Bachelor of Arts (BA) Subjects 2024

BA Subjects List: A Comprehensive Guide

Bachelor of Arts (BA) subjects, highlight both core and elective courses. It includes academic fields such as English, history, political science, and geography etc. A bachelor's degree can be obtained in a variety of ways, including full-time, part-time, and distant learning. After the completion of the 10+2 board exams, candidates may choose to enroll in a BA general or BA honors degree. Merit and entrance exams are combined to determine admission to BA programs. In order to get in on the basis of merit, students must receive the designated cut off marks. 

After graduation, BA careers include those as an executive associate, HR manager, content writer, marketing manager, brand manager, etc. The BA Hons program focuses on a specific concentration. The BA general program emphasizes an overview of fundamental disciplines.

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BA Course Highlights 2024

Some of the key information regarding the BA course is shown in the table below, including the full form, degree level, eligibility, fees, top universities, distance learning centers, job profiles, salary, and top recruiters -

BA Eligibility

BA Subject List

The field of Bachelor of Arts is extensively vast. The core and elective subjects can therefore differ from one specialization to the next. The most popular BA subjects are listed below:

• English
• Sociology
• Journalism and Mass Communication
• Philosophy
• Psychology
• History
• Political Science
• Education/Physical Education
• Journalism
• Social Work
• Environmental Sciences
• Fine Arts
• Archaeology
• Anthropology
• Language Course
• Media Studies
• Religious Studies
• Public Administration
• Law
• Statistics
• Functional English

BA Course List

One can pursue a BA degree in a wide range of specializations because the studies in the Arts stream are multidisciplinary. Here are some of the subject areas covered by Bachelor of Arts courses in India before we move on to a detailed discussion of some of the BA subjects:

• BA English
• BA English Literature
• BA Fine Arts
• BA Psychology
• BA Archaeology
• BA Social Work
• BA Rural Studies
• BA Music
• BA History
• BA Communication Studies
• BA Economics
• BA Sociology
• BA Philosophy
• BA Political Science
• BA in Journalism and Mass Communication
• BA Geography 
• BA Theology
• BA Anthropology
• BA Biomedical Sciences
• BA Public Administration
• BA LLB
• BA Home Science
• BA Physical Education
• BA Functional English
• Other Language, Literature, and Linguistics degree courses like that in Hindi, Spanish, French, Russian, Japanese, etc.

Also Check: BA LLB Subjects

In Indian educational institutions, a BA can be studied as a general program including topics in the arts and humanities or as a BA Hons, which focuses on a particular area of specialization as a BA Hons in English, Economics, Political Science, etc.

List of BA Syllabus: Different BA Courses

There are different subjects in BA program as per the different courses available in the field of BA. However, the BA course often includes a few significant fields. So, the major Bachelor of Arts subjects in the BA disciplines you will be studying are listed below.

Also Read: MA Subjects

Check the following syllabuses for various BA programs:

BA English Subjects -

Here is a list of subjects in BA in English:

• Nineteenth-Century European Realism
• Literary Criticism
• World Literature
• American Literature
• European Classic Literature
• Postcolonial Literature
• Literature and Cinema
• Indian Classic Literature
• Modern European Drama
• British Literature
• Post-World War II
• British Romantic Literature
• English Poetry: The Pre-Romantic to the Victorian
• Women's Writing Literary Theory
• English Drama: Elizabethan to Victorian 

BA Economics Subjects -

Here is a list of subjects in the BA in Economics:

• Introductory Microeconomics
• Introductory Macroeconomics
• Introductory Econometrics
• Mathematical Methods for Economics
• Development Economics

Further Reading: BA Economics Subjects 

BA Psychology Subjects -

Here is a list of subjects in the BA in Psychology:

• Development Psychology
• Educational Psychology
• Social Psychology
• Industrial Psychology
• Psychopathology
• Guidance and counselling
• Project work
• Field Work
• Forensic Psychology
• Environmental Psychology
• Sports Psychology

Further Reading: BSc Psychology Subjects and Syllabus 

BA Philosophy Subjects -

Here is a list of subjects in BA Philosophy:

