Guide to BA Degree Courses: Subject List, Specializations & Opportunities

According to a Times of India survey, more than 78.9% of 4.1 crore higher education students are enrolled at the undergraduate level, and more than one crore of those students are pursuing a BA.   

These insights highlight the reality check of today’s education system: BA degree is the gateway to landing versatile career opportunities of your choice. Additionally, unlike other courses, BA subjects help students to develop critical thinking, writing, and communication skills, which is widely endorsed in all lines of work.  

At its core, BA course sets the tone and the foundation for advanced study for students to carve out a wonderful profession out of it. But what exactly does it entail? What are the further details of this course? How to get started? Which is the right stream for you?  

This blog will reflect on all the above questions and give a comprehensive understanding of the BA subject list.

What is a BA Degree

The BA, or Bachelor of Arts, is a three-year undergraduate program that emphasizes many academic disciplines. There are six semesters in all. Students are exposed to a wide range of subjects in BA, allowing them to comprehend the vast span of this stream.  

In the initial year of their Bachelor of Arts (BA) program students typically engage in a broad spectrum of general subjects to establish a comprehensive academic foundation. Courses often include English literature, history, political science, and a language elective. These subjects serve as a fundamental exploration into diverse disciplines, fostering critical thinking skills, effective communication, and cultural sensitivity.  

As students’ progress through their academic journey, the curriculum evolves to encompass more specialized, or core subjects aligned with their chosen major or area of concentration. This strategic progression ensures a well-rounded education, equipping students with a diverse skill set and a nuanced understanding of various fields within the arts and humanities.  

Why should one do a BA Degree? 

Being one of the simpler and more promising degrees to complete, several students choose this course to explore new opportunities. Apart from that, below are some of the reasons to choose a BA degree.  

• Job opportunities in both public and private sector: Once the BA course is completed, students can look for jobs in both private and public sector.  

• Provide with transferable skills: With a completed BA degree, students attain skills such as communication, leadership, time management, problem-solving and many more.  

• Assist in intellectual exploration: It gives students a purpose-driven curriculum in the subjects they are passionate about and helps them understand it in detail.  

• Develops a broad worldview: Encourages cultural awareness, empathy, and a profound insight into society.  

• Promotes creativity and independent thought: Focusses on innovation and individual perspectives in problem-solving. 

• Valued in the job market: Employers appreciate BA graduates for their soft skills and ability to adapt. 

Also Read: Why choose BA after 12th arts? 

Types of BA Courses 

Over the years, the BA course has evolved and branched out into different types based on academic interests, career goals, and learning preferences. Below are the five major types of BA courses that students can choose from:  

1. General BA 

A General BA is a traditional UG program that offers an extensive and balanced education in humanities, languages, and social sciences. It does not emphasize a single subject in-depth but enables students to explore multiple disciplines, often with a combination of electives and core courses.  

2. BA (Hons.)

Students can now take up BA Honours which is just like the traditional BA but focus on one core subject with advanced coursework. This will sometimes also include a research project or thesis in the last semester providing higher academic standard than the general BA.  

3. Vocational BA

Vocational BA is nothing but a culmination of academic learning and expertise in job-ready skills such as journalism, hospitality, tourism, event management, or social work. They consist of several industry-oriented insights, various internships, applied training, and so on.  

4. Integrated BA Programs 

Students who are looking forward to completing their undergraduate degree with a postgraduate or professional degree in a single streamlined course, then integrated BA programs work the best in their favor. This is a great time saver, and learners are equipped with multiple specializations. Some common examples are BA+MA, BA+ B.Ed., BA+LLB and so on.  

5. Online BA 

With the evolution of technology, learning is possible pretty much from anywhere. Online BA helps students provide the flexibility they need to balance both their education and career. Being one of the most preferred types, online BA is more affordable and takes the learners through self-paced learning.  

Also Read: Regular BA vs distance BA vs online BA 

BA Subject List with Duration 

BA courses have UG programs in Humanities, Sociology, English and so on. They are classified as academic, practical or career oriented based on the core subjects they are dealing with. This results in varying durations for the completion of each course. Below is the complete guide of the different BA programs along with the BA subjects and their duration. 

