Bachelor of Science

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A Bachelor of Science (BSc, BS, SB, or ScB) is an undergraduate degree earned after completing a science- or math-focused program. The exact name, length, and requirements vary by country and school. In many places a BSc is a four-year degree, but some systems offer three-year programs or include an extra honours year. Some universities also award a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in science subjects, while others offer only the BSc, or let students choose between BA and BSc for the same field.

Differences between BA and BSc can be subtle and depend on the institution. When both exist in the same discipline, the BSc is often more specialized and aimed at further study or a professional career in that field. Some schools follow traditions (for example, the Oxbridge model) where science subjects can be earned as a BA, while others may require a BSc for science tracks. There are notable exceptions and unusual practices at certain universities as well.

Around the world, you’ll find many variations:
- In the United States and Canada, most BSc programs run about four years.
- In the United Kingdom and Ireland, many science degrees are three years (four with honours or a research component).
- In parts of Europe, programs are moving toward three- to four-year bachelor degrees, with different titles and arrangements.
- In Australia and New Zealand, a BSc usually takes three to four years, often followed by honours or a master’s path for advanced study.
- In India, a typical BSc lasts three years, with some four-year or honours variants.
- Other countries have their own systems and names (for example, some use Licenciatura or similar titles).

Common features you might see in BSc programs include coursework in core sciences, laboratory work, and sometimes a research project or thesis, especially in honours or integrated programs. The exact structure depends on the country and university. In short, a Bachelor of Science is a widespread undergraduate degree in science and related fields, but its duration, naming, and requirements vary around the world.