BA Subjects and Specializations: Detailed Subject List 2023

BA (Bachelor of Arts) Subjects:

BA or Bachelor of Arts is a 3-year undergraduate course that lays emphasis on a variety of academic fields, including English, History, Political Science, Geography, and others. Depending on their preferences and the results of their 10+2 board exams, candidates may choose to enrol in a BA general or BA Hons degree. While BA Hons programme focuses on a specific concentration, BA general programme emphasises an overview of fundamental disciplines.

Bachelor of Arts (BA) exposes students to a wide range of topics, from Economics and Linguistics to Social Sciences and Finance, which enables them to understand the broad scope of this stream. However, it is crucial to be aware of the main Art stream subjects you can select before choosing a degree program. If you want to know "how many subjects in BA", then read this article which discusses the BA subjects in details as offered in various courses to aid students in understanding the various ideas and disciplines that make up this incredibly broad field. Know More: BA (Bachelor of Arts)

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What is BA Course?

Bachelor of Arts or BA is a three-year UG course that includes main subjects like Humanities, Social Studies, and Liberal Arts. A Bachelor of Arts degree can be pursued in a number of specialities, including history, English, philosophy, economics, political science, geography, and sociology. Both conventional and distance learning programmes typically last three years to complete a bachelor's degree in the arts. After earning a BA, students have the option of continuing their education by pursuing an MA or PhD in the same or a related field.

As per BA eligibility, students must have secured a minimum of 50% in the class 10 and 12 exams. Admission for a BA is determined by both aptitude and merit. For BA Admission 2022, prestigious colleges like DU, BHU, and JNU now take into account CUET scores.

BA course specializations highly affects the employment prospects. After graduating, students may wish to pursue careers in the Civil Services, teaching, content writing, and other pertinent fields. They may also wish to pursue an MBA or a law degree. The BA Specialization determines the average pay that is provided following a BA course. According to salary surveys, BA Economics graduates earn between INR 7 and INR 8 lakhs per year, whereas BA English graduates make between INR 3 and INR 4 lakhs per year.

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BA Subject List

The field of Bachelor of Arts is extensively vast. The core and elective subjects can therefore differ from one specialisation 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

Know More about BA English: Course, Admission, Subjects, Jobs, and Salary

BA Course List

One can pursue a BA degree in a wide range of specialisations 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 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 Subjects: Different BA Courses

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

Also Read: MA Subjects

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 BA in Economics:

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

BA Psychology Subjects

Here is a list of subjects in 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

BA Philosophy Subjects

Here is a list of subjects in BA in Philosphy:

• 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)
• Truth Functional Logic
• Continental Philosophy

BA Sociology Subjects

Here is a list of subjects in BA in Sociology:

• Introduction to Sociology
• Economy and Society
• Gender Sensitisation
• Methods of Sociological Enquiry
• 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

BA Archaeology Subjects

Here is a list of subjects in 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 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

BA Social Work

Here is a list of subjects in 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
• Fundamental 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

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 as offered by various universities:

B.A (Bachelor of Arts) Subjects: Semester Wise Subject List & Books

This section dicusses the BA subjects list of 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 the BA English:

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

Check out:

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 enrol 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

The BA (H) 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 the BA Economics:

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

BA Political Science

Students who major in political science gain understanding of political theory, political practise, 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
• Perspective of Public Administration
• Political Systems
• Introduction to Comparative Government & Politics
• Political Analysis
• History of Politics

BA Fine Arts

Another well-known BA specialty is fine arts, which includes the study of art history. You will learn about the history of Indian art from its many stages in the BA subjects offered under this program in India. Its international variation, the Bachelor of Fine Arts, includes both the study of art history and a variety of artistic endeavours, primarily in the visual, performing, and literary arts, among others. Because Fine Arts has a strong emphasis on the creative part of the arts sector and is preferred by those who wish to examine lives of famous artists and eras in the context of their cultures and backgrounds, it differs from Applied Arts and Humanities.

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

• Arts history
• Painting and drawing
• Applied art
• Music
• Dance
• Conceptual Art
• Theatre
• Design
• Photography
• Pottery and Sculptures
• Films
• Clay modelling
• 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 as included in the journalism course:

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

BA Psychology

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

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

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

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 constitutes 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 as covered in the BA LLB syllabus:

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

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

It can be difficult to choose the correct BA subject, whether you're choosing it before you start the school or after you choose a particular specialisation. It's crucial to reflect, research your hobbies, and choose the suitable BA specialisation for a healthy career ahead. Here is a helpful checklist to consider while choosing BA subjects:

Consider your interests. If you want to pursue a career studying languages and their origins, it is advisable to enrol in a BA language course or a BA in linguistics. This is true whether you are interested in learning English or a foreign language like Spanish or French.

When choosing electives, it is best to choose subjects that you have always been interested in if you are a BA student who is undecided. These topics can differ from person to person. Consider an elective as a subject that you can learn in addition to your specialisation and make your choice appropriately.

The choice of a BA subject is crucial for UPSC aspirants, and you should make your decision based on your knowledge of the topic, whether you have already studied it or have an innate interest in it.

Bachelor of Arts 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 specialisation 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 Bachelor of Arts in 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

Scope and Career Opportunities After BA

Candidates who successfully complete the BA course are qualified for employment in both the public and private sectors. Numerous businesses in both the public and commercial sectors hire BA graduates. Candidates get qualified to work in a variety of industries, including educational institutions, law firms, media corporations, and many more. Candidates may work as content writers, counsellors, HR managers, primary school teachers, psychologists, foreign language experts, social workers, and any other job areas. Below is a list of some of the detailed career options:

Primary School Teacher: After receiving their BA, individuals are qualified to apply for the position of Primary School Teacher. However, in order to apply for the position of primary school teacher, candidates must hold a B.Ed. or a related degree. A primary school teacher's job is to instruct kids in fundamental disciplines including math, the arts, literature, and other things.

Social Worker: After earning a BA degree, candidates can work as social workers and contribute significantly to societal well-being. The social well-being of society is the responsibility of a social worker.

Counselor: A BA graduate can pursue a career in counselling. She or he can mentor, instruct, or provide academic assistance to students. They can aid students in developing their careers and mentor them in a variety of other life skills.