Help deciding between a B.S. in Economics or a B.S. in Applied Mathematics w/ Econ

[jazzgtr01]

Hello everybody,

 

Like the title says, I'm trying to decide between a B.S. in Economics or a B.S. in Applied Mathematics with a concentration in Economics / Finance.

 

The primary difference is that B.S. in Economics requires some math, i.e. Calculus I, Statistics for Economists, Econometrics, etc. plus a lot more theory classes. The B.S. in Applied Math of course has WAY more math classes, but also has some economic theory classes / Finance classes. I could minor in economics if I want since there's so much overlap and take an additional 3 or so classes in Economic theories.

 

Which one will serve me better? I'm not positive what I'd like to do after school, but I'd like to leave several doors open. I'm interested in research and potentially banking or finance. After working for awhile I'm considering getting an MBA or going into law school. Getting an advanced economic degree isn't out of the question either, but I've really got to see how I feel after graduating and joining the work for for a bit.

 

Thank you.

[YaSvoboden]

It is very hard to answer which one of these is better. If you want to do econ grad school you essentially need to double major in both of these. Applied math probably opens more doors overall and minoring in econ/finance will likely give you all of the options that an econ major would give.

 

MBA and Law school both care about GPA (especially law school). Math classes tend to be harder to get good grades in, so it could actually hurt your chances there to major in math, but if you do just as well, then you get some credit for it.

 

It sounds like you are early, so I would act as if you are majoring in both and drop one at some point if it doesn't seem to be working for you.