BA Subjects List with Specializations, Career Scope & Salary
- UPES Editorial Team
- Published 05/03/2025

Table of Contents:
The humanities remind us where we have been, help us understand where we are, and inspire us to imagine where we might go." – Unknown
A Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree is one of the most popular undergraduate courses, offering a diverse range of specializations. According to the All-India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE), over 40% of students in India opt for arts and humanities programs, highlighting their widespread appeal. BA degrees provide students with critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills, making them highly versatile in the job market.
Whether you are inclined toward literature, psychology, economics, history, or political science, BA provides multiple career opportunities across various industries, including media, finance, education, public administration, and research. This guide explores the BA subjects, specializations, career scope, and salary expectations.
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Know MoreBachelor of Arts Subjects & Course Details
The BA course generally spans three years, with students required to study compulsory subjects in BA alongside elective subjects. The number of subjects varies by university, but typically, students study 5 to 6 subjects per semester.
BA Subjects List (General)
Compulsory Subjects in BA: English, Political Science, History, Sociology, Economics, Psychology, and more. The BA subject combination depends on the specialization chosen.
BA Specializations and Major Subjects
Choosing the right BA specialization is crucial as it determines your career path. Below are some of the top specializations:
1. BA History Subjects
A BA in History covers ancient, medieval, and modern history, helping students understand historical events and their impact on the present.
- BA Major Subjects: Indian History, World History, Political History, Historiography, Economic History
- Career Scope: Historian, Archaeologist, Museum Curator, Civil Services
- Salary: INR 4-8 LPA
2. BA English Subjects
A BA in English focuses on literature, linguistics, and communication.
- BA Major Subjects: British Literature, Indian Writing in English, Literary Theory, American Literature, Creative Writing
- Career Scope: Journalism, Content Writing, Teaching, Publishing
- Salary: INR 3-7 LPA
3. BA Political Science Subjects
This specialization focuses on governance, political ideologies, and international relations.
- BA Subjects 1st Year: Political Theory, Comparative Politics, Public Administration, International Relations
- Career Scope: Civil Services, Political Analyst, Diplomat, Policy Researcher
- Salary: INR 5-10 LPA
4. BA Psychology Subjects
This specialization studies human behavior and mental processes.
- BA Subjects 1st Year: Introduction to Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Social Psychology, Research Methods
- Career Scope: Clinical Psychologist, Counselor, HR Specialist
- Salary: INR 4-10 LPA
5. BA Journalism Subjects
A BA in Journalism prepares students for careers in media and communication.
- BA Major Subjects: Media Ethics, Print Journalism, Digital Media, Broadcast Journalism
- Career Scope: Journalist, Editor, News Anchor, Public Relations Specialist
- Salary: INR 4-8 LPA
6. BA Economics Subjects
This specialization is ideal for those interested in finance and data analysis.
- BA Economics Subjects: Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Econometrics, International Trade
- Career Scope: Economist, Financial Analyst, Policy Advisor
- Salary: INR 6-12 LPA
Having a liberal studies education opens employment opportunities in diverse sectors. It broadens one’s perspectives, helps gain knowledge, develop analytical and critical skills, and become adept in policy, research, and education.
BA Subject Selection & Combinations
Students often ask, "Which subject is best for BA?" The best subject depends on your interests and career goals. Below are common BA subject combinations:
- BA in Political Science, Sociology, History – Ideal for civil services aspirants
- BA in English, Journalism, Psychology – Best for media careers
- BA in Economics, Mathematics, Statistics – Suitable for banking & finance careers
- BA in Public Administration, Philosophy, History – Great for governance and policy-making
How Many Subjects Are There in BA?
Most of the students often ask, "How many subjects in BA 1st year?" Generally, students take 5-6 subjects per semester, which may include both core and elective courses. The BA total subjects count varies depending on the university and specialization.
Why Choose UPES for a BA Degree?
UPES School of Liberal Studies and Media offers a dynamic and industry-focused Bachelor of Arts (BA) program, integrating academic excellence with practical skills. With expert faculty, interdisciplinary learning, and hands-on training, students gain in-depth knowledge and real-world exposure. The state-of-the-art campus, strong industry collaborations, and career-oriented specializations in English, Economics, Psychology, History, Journalism, and Political Science ensure students are well-prepared for diverse career opportunities. Additionally, UPES provides global exposure, research opportunities, and internship support, making it a top choice for aspiring humanities students.
Career Scope & Salary After BA
A Bachelor of Arts degree opens doors to multiple career paths:
Field | Popular Job Roles | Average Salary (INR LPA) |
Journalism & Media | Content Writer, Editor | 3-6 |
Psychology | Clinical Psychologist | 4-10 |
History | Historian, Archaeologist | 4-8 |
Economics | Financial Analyst, Banker | 6-12 |
Teaching & Academics | Lecturer, Professor | 4-8 |
Public Administration | Civil Servant, Policy Analyst | 6-12 |

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Conclusion
A BA degree offers flexibility and diverse career options. Whether you choose BA in English, Economics, Psychology, History, Journalism, or Political Science, each specialization has promising prospects. Selecting the right BA subjects ensures you align with your career aspirations. For more details, explore the BA program at UPES.

UPES Editorial Team
Written by the UPES Editorial Team
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