programming. BA students can use either to fulfill their required minor, and BS students can add one to complement their technical coursework.

If you see yourself working where technology meets business strategy, media, design, or communications, the BA gives you room to develop both skill sets during your undergraduate years.

Careers in Computer Science

The job market for computer science graduates is strong. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment in will grow much faster than the average for all occupations by 2034, with approximately 317,700 openings each year. The median annual wage for this group was $105,990 in May 2024.

BA and BS graduates qualify for many of the same roles. The difference tends to show up in where you work, not what you do. A BS graduate might join a dedicated engineering team at a tech firm, while a BA graduate might bring CS skills to a marketing technology company, a media organization, or a consulting firm. Earning potential is strong on either track, especially in the New York metro area.

Career Paths for BS and BA Computer Science graduates

Here are common roles for computer science graduates, with salary data specific to the New York City area.

*Salary data sourced from Glassdoor, February 2026. Actual compensation varies based on employer, experience, and role scope.

Some specializations do lean toward one track. Roles in AI research, systems engineering, or cybersecurity architecture tend to favor candidates with the heavier technical preparation that a BS provides. Roles that blend technology with strategy, communication, or creative work (think UX research, product management, or tech consulting) tend to reward the cross-disciplinary background that a BA supports.

That said, employers also care about what you can do. Internships, personal projects, and applied coursework carry significant weight in hiring decisions no matter which letters appear on your diploma.

Which Degree Is Right for You?

There is no wrong answer here. The right degree depends on your goals. These questions can help you sort it out.

• How certain are you about a career in a technical CS specialty? If you already know you want to focus on AI, systems architecture, or cybersecurity, the BS provides the technical depth that supports those paths. If you’re drawn to CS but also interested in business, design, or another discipline, the BA lets you specialize in both simultaneously.
• How do you feel about advanced math? The BS requires Calculus II and a science lab course. The BA does not. Students who enjoy math and science will find the BS structure a natural fit. Students who prefer to balance technical coursework with other subjects may prefer the BA.
• Do you want to pursue a minor or double major? The BA requires a minor, and its lighter CS load makes it easier to add coursework in another area. The BS fills more of your schedule with CS and math courses, leaving less room for outside study.
• Are you considering graduate school? Both degrees can lead to a master’s program or a PhD in computer science. The BS may provide a slight head start on prerequisites for research-intensive programs. The BA can set you up for interdisciplinary graduate work in areas such as technology management or digital media.

Majoring in Computer Science at 91ÊÓƵ

±Ê²¹³¦±ð’s Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems offers both a BS and BA in Computer Science, along with related programs in cybersecurity, game development, information systems, and information technology. Both computer science programs are available at ±Ê²¹³¦±ð’s New York City and Westchester campuses.

Seidenberg is ranked among the top computer science programs nationally by , and 91ÊÓƵ is ranked in the top six percent of universities for return on investment by the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce.

No matter which degree you choose, you get the same Seidenberg resources and support. That includes access to programs and facilities that strengthen your education and career preparation:

• The Augmented Intelligence Lab, which combines research, education, and partnerships focused on how people interact with and are influenced by AI technologies
• The Cyber Range, a training environment for real-world security scenarios
• Faculty conducting active research in AI, machine learning, medical image analysis, robotics, and human-centered computing
• Internship pipelines to companies such as Google, IBM, Amazon, JPMorgan Chase, Microsoft, and Capital One
• Career services and programs like and that support career readiness from your first year through graduation
• Student organizations, hackathons, and international programs, including the New York City Design Factory

±Ê²¹³¦±ð’s location in New York City also provides direct access to one of the largest tech job markets in the country, with internship and networking opportunities across finance, healthcare, media, and technology.

Students who want to continue their education can also explore Seidenberg’s graduate programs, including the MS in Computer Science, the PhD in Computer Science, and the for working adults.

FAQs

Which pays more, a BS or a BA in computer science?

A BS in computer science does not automatically pay more than a BA in computer science. Salary depends far more on your role, employer, industry, and experience level than on which degree type you hold. Both degrees qualify graduates for well-paying positions in software engineering, data analysis, cybersecurity, and IT. In the New York metro area, entry-level computer science roles regularly start above $80,000. Over time, specialization and career growth matter more than the letters on your diploma.

Is a BA or BS in computer science harder?

A BS in computer science is not necessarily harder than a BA, but it does require more technical coursework. The core CS classes overlap significantly, and each program demands strong analytical and programming skills. The BS adds courses in areas like operating systems and programming languages, plus more advanced math (including Calculus II at 91ÊÓƵ), which some students find more challenging. The BA balances computer science with a required minor and broader elective options, which creates a different kind of academic demand. Neither program is easy, and both require sustained effort.

Can I work in IT with a BA in computer science?

Yes, you can work in IT with a BA in computer science. A BA provides the programming, analytical, and problem-solving skills that IT employers look for. Many IT roles, including IT specialist, systems analyst, and web developer, are open to graduates with either a BA or a BS. Practical experience through internships and projects often carries as much weight as the specific degree type.

Can I go to graduate school with a BA in computer science?

Yes, you can attend graduate school with a BA in computer science. Both a BA and a BS can serve as the foundation for a master’s degree or PhD in computer science. Some research-intensive graduate programs may require additional math or science preparation, which BS graduates may already have completed. BA graduates can typically fill any gaps through prerequisite courses or bridge programs.