• Indian Philosophy
• Greek Philosophy
• Western Philosophy: Descartes to Kant
• Applied Ethics
• Text of Western Philosophy
• Logic
• Ethics
• Social & Political Philosophy: Indian and Western
• Text of Indian Philosophy
• Analytic Philosophy
• Philosophy of Language (Indian & Western)
• Philosophy of Religion (Indian & Western)
• Truthful Functional Logic
• Continental Philosophy

Further Reading: BA Philosophy 

BA Sociology Subjects -

Here is a list of subjects in the BA in Sociology:

• Introduction to Sociology
• Economy and Society
• Gender Sensitization
• Methods of Sociological Inquiry
• Religion and Society
• Sociological Theories
• Gender and Sexuality
• Techniques of Social Research

BA Geography Subjects -

Here is a list of subjects in BA in Geography:

• Analytical Physical Geography
• Cartographic Techniques
• Oceanography
• Environmental Geography
• Spatial Dimensions of Development
• Evolution of Geographical Thought
• Social Geography
• Disaster Management
• Regional Planning: Case Studies
• Geographical Information System
• Rural Development

Further Reading: BSc Geography 

BA Archaeology Subjects -

Here is a list of subjects in the BA in Archeology:

• Methodology and Perspectives of Social Science
• Basics of Archeology
• Cultural Transition in Pre-Modern Kerala
• History of Art and Architecture in India
• Introduction to Sociology
• Methods of Archeology
• Making of Modern Kerala
• Development of Sociological Theory
• History of Folklore

BA Anthropology Subjects -

Here is a list of subjects in the BA in Anthropology:

• Human Genetics
• Introduction to Social Anthropology
• Introduction to Biological Anthropology
• Primate Biology / Cell Biology
• Anthropology of religion, politics & economy
• Biostatistics and Data Analysis
• Biological Diversity in Human Populations
• Human Ecology: Social and Cultural Dimensions
• Genetics & Genomics

Further Reading: BSc Anthropology 

BA Social Work -

Here is a list of subjects in the BA in Social Work:

• Beginnings of Social Work
• Sociology for Social Work
• Concurrent Qualifying Language
• Contemporary Social Concerns
• Concurrent- credit Language
• Working with Groups
• Community Organization
• Physical, Mental and Community Health
• Fundamentals of Social Work
• Concurrent Field Work
• Basic Concepts in Psychology
• Social Psychology
• Working with Individuals
• Social Deviance and Social Problems
• Communication and Development
• Research in Social Work
• NGO Movement
• Social Welfare and Administration
• Areas of Social Work Practice II
• Social Policy and Social Development
• Social Action and Movements
• Social Legislation and Human Rights

Further Reading: Bachelor of Social Work

BA Kannada Subjects -

Here is a list of subjects in BA in Kannada:

• History of Kannada Literature
• Old and Medieval Kannada Literature
• Cultural History of Kannada
• Kannada Folk Literature
• Traditional Kannada Grammar
• Linguistics
• Modern Kannada Literature

Top BA Specializations

Here is a list of the top BA specializations offered by various universities:

BA (Bachelor of Arts) Subjects: Semester-Wise Subject List and Books

This section discusses the BA subject list for various courses. Check out the most popular bachelor of arts courses and their relevant books. 

BA in Literature, Language, and Linguistics

A prominent field in the Arts stream is linguistics, which is known as the scientific study of language. Literature and language, which might vary depending on the language you have chosen, such as English, Spanish, French, Urdu, Arabic, Persian, Russian, Mandarin, Japanese, etc., are also essential BA subjects along with linguistics.

BA English

The major goal of any BA degree with a modern language emphasis is to examine the nuances of languages. For instance, the subjects in BA English Literature primarily cover the study of this language's history as well as the literary contributions of a wide range of authors and poets. After earning your BA in English, you could even pursue an MBA.

