What is the difference between a CS BA and a BS in Queens College?
Introduction
Choosing the right computer science degree can be an important decision for students interested in studying CS at Queens College. While both the Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS) in Computer Science provide a solid education, there are some key differences in the programs’ requirements and focuses that students should understand. This article will compare the CS BA versus BS degrees at Queens College in detail, looking at the curriculum, coursework, math and science requirements, and career prospects for each program. Whether you are an incoming freshman or looking to transfer into the CS program, read on to learn how to choose between the BA and BS paths.
Overview of CS at Queens College
The Computer Science Department at Queens College is highly regarded in the New York City area for its strong faculty and research programs. Founded in the 1980s, the department has grown rapidly and now enrolls over 1000 undergraduate students. It offers both BA and BS degrees fully accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET. Students have access to cutting-edge facilities like the Robotics Lab and benefit from the department’s partnerships with major tech firms.
Queens College CS students take foundational courses in programming, algorithms, systems, and theory. They can tailor their education through electives in areas like software engineering, cybersecurity, data science, and more. Opportunities for research, internships, and study abroad provide hands-on experiences to complement coursework. Graduates of both the BA and BS programs pursue careers at top tech companies or continue to graduate studies.
CS BA Degree
The Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science provides flexible and multidisciplinary preparation for careers involving technology and computing. While covering core CS concepts, the BA requires fewer technical courses than the BS and allows more electives.
Requirements
To earn a BA in CS, students complete 120 credits including:
- General education requirements (39 credits) — courses in English, math, science, history, language, and liberal arts
- Introductory CS courses (17 credits) — Programming Fundamentals, Discrete Structures, Computer Systems Organization
- Advanced CS courses (21 credits) — Data Structures, Algorithms, Programming Languages, and more
- CS electives (12 credits) — choose from a range of specialization courses
- Math requirements (8 credits) — Calculus I and II
- Science requirement (7–8 credits) — 1 semester of science with lab
While rigorous, the BA allows flexibility to combine CS with interests in business, social sciences, digital media, and more. Students can choose CS electives tailored to individual goals.
Career Prospects
The CS BA equips graduates for diverse tech and computing roles like:
- Software and web development
- Data Analytics
- Business/systems analysis
- Information technology
- Technical writing
Many also pursue graduate study in CS, information systems, or management. With experience, BA holders can advance to lead development teams, manage IT infrastructure, or direct corporate IT strategy.
CS BS Degree
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science provides comprehensive preparation for technical careers and graduate study in computing. With more required credits and coursework, the BS goes into greater depth and rigor than the BA.
Requirements
To earn a BS in CS, students complete 126 credits including:
- General education requirements (39 credits)
- Introductory CS courses (17 credits)
- Advanced CS courses (21 credits)
- CS electives (18 credits)
- Math requirements (17 credits) — Calculus I, II, III, Linear Algebra, Probability & Statistics
- Science requirement (8 credits) — 2 semesters of science with labs
The BS also requires internship experience. With the additional math and technical electives, the BS provides extensive training for solving complex computing problems.
Career Prospects
The rigorous curriculum prepares BS graduates for technical computing careers like:
- Software engineering
- Systems architecture
- Data science
- Cybersecurity
- Machine learning engineering
The depth of the BS also provides strong preparation for competitive graduate programs in CS and related technical fields. Many graduates obtain leadership roles managing software development teams or architecting complex computing systems.
External Links
- Queens College CS Degrees (Queens College CS Degrees)
- Queens College Academics (Queens College Academics)
- Queens College Career Services (Queens College Career Services)
