Understanding Your Degree Options
As you explore the undergraduate majors available to traditional undergraduate students at Dallas Baptist University, including incoming freshmen and transfer students, you may see several different degree abbreviations, such as BA, BS, BAEd, BM, and others. Each represents a different type of bachelor’s degree with its own academic emphasis. Use this guide to understand your degree options and find the one that best fits your interests and goals.
Degree Types at a Glance
| Degree | Emphasis & Fit |
|---|---|
| BA — Bachelor of Arts | Broad liberal arts foundation with flexibility across many fields |
| BS — Bachelor of Science | Scientific, technical, and quantitative focus for STEM-oriented fields |
| BBA — Bachelor of Business Administration | Business, management, and leadership preparation for professional careers |
| BAEd — Bachelor of Arts in Education | Texas teacher preparation with a strong liberal arts foundation |
| BSEd — Bachelor of Science in Education | Texas teacher preparation with greater science or STEM emphasis |
| BM — Bachelor of Music | Intensive professional music study for performance-focused careers |
| BMA — Bachelor of Musical Arts | Music training combined with broader academic flexibility |
| BME — Bachelor of Music Education | Music and education preparation for K–12 teaching in Texas |
Note: Degree requirements and available degree types vary by program. Review the individual program page for specific curriculum and graduation requirements.
This guide covers degree options for traditional undergraduate students (under the age of 25). Looking for degree options designed for working adults? Explore DBU’s degree completion programs.
Understanding Each Degree Type
BA – Bachelor of Arts
A Bachelor of Arts emphasizes a broad liberal arts foundation with strong critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills. BA degrees typically provide greater flexibility in electives and are well-suited for students interested in humanities, social sciences, ministry, and other fields that value a well-rounded education.
BS – Bachelor of Science
A Bachelor of Science focuses on technical, scientific, and quantitative skills. BS degrees typically include more specialized coursework in mathematics, sciences, and research methods. This degree can be a strong option for students pursuing STEM, healthcare, research, or other data-driven fields.
BBA – Bachelor of Business Administration
The Bachelor of Business Administration is designed for students who want to develop broad business expertise and leadership skills. This degree prepares students for a variety of professional and management roles through coursework in areas such as accounting, finance, marketing, management, and strategic decision-making.
BAEd – Bachelor of Arts in Education
The Bachelor of Arts in Education prepares future teachers with a strong foundation in educational theory, classroom management, and teaching methods, combined with liberal arts coursework. This degree fulfills the educational requirements for teacher certification in the state of Texas in the student's chosen subject area.
BSEd – Bachelor of Science in Education
The Bachelor of Science in Education prepares future teachers with an emphasis on science, mathematics, kinesiology, or other STEM-related areas of study. This degree fulfills the educational requirements for teacher certification in the state of Texas in the student's chosen subject area.
BM – Bachelor of Music
The Bachelor of Music is a professional degree for students pursuing careers as performers, composers, or music scholars. This intensive program emphasizes musical excellence, theory, and performance, and is well-suited for students seeking focused preparation in their area of musical study.
BMA – Bachelor of Musical Arts
The Bachelor of Musical Arts combines substantial music training with a broader liberal arts education. It is designed for students who want substantial musical preparation while maintaining flexibility to pursue other academic interests or career paths.
BME – Bachelor of Music Education
The Bachelor of Music Education prepares students to become certified music teachers in K–12 schools. This degree combines intensive musical training with professional education coursework and fulfills the educational requirements for teacher certification in the state of Texas.
Ready to Find Your Program?
Explore DBU's traditional undergraduate majors and minors to find the degree program that fits your interests and goals.