Area studies typically examine the development of a particular population or region. While other, similar interdisciplinary studies, such as gender, disability, and ethnic, may have some part in course discussions, these are not considered area studies.

Earning a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree is an academic achievement upon completing a series of courses over the course of three or four years. The subjects that are studied in order to earn this degree vary widely under the disciplines of the liberal arts and sciences.