The following is a list of important BA subjects that are essential to BA English:

• Literary Criticism
• World Literature
• American Literature
• Postcolonial Literature
• Indian Classic Literature
• Modern European Drama
• British Literature

All about MBA: 

BA History

Another well-known curriculum that is a top pick for students looking to earn an arts degree is BA History, which covers the study of human history from the dawn of civilization to the present. The most important historical occurrences from American, African, European, and Asian history are typically covered. You can enroll in an MA in History course to expand your understanding in this area. The following is a list of important BA subjects that are essential to the curriculum:

• World History
• Economic History
• Ancient History
• Art History
• History in Practice
• Defining Digital Humanities

BA Economics

BA Economics focuses on the primary conceptual bifurcations of economics, namely Macroeconomics, and Microeconomics, and deals with the study of the best use of resources. It investigates the various financial market structures, the operation of economies, and modern economic trends. Following is a list of BA subjects offered in BA Economics:

• Statistical Methods for Economics
• Introductory Econometrics
• Introductory Macroeconomics
• Banking Economics
• Labor Economics
• Agricultural Economics
• Managerial Economics
• Business Economics

BA Political Science

Students who major in political science gain an understanding of political theory, political practice, and various political systems and how they operate. The Political Science Syllabus, which focuses on comparative and worldwide politics, aspires to give you in-depth knowledge of various kinds of government. The BA subjects included in this course curriculum are listed below:

• Understanding Political Theory
• Perspectives of Public Administration
• Political Systems
• Introduction to Comparative Government & Politics
• Political Analysis
• History of Politics

Further Reading: BA Philosophy 

BA Fine Arts

Another well-known BA specialty is fine arts, which includes the study of art history. The Bachelor of Fine Arts includes the study of art history and the visual, performing, and literary arts, among others.

Here is the list of the main BA subjects covered in BA fine arts:

• Arts History
• Painting and drawing
• Applied art
• Music
• Dance
• Conceptual Art
• Theatre
• Design
• Photography
• Pottery and Sculptures
• Films
• Clay modeling
• Renaissance

BA Journalism

BA Journalism is one of the best options for you if you want to learn more about the news media and start a career in journalism. The BA undergraduate curriculum gives students knowledge of how print, broadcast, and web journalism operate. Additionally, it offers a wide range of electives, giving students the chance to polish their news reporting, writing, and multimedia skills. These electives include photojournalism, new media, multimedia journalism, etc.

Here is a list of the BA subjects included in the journalism course:

• Introduction to Journalism
• Press Laws and Ethics
• History of Media
• News Media Management
• Magazines and Niche Journalism
• Production
• Editing

BA Psychology

BA Psychology examines mental processes and brain functioning, as well as several other areas of psychology, ranging from development psychology to industrial psychology, with a focus on the study of human behavior. It covers numerous BA subjects as an interdisciplinary bridge between medical science, social science, and education.

Here is the list of the major BA subjects covered in the Psychology course curriculum:

• The Psychological Processes
• Educational Psychology
• Forensic Psychology
• Study of Behavior
• Social Psychology
• Industrial Psychology
• Psychopathology
• Sports Psychology
• Environmental Psychology
• Project work
• Field Work

Further Reading: BSc Psychology 

BA LLB

BA LLB or Bachelor of Arts-Bachelor of Legislative Law, is a five-year integrated course for students wanting a career in the field of law. It is a combination of arts and law subjects. The course covers a wide range of legal topics and includes seminars, moot courts, case studies, and contacts with eminent former judges of India's High courts and Supreme Courts.

Here is a list of the BA subjects covered in the BA LLB syllabus:

• Civil Law
• Corporate Law
• Labor Law
• Political Science
• Land Laws
• Women and Law
• Business Law

Further Reading: BBA LLB

BA Subjects in IGNOU

The IGNOU offers a variety of subjects for its popular Bachelor of Arts (BA) course. The primary BA subjects included in IGNOU are as follows:

• Anthropology
• Public Administration
• Economics
• Psychology
• Mathematics
• Urdu
• History
• English
• Political Science
• Sociology
• Philosophy
• Hindi
• Sanskrit

BA Subject Selection

Choosing subjects for a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree can depend on various factors, such as: 

• Personal Interests: Choose a subject you like! 
• Career Goals: Think about your plans. 
• Core Subjects: Look at the mandatory subjects. 
• Job Opportunities: Focus on the scope of the degree. 
• Eligibility: Check if you’re eligible. 
• Practical Knowledge: Choose a degree that provides real-world knowledge. 