BA Programs	Core Subjects	Duration
BA in English	Literature, Linguistics, Literary Criticism, Drama, Postcolonial Literature	3 years
BA in History	Indian History, World History, Historiography, Archaeology, Modern Asia	3 years
BA in Political Science	Indian Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Political Theory	3 years
BA in Sociology	Social Institutions, Indian Society, Gender & Society, Social Change, Research Methods	3 years
BA in Psychology	Social Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Testing, Counseling	3 years
BA in Geography	Physical & Human Geography, Climatology, Cartography, Economic Geography	3 years
BA in Philosophy	Indian & Western Philosophy, Logic, Ethics, Religion, Metaphysics	3 years
BA in Economics	Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Public Finance, Indian Economy, International Economics	3 years
BA in Journalism & Mass Comm.	Reporting, Editing, Media Ethics, Public Relations, Digital Journalism	3 years
BA in Fine Arts	Drawing, Painting, Sculpture, Art History, Aesthetics	3–4 years
BA in Performing Arts	Dance/Music/Theatre, Stagecraft, Indian Aesthetics, Performance Techniques	3 years
BA in International Relations	Global Politics, Diplomacy, Foreign Policy, Security Studies, International Law	3 years
BA in Public Administration	Public Policy, Governance, Indian Administration, Financial & Personnel Administration	3 years
BA in Anthropology	Cultural Anthropology, Physical Anthropology, Ethnography, Archaeology	3 years
BA in Education	Educational Psychology, Curriculum Studies, Pedagogy, Teaching Methods	3 years
BA LLB (Integrated)	Law (IPC, Constitutional Law, Family Law), Political Science, Sociology, Legal Writing	5 years

Also Read: How to choose the right online BA program for a bright future 

Top 3 Popular BA Subjects with Reasons 

As per close observation and many convincing reasons, the below three are the most chosen BA subjects by graduates.  

• BA in English 

BA English is one of the most preferred BA programs by students as they can help them land jobs in teaching, content writing, media, publishing, and digital marketing. It helps students to develop their communication skills, critical thinking and so on.  

• BA in Political Science 

Students who are looking forward to having a future in civil services, government jobs, or careers in international relations or law prefer a BA in political science. This degree will help them have a stronger perspective into public policy, law and order, the judicial system and so on which will also pave way for the UPSC or other competitive exams.  

• BA in Psychology 

With mental health being a priority nowadays, students can take up a degree in psychology, if they are looking to build a career in therapy, social work, counseling and so on. Further, they can also go for a higher study in courses like behavioral sciences, MSW and so on.  

Also Read: In-demand BA specializations to pursue 

Online Bachelor of Arts Syllabus by Sikkim Manipal University. 

Here is the complete list of BA subjects semester wise offered by Sikkim Manipal University. 

Online BA English Curriculum 

Semester 1 Subjects	Semester 2 Subjects	Semester 3 Subjects	Semester 4 Subjects	Semester 5 Subjects	Semester 6 Subjects
Indian English Literature	World Literature	Essays and Poetry	New Literature in English	Victorian and Modern Literature	American Literature
Communicative English	Functional English	Universal Human Values	Literary Terms, Forms, and Movements	Poetry: Evolution, Elements and Genres	One Act Plays: Introduction & Studies
Foundations of Political Science	Political Theory	Comparative Political Analysis	Women Writing in English	Children’s Literature	Novels and Short Stories
Introduction to Sociology	Sociology in India	Rural Sociology	Classical Indian Political Thought	Human Rights	United Nations and Global Conflicts
Natural Science	Environmental Studies	Digital Fluency	Urban Sociology	Social Problems in India	Sociology of Change and Development

