Understanding the Curriculum of Online Bachelor of Arts Programs

Statistically, a Bachelor of Arts (BA) is one of the most in-demand career paths globally. More than 1.13 crore students enrolled in BA courses in India in 2021-22. This popularity stems from several factors, including the diverse career opportunities it opens up, the skills gained during the program, and the fresh perspectives it fosters.

However, not everyone can dedicate 1-2 years to attending in-person classes, especially when juggling other responsibilities. Online BA programs offer a flexible solution for such individuals, enabling them to balance education with other aspects of their lives.

If you're considering pursuing a BA online but are unsure about the curriculum, here’s a detailed breakdown to help you make an informed decision.

Curriculum Components

When it comes to online degree courses, the Bachelor of Arts degree offers a broad, interdisciplinary education. While the specific courses and specialisations may vary between institutions, most programs follow a common structure. 

The modules of Bachelor of Arts subjects can be demonstrated in a table as:

Below are the key components that form the backbone of the curriculum:

Core General Education Requirements

The core general subjects are part of the online BA program curriculum, which one has to learn, no matter their chosen major. They are the fundamentals that form the base, aiding one in choosing their specialisation.

• Economics: A nucleus subject that introduces you to the principles of economics, including microeconomics, macroeconomics, and economic theory. 
  
   
• English: Courses in English are vital for developing strong written and verbal communication skills. This one might comprise English literature, writing, and critical analysis of texts to help you improve your verbal and written communication.

• Political Science: These courses provide a perception of political systems, political theory, and government structures. You will learn about international relations, public policy, and political philosophy, which are non-negotiable for understanding societal dynamics.

• Sociology: Sociology helps students understand society's structures and individuals' behaviour within different social contexts. As the essence of one of the Bachelor of Arts subjects, topics might include social justice, inequality, and the roles of race, class, and gender in shaping society.

These core subjects establish a base for you in multiple disciplines. This, in turn, prepares you to make a calculative decision regarding your specialisation, ensuring your interests align with your chosen career.

Specialisation Courses

Once you have become familiar with the cores of each subject, you have to choose a specialisation as a part of the online BA program curriculum. This is an important decision; you must make it cautiously, as it may impact your career.

• English Literature: Students in this major explore various literary genres, including poetry, drama, and fiction. Specialisations may focus on specific literary periods or critical approaches to literature.

• Political Science: If you like to know the reason or possible implications of various government policies, how they may impact global relations, or the workings of Government in general, consider political science. This specialisation teaches political theory, international relations, and other relevant concepts.

• Sociology: One can explore social dynamics and human behaviour in greater depth, often choosing from subfields such as criminology, social work, or urban studies.

• Economics: This specialisation offers advanced courses in both macro and microeconomics, finance, and international trade, providing students with tools to analyse complex economic problems.

Try to get into institutes that offer ample specialisations. For instance, Amity University Online provides numerous options in its BA Course.

Also Read:- Best Online BA Degree For Your Career Goals

Electives

Apart from the core subjects and the specialisations, you must also understand electives as a part of the BA program overview. These assist you in broadening your knowledge, apart from the core subjects.

Major Project

Many online BA programs include a final project or thesis, usually done at the end of the course. This allows you to apply what you have learned through practical work or independent research. It helps improve research, writing, and problem-solving skills, preparing you for future jobs or further studies.

Placements

The online BA program curriculum should not be limited to gaining knowledge. Well-known institutes like Amity University Online offer robust placement support, including industry mentorship and virtual placement drives that connect students with potential employers. 

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What to Look for in an Online BA Program

There are many points to consider when choosing your institute and the online BA program curriculum.

• Accreditation: Ensure that the university has been accredited by national organisations and, if possible, international ones too.
• Access: You must be able to receive recorded lectures, too, in case you miss the live sessions.
• Resources: Preferably, there must be an online or offline library which one may utilise as a student.
• Affordability: An institute with EMI options lets you focus on studies without financial stress.
• Physical Books: While studying virtually, the campus must deliver hard copies of books if you require them. 

Conclusion

Studying for an online Bachelor of Arts degree offers great flexibility, allowing you to balance your studies with other aspects of life. By engaging with core courses, specialisations, electives, and practical experiences, you can shape your education to match your career aspirations.

It’s crucial to choose an accredited institution, such as Amity University Online, that offers a wide range of subjects, industry placements, and strong student support. The right program provides you with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities to thrive in today’s competitive job market.

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