Economics through the CAS, or through the Business School?

<p>Hello, </p>

<p>I have noticed that many colleges offer two economics majors: One through the college of arts/sciences, and if the school has it, there is often another economics major through the business school. </p>

<p>I do not want to major in something technical/pre-professional (finance, marketing, operations management, etc), however, I would like to major in economics. What would the core differences be between the two programs? I appreciate the broader education that would come from majoring in CAS economics, but I think having a degree from the business school would be more marketable to employers. </p>

<p>Some schools in which I have observed this are Villanova and Boston College. </p>

<p>Please give me advice as to which major you think would suit my wants/needs, and your personal opinion on the pros/cons of each. </p>

<p>Thank you!</p>

<p>The econ degree from the business school will require you to complete the business school core in addition to the econ required courses. Typical core courses are financial accounting, managerial accounting, intro marketing, intro finance, intro mgt, business law, intro MIS.</p>

<p>This may be beneficial if it gives you access to the business career services and a larger list of recruiters. Schools will vary on this so it is worth checking on.</p>

<p>An econ degree from LAS gives you an opportunity to take more free electives or add a 2nd major in an area of interest.</p>

<p>It depends on your real interest. What @Haystack‌ said above is correct. If you do econ in a business school you will also take a business care which will include classes like accounting, finance, information systems, management, business law etc. If having a strong general business background interests you, then go the b-school route. Also, if you enroll in a business school you would also be able to switch, if you want, into another business discipline if you find that something else turns out to be interesting to you than economics. I think going the business school route may make you a bit more marketable, especially if you can interview through the business school. But if you love the liberal arts and want to take more classes in that arena, then go that route. </p>

<p>If you want to go to a serious graduate school in economics, you will need to take some serious math courses including at a minimum multivariable calculus, linear algebra, a mathematical statistics class which USES MVcalc and LinAlg, and real analysis. </p>

<p>One option (business or A&S) may give you more flexibility than the other.</p>