Online BA Sociology Curriculum 

Semester 1 Subjects	Semester 2 Subjects	Semester 3 Subjects	Semester 4 Subjects	Semester 5 Subjects	Semester 6 Subjects
Introduction to Sociology	Sociology in India	Rural Sociology	Urban Sociology	Classical Sociological Thinkers	Sociology of Change and Development
Foundations of Political Science	Political Theory	Comparative Political Analysis	Family, Kinship, and Marriage	Social Problems in India	Sociology of Education
Indian English Literature	World Literature	Essays and Poetry	Principle of Sociology	Social Demography	Social Movements in India
Communicative English	Functional English	Universal Human Values	Classical Indian Political Thought	Human Rights	United Nations and Global Conflicts
Natural Science	Environmental Studies	Digital Fluency	New Literature in English	Children’s Literature	American Literature

Online BA Political Science Curriculum 

Semester 1 Subjects	Semester 2 Subjects	Semester 3 Subjects	Semester 4 Subjects	Semester 5 Subjects	Semester 6 Subjects
Foundations of Political Science	Political Theory	Comparative Political Analysis	Classical Indian Political Thought	Political Processes in India	United Nations and Global Conflicts
Introduction to Sociology	Sociology in India	Rural Sociology	Theories of International Relations	India’s Foreign Policy in a Globalized World	Public Policy and Administration in India
Indian English Literature	World Literature	Essays and Poetry	Political Economy	Human Rights	Gender and Politics
Communicative English	Functional English	Universal Human Values	Urban Sociology	Social Problems in India	Sociology of Change and Development
Natural Science	Environmental Studies	Digital Fluency	New Literature in English	Children’s Literature	American Literature

Admission Requirements for BA Degree 

Requirements for BA programs may vary by institution, but generally include: 

• 10+2 or equivalent: Minimum academic qualifications are necessary. 

• Standardized tests: Some institutions may require standardized tests like the CUET. 

Career Prospects After BA Degree 

BA comes with a multitude of opportunities when it comes to career choices. Below are some of the most common options that learners can look forward to:  

• Civil Services & Government Jobs: BA graduates can attend UPSC, SSC, and state-level exams to secure a prestigious position in the government sector.  

• Education Sector: With an extra B.Ed. or an MA+NET., graduates can take up teaching positions in schools or colleges if that is what drives their passion.  

• Media, Journalism & Communication: Another interesting option students can take up after BA is PR, journalism, digital marketing, content writing and so on.  

• Corporate & Business Roles: Students with good people and communication skills can opt for roles in HR, business development and so on.   

• Law and Legal Services: With an integrated LLB degree, graduates can take up professional roles such as paralegals, legal advisors, lawyers and so on.  

• Psychology & Counseling: After completion of BA in Psychology students can take up roles like school counselor, mental health worker, or career coach. 

• NGOs & Social Work: Working in NGOs as social workers, program officers, or community outreach professionals is another good option after completing BA.  

• Creative & Arts Careers: BA in Fine Arts or Performing Arts can lead to roles in acting, drama, theatre, or music. 

• Travel, Tourism & Hospitality: Travel consultant, tour manager, or hotel executive are some options for people who are inclined towards tourism and looking for a career after completing their BA in tourism. 

• Higher Education & Specializations: Pursuing postgrad studies like MA, MBA, or MSW enhances expertise and opens specialized career paths. 

Read More: Diverse industries you can work for after a BA degree 

Tips for Choosing the Right BA Specialization 

• Assess Your Interests 
  Choose a field you’re genuinely curious and passionate about as this keeps you motivated throughout the course. 

• Evaluate Career Goals 
  Think about your long-term professional goals and pick a specialization aligned with potential career paths (e.g., Journalism, Psychology, English). 

• Research Job Opportunities 
  Explore what kind of roles and industries are linked to each specialization and their current demand in the job market. 

• Consider Higher Education Plans 
  If you’re planning to pursue further studies (like MA, LLB, MBA), choose a BA specialization that provides a solid foundation for it. 

• Understand the Curriculum 
  Go through the course structure and subjects to ensure they match your learning preferences and academic strengths. 

• Seek Guidance 
  Talk to career counselors, alumni, or current students for first-hand insights about the course and its scope. 

