Haas Graduates vs. Economics Graduates

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - Berkeley
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<p>So Haas is considered one of the "holy grails" of undergraduate business schools, but I recently came across this page on Berkeley's site: Career</a> Center - What Can I Do With a Major In..?</p>

<p>It shows the average salary, employer, and job title of those who graduated in recent years for each major. I found that the difference in salary between econ graduates and Haas graduates was very minimal. Moreover, I found that the employers and job titles were also very similar. With that said, is there really a discrepancy between econ graduates and Haas graduates in terms of salary and employment? And considering that Berkeley economics is ranked amongst the top five schools in the nation, I don't think it would really make much of a difference for business school. </p>

<p>What do you guys think?</p>

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<p>While I do agree that the discrepancy between Haas and Econ grads is minimal, regardless, you'll come to find that a lot of Haas students also double major in Econ. This is purely anecdotal but from my experience I'd say about 30-40% of Haas students double major in Econ.</p>

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<p>Really? Is it because a lot of the courses overlap?</p>

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<p>Well, even if they overlap, I don't think you can overlap more than two upper div courses for a double major anyway, right? Except the lower division courses are like exactly the same (econ 1, stats, math) so it would be fewer courses in the long run.</p>

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<p>Can anyone else confirm that a large number of Haas students double major in econ? I just find that kind of hard to believe.</p>

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<p>its not just econ. i know a few people double majoring in cellular/molecular engineering or those kinda stuff.
double majoring in econ is just toooooo common, u almost look lazy if u don't LOL</p>

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<p>Guardiangel, are you double majoring in something?</p>

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<p>i dont look lazy...
i am lazy >_<</p>

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<p>My friend is doing Haas + math major, he says Haas workload alone isnt rigorous, and the business type companies hewants to be in hire not just bba but engineering majors, psychology, econ. Although you would have to be insanse to do engine+Haas, if it is even allowed.</p>

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<p>i was told at haas orientation a couple of weeks ago that 40% of haas undergrads get a double major (called simultaneous degrees). and of course, not everyone doubles with econ, so there is no way that 40% of students double with econ. maybe half of that, i would believe, but even that seems a little high to me, considering how many people i know who are doubling with peis, psych, a language, etc.</p>

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<p>Do you happen to know if econ majors typically double major in something as well? If so, what is the most common?</p>

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<p>Do you think it's advisable to double major with Haas + Math or Statistics? I was under the impression that to get into Haas, a main factor is GPA. Math seems like it would be a GPA killer!</p>

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<p>^ Not if you're good at it. It does make some sense to double major in business and math.</p>

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<p>I want to get into HAAS, but I also love science. Is it crazy to major in Business and say Physics, MechE, Environmental Engineering, or Computer Science?</p>

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<p>nope, not crazy at all. just manage your schedule and plan well. although i will say that if you want to double in engineering, be prepared for very careful juggling. then again, you could always wait an extra year before applying to haas if you find that 2 years isn't enough to fit all the requirements in.</p>

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<p>Is econ or haas more employable? i’m not only talking about ibanking/consulting/accounting but all jobs in general. the career center has some info about employment rates, but too many people did not respond to make those statistics worthwhile. does someone who is familiar with those two majors have more information?</p>

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<p>All other things equal, I would say Haas is, but your previous work experience is going to make a bigger difference than your major.</p>

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<p>^or GPA, for that matter.</p>

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<p>Whats this I hear that haas students exclusive interviews, workshops, and a bunch of other perks over econ students?</p>

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<p>Well, I think it’s also important to look at response rates.
60% response rate for Haas
42% response rate for Econ
I would believe that people who are gainfully employed are more likely to respond.</p>

<p>Then we look at employment RATES:
22% Unemployment rate for Haas
45% Unemployment rate for Econ
It seems like its easier for Haas students to find jobs</p>

<p>Then we think about cross major population, for instance the number of “software engineers” who majored in Econ. (EECS + Econ is common due to the EECS series requirement)</p>

<p>Overall, I think Haas is a better investment. Especially since most of the Econ people look like they’re going into Big 4 ( PWC, Deloitte, KPMG, EY), they need the 24 units of accounting for their CPA, so that means they have 24 units of Haas work required anyways. So those Econ people are likely doubles or have taken significant coursework at Haas.</p>

<p>Either way, I would say Haas is worth is for:

  1. Workshops
  2. Free backpack
  3. Priority registration for UGBA courses
  4. Ability to double major (Haas requires 28 UD units outside of major… pretty much another major)</p>