bsc

IPA/bˌiːˌɛssˈiː/
IPA/bˌiːˌɛssˈiː/

bsc — abbreviation

1. the short written form of Bachelor of Science, used for an undergraduate science

1.abbreviationB2
Definition

the short written form of Bachelor of Science, used for an undergraduate science degree and after a graduate's name to show that qualification

Example

Mira earned a BSc in chemistry from Leeds last summer.

a BSc in + subject for degree titles

Applicants need a BSc in nursing for this training program.

have or need a BSc in professional requirements

Common collocations
  • a BSc in chemistry
  • a BSc in nursing
  • earn a BSc
  • have a BSc
  • Name, BSc
Synonyms
  • Bachelor of Science

    the full formal name of the degree

  • BS

    the usual American abbreviation for the same degree

Grammar Patterns

a BSc in + subject

have a BSc in + subject

Name, BSc

Usage Note

Used mainly in degree titles, CVs, and name lines after graduation. In American English, BS is more usual, while BSc is especially common in British and Commonwealth university contexts.

Common Mistakes

He is studying a BSc of physics.
He is studying for a BSc in physics.
the usual pattern is 'a BSc in + subject', not 'of'.
She lists BSc after her name because she finished an MSc.
She lists MSc after her name.
BSc is only for a bachelor's-level science degree, not a master's degree.

Word family

  • Bachelor of Science
    nounB2
  • BS
    abbreviationB2

Synonym discussion

Sense: abbreviation/1

BSc and BS both name the same kind of undergraduate science degree, but the usual abbreviation depends on region. BSc is common in British, Irish, and many Commonwealth universities, and it often appears after a graduate's name on badges, CVs, and official documents. BS is the shorter American form for the same qualification. BA is different: it usually refers to a Bachelor of Arts, so it points to a different degree family even when the subject is close. If a university prospectus says "BSc in Biology," keep BSc. If a US resume says "BS in Biology," follow the American form rather than changing it.

BSc ↗BSBA ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • a BSc in + subject
  • earn a BSc
  • have a BSc
  • Name, BSc

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinEnglish

BSc is formed from the initial letters of Bachelor of Science. The degree name comes from medieval university Latin, where bachelor referred to an early academic rank and scientia meant knowledge. Modern universities kept the degree title in English, and the abbreviation BSc became a standard label on course pages, certificates, and professional name lines.