My dilemma: Economics vs Political Economy

College Majors
1

<p>My university offers an interdisciplinary major in Political Economy, which is essentially a combination of Economics and Political Science (so it's more "liberal artsy" in nature, and considerably less quantitative).</p>

<p>I've seen and heard all the arguments in favor of pursuing a more technical/quantitative degree, but my situation is a little more nuanced than that.</p>

<p>First, looking at grade distributions for courses I'll have to take, and judging from courses I've already taken, I will probably end up pulling a 3.2~3.3 GPA with a degree in Economics. With a degree in Political Economy (which I am more interested in, as well), my GPA would hover around the 3.6~3.7 range.</p>

<p>Second, Political Economy isn't on the same level as, say, English or History. Of course, I don't say this to demean people pursuing these majors in any way, I'm just saying that a large part of the PE major includes more marketable skills as it is: there's calculus, microeconomics, macroeconomics, and so forth, just not to the same extent as pure Economics.</p>

<p>So, my options end up being:</p>

<p>B.A. Economics
3.3ish GPA
Minor in Philosophy
French Language Studies</p>

<p>OR</p>

<p>B.A. Political Economy
3.7ish GPA (will go for honor's program)
Minor in Philosophy
French Language Studies</p>

<p>As an employer, which would look better to you? I plan to start my internships/work experience next summer as a junior, if that helps.</p>

2

<p>What field are you looking to intern/work in? If you are not planning on going to grad school and the area of work you are considering is closer related to econ i would not sweat the difference in gpa’s. That being said, I don’t think that prospective employers will look at political econ that much different than econ.</p>

3

<p>Take the economics degree if you can sweat the more quantitative work. Modern economics is political economy with better, testable theory vis-</p>

4

<p>@bos4079: Eventually, I want to go to grad school, but not immediately after undergrad. I’m thinking I’ll try to snag a job in the private business sector, or maybe work for some kind of NGO, to get some experience before I go back to get my MBA.</p>

<p>@Sligh_Anarchist: Yeah, the Political Economy track lacks an econometrics course. I definitely think I can handle the quantitative work for a pure Economics degree, I was just worried about the lower GPA that would result. I figured since I’m going to return to school to get my MBA anyway, my undergrad major wouldn’t matter so much and I could opt for Political Economy, which a) interests me more, b) still allows me to garner a good job, and c) preserves my GPA for grad school pursuits.</p>

<p>Any other opinions? :)</p>

5

<p>Sorry to be a bother, I still need help with this! Haha.</p>

6

<p>What’s your college? </p>

<p>Maybe you’re thinking of combining Politics and Economics to get a broad, intellectual and stimulating education that is relevant to the nation, while also trying to ‘brand’ yourself to potential employers, who will be impressed by the rigor of the nature of the combined major that you take. Cool!</p>

<p>BA Economics would be the best, as it brings the most employment opportunities. But BA Political Economy would bring you the most chances of internships with the governments, and who knows, you seem proficient in what you really love - Political Economy - as what I saw in your grades!</p>

<p>Just follow your heart, no matter what :)</p>

7

<p>

</p>

<p>Cue Whistleblower1 or BIGeastBEAST …</p>

8

<p>Yup. I can’t follow my heart and I am suffering!</p>

<p>I don’t know what’s debts, but I know something for sure — if I am doing something I don’t like, even being debt-free will make my heart ache as I am doing something I am not proficient in.</p>

9

<p>^^^^^^^</p>

<p>Has anyone seen The Cosby Show episode where Theo and Bill have a serious conversation, Theo says some dramatic stuff that seems all sensitive, and the “studio audience” starts applauding?</p>

<p>Bill looks at Theo very seriously, then says, “Son, THAT IS THE DUMBEST THING I’VE EVER HEARD IN MY ENTIRE LIFE!!!”</p>

<p>That’s basically describes how I feel.</p>

<p>For anyone who hasn’t seen the clip - it’s a classic!</p>

<p>[YouTube</a> - Season 1 Episode 01-Pilot Presentation](<a href=“http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFY0HBkUm8o]YouTube”>Season 1 Episode 01-Pilot Presentation - YouTube)</p>

10

<p>BIGeastBEAST, I’ve seen you a lot around here. If you don’t mind, could you give me your opinion on my situation?</p>

11

<p>Thanks for the clip anyway.</p>