Economics or Geography?

College Majors
1

<p>Hello, and thanks in advance for your help,</p>

<p>I am currently a dual-degree student beginning my third year at an average, state school currently studying BS Business Administration: Economics and Finance and BA International Studies: International Relations, and a minor in German. I am also taking a few courses in GIS to develop proficiency.</p>

<p>MAIN QUESTION:</p>

<p>Considering my school and position, should I pursue a BS in Business Administration: Economics and Finance or a BS in Geography?</p>

<p>The careers I am particularly interested in seem to be aligned with either major due to the nature of what I want to do. I foresee myself enjoying work in quantitative/statistical as well as spatial analysis (GIS), perhaps in a planning position of some sort. Careers in the US foreign service, urban planning, logistics, and aviation/transportation management are all careers I am interested in just about equally.</p>

<p>As a result, the business sectors of economics, those dealing more with interest rates, financing, and such are less interesting to me. On the other hand, GDP, demographics, and international trade are much more fascinating. These are areas covered in geography as well. Likewise, I value the significance of math and statistics perhaps employed more in Economics, and see its applications in Geography as well.</p>

<p>Obviously, the quagmire is that I do not enjoy the business applications of economics, but I do not enjoy the physical aspects of geography. Clearly, my interests are economics/human geography, BUT this is not available at an undergraduate level here.</p>

<hr>

<p>The problems I see with Economics/Finance:</p>

<p>1) It is under Business Admin, so technically it is a "business" major, which numerous sources are saying is a major rapidly losing credibility and value at schools that are not top tier (a contentious point indeed).</p>

<p>2) Since I am not a top tier school, I have suspicion that an Economics/Finance degree, while a BS and not BA, still may not be narrowly-tailored enough.</p>

<p>3) On the other hand, there are few schools in the USA with Geography majors, and this may reduce the potential labor pool for geography-specific careers like those I mentioned previously.</p>

<hr>

<p>The core problem with Geography, though, is that since I am already taking courses in the most applied area of geography, GIS, it may not be necessary, from a job-seeking standpoint, to take other geography courses that are not directly skill-giving.</p>

<p>*My current plan is to continue with Econ/Fin, take a few GIS classes, and a few extra math classes. I hope this would counter a perhaps less valuable Econ degree (from an average school) by giving me the spatial analysis, math, and language skills a Geography graduate might have anyway.</p>

<p>What do you think? Any suggestions are welcomed. Have a great day.</p>

2

<p>Hi,</p>

<p>In my opinion, try switching your BS degree to economics or finance. Business degrees are good. And in terms of credibility, it is bull. Who makes these things up? The average American doesn’t even attend college or finishes. A degree is something to be proud of.</p>

<p>BA in international relations is great. I was once an IR major. I switched to Asian Studies because it offered more of an education with the advanced linguistic classes, economics, and IR classes plus the research methods and cultural courses.</p>

<p>Do what feels right. Ignore what other people say. It is your education and you are paying for it. I think a dual degree is awesome. </p>

<p>In terms of geography - that is a good major. You only not study countries and cultures but has elements of economics, anthropology, law, history, religion, science, and more. Geography has many job opportunities. It is a reputable degree, especially if you combine it. I say keep your BA in IR track.</p>

<p>If anything, once you complete your undergrad, you can probably do an MS in geography. </p>

<p>I have a BA in Asian Studies and I am doing my MS in finance. Combining degrees is something to consider.</p>

3

<p>They both sound great. Don’t worry about your school not being top tier if you study finance. That is only a worry if you want to go into big investment banking. There are still plenty of other jobs to be had without IBs. Since they both sound appealing do the one that you love the best. </p>