Best Undergrad Major for Grad School in Business Econ

College Majors Business Major
1

<p>Hey guys,</p>

<p>I'm currently an undergrad at the Wharton School of Business. I'm very interested in pursuing a phd in economics. The reason I am attending the Wharton School is because I am very interested in Business Economics, how one can use economics to solve management and efficiency issues, etc. Basically how economics applies to businesses and their microeconomic allocation of resources. I think Harvard's program Business Econ program would be ideal (I know, big aspirations).</p>

<p>I have to pick a concentration but the end of this year. I was thinking of concentrating in Finance, but I'm also considering Behavioral Economics or Management Science. I know Economics grad schools look for at least intermediate economic theory curriculum and upper level mathematics courses, and I have taken the intro econ's (as required) and also multivariable calc, linear algebra, and an intro to proofs class. The basic reason I am making this post is because I may have an opportunity to complete a dual degree with Penn CAS in mathematical economics and my business concentration. This CAS degree program is geared specifically towards undergrads who are interesting in graduate degrees in economics.</p>

<p>My question is is should I do this program? It would consume almost every free slot in my 4 year plan and I would not be taking any finance courses beyond the 4 needed to complete the concentration. Would it be possible for me to pursue graduate study in economics (at a top institution) with my finance degree and what I've already taken? Or would it be better if I just took up through intermediate econ theory and some advanced calculus courses and not worry about the dual degree? </p>

<p>My ultimate goal is academia.</p>

<p>Thanks in advance for your help.</p>

2

<p>Finance is as good a background as you’re gonna get if you didn’t major in Econ itself, and your Math skills are pretty good. Did you take any Stats or Linear Algebra courses?</p>

3

<p>Yeah, I’ve taken linear algebra. And for my finance degree I’ll be taking a 400 level probability class (i got stats ap credit for the other part of the req). </p>

<p>I agree finance is probably the best choice, but my central question is whether it’s necessary/advisable to do this dual degree in e.g. finance and mathematical economics.</p>

4

<p>Bump thanks</p>

5

<p>If your ultimate goal is in academia, then it’s not a bad idea, but you’ll certainly have to work hard. Graduate level Econ Classes usually have a lot of math involved.</p>

6

<p>I’d do it.</p>