What is the difference between a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Bachelor of Science degree in Hospitality Management?
Prospective students navigating their way through the search for the most beneficial college degree courses may find themselves wondering about the differences in a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree and a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree and how it may relate to Hospitality Management. It’s helpful to consider prior classes that you have taken that interested you and what you are currently studying, however, this is the point in your educational journey where having the ultimate career goal in mind will come in handy. Considering your time, effort and cost of tuition, researching the best path to meet your career goal up front will be most beneficial to you. The concentration of the coursework and flexibility in subject matter is the main difference between the two degrees.
A Bachelor of Arts degree program requires fewer credits that are focused on a specific major. It allows you more of a broad spectrum of subjects to study. You will be required to obtain credits in various liberal arts subjects. English, social sciences, natural sciences, foreign language, math, fine arts and courses in humanities are a few of the core classes available. These basic classes are generally completed in the first two years and then others, pertaining to your chosen major, will be completed the next two years.
Bachelor of Arts programs in Hospitality Management may consist of accounting, principles of management, front office procedures, sales and marketing, analysis of hospitality industry, business communications, housekeeping management, customer service, special events planning and management, and food and beverage operations. A B.A. will help you learn to operate and manage a hospitality business such as a hotel, casino, restaurant, amusement attraction or spa resort, to name a few. Online program options are available as well as the traditional university. There are also many opportunities to study abroad.
A Bachelor of Science program requires more credits that are directly focused on a specific major. This is where your ultimate career goal comes into play. Students are required to concentrate on directing their academic studies on subjects specifically related to that goal. Some of the more common classes include English, basic algebra, composition, history, literature and government. Most B.S. programs require the student to choose an additional study as a minor. In this program, opportunities to experience subjects outside of your chosen major is limited.
A Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management program puts students on an educational path to careers in restaurant and hotel management, travel agencies, theme parks, shopping malls and sports complexes and any other hospitality based businesses. Courses involved would include economics, personnel management, hospitality law, accounting, social science, public relations, gaming operations and event management. This program also teaches students how to manage team members, resolve guest conflicts, control food and beverage costs, and how to provide excellent customer service. Some universities allow practical work experience through co-op programs and internships.
So, which degree is better for you? Some subjects seem to be offered in both Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science programs, however, students may choose if they rather keep their options open with the B.A. degree or stay more focused on a certain subject based on their career choice with a B.S. degree. Academically speaking, employers consider these degrees as equal in value and they are both beneficial for lucrative job opportunities. Also, with any bachelor’s degree in place, you can always expand your educational journey to obtain a master’s degree any time you choose.
What’s the next step? Choosing the right online school for you! And, here you go! Check out our picks for the Best Online Schools for Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management Degree Programs!