Bachelor Degree - BA Vs. BS

By: Michael Russell

There are a lot of people who wonder why some bachelor degrees, when you get them, designate you as a bachelor of arts and other bachelor degrees designate you as a bachelor of science. Well, the answer is very simple.

A Bachelor of Arts degree goes to somebody who gets a bachelor degree in any non-technical, or science related field. A Bachelor of Science degree goes to somebody who does get a degree in a science related field. The designations are set up by the colleges themselves.

So, what's the difference? Does it really matter?

The answer to that question may shock you. It matters very much.

The reasons will not be immediately apparent to the student, but when he or she goes into the real world to get a job, they are going to be in for a rude awakening if they're looking for a specific type of job and don't have a bachelor of science degree.

If you're scratching your head wondering why this even matters, the answer is as follows. Most Bachelor of Science programs are a little more intense than a Bachelor of Arts program. In other words, in addition to the degree having to be in a science related field, the degree itself will contain more required courses than a Bachelor of Arts degree. Of course this varies from college to college, but within each school the bachelor of science program is always more intense than the bachelor of arts program. There may be one more required course per semester, or more science courses required. The bottom line translation is, the program is harder to get through; in some cases, a lot harder.

So why does this matter? Well, there are certain jobs, such as in the fields of engineering, chemistry and physics, just to name a few, where if you look in the classified ads in your local paper, it will clearly say, "bachelor of science degree required". So if you graduated college with a bachelor of arts degree, you won't be able to apply for that job. Oh, you can still send in your resumé, but don't expect to be called in for an interview.

Now, here is where this becomes very important. There are some colleges that will allow you to get a Bachelor of Arts degree in math, which is technically one of the sciences. The program doesn't have as many requirements. So when you graduate, while you technically have a degree in one of the sciences, because of the fact that you don't have a bachelor of science degree, you will not be eligible for that particular job that says "bachelor of science degree required".

It may seem like a nit picky thing, but these companies want to know that you can get through the tougher curriculum. They want to know that you have a good chance of being able to handle the job that you're applying for. Is there a really big difference between a bachelor of arts and bachelor of science degree? In an undergraduate program, probably not too much. But in the minds of the companies, where there is so much competition for jobs, it is a big deal.

Michael Russell Your Independent Bachelor Degree guide.

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Bachelor Degree: Multimedia Design

By: Michael Russell

It's important to understand that multimedia is not just an information and communications technology (ICT)-related initiative, but it is also a very creatively orientated field. Multimedia bachelor degree students are taught a very diverse academic curriculum spanning design theories, computer hardware and software applications to human behavioral sciences.

Besides theory and computer applications, it's equally important for students to be able to learn the developments of the industry to enable them to identify an area of expertise once they join the workforce.

Bachelor degree students are advised to choose a program, which is highly industry driven rather than one, which is highly academic in nature. Multimedia design is a very technology driven pathway and multimedia designers are required continuously to keep up with the pace of this highly challenging industry. Therefore, it's important that students who wish to pursue multimedia design have an inclination towards technology and are prepared to continuously learn and enhance their skills upon completion.

There are basically two broad divisions in multimedia studies, which are programming and multimedia design. The difference between programming and design is the emphasis. A multimedia programming course is more IT oriented while a multimedia design course is more aesthetically inclined.

Multimedia design studies have a two-pronged approach in theory and practice. Theoretical components are very important as multimedia design involves an understanding of the chosen media format, like websites, as each media format has unique limitations and abilities.

A multimedia course prepares bachelor degree students to understand the working processes of a multimedia application and provides them with the skills to do so. The fundamental concerns and expectations in multimedia are also taught to all students.

Multimedia by nature is a diverse and eclectic field of study. Bachelor degree students will share basic skills but will develop advanced abilities in key areas that they have personally identified, usually culminating in their final multimedia project.

Multimedia design is very challenging yet very technical in nature. Heavy workloads and short deadlines are a norm in the industry and bachelor degree graduates should expect to face many obstacles.

Technology plays an integral role in the creation of multimedia and computer technology changes rapidly. This creates a very steep learning curve for not only multimedia students but also multimedia professionals as they are expected to keep up with the changes and continue learning long after completing their formal education. Experience also makes a multimedia professional more valuable as the development of multimedia is a learning process where you improve as you gain more exposure.

Multimedia designers are employed to develop state-of-the-art websites, interactive kiosks or even video and animation effects for the movie industry. The need for multimedia exists from company websites for small organizations up to government initiatives for medical research.

This multi million industry will certainly need a huge supply of resources in the form of young bachelor degree graduates capable of expanding and enhancing it. Multimedia designers can be employed by an advertising agency, multimedia development agency or even with organizations with high demands for multimedia applications and development like banks and even manufacturers. However, greater opportunities exist for multimedia professionals who venture into development for the internet.

Michael Russell

Your Independent Bachelor Degree guide.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

Bachelor Degree? So, What?

By: Michael Russell

Are you a high school student wondering if you need to go to college? Are you an adult wondering if a bachelor degree is worth the time? Are you a senior citizen considering a college education in your golden years? If any of these are true of you or if you are simply someone without a bachelor degree, even if you never thought about it, this just might change your mind.

Why get a bachelor degree? Follow the money. According to the University of North Texas website "Experts who have researched the performance and job success of college graduates have concluded that, nationwide, college graduates with a bachelor degree earn about 80 percent more per year than those who only complete high school. In fact, those whose education stops with a high school diploma may see their real wages decline over time". What that means is that if you don't get your bachelor degree, not only will you make 20% less than those who have one, the longer you work, the less you will make. As a senior citizen without a college degree, your chances of meaningful employment with competitive wages are very slim.

According to a U.S. Department of Commerce report on Income in the United States in 2004, people with a high school education were earning $36,700 per year. (High school drop-outs made even less.) Those who had some college education but no degree were earning $43,275 per year. Those who had persevered and graduated with a bachelor degree were making $65,442 per year. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, over a 40 year professional career, a person with a bachelor degree will make almost a million dollars more than one without. What would you do with an extra million dollars?

Studies by the Institute for Higher Education Policy have shown that college graduates have more savings, experience more personal and professional growth and enjoy more hobbies, vacations and leisure time. They make more informed consumer decisions and their children have a higher quality of life. Basically, college graduates have more money, better jobs, more fun, happier, healthier children and get ripped off less often. They are also more likely to contribute to society, build more successful businesses and stimulate the economy and less likely to live on government aid.

Even though the cost of obtaining a bachelor degree in time and dollars is quite large, the obvious financial benefits far outweigh the expense and inconvenience. According to Ibid a college degree can "decrease prejudice, enhance knowledge of world affairs and enhance social status". A report published by the Carnegie Foundation agrees. It states that people with bachelor degrees are more culturally aware, rational, open-minded, more consistent and less dictatorial. It is even shown that they pass these characteristics on to their children making our world a better place.

In general, those with a bachelor degree have a more optimistic outlook on life and with good reason. A person with a bachelor degree has more opportunity, a happier healthier family and a belief that they can make a difference in the world. Oh yeah and they make lots, lots more money.

Michael Russell

Your Independent Bachelor Degree guide.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell