<p>I'm a HS senior seriously looking into Fordham as an option in 2013. Putting all the "chance me" stuff aside let's just say I get accepted (strictly hypothetical, don't want to sound cocky) and I then have to choose between business and economics. I'm equally interested in both. I'd like to have a job in the financial realm, so either one could get me there in some way. shape or form. </p>
<p>Which is known for being stronger, Fordham's business programs or their economics programs? I'm sure there's no real clear cut answer, but in terms of overall preparedness for the job market and in terms of internships, which path would be best?</p>
<p>Also, would the economics programs be located at Rose Hill, Lincoln center or both? I don't really have a preference as to which one, just curious as to how that works. </p>
<p>Thanks in advance!</p>
<p>P.S. I'm going to visit at some point this fall, so I'd like to have a strong, general understanding of the programs before I see the school(s).</p>
<p>Economics and Business are two very different fields of study with completely different career goals and opportunities. Economics is a field where a PhD is necessary to get anywhere, including working on wallstreet as a stock analyst. (Though not all stock analysts are economics majors, many are. Watch CNBC and find out.)</p>
<p>However, many Business majors also minor in economics. Fordham’s Economics department is not all that strong, but adequate to get you the essentials of both macro and micro economics principles. (IMHO). Fordham’s Business programs are very strong and have outstanding internships for the top students, both mid town manhattan and wallstreet. Or other venues.</p>
<p>You should research this yourself by looking on Fordham’s website under the Rose Hill undergraduate programs, and research faculty credentials (and areas of interest;teaching). </p>
<p>If you want to be a professional Economist, working for the federal government, a large think tank, a large hedge fund or investment banking firm (as an Economist) you will need both credentials and contacts. I’m not an expert in either (re: Fordham), but my recommendation to you is to major in Business and minor in economics, then follow your gut feelings on what career path you want (more graduate school education in economics, or an MBA, or going to work immediately for a few years to get some experience and better insight towards your ultimate goals.)</p>
<p>And finally, relax a bit. Too many students get hyper about “picking a major” and “finding a degree that guarantees a job”, instead of just enjoying the core curriculum, seeing what interests them ONCE THEY ARE THERE, letting themselves grow and change (a good thing!), ( cf. instead of being a narrow minded insular one dimensional type of person.) Enjoy your undergraduate years and the breadth of knowledge you will be introduced to. MANY MANY students change their majors and change their plans. Something hits them, a professor interests them, an internship opens doors or closes doors, a chance meeting with someone turns on a lightbulb, or an inner spirit inside of them (something selfless and giving to others) and they take another path. Its all good!</p>
<p>Also keep in mind that graduate schools in Economics these days–especially PhD programs, and especially top programs–expect a very strong quantitative background, even beyond what Fordham calls a “math/econ” major. If you want a PhD (i.e., if you want to work as an economist) you should enjoy classes like Differential Equations, Numerical Analysis, the full calculus sequence, Linear Algebra, and Discrete Math. Most people sensibly choose a business major/econ minor instead.</p>
<p>If you start in Gabelli you will have a slightly different freshman program. While the basic core is the same (except Gabelli students are exempt from the foreign language requirement) you take business math courses and economics as your “elective” freshman year. Gabelli has a business core which covers things like management, intro accounting etc. In my opinion, Gabelli is more practical (if you want a job directly out of college) and will give you a more well rounded business education while economics is more theoretical and would give you a bit of a more well rounded liberal arts education. Gabelli is only at RH while economics can be studied at RH or LC.</p>