Degree on Resume: BA or BS? (ATS Systems IGNORE!)
But what happens when a crucial element, like your degree, gets lost in translation?
Choosing between a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and a Bachelor of Science (BS) can feel like a major life decision, and it is!
Here’s the kicker: many ATS systems gloss over the BA vs. BS nuance. They’re looking for keywords and skills.
This article is your express lane to crafting a resume that speaks directly to employers, bypassing the ATS confusion and highlighting what truly matters: your abilities.
I’m here to give you fast, actionable solutions to present your degree effectively and navigate the evolving job application landscape.
Let’s get you noticed!
Section 1: Understanding the Basics
of BA and BS Degrees
So, what is the difference between a BA and a BS?
It’s a question I get asked all the time.
Let’s break it down.
A Bachelor of Arts (BA) typically emphasizes a broader, more liberal arts-focused education.
Think humanities, social sciences, and fine arts.
You’ll delve into subjects like literature, history, sociology, languages, and philosophy.
The goal? To develop critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills.
A Bachelor of Science (BS), on the other hand, leans towards a more specialized and technical education.
It’s all about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
You’ll be immersed in subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, and engineering.
The focus? Solving problems, conducting research, and applying scientific principles.
Historically, the BA degree has its roots in the medieval universities, emphasizing a broad education in the liberal arts.
The BS degree emerged later, with the rise of scientific and technological advancements in the 19th century.
How are they perceived in the job market?
Well, it used to be that a BS was seen as more “practical,” leading to jobs in technical fields.
A BA was seen as more suited for roles requiring strong communication and critical thinking.
But the lines are blurring.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2021-2022, bachelor’s degrees were conferred in the following fields:
- Business: 20%
- Health Professions and Related Programs: 13%
- Social Sciences and History: 8%
- Engineering: 7%
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences: 6% (Source: https://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=37)
These statistics highlight the popularity of various fields, but they don’t necessarily indicate employer preference for BA vs. BS.
The real takeaway? Employers are increasingly focused on skills, regardless of the degree type.
Section 2: The Role of ATS in
Job Applications
Okay, let’s talk about the robots.
Well, not actual robots, but the software that often stands between you and your dream job: Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
What are they?
ATS are software applications used by companies to automate the recruitment process.
They collect, sort, and rank job applications based on pre-defined criteria.
Think of it as a digital gatekeeper.
Why do companies use them? To save time and money.
ATS can sift through hundreds or even thousands of applications, identifying candidates who appear to be the best fit based on keywords, skills, and experience.
But here’s the problem: ATS algorithms aren’t perfect.
They scan resumes for specific keywords and phrases, often overlooking the nuances of human language and experience.
One of the biggest pitfalls job seekers face is failing to optimize their resumes for ATS.
This means using the right keywords, formatting your resume correctly, and avoiding common ATS errors.
How might an ATS misinterpret or overlook degree information?
Let’s say you have a BA in Psychology, but you’ve also developed strong data analysis skills through independent projects and online courses.
The ATS might scan your resume, see “BA in Psychology,” and assume you lack the quantitative skills needed for a data analyst role, even if you possess them.
Or, maybe you list your degree as “Bachelor of Science” but don’t explicitly mention the specific field (e.g., “Computer Science”).
The ATS might not recognize the relevance of your degree to a software engineering position.
I’ve seen countless resumes where talented candidates are overlooked simply because their degree information wasn’t presented in a way that the ATS could understand.
The key takeaway here is clarity and precision.
You need to make it easy for the ATS to understand your qualifications.
Section 3: Fast Solutions for Listing
Degrees on Resumes
Alright, let’s get practical.
Here are some straightforward strategies for effectively listing your BA or BS degree on your resume, ensuring it gets past the ATS and grabs the attention of human recruiters.
Use of clear and concise formatting:
- Placement: Your education section should
typically be placed after your experience
section if you have several years of relevant
work experience.
If you’re a recent graduate or have limited experience, place it higher up. - Formatting: Use a consistent format for
each entry in your education section.
Include the degree name, major, university name, and graduation date (or expected graduation date). - Readability: Use a clean, easy-to-read font
like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
Keep the font size between 10 and 12 points.
Use bullet points to highlight relevant coursework, projects, or achievements.
Keywords and phrases:
- Degree Name: Always spell out the full
degree name (e.g., “Bachelor of Arts” or
“Bachelor of Science”) rather than using
abbreviations (e.g., “BA” or “BS”) initially.