• Think Global and Local 
  Consider both local job trends and global relevance if you plan to work or study abroad. 

• Check College Strengths 
  Choose a specialization that the college is known for—better faculty and facilities often mean a richer learning experience. 

• Stay Open-Minded 
  If undecided, start with a general BA and narrow down your interests in the first year based on experience and exposure. 

How will an online BA from SMU help me in my career? 

A reputable university’s online BA program, like the one offered by SMU, has various benefits for you as it helps to enhance your career. This Sikkim Manipal University (SMU) online Bachelor of Arts (BA) with a blend of English, Sociology, and Political Science is created for students wishing to build competency in different fields & disciplines to succeed in the fast-paced world. Over three years, there are six semesters in this UGC-recognised program.  

Read More: Pros and cons of online BA for working professionals 

Students will receive in-depth knowledge and skills in English literature, political science, and sociology through this program, and they may explore professional prospects that are in line with their interests and academic specialties. A critical step in determining your academic career is figuring out the BA course selections. You are given the opportunity to study specialized fields, develop key abilities, and explore the core subjects for your BA second and third year, thanks to this procedure.  

You will graduate from our online BA program with the skills and knowledge needed to launch a successful career in a variety of employment sectors. 

Get to know more details of Sikkim Manipal University 

Conclusion 

In conclusion, the journey through a Bachelor of Arts (BA) program is a dynamic and transformative expedition spanning three distinctive years. The carefully curated subject lists in the first year lay the groundwork, fostering foundational knowledge, critical thinking, and a broad understanding of various disciplines. As students’ progress into the subsequent years, the subject lists evolve, offering a nuanced exploration of their chosen major or concentration. 

The second and third years of the BA program delve deeper into specialized subjects, honing expertise and refining skills, culminating in a comprehensive and well-rounded academic experience. This progressive structure not only encourages intellectual growth and personal development but also empowers students to navigate the complexities of their chosen fields with depth and proficiency. The three-year BA subject list, collectively, epitomizes the essence of a holistic education—imbuing students with a wealth of knowledge, fostering interdisciplinary connections, and preparing them for a future of continual learning and meaningful contributions in their chosen fields.  

FAQs 

1. How many subjects are there in BA 1^st year?  

There are 6 subjects in 1^st year BA. 

2. Is BA a 3-year course?

BA is a 3-year course with 6 semesters.  

3. What is the salary of a BA graduate?

 BA graduates can expect 2-5LPA to get paid in the first year. It also depends on their work experience and skill set.  

4. Is BA a 4-year course?

BA can now be a 4-year course in India, depending on the university and whether it has implemented NEP 2020.

5. What are the 5 compulsory subjects in BA?

The five compulsory subjects of BA are:  

• English (Language) 
• History 
• Political Science 
• Sociology 
• Environmental Studies (compulsory)
• Foundation Course (sometimes) 

6. Is BA easy to pass?

BA is not a technical course and most of the core subjects are passion driven. With the right university, mentors and curriculum, BA is a relatively easy to pass degree.  

7. Is BA a good career option?

Yes. BA opens doors for several career options in multi-disciplinary fields.  

8. Can I do MBA after BA?

Yes. You can do an MBA after a BA.  

9. What are the job profiles after BA?

Below are some of the career choices graduates can pursue after BA 

• Journalism 
• Education 
• Public Relations
• Human Resources
• Social Work 
• Civil Services 
• Marketing 
• Content Writing 
• Law 
• Research 

10. Which is the best BA or BSc?

Both courses are good. It depends on the learner’s interest and career aspirations. Students who are looking for a more technical course can opt for a BSc and learners inclined towards arts and literature can go for a BA course.  

11. What are the types of BA courses?

The main different forms of BA course are: 

• General BA 
• BA (Hons.) 
• Vocational BA
• Integrated BA Programs
• Online BA 

12. What are the eligibility criteria for BA? 

Candidates must have completed 10+2 from a recognized national or state board institution or 10+3 diploma from a recognized national or state institute.