Why Don't Universities Issue a Bachelor of Science Degree for Political Science?
At a glance, it might seem natural for the academic field of political science to earn a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree, given that 'science' is included in its name. However, the distinction lies in the broader categorization and the historical traditions within higher education. This article explores why political science degrees are typically awarded as Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degrees rather than Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees.
Understanding B.A. and B.S. Degrees
The traditional categorization of degrees into Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) has roots that extend back to the study of the liberal arts. Originally, the term 'liberal arts' referred to a broad education in literature, philosophy, and science, accessible to individuals with the means to pursue such studies without the need to participate in the labor market immediately. Over time, this distinction has evolved, and B.A. and B.S. degrees have come to mean different things in modern higher education.
B.S. Degrees: Hard Sciences
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees are generally awarded to students pursuing majors that involve the natural and physical sciences. This includes fields like physics, biology, chemistry, and engineering. These programs are designed to provide rigorous training in scientific methodologies, mathematical foundations, and empirical research. In these disciplines, the focus is on experimental and theoretical analysis, making the B.S. degree a fitting choice.
B.A. Degrees: Humanities and Social Sciences
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degrees, on the other hand, are more common for disciplines that fall under the humanities and social sciences. Political science, psychology, sociology, and history are prime examples of disciplines that fall into this category. These programs emphasize critical thinking, theoretical analysis, and cultural and social contexts. While these fields may involve quantitative methods and statistical analysis, the core focus is often more qualitative and theoretical, which aligns more closely with the B.A. degree.
Why Political Science is a Social Science
Political science is indeed a social science. It studies political systems, processes, and behaviors, often employing a mix of qualitative and quantitative methods. However, its primary focus lies in understanding and analyzing human societies, institutions, and norms, which places it more closely aligned with humanities and social sciences than natural sciences.
The Empirical Nature of Political Science
While political science can incorporate statistical and empirical methodologies, the discipline remains more heavily focused on normative analysis, theory construction, and contextual understanding. For instance, political science students may study statistical methods, but they also delve into theories about governance, democracy, and human rights. This blend of empirical and theoretical approaches aligns more with the B.A. degree than the B.S. degree.
Historical and Cultural Context
Historically, the categorization of degrees has been influenced by cultural and institutional factors. In the United States, for example, the distinction between B.A. and B.S. degrees has become more institutionalized, with universities and colleges typically offering both degrees for different fields. This has led to a tradition where political science and social sciences are awarded as B.A. degrees, while natural and physical sciences receive B.S. degrees.
Real-World Examples and Exceptions
It's worth noting that there are some colleges and universities where political science can indeed be awarded as a B.S. degree, but these are exceptions rather than the rule. For instance, some institutions might have specific programs that incorporate more scientific and empirical methodologies in the study of political science, such as those that focus on international relations, data analytics, or public policy. However, these are often distinguishable as specialized tracks within the broader B.A. degree program.
Future Perspectives and Changes
As higher education evolves, there might be a growing trend towards re-evaluating traditional degree categorizations, especially in light of interdisciplinary approaches and the increasing importance of quantitative methods in social sciences. However, until these changes become widespread, the prevailing trend remains that political science is a social science, categorized accordingly under the B.A. degree.
Conclusion
The distinction between Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in political science is rooted in historical traditions and cultural norms. While political science is a social science and does incorporate quantitative methodologies, its primary focus on human behaviors, institutions, and contexts aligns it more closely with the B.A. degree. This categorization, while possibly changing in the future, remains the prevailing tradition in higher education.
For those interested in pursuing a political science degree, keep in mind that the majority of programs still fall under the B.A. category, with the option to explore specialized science tracks, if available at your institution.