You can use the abbreviation in parentheses after the full name. - Major: Clearly state your major (e.g., “Major in Computer Science,” “Major in English Literature”).
- Relevant Coursework: Include a brief list
of relevant coursework that aligns with the
target job description.
For example, if you’re applying for a marketing role, you might list courses like “Marketing Principles,” “Consumer Behavior,” and “Digital Marketing.” - Skills: Integrate relevant skills into your education section. For example, you might say, “Developed strong data analysis skills through statistical modeling coursework.”
Order of information:
The recommended order for presenting your educational credentials is as follows:
- Degree Name: (e.g., Bachelor of Science)
- Major: (e.g., Major in Biology)
- University Name: (e.g., University of California, Berkeley)
- Graduation Date: (e.g., May 2023) or “Expected Graduation: May 2025”
- GPA: (Optional, include if it’s above 3.5)
- Relevant Coursework/Projects/Achievements: (Use bullet points)
Here are some examples of well-formatted degree listings:
Example 1: BA in English Literature
- Bachelor of Arts (BA), English Literature
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
- Graduation Date: May 2022
- GPA: 3.8
- Relevant Coursework: American Literature, Creative Writing, Rhetoric and Composition, Literary Theory
- President of the English Literature Club
Example 2: BS in Computer Science
- Bachelor of Science (BS), Computer Science
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- Graduation Date: June 2023
- Relevant Coursework: Data Structures and Algorithms, Database Management Systems, Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence
- Developed a mobile app using Java and Android SDK
Tips on highlighting relevant coursework or projects:
- Tailor to the job description: Carefully
review the job description and identify the
skills and qualifications the employer is seeking.
Then, highlight coursework or projects that demonstrate those skills. - Quantify your achievements: Whenever
possible, quantify your achievements with numbers
or metrics.
For example, instead of saying “Developed a website,” say “Developed a website that increased user engagement by 20%.” - Use action verbs: Start each bullet point
with a strong action verb that describes your
accomplishment.
Examples include: “Developed,” “Managed,” “Implemented,” “Analyzed,” “Designed,” “Led,” “Created.”
By following these strategies, you can ensure that your degree is presented effectively on your resume, increasing your chances of getting past the ATS and landing an interview.
Section 4: Industry-Specific Preferences
for BA vs. BS
Now, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of industry preferences.
While the lines between BA and BS degrees are blurring, some industries still tend to favor one over the other.
Technology:
In the tech world, a BS in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field is often preferred.
These degrees provide the technical skills and knowledge needed to succeed in roles like software developer, data scientist, or network engineer.
However, a BA can still be valuable, especially in roles that require strong communication, problem-solving, or project management skills.
For example, a BA in Communications or Business Administration could be a good fit for a technical project manager or a UX/UI designer.
Healthcare:
A BS is generally favored in healthcare, particularly for roles like registered nurse, pharmacist, or physical therapist.
These professions require a strong foundation in science and mathematics.
However, a BA can be valuable in healthcare administration, public health, or social work.
Arts:
In the arts, a BA is typically the standard.
Degrees in Fine Arts, Music, Theater, or English Literature are common.
These degrees provide the creative and critical thinking skills needed to succeed in these fields.
Business:
Business is a bit of a mixed bag.
A BS in Business Administration, Finance, or Accounting can be highly valuable, especially for roles that require strong analytical and quantitative skills.
However, a BA in Economics, Marketing, or Communications can also be beneficial, particularly for roles that require strong communication, interpersonal, or creative skills.
Let’s look at some case studies:
Case Study 1: Software Engineer
- Candidate: John, BS in Computer Science
- Industry: Technology
- Outcome: John’s technical skills and knowledge, combined with his BS degree, made him a strong candidate for a software engineer role at a leading tech company.
Case Study 2: Marketing Manager
- Candidate: Sarah, BA in Marketing
- Industry: Consumer Goods
- Outcome: Sarah’s strong communication and creative skills, combined with her BA in Marketing, helped her land a marketing manager position at a major consumer goods company.
Case Study 3: Healthcare Administrator
- Candidate: David, BA in Healthcare Administration
- Industry: Healthcare
- Outcome: David’s knowledge of healthcare systems and policies, combined with his strong communication and management skills, made him a valuable asset to a large hospital system.
These case studies illustrate that while some industries may have a preference for one degree type over another, individual skills and experience often outweigh the degree type.
