Economics or Finance

<p>I want to be a trader or possibly an ibanker in Chicago. If it better to major in Finance or Economics. I will probably be attending Indiana University if that helps. Thanks alot</p>

<p>Finance. You'll have a better chance of landing interviews with a finance degree from Kelley. In general, finance is a better major choice than economics for getting into I-Banking. (Ceteris Paribus).</p>

<p>That really depends. Are you referring to economics as a social science major at a public or even private university? I know the Ivies, including the West Cost Ivies, refer to their business degrees as Economics degrees.</p>

<p>Oh, never mind, you are referring to Indiana University so I'm assuming that it is a social science major outside of their business department.</p>

<p>If you are planning on getting a MBA later on, I would choose economics. Finance is a better degree for an entry-level business field, but I think economics is a better choice in the long run, especially if you are going to go to grad school. Finance teaches you the skills you need up from to survive in business whereas economics sharpens your analytical skills.</p>

<p>Compared to finance undergraduates, you'll have to sell yourself more to get the business careers with an economics degree, but if you have a high GPA, are able to get a good internship, have decent work experience, and you are planning on going to grad school, then you won't go wrong picking economics.
Also, you might really consider minoring in business.</p>

<p>Graduates of top 50 MBA programs make more money than BBA graduates anyway, and personally I think a BS or BA in Economics with a MBA is a better combination than a BBA with a MBA. It makes you look less specialized and besides, you can get a MBA with a concentration in finance.</p>

<p>Economics is also becoming a very popular undergraduate major so many schools are improving their economics programs.</p>

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In general, finance is a better major choice than economics for getting into I-Banking.

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<p>The key word here is "getting." You will have a better chance at getting into investment banking with finance but in the long run, economics on top of a MBA will make you more marketable than just the BBA in Finance.</p>

<p>By the way, Indiana University is a prestigious school so an economics degree from there is a lot better than a finance degree from lower-tier schools, like regional universities for example. Just food for thought. I don't think you will be making a terrible mistake by choosing economics instead of finance.</p>

<p>Lots of professionals with master degrees in real estate development actually have bachelor's in economics.</p>

<p>From Indiana's web site:</p>

<p>"Skills & Knowledge Developed in this Field of Study (Economics)</p>

<p>Analytical thinking, problem solving, logical reasoning, and communication skills; ability to assess costs and benefits in order to choose among alternatives."</p>

<p>Combine these skills with the business education of a MBA and you are very marketable. I'll even say that you will be more well-rounded than someone with a BBA and a MBA.</p>