Graduating from high school and choosing a college and a degree program are important life milestones. You might still be confused about what an AB degree means, among other degrees. With all the late-night requests for transcripts, filling out online applications, writing personal statements, and everything in between, you want to get things right.
According to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024, the US is home to four of the top six universities in the world and is a top destination for many students looking to study arts and humanities courses.
If you plan on taking up an AB degree but are partly confused about what it truly is, what your college life will look like, and what your career prospects will be, don’t worry! We’re here to give you insights and advice with this guide.
- What is an AB Degree?
- What are the Top 10 AB Degrees in the US?
- What’s the Difference Between an AB Degree and a BA Degree?
- What are the Requirements for Getting an AB Degree?
- What are the Job Prospects for an AB Degree?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Takeaways
What is an AB Degree?
AB is the abbreviation of “Artium Baccalaureus,” which is the Latin name for the Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree. It’s a liberal arts degree, so it emphasizes the humanities, languages, and social sciences fields. They are designed to hone your critical thinking and communication skills.
An AB degree is a 4-year undergraduate college degree program. It takes about 3-4 years to complete depending on the major, school, and country where it is earned. Several U.S. schools now offer accelerated programs that allow students to earn an AB degree in less time than a traditional bachelor’s degree.
What are the Top 10 AB Degree Programs in the US?
Not only are AB programs available in a wide range of topics, but they also provide an avenue for you to expand your knowledge and skills across various liberal arts courses. Here are some of the popular AB degree programs you may choose from:
1. Anthropology
Anthropology majors get to learn about people including the many cultures and histories which define their experience in life. Critical thinking is a very large part of the studying in this discipline which sees through the many developments and debates about globalization and race.
A biology and a cultural anthropology course are the two requirements for this major. If interested, you can learn topics in depth because many courses offer those option.
This major often involves a great deal of research into global populations and communities. In a case like this, many who receive degrees in the field of anthropology often find themselves lifelong problem solvers, leading careers in public health, government, or policy making.
2. Art history
Art history is an investigative approach to the history of art. Most programs that involve art history include a large element of interpreting different art pieces in order to comprehend their meaning and relate them to social issues.
In your classes, you will explore specific choices in materials and presentation that artists have made in their work. Most likely, you’ll learn not only how to write about pieces of art using both primary and secondary sources but also how to present your findings orally as an expert.
Students of art history often go on to work in positions in which their art history degree serves them well, typically as a museum curator, art writer, or educator. Some go on to complete an MA or PhD in the field.
3. Communications
Communications is the study of how messages are created, shared, and interpreted by individuals and organizations in society.
Most of these degree programs usually address the causes of human behavior, different forms of communication, and how mass media affects people as individuals or in groups. With a communications major, the possibilities are expansive in a world in which sharing and consuming information is an everyday affair.
You can then branch into social and digital media, public relations, or marketing and advertising. If you are more keen on the written word, you could explore opportunities within the writing and publishing industry.
4. English
The curriculum for this program typically includes a wide array of topics in composition, literature, and linguistics that work together toward the further development of critical thinking and communication skills.
Many students graduating with this type of degree get attracted to careers that require well-developed communication skills, either in teaching, writing, advertising, or publishing.
5. Graphic Design
A graphic design degree program can help you learn how to communicate using creative visuals. Lower-level courses will involve applications of the foundational design principles to print and web projects and teach concepts related to color and layout. Your courses can also help you build strong storytelling and visual literacy skills.
The majority of the alumni in this particular area of study join the labor force to take up design-oriented jobs in most sectors. Because companies and organizations rely on visuals to reach intended target groups, this degree can help open doors for several career options. Among others, this degree generally produces animators, graphic designers, industrial designers, and art professors.
6. History
Most undergraduate history programs are designed to enrich your understanding of the past to enable you to make better decisions in the future. You will develop research and writing skills while gaining knowledge about the history of influential civilizations. Afterwards, you can specialize in a particular culture or area that may suit you.
Specialization within your history major can help you set up focused career options after graduation. Most students who get their degree in history pursue graduate studies to become historians, educators, or archivists.
7. Philosophy
Central to philosophical studies is the skill in reasoning and making effective arguments about a wide range of issues. You will most likely become familiar with how to integrate ethical considerations or dimensions into your talk and writing. Your career options after graduation will be based on the focus you choose to take for your major.
