<p>So I found out a few days ago that I was accepted to UVA for the Class of 2017 and invited to the Rodman Scholars Program. I still have yet to make the decision about where I will attend next fall (I have applied to several other top tier universities), but I see UVA as a very solid option for me at this point. </p>
<p>I've always had an interest in engineering because I like technology, gadgets and whatnot, but I am unsure if I ultimately want to have a purely technical career. I really like calculus and other mathematics, and I have become pretty invested in science classes and activities at my high school, but I think I would like to eventually get into management. I have an interest in business/finance and have a feeling that the knowledge of markets gained through an economics major would compliment the technical knowledge gained through an engineering major (at this point, I am thinking electrical or computer engineering, but other fields might be worth considering too) well. Perhaps it is worth noting that I plan to go to graduate school and will likely apply to combined MBA/M.Eng. programs.</p>
<p>Considering all of this, I am curious about the feasibility of double majoring in engineering and economics at UVA. I've done some research throughout this forum and on the UVA website, but some further information would be helpful. </p>
<p>Some questions: How much overlap is there between the majors; would I have to overload every semester? Does being a Rodman Scholar make double majoring easier? Also semi-related, do Rodman Scholars have exemption from any kind of general education requirements like the Echols Scholars do (with the area requirements)? Humanities classes bore me to death, and I would like to avoid, if possible, courses that require heavy reading; to instead take classes that are heavy on problem sets.</p>
<p>Engineering and Economics are in different schools. Majoring in engineering and minoring in econ is actually fairly common. The last time I checked, economics was one of the most popular minors for engineers. There are plenty of engineering students at UVa who are interested in more than a purely technical career. :)</p>
<p>A double major would be more difficult. I imagine how difficult would depend on how much AP/IB credit you are awarded when you arrive.</p>
<p>If humanities classes bore you, you would probably prefer an econ minor to a major.</p>
<p>D also took a class in “Business Fundamentals for Engineers” that she enjoyed; it was divided up into segments with different profs so for several weeks you would work on case studies, then spend some time with financial accounting, etc.; you will have opportunities to explore business related classes whether or not you pursue an Econ major/minor or not.</p>
<p>Would a student who is an Echols Scholar with over 35 AP credits be able to major in history in Arts and Sciences as well as Finance in McIntire?</p>
<p>My son did system engineering and economics. He had AP credits and also needed to overload 3 semesters with one extra class. There were some overlaps. He said doubling in engineering and finance is less doable.</p>
<p>I really do not think it is worth to do a double major if you have to overload. Just do a minor. You can gain management exprience on the job or in graduate school. Just enjoy college, unless you have too much time to spare.</p>
<p>@bluebug The McIntire schedule is pretty intense in the 3rd and 4th year. There are some students who are able to complete a major in the first two years, before starting their work in McIntire.</p>
<p>It is not easy and it might require some work outside of the traditional semesters, but it is possible.</p>
<p>The answer to so many questions like this is “it depends.”</p>
<p>Dean J,
Thanks for your response…very helpful! I guess the answer to many questions in life is “it depends” Thanks you for the thoughtful and honest responses to inquiries. It is appreciated very much.</p>
<p>I would just recommend going with the Engineering degree and getting an MBA in the future. A double major in Econ doesn’t sound very realistic (although possible). A minor would be much more reasonable, too (but I think you’re better off getting an MBA later anyways).</p>
Thanks you for the thoughtful and honest responses to inquiries. It is appreciated very much.</p>