Bachelor of Science Degree Program

The Bachelor of Science (BS) differs from the Bachelor of Arts (BA) primarily in its natural sciences and mathematics requirements.

• Declare at least one major from the list of BS-eligible majors.
• Request that the Office of the Registrar convert your degree from a BA to a BS. This can be done at the time an eligible major is declared or at a later time using the degree change form.
• Complete at least 16 full courses at Oberlin with the Natural Sciences and Mathematics (NSMA) attribute. (This includes courses with an NSMA attribute that count toward the major.) 
• Complete all other degree requirements, which are the same for the BS and the BA (e.g.  arts and humanities, social sciences, writing, etc.).

The following majors are eligible for the Bachelor of Science degree: Biochemistry, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Computer Science, Data Science, Economics, Environmental Science, Financial Economics, Geosciences, Global Health, Mathematics, Neuroscience, Physics, and Psychology.

No. The BS is an option not a requirement. Students in BS-eligible majors may complete the major under either the BA or the BS degree framework. The major requirements for students are the same whether they pursue the BA or the BS. Students are enrolled in the BA by default and may elect to switch to the BS after declaring an eligible major. A student may not graduate with both a BA and a BS.

Both the BA and the BS provide an academically rigorous education. Oberlin has a strong history of launching Bachelor of Arts students to careers and graduate education in the sciences. Students may choose the BS if they are interested in completing additional coursework in natural sciences and mathematics or if their academic or professional goals benefit from a stronger emphasis in these areas. The BA and BS have the same major requirements; the difference lies in the overall degree framework. Students should consult with an advisor to determine which option best fits their plans.

Yes. BS students may declare additional Arts and Sciences majors. This includes those majors not designated as BS-eligible; however, the degree awarded will be the BS.

Yes, the Bachelor of Science can be combined with the Bachelor of Music. Students must be admitted to both the College and the Conservatory as Double Degree students and plan carefully to complete all degree requirements.

Students declaring a BS-eligible major can indicate on the major declaration form if they wish to switch to the BS. Students who have already declared a BS-eligible major can complete a degree change form to switch to the BS.

Access the major declaration and degree change forms.

Switching to the BS does not extend a student’s financial aid. Students are expected to complete the BS within the standard timeframe for their program. Review Oberlin’s financial aid policies.

Students who don’t complete 16 full NSMA courses but who have completed the requirements for the BA or BA/BM will be converted to the BA or BA/BM prior to graduation.