The ability to analyze and solve problems is applied in almost any field, so graduates end up working in everything from health to education and financial services.
8. Psychology
Psychology is the study of the human mind, behaviors, and emotions. It typically features a combination of traditional psychology courses and classes that allow bridge-overs into other related fields, such as arts and social sciences.
A number of students with a bachelor’s degree in psychology pursue their master’s degree to be able to enter the workforce in different areas. Others apply their sharp, developed analytical thinking skills in entering the workforce as social workers or even journalists.
9. Religion
In this degree program, you could focus on one religion or dive deeper into the ethics behind some practices and traditions. You will also likely have the chance to examine how religion has influenced many of the major decisions and events throughout history.
There is within the very definition of religious studies an expectation of critical thinking and hard questions aimed at received traditions, which is going to serve you better in preparing for careers in education or community service. Graduates have gone on to become professors or community advocates; others have gone into careers as counselors or religion teachers.
10. Sociology
Sociology is the study of the composition of different groups in society and the interactions between people in these communities. Sociology majors explore the ways in which human behavior impacts social change.
Human behavior and relationships are important across all industries. Most students who gain their BA in Sociology end up being social workers or market researchers. They tend to be employed as social workers, policy analysts, and human resources specialists.
What’s the Difference Between an AB Degree from a BA Degree?
If you’re confused as to whether there’s a difference between an AB and its more common counterpart, BA (Bachelor of Arts) degree—well, there’s none. The difference between an AB degree and a BA all boils down to the naming conventions used by various colleges and universities.
AB degrees are most commonly associated with Ivy League schools and other institutions with historical ties to Latin traditions (e.g., Harvard, Princeton, Brown). The term “Artium Baccalaureus” is Latin, and such institutions use Latin designations to emphasize their heritage. On the other hand, BA degrees are awarded by a majority of colleges and universities in the United States and around the world.
When it comes to the value of the degree, there is no difference between an AB and a BA. Both degrees are equivalent in terms of coursework, academic rigor, and recognition by graduate schools and employers.
AB degree in the United States
A BA or AB degree is one of two undergraduate degrees granted to students who have completed a four-year post-secondary educational curriculum at a recognized and accredited higher education institution. The other undergraduate degree is the Bachelor of Science (BS). In most U.S. colleges and universities, the requirements for earning a BA or BS are similar. Both degrees require students to complete 120 semester hours of coursework.
For example, at UCLA, 75 of the 124 credits required to graduate must be in a subject area prescribed by the university, while the remaining credits are earned in subject areas specific to a student’s major or minor.
Until recently, many major colleges and universities required that students complete a certain portion of their credits on campus to graduate. However, because of technological advancement, and the emergence of new e-learning technologies, many universities have dropped their “residency” requirement and have expanded their offering to include online degrees and distance learning programs that are done via the internet.
AB degree in the United Kingdom and Ireland
In both the United Kingdom (except for Scotland) and Ireland, it usually takes three years to complete the first level of postsecondary education following high school, which leads to the equivalent of a Bachelor of Arts degree. Keep in mind that the label for such a degree varies from region to region. Historically, many European colleges and universities awarded students either a BA or BSc depending on whether the subject matter studies focused on the arts or the sciences.
For renowned universities, though, such as Cambridge, Oxford, and Dublin, it became practice to award BAs to students regardless of the undergraduate subject matter studied. Several other schools, such as York and Lancaster, adopted the same practice of awarding only BAs in the late 1960s but have since begun awarding BSc degrees to students who have completed a science curriculum.
In Scotland, post-secondary students who graduate in the humanities or arts are awarded a Master of Arts degree, but science graduates are awarded a BSc. A traditional Bachelor of Arts level degree takes three years to complete in Scotland, unless you opt for an honors degree, which requires an additional year of study.
Bachelor of Arts degrees are designated and awarded at two levels: BA for an ordinary/pass degree or BA (Hons.) for an honors degree. Honors degrees are always awarded at one of four levels: first-class degree, awarded to top-performing students; an upper second-class degree; a lower second-class degree; and a third-class degree, awarded to those with the lowest academic performance.
