BA Geography Vs B.Sc Geography: Which is Better?

One of the most common concerns among aspiring Geography students is whether to get a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BSc). BA Geography focuses on current parts of nature, like the Earth and its human and natural complexity. On the other hand,  BSc Geography studies the Earth, its many areas, features, inhabitants, and events, and how to read maps and geographical imagery.

The main difference between the two is that BA Geography focuses on humanities and social sciences, whereas BSc Geography focuses on physical and natural sciences and Geography sub-fields. This post will compare BA Geography vs BSc Geography and guide you in selecting the best.

BA Geography Vs BSc Geography: Key Highlights

A bachelor's degree in geography will assist us in comprehending human geography. It mostly focuses on the earth's surface's exterior characteristics. It does not delve into the inner workings of the earth, whereas BSc Geography is primarily concerned with physical geography. It entails not only the study of Earth's outward characteristics but also its interior structure. A major difference between  B.Sc. Geography or BA Geography are listed below: 

BA Geography vs BSc Geography : Key Highlights

Criteria	BSc Geography	BA Geography
Full-form	Bachelor of Science in geography	Bachelor of Arts in geography
Duration	3years	3years
Eligibility	10+2 with a minimum of 50% aggregate.	10+2 with English as a mandatory subject.
Course fees	INR 1-2LPA	INR 1LPA
Average Salary	INR 3LPA	INR 3.59LPA
Job profiles	HR Manager, Executive Assistant, Data Analyst, etc.	Senior Research Analyst, Executive Assistant, Assistant Manager, etc.

BA Geography Vs BSc Geography: Overview

A Bachelor of Arts in Geography is a program for undergraduates. Geography is the science that studies the Earth's territories, characteristics, population, and natural events. Modern geography, on the other hand, is a broad subject that aims to comprehend the Earth and all of its human and environmental complexity, not just where things are, but how they have changed and came to be. The average length of time it takes to complete this course is three years. Many colleges in India also offer this education on correspondence or part-time basis. Today, the relevance of a geography course has skyrocketed, and it has spawned a slew of new employment options.

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A Bachelor of Science in Geography is a three-year undergraduate degree with a focus on geography. In addition to map and geographical picture interpretation, it is the study of the Earth and its various features, traits, people, and phenomena. aspirants who have completed the Higher Secondary School Certificate (10+2) with a minimum aggregate of 50% in Science or Arts are eligible to apply for the BSc Geography program. Students can work as GIS professionals, climatologists, environmental management consultants, and more after completing the course.

Read More on B.Sc Geography

BA Geography Vs BSc Geography: Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility criteria differ from college to college based on the reputation that the college holds. Some colleges may take admission based on merit score only whereas some consider a score of entrance exam and merit collectively. Here are generalized eligibility criteria for BA Geography vs BSc Geography.

The eligibility criteria for BA Geography is as follows:

• The course requires a minimum academic prerequisite of 10+2, any stream.
• A minimum aggregate of 45-50% is required in 10+2.
• Several colleges and universities require aspirants to take entrance exams at the college/university level. It may, however, differ from institute to institute.

The eligibility criteria for B.Sc Geography is as follows:

• The course requires a minimum academic prerequisite of 10+2 in the science stream.
• A minimum aggregate of 50-55% is required in 10+2.
• Many colleges and universities require aspirants to take entrance exams at the college or university level. However, each institute may have its requirements.

BA Geography Vs BSc Geography: Admission Procedure

Once the eligibility conditions are satisfied, the admissions process continues. aspirants must apply to schools depending on their qualifications, take the admission exam, or wait for a counseling procedure based on the institutions' criteria.  There is a slight difference in the admission process for BA Geography or BSc Geography courses. Take a look below: 

Admission process for BA Geography:

• Admissions are usually based on 10+2 results as it is an undergraduate course.
• Some colleges and universities also conduct their own admissions exam.
• After passing the first stage of selection, an applicant will be asked to attend an interview.

Admission process for BSc Geography:

• When the 10+2 results are out, aspirants may register for the course in their chosen colleges through online or offline mode.
• aspirants must meet the institute's minimum percentage requirement. They would be admitted to the college if they have the requisite percentage.
• For certain universities, there is an interview round/entrance test for the same course. aspirants will be selected based on collective scores.

