A Bachelor of Science (BS) degree is a four-year undergraduate credential awarded in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. It emphasizes technical training, quantitative reasoning, and laboratory-based learning, distinguishing it from the Bachelor of Arts (BA), which prioritizes broad liberal arts study.
The term "STEM" refers to academic fields in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. While not every BS degree is in a STEM field, most are. A BS in biology, computer science, or mechanical engineering qualifies as a STEM degree under U.S. Department of Homeland Security guidelines for immigration and work visas. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that STEM occupations grow at 8% annually-faster than non-STEM roles-driving demand for BS graduates.
Not all science degrees are STEM. For example, a BS in environmental science may count, but a BS in psychology typically does not unless it includes significant statistical modeling or neuroscience components. The classification depends on curriculum focus, not just the degree title.
BS programs require more credits in core subject areas than BA programs. Students take advanced courses in calculus, physics, chemistry, or statistics depending on their major. Labs, research projects, and hands-on applications are central to the BS model. A BS in biochemistry, for instance, includes 12 semester hours of lab work, compared to 6 in a typical BA program.
Admission often requires strong high school performance in math and science. Many universities require SAT/ACT scores with high math subscores. Transfer students must complete prerequisite courses like college algebra and introductory physics before enrolling in upper-division STEM classes.
Graduation typically demands a capstone project or thesis. At the University of California, Berkeley, BS in Computer Science students must complete a year-long software development project involving peer review and industry mentorship. This applied component prepares students for immediate entry into technical roles.
According to the U.S. Department of Education's Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), STEM fields include 22 specific categories. These include:
| Field | CIP Code | Examples of Degrees |
|---|---|---|
| Biological Sciences | 26.00 | BS in Molecular Biology, BS in Microbiology |
| Computer and Information Sciences | 11.00 | BS in Cybersecurity, BS in Data Science |
| Engineering | 14.00 | BS in Electrical Engineering, BS in Civil Engineering |
| Mathematics | 27.00 | BS in Applied Mathematics, BS in Statistics |
Some programs blend disciplines. A BS in Computational Biology combines computer science and genetics. These hybrid degrees still qualify as STEM if they meet minimum credit thresholds in math and science. The National Science Foundation confirms that interdisciplinary programs with at least 25% of coursework in a CIP-coded STEM area are eligible.
Non-STEM majors sometimes offer a BS track. A BS in Psychology with a neuroscience concentration may count as STEM due to its heavy emphasis on brain imaging and statistical analysis. However, a BS in General Psychology without lab or data analysis requirements does not.
Many assume all BS degrees are STEM. That's false. A BS in Finance or Business Administration is not classified as STEM by federal standards-even though it involves math. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) defines STEM based on curriculum, not degree title. A BS in Accounting with no advanced statistics or modeling is not eligible for OPT extension.
Another myth is that a BS guarantees better pay. Median salaries for BS and BA graduates differ by field. According to the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, BS graduates in engineering earn $74,000 median salary at entry level. But a BA graduate in sociology earns $42,000-still above the national average for all jobs. Pay depends on occupation, not degree type alone.
I once reviewed transcripts for a student applying to a tech internship. Their BS in Environmental Studies included 18 credits in GIS mapping and climate modeling. Despite the name, the course load qualified it as STEM under USCIS criteria. The student was accepted into a NASA internship program-proof that content matters more than title.
BS holders enter careers requiring analytical rigor and technical precision. Common paths include software developer, biomedical engineer, data analyst, and clinical researcher. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 22% growth in computer and information sciences jobs through 2032-well above average.
For example, a recent graduate with a BS in Biomedical Engineering landed a role at Medtronic designing pacemaker algorithms. They used MATLAB and finite element analysis in their capstone project, skills directly applicable to their job. Within two years, they led a team developing implantable devices for heart failure patients.
A BS degree is not automatically a STEM degree-but most are. The distinction lies in course content, not naming convention. Choose a program where the curriculum matches your career vision.