Top BA Colleges in India

Following is a list of some of the best BA institutions and universities in India that you would want to seriously examine once you are familiar with BA subjects and specialization options:

• Presidency College, Kolkata
• St. Xavier's College Mumbai
• Lady Shree Ram College for Women, Delhi
• Loyola College, Chennai
• St. Xavier's College, Calcutta
• St. Stephen's College, Delhi
• Fergusson College, Pune
• Presidency College, Chennai
• Hindu College, Delhi
• Hans Raj College, Delhi
• Christ College, Bangalore
• Symbiosis College, Pune
• Sophia College, Mumbai
• St. Xavier's College, Ahmedabad
• Miranda House, Delhi
• Stella Maris College, Chennai
• St. Joseph's College, Bangalore
• Jesus & Mary College, Delhi
• Mount Carmel College, Bangalore
• Queen Mary's College, Chennai
• Sri Venkateswara College, Delhi
• Madras Christian College, Chennai
• Vivekananda College, Chennai
• Ramjas College, Delhi
• Mithibai College, Mumbai
• St. Teresa's College, Kochi
• Nizam College, Hyderabad

Bachelor of Arts in Abroad

If you are interested in pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in a foreign country, then you can consider the following universities:

• University of Oxford
• Harvard University
• University of Cambridge
• Stanford University
• Yale University
• University of Edinburgh
• Humboldt University of Berlin
• Australian National University
• University of Toronto
• The University of Tokyo
• National University of Singapore

Jobs After BA

Candidates who complete the BA course are qualified for employment in both the public and private sectors. Candidates may work as content writers, counselors, HR managers, primary school teachers, psychologists, foreign language experts, social workers, and in any other job area. Below is a list of some of the detailed career options:

• Teacher: A school teacher's job is to instruct kids in subjects such as math, the arts, literature, science, value education,   etc.
• Social Worker: Social workers contribute significantly to societal well-being.
• Counselor: Counselors mentor, instruct, or provide academic assistance to students.
• Psychologist: Psychologists treat the emotional and psychological difficulties that people face. 
• HR Manager: An HR manager is responsible for overseeing the human resources functions of a company. 

Bachelor of Arts (BA) Book and Authors

The following is a list of popular books for BA courses that students can buy:

Bachelor of Arts (BA) Entrance Exams

In addition to other entrance exams, interested students must take these in order to be considered for admission to universities that offer BA programs. Every college has a different set of requirements for entrance. For more details, students can visit the following college websites:

• Central Universities Common Entrance Test (CUCET): All participating universities offer the Central University Entrance Exam (CUET), a national entrance exam, which is administered by the NTA for admission to undergraduate programs. Up until 2021, the exam was officially known as the Central Universities Common Entrance Exam, or CUCET; it was recently replaced by the University Grants Commission.  The test is held once a year in approximately 500 cities across India and abroad.
• Jamia Millia Islamia Entrance Exam (JMI Entrance Exam): The purpose of the Jamia Millia Islamia Entrance Exam (JMI Entrance Exam) is to select students for admission to a range of UG, PG, Diploma, Advanced Diploma, MPhil, PhD, and certificate programs in fields such as engineering, architecture & planning, hospitality & travel, animation, mass communication, humanities & social sciences, commerce, and teaching & education. The exam is administered by the Jamia Millia Islamia International University.
• Jawaharlal Nehru University Entrance Exam (JNU Entrance Exam): The Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) University administers the entrance exam to choose students for admission to a range of undergraduate, graduate, diploma, advanced diploma, MPhil, PhD, and certificate programs in subject areas like engineering, mass communication, humanities & social sciences, commerce, hospitality & travel, architecture, and teaching & education.
• Delhi University Entrance Exam (DUET): The Delhi University Entrance Exam (DUET) is a common admission exam that is administered by the NTA. The exam's purpose is to ascertain a candidate's eligibility for admission to the various UG, PG, MPhil, and PhD programs offered by Delhi University. The DUET exam is given in three shifts at 101 testing sites spread across 18 cities. The national entrance exam, known as the LAN-Based Computer-Based Test, is administered online.

Bachelor of Arts (BA) Distance Program

The distance education tenets guided the creation of the Distance BA. This course should be taken by students who are working full-time and cannot take time off to enroll in a full-time course, or who cannot afford to attend classes on-campus. Undergraduate distance learning courses in psychology, sociology, philosophy, history, and religious studies are all covered in the three-year BA program. There are many job opportunities for graduates of the BA Correspondence program. Among the typical jobs that recent graduates can start with are executive assistant, content creator, business growth manager, graphic designer, operations team leader, and HR manager.

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