BA Geography vs B.Sc Geography: Entrance Exams

To enroll in either of the courses, one must follow a specific procedure. Some institutions rely on entrance exam-based admission that entails an on-campus interview or group discussion as part of a counseling session.    

Entrance exams for BA Geography are:

• CUCET
• CUET
• JNUEE
• BHU UET
• NIMCET

Entrance exams for B.Sc Geography are:

• AMUEEE
• BITSAT
• MHT CET
• WBJEE
• COMEDK UGET

BA Geography Vs BSc Geography: Syllabus

The three-year BSc Geography or BA Geography curriculum is split into six semesters. The curriculum and courses are meant to expose students to all of the important areas of geography that they need to know to pursue a career in the discipline.

BA Geography Vs. BSc Geography: Syllabus

BA Geography	BSc Geography
Environment and Ecology	Physical Geography
Fundamentals of Remote Sensing and GIS	Geography of India
Advanced Physical Geography	Representation of Climate Data
Political Geography	Human Geography
Statistical Techniques	Representation of Physical Features

BA Geography Vs BSc Geography: Job Opportunities

The distinction between BSc Geography or BA Geography is well-known, and graduates of both degrees have excellent job prospects. However, while these two degrees have some variations in specializations and expertise, the professional paths they lead are radically different.s for BA Geography graduates are as follows:

• Geography Teacher
• MAP Consultant
• Content Developer
• Technical Labs Researcher
• Accountant Assistant
• Unit Sales Manager

Read More on BA Geography Jobs and Scope

Job Opportunities for BSc Geography graduates are as follows:

• Cartographer
• Urban Planner or Community Development
• Climatologist
• GIS specialist
• Writer or Researcher
• Environmental Management
• Demographer

Read More on BSc Geography Jobs and Scope

BA Geography Vs BSc Geography: Average Salary

In India, an aspirant's salary is determined by their performance and talents, as well as their job experience. Graduates' pay packages are usually determined by their expertise and industry standards. The below table shows the salary distinction between BSc Geography or BA Geography. 

The average salary for BA Geography graduates are:

Designation	Average Salary (INR)
High School Teacher	INR 2.50 LPA
Network Engineer	INR 1.89 LPA
Executive Assistant	INR 4.89 LPA
Operations Team Leader	INR 2.56 LPA

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The average salary for BSc Geography graduates are:

Designation	Average Salary (INR)
Research Manager	INR 3LPA
Cartographer	INR 5LPA
Geographic Information System Analyst	INR 3LPA

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BA Geography Vs BSc Geography: Top Colleges in India

Students can apply to many colleges for either  BSc Geography or BA Geography in India. If applicants wish to achieve their goals, they should target top institutions. These educational institutions give students the most up-to-date learning information to assist them in obtaining a bachelor's degree from the finest university.

Top BA Geography Colleges in India

• Miranda House
• Indraprastha College for Women
• Ananda Mohan College 
• Kirorimal College 
• Bhim Rao Ambedkar College 
• Panjab University
• Visva Bharati University 
• Banasthali Vidyapith 
• Aligarh Muslim University
• JMI

Read More: BA Geography Colleges in India

Top B.Sc Geography Colleges in India

• BHU
• National Institute of Medical Sciences University
• MCC
• Anandaram Dhekial Phookan College, Assam
• Women’s Christian College
• Stani Memorial PG College
• Shivaji University 
• Imphal College
• Presidency College, Chennai
• Goa University 

Read More: B.Sc Geography Colleges in India

BA Geography Vs BSc Geography: Which One to Choose?

When it comes to choosing between BA Geography Vs BSc Geography, there is seldom just one perfect answer. The candidate must select a route that corresponds to his or her interests.

Focus: The BA degree is designed to generate highly qualified geographers who are knowledgeable in economic, social, and environmental geography in both developed and developing nations. B.Sc. in Geography students focus on the study of the subject to have a thorough grasp of the course.

Opportunities: For freshmen, both courses provide similar types of career prospects and pay. Even if some of the positions are course-specific, the candidate must choose which one to apply for.

It is the ultimate choice of the aspiring candidate to choose among the two courses based on their area of interest and desires.