SHS Courses Explained — General Arts vs Science vs Business vs Agric vs Visual Arts, Which is Best?
After BECE, the biggest confusion is choosing your SHS course. Arts? Science? Business? Agric? Visual Arts? Here is the simple breakdown of all 5 major courses;
GENERAL SCIENCE
Electives: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Elective Mathematics
For: Future Doctors, Nurses, Pharmacists, Engineers, Lab Scientists, Architects.
You should choose it if: You had A or B in BECE Maths and Science and you can study for long hours.
Pros: Most respected, you can switch to any course at university. Arts students can’t switch to Science.
Cons: Most difficult. If you fear Maths, don’t try it.
GENERAL ARTS
Electives: Literature, Government, Economics, Geography, History, CRS, French, Ghanaian Language
For: Future Lawyers, Journalists, Teachers, Politicians, Bank Managers, Diplomats.
You should choose it if: You love reading, writing, debating and you are good at English.
Pros: Most flexible, has the most university courses (Law, Communication, Political Science, Business).
Cons: Too many Arts graduates, you must be excellent to stand out.
BUSINESS
Electives: Accounting, Business Management, Economics, Elective Maths, Costing
For: Future Accountants, Bankers, Entrepreneurs, Auditors, Marketing Managers.
You should choose it if: You like money calculations and want to start business early.
Pros: Direct link to jobs. Every company needs an accountant.
Cons: If you don’t add Elective Maths, you cannot do BSc Administration at UG or KNUST.
AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE (AGRIC)
Agric is no longer for failures. It’s now one of the richest courses.
Electives: General Agriculture, Chemistry, Physics OR Animal Husbandry, Crop Husbandry & Horticulture, Elective Maths
For: Future Agric Officers, Veterinary Doctors, Agribusiness CEOs, Extension Officers, Food Scientists.
You should choose it if: You love practical work, farming, animals, and you want to make money from agriculture value chain.
Pros: Ghana government is pushing Planting for Food and Jobs. Huge scholarships and job opportunities. Less competition at university, so easy to get Agric courses at university with aggregate 15-20.
Cons: Many students look down on it, but they are wrong. And you must be ready for practicals on the farm.
VISUAL ARTS
This is the most creative and money-making course if you are talented.
Electives: Graphic Design, Picture Making, Sculpture, Leatherwork, Ceramics, General Knowledge in Art (GKA), Textiles
For: Future Architects, Graphic Designers, Fashion Designers, Artists, Video Editors, Content Creators.
You should choose it if: You can draw, design, you love computers, fashion, and creativity.
Pros: You can start making money even in SHS — designing flyers, making beads, sewing, drawing. No need to wait for degree. Perfect for the digital economy.
Cons: Materials are expensive — you will buy drawing boards, colours, fabrics. And parents sometimes don’t support it.
SO, WHICH COURSE IS THE BEST?
The truth is, ALL COURSES ARE GOOD.
The world is fast changing. You can study General Arts and become a successful businessman. You can study Visual Arts and become a tech millionaire. You can study Agric and become a banker.
What matters now is not just the course you studied in SHS, but how well you learn, your grades, and your skills. Many people today are working in fields not related to what they studied in school.
So don’t fight over which course is best. Just choose the one that fits your strength, learn well, get good grades, and develop extra skills — computer, communication, creativity. That is what will help you fit into any field you find yourself in future.
Quick Guide:
- Best at Maths/Science → Science or Agric
- Best at English/Reading → Arts
- Best at Calculations/Money → Business
- Best at Drawing/Creativity → Visual Arts
