<p>I want to major in economics in college and I was wondering what jobs would come later on in life. If I attend an Ivy league school (specifically UPenn) and major in economics would that make a difference? If so, what kind of difference? Would there be more job prospects/opportunities? Do jobs really care if it's not a degree in B.S, but rather in B.A, especially at this type of school? Be honest with all of your answers. Please and thank you.
P.S. I'm also considering Georgetown University, so feel free to tell me a little about that school as well. </p>
<p>At UPenn, BS in economics is more of a business degree (Wharton), while BA in economics is more of what one would normally consider a liberal arts economics degree (and more math intensive than at many other schools). This is obviously UPenn-specific.</p>
<p><a href=“http://economics.sas.upenn.edu/undergraduate-program/prospective-students/what-is-economics”>http://economics.sas.upenn.edu/undergraduate-program/prospective-students/what-is-economics</a>
<a href=“Academics - Undergraduate”>http://www.wharton.upenn.edu/undergrad/academic-excellence/BS-versus-BA.cfm</a></p>
<p>It is the case that many graduates in liberal arts economics majors do seek jobs typically sought by business majors. UPenn has a career survey.</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.vpul.upenn.edu/careerservices/reports.php”>http://www.vpul.upenn.edu/careerservices/reports.php</a></p>
<p>Thank you! That was really helpful! </p>
<p>After your first job (say 3 to 4 years after you receive your degree) very few employers would distinguish the nuances associated with your undergraduate degree. They will first want to know what you learned on the job, what you did, and your business relationships with clients both internal and external. And of course they will want to be sure that you were effective and successful.</p>
<p>For some employers that you have a degree from Penn, or Stanford, or etc. etc. will always matter. That it’s BA versus BS is unlikely to matter. Few employers will truly know or care about the difference.</p>
<p>Fogcity, that is not entirely true. Wharton distinguishes itself within the greater Penn, and most employers in the mid-Atlantic recognize Wharton. With that said, I can attest that Penn does a great job with career services. As an undergraduate, you have the same access to employers in any of the four schools (including Nursing!), and those employers give interviews and offers to people regardless of their school.</p>
<p>So for job prospects, Wharton vs. the College makes no difference. The difference between the two is in the type of education you get. Wharton is highly practical - you get thrown right into a real business situation your first semester during MGMT100, having responsibility for coming up with a plan to help a local business to grow. Your studies include several core courses that every Wharton student must take, and your concentration teaches you how to succeed in particular jobs. The College doesn’t direct you toward the hands-on training for the working world, but most of the courses are grounded in reality; even philosophy courses still keep a healthy eye toward the world (not the lofty theory-only stuff that I had expected). Wharton and the College are comparably difficult (or easy, compared to engineering and nursing).</p>
<p>Overall, if I were applying to Penn before the deadline on Thursday, I would go for whichever school interested me the most. The rest will shake out over the next five years.</p>