<p>About every school I've looked at and really had my eye on(with the exception of Texas A&M) such as Washington and Lee(lib arts school), Vanderbilt, and others, have not had a business program, or a program with Finance(which would be my business major). They have economics. All the liberal arts colleges have economics.</p>
<p>So... my question, really, what is the difference? I saw a thread on here and someone said "more theory", which I actually would prefer, and though I understand that an econ or a finance degree can both take me where I might want to go(out of college to Wall Street, into financial services for corporations, financial consulting, or to an MBA, and if econ, maybe a doctorate), I want to know the actual difference.</p>
<p>I've not been in economics in high school yet; I've heard it is chock full of formulas. I'm not a great fan of math, I love algebra though, I really prefer the analytical side of the coin, which I've been led to believe Finance is.</p>
<p>Now, I understand that many economists Lawrence Kudlow would be a favorite personal example take the analytical route, intertwining economics/finance and politics. Since my career would be either analytical(as in a journalistic/writing/consulting role) or advisory(as in fincial services/ brokerage/ corporate financial position), this is what I'd like to do.</p>
<p>Though, I'm worried that economics is SO math focused that I'd not enjoy it.</p>
<p>I could really narrow my college search if I knew exactly what the curriculum of economics was... thank you!</p>
<p>You should take a look at the actual economics curriculum requirements are for the colleges you like because it varies from school to school. Just go to the college websites and look up the degree requirments for economics. You can get a good idea of the sort of classes you need to take. </p>
<p>The requirements for undergrad. econ. are usually pretty relaxed at the undergrad. level compared to what graduate econ. really requires. I think for an undergraduate degree at many colleges, you just have to take intermediate macroecon. and intermediate microecon. On top of that, you have to take some calculus and statistics. And then you'll have to take a minimum number of additional economics classes beyond intermediate macro/microecon. This sort of curriculum is probably something that you wouldn't mind taking. Then after college, you can get a job that trains you in the more practical aspects of finance. Plus, there are many economics classes that are very closely related to topics in finance. </p>
<p>Here's the plain truth about what you need to take at the undergrad. level in order to go to graduate school for econ. Most graduate programs in econ. give preference to students who have taken these classes:</p>
<p>Linear Algebra
Multivariable Calculus
Differential Equations
Probability
Statistics
Real Analysis</p>
<p>As you can see, a graduate degree in economics is a little more suited to those who either enjoy math or are very good at it. In fact, students who have taken those above mathematics classes would probably fulfill a math minor at many colleges.</p>
<p>Thank you harri for your much-needed response.</p>
<p>Although I quite enjoy math, I'm not nearly as proficient in math as I am with my writing skills; this is why I speak so fondly of the "analytical route".</p>
<p>I have been looking seriously at the Economics degree despite this. I am going to be in, not only AP Economics next year, but also AP Statistics.</p>
<p>I have spoken to the teacher and he has told me that Statistics is a very analytical course with a great deal of critical writing and problem-solving in such a manner; this appeals to me.</p>
<p>Perhaps you can see where I'm coming from in that I do not wish to be locked down into formulas with an Economics degree vs. a Finance degree(as in Physics or Chemistry), but I'd like to see the theoretical side of the financial coin as well as be able to be analytical.</p>
<p>Perhaps I wish to have the cake and eat it too, yet this is what I desire, and if I could not get a suitable undergraduate education in Economics(or Finance, for that matter), then I'd just take the political science route and perhaps apply for an MBA later in life.</p>
<p>Off of the top of your head, or anyone else who may read this thread's head, what are some recommended colleges that might fit my desires?</p>