Economics vs Physics

College Majors Science Majors
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<p>Hello. Sorry for the length and if I ramble...
I'm trying to decide between majoring in economics or physics. I've always been interested in physics (and astronomy). Unfortunately, I'm behind on the prereqs for the physics degree. If I choose to major in it, I'll have to cram my schedule full of science/math classes which would prevent me from taking other classes that interest me, improve my writing and other skills, etc. I might even have to take an extra year of college. Not very appealing since I'm 90% positive I don't want to get a PhD. But, I feel that a physics degree might help me stand out more, since economics seems like a very popular degree (could be wrong about these assumptions??). Are both degrees very marketable?</p>

<p>On the other hand, I could major in economics, which I think is very practical. I could graduate comfortably in four years and have some flexibility in my schedule. However, I don't find economics as interesting as physics. I suppose if I had to get a masters in either of the two to improve my job prospects I'd rather get a masters in physics.</p>

<p>I always hear people say, "major in what you enjoy" but the fact is another year of college is ~$20,000 and I need to get a job after I graduate. Physics/astronomy could always be one of my hobbies, I don't necessarily need to get a job in it. For that matter, I still don't know what kind of job I want to do after college (not teaching, though).</p>

<p>ALSoU... my school offers a degree in interdisciplinary physics:
College</a> of Literature, Science, and the Arts : Students</p>

<p>This degree sounds like a nice alternative, but I'm worried it would be seen as too general or "watered down" so that I would have greater difficulty finding a job or perhaps even applying to grad school if I wanted to. What do you guys think about it?</p>

<p>Considering all this, would it be better to major in economics or physics? I'd appreciate any insight. :)
Thanks in advance!</p>

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<p>Both physics and econ are very lucrative majors. Starting salary is basically tied between the two, and mid-career salaries are also neck and neck. Econ Dominate on the highend though(if you’re ambitious and want big bucks go econ[210k vs. 178k]) while physics is a bit safer on the lowend(low paid physicists make 56k vs. econ’s 50k)
[url=<a href=“http://online.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/info-Degrees_that_Pay_you_Back-sort.html]WSJ.com[/url”>WSJ.com]WSJ.com[/url</a>]</p>

<p>Econ(related to theory and social aspects), biz-econ(very broad econ major), and quantitative economics/econometrics(mathematical analysis of economic phenomenon) pay very well. Biz-econ definitely has the flexibility the other two lack and would be good if you want to do finance, or accounting in graduate school, econ is also a solid choice. Quant econ is what you’d want if you’re looking to go onto regular econ in graduate school or wanted to do banking or finance.</p>

<p>as for what is better for YOU… no clue. I’m an econ major so I’m majorly biased.</p>

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<p>Tofu - to quote the web page you linked to “Because students pursuing the Interdisciplinary Physics degree have a wide variety of career goals, advising from a Physics concentration counselors is especially important.” This is exactly what you should do. Talk to your academic advisors and advisors at your career center to figure out what you want to do after school and how to best get there.</p>