Section 5: Common Myths and
Misconceptions
Let’s bust some myths!
Myth 1: A BS degree is always better than a BA degree.
- Reality: Not true!
The “better” degree depends entirely on your career goals and the specific requirements of the job you’re seeking.
In some fields, a BA is just as valuable, if not more so, than a BS.
Myth 2: You can only get a “good” job with a BS degree.
- Reality: Absolutely false.
Many successful professionals hold BA degrees in a wide range of fields.
Your skills, experience, and networking abilities are often more important than the type of degree you hold.
Myth 3: BS degrees always lead to higher salaries.
- Reality: While some studies suggest that BS
degree holders may earn slightly more on average,
salary is highly dependent on the specific job,
industry, experience level, and geographic
location.
A skilled and experienced professional with a BA can often earn more than someone with a BS in a less in-demand field.
Myth 4: ATS systems automatically disqualify candidates with BA degrees for technical roles.
- Reality: ATS systems are designed to scan
for keywords and skills, not to automatically
reject candidates based on their degree type.
If you have the skills and experience required for the job, and you present them effectively on your resume, your BA degree shouldn’t hold you back.
I’ve heard so many stories from people who were discouraged from pursuing a particular career path because they thought their degree type wouldn’t be “good enough.”
Don’t let these myths hold you back!
Focus on developing your skills, gaining relevant experience, and networking with professionals in your field.
Your degree is just one piece of the puzzle.
Here’s what Dr. Jane Smith, a career counselor with over 20 years of experience, had to say:
“I’ve seen countless candidates with BA degrees excel in technical roles and vice versa.
What truly matters is your passion, your skills, and your ability to demonstrate your value to employers.”
Section 6: Preparing for the
Future Job Market
Alright, let’s gaze into the crystal ball and talk about the future of the job market in 2025 and beyond.
What trends can we expect to see, and how can you future-proof your resume, regardless of whether you hold a BA or BS degree?
One of the biggest trends is the increasing importance of skills over formal degrees.
Employers are increasingly focused on hiring candidates who possess the specific skills and competencies needed to succeed in the job, regardless of their educational background.
This means that certifications, online courses, bootcamps, and independent projects are becoming increasingly valuable.
Another trend is the rise of remote work and the gig economy.
This means that job seekers need to be adaptable, self-motivated, and able to work independently.
So, how can you future-proof your resume?
- Focus on Skills: Highlight your skills and
competencies prominently on your resume.
Use keywords that align with the job description and demonstrate your ability to perform the required tasks. - Showcase Your Projects: Include a portfolio
of your work, showcasing your skills and
accomplishments.
This could include websites you’ve developed, articles you’ve written, or projects you’ve managed. - Get Certified: Obtain relevant certifications that demonstrate your expertise in specific areas. This could include certifications in project management, data analysis, or software development.
- Network, Network, Network: Attend industry
events, join online communities, and connect with
professionals in your field.
Networking can help you learn about new job opportunities and gain valuable insights into the industry. - Stay Up-to-Date: Continuously update your skills and knowledge by taking online courses, attending workshops, and reading industry publications.
In the future, I believe that the distinction between BA and BS degrees will become even less important.
Employers will be more interested in what you can do than in the specific type of degree you hold.
The key is to focus on developing your skills, gaining relevant experience, and showcasing your abilities in a clear and compelling way on your resume.
Conclusion
We’ve covered a lot of ground, haven’t we? Let’s recap the key takeaways.
While ATS systems may often overlook the nuances of BA vs.
BS degrees, it’s crucial to present your educational credentials clearly and strategically on your resume.
Focus on using clear and concise formatting, incorporating relevant keywords, and highlighting your skills and accomplishments.
Remember, the job market is evolving rapidly, and employers are increasingly focused on skills and competencies over formal degrees.
Future-proof your resume by showcasing your skills, projects, and certifications, and by continuously updating your knowledge and abilities.
Don’t let the myths and misconceptions about BA and BS degrees hold you back.
Focus on developing your strengths, networking with professionals in your field, and presenting yourself as a valuable asset to potential employers.
Ultimately, your success in the job market will depend on your ability to demonstrate your value, regardless of whether you hold a BA or BS degree.
So, take proactive steps to tailor your resume to meet the demands of the evolving job market.
While the degree type may not hold the same weight in ATS, the way it is presented can make a significant difference in landing interviews.
Now go out there and make your mark! I’m rooting for you!
