<p>I would like to pursue one of the degrees listed above as well as a journalism degree. I don't think that the latter is very practical by itself, so I have decided that adding finance or economics would greatly improve my chances of employment after graduation. A Bachelor of Arts degree in economics would allow me to get a dual degree in four years, but a dual degree in finance and journalism would take five. </p>
<p>I love journalism, economics, finance. I've heard that finance is the most practical and economics is more theoretical. I also think that investing is really intriguing. My true dream career is to become a journalist who covers Middle Eastern economic affairs. However, I don't think that goal is realistic. </p>
<p>If I could work at an investment bank's Middle East branch, that would be awesome. According to Goldman Sachs' career quiz, I would do well in the global investment research division or securities division.</p>
<p>Anyway, does anyone have an opinion on Mizzou's finance and economics departments? </p>
<p>I think there’s this circulating myth that you have to have a degree in a certain field to do X. For finance, if you can do the math you can get the job. An economics major with significant business and mathematical coursework can do the job of a financier. I personally happen to think that economics is more flexible and broad; in addition to learning the nitty gritty of econ and the mathematical skills, you will also learn how to write and communicate.</p>
<p>Also, there’s nothing wrong with aiming high. Being a unicorn is unrealistic; being a journalist who covers Middle Eastern economic affairs is not. THere are people who do that. It’s difficult to get into, but not unrealistic. And if you aim for the moon, you can fall among the stars - there are a wide variety of other careers that you could pursue in that arena, like the foreign service, international business/banking, translation, security, etc. You could even do both - work for an invesmtment bank’s ME branch and freelance as a journalist about ME affairs.</p>
<p>Personally, given your interests I think that an econ/journalism degree with a solid selection of finance & math electives is a great choice.</p>
<p>You need to also notice the difference between a BA and BS in economics. Mizzou has both. The BA degree will probably only require one Calc class, 1 or 2 stats classes, and perhaps econometrics.</p>
<p>The BS will likely require at least 2 calc classes, 2 stats classes, and 1-2 econometrics classes. Obviously, the BS degree is far more quantitative and probably the better option if you are looking for finance type jobs.</p>
<p>The BA in economics at Mizzou requires calculus 1 and introductory statistics, as well as 1 or 2 introductory economics, 2 intermediate economics, 1 econometrics, 1 capstone, and 4 economics electives (total 11 or 12 courses):</p>
<p>The BS in economics requires calculus 1-3, matrix theory, 2 upper level statistics courses, and all of the same economics courses that the BA program requires, except that a quantitative economics course is required in place of one of the electives (total 15 or 16 courses).</p>
<p>It all depends on what you want and what are your stengths… </p>
<p>The finance program appears to be a standard finance degree and not really quantitative at all, most finance programs are not. You will be taking classes with wannabe traders, etc. Not really my cup of tea but might be yours.</p>
<p>The BS econ program is very quant heavy. If you were to supplement that with 2 intro to finance courses and 1 or 2 fiancial accounting courses, you would have a skill set superior to many finance majors. You could be a corporate pricing analyst for Best Buy, perhaps a social media analyst for Hallmark and play with Twitter and Facebook all day. In addition, I think an econ degree gives you a more worldly view because you can take classes on international trade, public economics, natural resource economics, etc.</p>
<p>You could also do the BA but many employers today are looking for the quant type people. You could supplement it with an intro to finance course and perhaps an extra 1-2 stat courses.</p>
<p>Chelsea - I don’t know anything about the economics or finance degrees at Mizzou, but our DD looked at the J school at Mizzou, and I was very impressed with the opportunities available through the school of journalism. Our DD will be going elsewhere, for an entirely different major, but had she decided to go into journalism I would have been excited for her to go there. Good luck!</p>
<p>Haystack: I’m taking calculus/analytical geometry at my high school and I like calculus, but I’m having troubling understanding analytical geometry. A B.S. in economics requires calculus/analytical geometry I, so I’m afraid I’ll struggle a little bit with it. </p>
<p>I should point out that math is not my forte, but I’m determined to overcome it. </p>
<p>I really enjoy international relations as well. So originally, I was going to major in finance and minor in international relations, but now I’m not so sure. </p>
<p>I would like to work at Goldman Sachs or another comparable firm, so I want to major in whichever is more marketable. </p>
<p>Of course, with finance I wouldn’t do journalism… With economics and journalism, I wouldn’t do finance.</p>
<p>Does anyone have an opinion on Missouri State?</p>
<p>If I go there, I will major in economics (B.S.) and double minor in finance and journalism. </p>
<p>I’m waiting on admission decisions from some colleges on the East and West Coasts, but locally, I have to decide between Mizzou and Missouri State.</p>
<p>If you are considering whether to skip calculus 1 in college due to having taken it in high school and getting a high AP score, try to find the college’s calculus 1 final exam before your register and try it to see if you know what the college expects from students who have completed calculus 1.</p>
<p>ucbalumnus: I’m definitely not considering skipping calculus I because I’m not in AP Calculus. My school doesn’t offer it. I’m taking a regular class. :)</p>