The Bachelor of Arts degree is one of the most popular undergraduate degrees offered by universities worldwide. It is a versatile degree that provides students with a broad range of knowledge in various subjects. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of Bachelor of Arts.
Definitions
The Bachelor of Arts degree is an undergraduate academic degree awarded to students who have completed a program of study in the liberal arts or sciences. It is usually a four-year degree program, although some universities offer accelerated programs that can be completed in three years.
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a Bachelor of Arts degree is “a degree conferred on a person who has satisfactorily completed an undergraduate course of study in one or more of the humanities and social sciences.”
Origin
The Bachelor of Arts degree has its roots in medieval universities in Europe, where it was awarded to students who had completed a course of study in the liberal arts. The term “bachelor” comes from the Latin word “baccalaureus,” which means “one who has achieved a certain level of knowledge or skill.”
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, a Bachelor of Arts is “a first degree in a humanities or social science subject, awarded by a college or university after a course of study lasting three or four years.”
The Cambridge English Dictionary defines a Bachelor of Arts as “an undergraduate degree in a subject such as literature, history, or social science.”
Associations
The Bachelor of Arts degree is often associated with the liberal arts, which include subjects such as literature, history, philosophy, and the arts. It is also associated with the social sciences, which include subjects such as psychology, sociology, and political science.
Synonyms
Synonyms for Bachelor of Arts include BA, AB (Artium Baccalaureus), and A.B. (Bachelor of Arts).
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for Bachelor of Arts, as it is a specific degree. However, it can be contrasted with other undergraduate degrees, such as Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA).
The same root words
The root word for Bachelor of Arts is “baccalaureus,” which is also the root word for other degrees, such as Bachelor of Science (BSc) and Bachelor of Education (BEd).
Example Sentences
- After four years of study, Sarah graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English literature.
- John decided to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology because he was interested in the human mind.
- The Bachelor of Arts program at this university offers a wide range of courses in the humanities and social sciences.
- After completing her Bachelor of Arts degree, Maria went on to pursue a Master’s degree in history.
- The Bachelor of Arts degree is a great option for students who want to explore different subjects and develop a broad range of knowledge.