<p>I have a decision to make, whether to get a bachelor of science of bachelor of the arts in economics. My ultimate goal is try to get a PhD from a top school (as in tier 1/ivy) in economics. I cannot seem to tell which would be better for me in terms of grad school admission. The bachelor of science seems very business-oriented, whereas the bachelor of the arts seems less focused, as in more electives/humanities. I kind of like how the bachelor of science looks, but from the college I am most likely going to (UF) it is actually just a bachelor of science in business administration with an economics tacked on (BSBA - ES), even though it is a lot different.</p>
<p>I am afraid this would technically be considered just another cliche business degree, which I do not want. A generic business administration degree does not stand out.</p>
<p>I actually originally wanted to study industrial engineering, but I realized that, even though I do well in the hard sciences, I only really liked the economics/game theory aspect, and not the physics/engineering stuff. So I decided I should go with economics, despite the fact that it is a less marketable degree. At least from a state school it is, in my opinion. I believe pursuing what one loves will always lead to happiness. And opportunities to go on to other schools are always open.</p>
<p>Which would be better in terms of grad school placement, which I suppose means which would be easier to obtain a better GPA in or look better? I welcome any insight, especially from those who actually go to UF.</p>
<p>The BA program would be the best preparation for a PhD in economics based on the recommendations for more coursework in math/statistics (though this doesn’t make it easier for a higher GPA).</p>
<p>BA program will not prepare you for a PhD nor will any accept you unless your economics major consists of a good math aspect. It would be wise to do a joint economics/math major if not then mathematics or statistics.</p>
<p>Too bad you didn’t go to UCF instead of UF, we have a BS in Mathematics - Mathematical Economics Tract, that would seem to stand out more from your standard BSBA in Economics.</p>
<p>Perhaps a double major in Economics and Statistics or Mathematics? That would give you the proper background for a PhD in Economics. UF has one of the best Statistics programs in the country.</p>
<p>So you think a double major with a BA in economics and BS in statistics? Sounds like a good idea. I will research. And of course, I am open to any other input.</p>
<p>Yes, taking the appropriate math electives would have the same effect. For recommended math courses, check the admissions requirements for grad programs that interest you. Also, check the econ programs in the catalogs of the better liberal arts colleges and universities. Often, they make useful recommendations about math preparation for their majors who plan on entering graduate programs in economics.</p>
<p>“So you think a double major with a BA in economics and BS in statistics? Sounds like a good idea. I will research. And of course, I am open to any other input.”</p>
<p>As a Statistics major myself, I can only advocate that a background in math/statistics will help you with the study of Economics.</p>
<p>I’ve looked into a few grad programs for Economics, and most of them stressed a solid background in math/statistics for grad level work. Take advantage of UF’s Stats program, it’s very solid. </p>
<p>A BS in Statistics is a very time intensive degree. I don’t know how far along you are in your studies, but the Stats degree will probably require 45+/- hours. How much can be overlapped with Econ? I’m not too sure. Upper level Stats & a 3 level Calculus sequence will probably replace most of the Quantitative Business Classes required for your Econ degree. Talk to your adviser about a double major.</p>
<p>This is from UF’s website under the BA in Economics (College of Liberal Studies?)</p>
<p>"Students planning to pursue graduate study in economics should consider a minor in mathematics or statistics or take the following mathematics and statistics courses:</p>
<pre><code>* MAC 2311, MAC 2312, MAC 2313
MAP 2302
Either MAS 3114 or 4105, and
STA 4321 and 4322. (Students taking advanced statistics might not be required to take STA 2023.)"
</code></pre>
<p>MAC 2311 to 2313 is the Calculus sequence Calc I-III.</p>
<p>I think MAP 2302 is differential equations (required for a minor in math).</p>
<p>MAS 3114 is probably Linear Algebra.</p>
<p>STA 4321 and 4322 are Probability Theory and Statistical Theory. </p>
<p>All of the courses on the list are very difficult, but if you get through them all (with good grades) you will look much better on a grad school application for Econ vs. somebody that has not challenged themselves with mathematics. The true study of economics is very math based, at higher levels.</p>
<p>^ Good info. Well then, a minor in statistics would be very beneficial as well. For me personally, statistics is more enjoyable, so I suppose I could look into how much work the major vs. minor would be. So long as statistics would look just as good as actual mathematics for a minor.</p>