<p>After having double majored in economics and business at undergraduate level (I'm actually studying in europe and that's the only way I could think of comparing my course to the "majors" in your system), what can I study at graduate level?</p>
<p>I should specify, what else can I study at graduate level?
Everyone studying economics, business and related subjects seem to head towards MBAs or related... </p>
<p>What are the chances that I could continue studying something unrelated to that field?</p>
<p>For example, is it be possible to proceed with something like Physics, Computer Engineering, or, at least, Languages? Or would I have to start them from the beginning (i.e. do them at undergrad level)?</p>
<p>This depends entirely on how much you studied those subjects in undergrad. You'll have to look at the requirements at each school.</p>
<p>But it sounds to me like you don't know WHY you want to go to grad school. Therefore, don't go yet. Wait. Work a few years and then think about it.</p>
<p>Thanks for your reply UCLAri</p>
<p>I would like to at least have an idea what are the possibilities of going anywhere before starting to ponder where to go. :)</p>
<p>What I'm really sure about is that I'm not so attracted by the typical economist/related jobs (finance, ibanking, etc.).</p>
<p>I feel that most of what is part of my undergraduate studies (economics, comparative law, finance, management, international business, corporate stuff etc.) will help me a lot in my practical life, but I don't feel that I want to immediately waste my energy on the typical target industries of those subjects.</p>
<p>My main motivation for grad school is to spend a few more years studying something "new", that will also enhance my technical-scientific knowledge and skills.</p>
<p>Having said that, I have to unfortunately add that in most European universities we have fixed undergrad courses and usually cannot take subjects as physics or computer science if we choose a course called "Economics & Management". :(</p>
<p>What I'm still asking is whether with these conditions I actually have a chance to go to grad school (in an unrelated field).</p>
<p>Well, you can do a fair number of things outside of your field, but I think that you need to spend more time "soul searching" for some sort of actual goal. Grad school is not something to do just because you're done with your BA (or whatever you get in your Eurocountry. ;))</p>
<p>I wouldn't worry so much, as econ is usually a fairly quantitative study and rigorous enough that a lot of places will be interested in having you on board.</p>
<p>Economics is one of the most useful undergraduate degrees to have when entering the job market, along with math and engineering. You shouldn't have much trouble finding a job in a bank, or in the financial sector.</p>
<p>As far as graduate school, if you are looking at alot of business grad schools, you will need a few years of work experience. The good news is that with an economics major, work is fairly easy to get after you graduate.</p>
<p>Yes, UCLAri, I'm aware that I need some "soul searching" while doing my BA :)</p>
<p>Indeed, I also know that most economics students get into the job market and/or pursue an MBA instead of going to grad school.
It's just that due to my nature, I don't want to work so soon.
I want to research, invent or discover something!!</p>
<p>I think J.M. Keynes' famous quote more or less expresses my feelings:
"The ideas of economists and political philosophers, both when they are right and when they are wrong, are more powerful than is commonly understood. Indeed the world is ruled by little else. Practical men, who believe themselves to be quite exempt from any intellectual influence, are usually the slaves of some defunct economist. Madmen in authority, who hear voices in the air, are distilling their frenzy from some academic scribbler of a few years back."</p>
<p>On the one hand, before and while I was at university, I've already had some "vocations" or ideas that I would have liked to work on and research on my own, if that's what you mean... like uhm: propose new economic models with up-to-date knowledge on human nature (and therefore I'd have to do some research in fields like Neuroscience or Cognitive Science)</p>
<p>On the other hand, I would just like to explore something entirely unrelated to the subject, not for the sake of researching but for the sake of learning, enhancing my personal skills.
Especially in the media technology, where I had some practical experience while I was still at high school (web design, audio/video editing, radio broadcasting, animation programming).</p>
<p>I somehow have the impression that at high school I earned more pocket money programming websites rather than explaining the meaning of the numbers in the "Financial Times" newspaper...</p>
<p>alero86,</p>
<p>Good times. However, keep in mind that top graduate programs in the US tend to be interested in focused, highly motivated individuals with a good reason for pursuing graduate study. Unfortunately, I suspect that even if your desire to pursue the development of an economic model is a good thing, most programs aren't going to really see that as "enough" for admission.</p>
<p>However, since you sound motivated and hard working, I think you'll probably get into some programs. Any specifics at all on what you want to study?</p>
<p>I know this is quite an old threat but maybe I’ll get some replies anyway.</p>
<p>I’m in a very similiar situation. I’m doing a BA in Economics in Oxford, UK. Before I applied to College, I always wanted to go to med school. Don’t ask me why I didn’t apply for it over here. I went to some special lectures during the UK vacation time (which isn’t vac time at home) at a medical school to find out whether I still like it.</p>
<p>These lectures happened to be on neuroscience…how different areas in the brain react to certain game theory problems. The first time I got really excited about my subject again. I thought about how interesting studying a combination of the two would be. After lots of research on it, I found out that there actually is a research field doing just that…neuroeconomics.</p>
<p>I read lots about it and think it’s absolutely great. Unfortunately, Oxford does not have a research centre for it. Most research centres are at renowned US universities…which only offer PhDs in Economics which require prior research experience. In contrast to US schools, Oxbridge just doesn’t do undergraduate research. I already asked around my tutors, grad students etc. They just don’t accept undergrads for research assistant positions.</p>
<p>One way to get into that research area might be the MA in Economics at NYU as they have a neuroeconomics centre as well. Ot maybe the MAPSS at University of Chicago as it allows taking economics, psychology and basic neuroscience classes.</p>
<p>What did you do in the end? Applied to any program?</p>