Regional differences in AB degrees
In most countries in North and South America (United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil) it takes four years to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree. Other countries including South Korea, Philippines, Thailand, Japan, Ireland, Greece, Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Lebanon, Egypt, Nigeria, Iran, Serbia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Kuwait, Iraq, Tunisia, and Turkey also offer Bachelor of Arts degrees which can be completed in about four years.
In many regions of the world, however, it only takes three years to attain a Bachelor of Arts degree. In most of Europe including the United Kingdom, a Bachelor of Arts can be earned in just three years. Other regions and countries where Bachelor of Arts degrees are awarded after three years of study include Australia, Singapore, India, New Zealand, Iceland, Norway, South Africa, Switzerland, Israel, Croatia, Hungary, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Jamaica, and the Caribbean.
What are the Requirements for Getting an AB Degree?
Eager to start your college journey? Here are the requirements you have to consider when planning your application.
1. Application form and fee
Some colleges and universities have their unique application forms. Others use the Common Application, which will save you significant time as you can apply to multiple schools through a single portal.
According to a study by the US News, the average cost of a college application fee is approximately $43. However, Ivy League schools can charge as much as $75 per application. Stanford reached $90.
If these fees are a burden, some schools may waive them if you apply early or demonstrate financial need.
2. School transcript
You will be required to request official transcripts from your high school. The transcript shall include all the classes you’ve taken, together with the grades and credits you’ve earned. You may also be required to have your diploma ready for verification purposes.
3. Recommendation letters
Most colleges require 2-3 recommendation letters from your school counselors or teachers. Keep in mind that colleges value recommendations that reveal things about you that your test scores or grades can’t, as well as personal opinions of your character. We also advise that when you do ask for a recommendation, ask about two months before the application’s deadline.
4. Personal statement
A personal statement could be the sole chance to express and let the admissions committee know what you’re made of. Write impressively on what makes you special and what you will be able to contribute to their community, and express why you chose your particular degree program.
Since these are the hardest part of any college application, do it early. After you’ve finished one draft, show it to a trusted teacher or school counselor for feedback. Then revise and proofread. Never think a personal statement is complete until you are totally satisfied it is the best it can be and really represents who you are.
5. College entrance test scores
Aside from reporting your SAT and/or ACT scores on the application form, you must also have them officially reported. The reports should go directly to your college from the companies that administer the SAT or the ACT tests. For other schools, the results for SAT or AP subject exams taken are also required.
Keep in mind that it will ultimately be your responsibility to ensure that the requirements reach the school timely on your behalf. Keep close tabs on your recommending teachers and guidance counselors so that all your requirements are sent. Don’t forget to monitor the receipt on your college’s online portal.
What are the Job Prospects for an AB Degree?
If you choose to complete an AB degree program in the areas of art or design, you may enter into a career field with a median annual salary of $48,220, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
An AB degree in a life, physical, or social sciences field can help you enter the workforce as an economist, historian, or psychologist. The BLS lists the median annual salary for jobs in these fields as $72,740.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which degree is better, BA or BS?
It all depends on the career field and personal experience. A BS will set you up with more hands-on experience to prepare you for the workforce, while a BA will also help you get relevant skills and knowledge that can land you a job after graduation.
At the end of the day, when talking about BA vs BS degree, it boils down to your personal interest and strengths.
2. Which is more lucrative: AB degree or BS degree?
In the BA degree vs BS degree debate, one key factor is the potential salary. STEM-focused fields like engineering and computer science typically bring in high salaries, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, keep in mind that your level of experience and skills will still have to determine your earning potential.
3. Can you earn an AB degree online?
Yes. There are colleges and universities worldwide that offer this more convenient option. For example, Washington State University has been offering online bachelor’s degree programs since before the 2000s.
Takeaways
- An AB degree is a four-year college degree that covers standard general education requirements and then allows students to specialize in an area of interest.
- AB degrees are designed to prepare you with critical thinking skills, communication skills, and a foundation in the humanities – such as literature, history, language, and religion.
- A Bachelor of Science program differs from an AB degree in several ways. The core and upper division coursework of a BS program takes a focused dive into your chosen discipline of science, technology, or engineering.
- Want to learn more about getting your AB Degree? You’ve come to the right place. At AdmissionSight, we have over 10 years of experience guiding students through the competitive admissions process.
