Should I major in accounting, economics, or finance?

<p>I've narrowed my field of potential majors down to these three fields. My parents insist that accounting is the way to go, but I've read about some horror stories at the Big 4 firms. Furthermore, I don't want to have to do a ridiculous amount of traveling when I audit. Is the work really as boring as they say?</p>

<p>Economics probably interests me the most, but math really isn't my thing. I love the theory and writing aspect of it, but I've read that there are monstrous amounts of math at the upper level. If I did this, I wouldn't mind getting my Master's in it, but again, the math scares me. Which is better for graduate study, the BA or BS? Also, what exactly are the job prospects for an economics major?</p>

<p>I've heard that finance is basically economics applied to the business realm, but is there any truth to this? I've also heard that the job prospects (especially now) aren't as great as they once were for this particular major.</p>

<p>What I actually want to do, is to be a consultant/analyst or something along those lines. Furthermore, I want to be able to write articles for a publication eventually. The thing that scares me about accounting (although it is the most stable) is that I might spend the rest of my life doing tedious work. Economics sounds great to me, but then there is the math. Although, I have to say, I never really studied much for math in high school, and that could be the reason. Finance doesn't sound too bad, either, but I really don't know. Any help you guys could provide would be greatly appreciated.</p>

<p>By major in accounting, you do not have to be an accountant. Whatever an economics or finance major can do an accounting major can do too and is usually the preferred major by businesses. Also, who said you HAVE to work for the big 4? You can work for the government or a large/small business. There is also tax and not just audit.</p>

<p>Do whatever interests you, the career opportunities are somewhat the same, although accounting definitely has a leg up over the others.</p>

<p>If math scares you, probably none of those majors will be suitable for you.</p>

<p>With that said, Accounting is not limited only to auditing and with a degree in accounting, you can still work as a consultant/analyst. Furthermore, you don't have to work for a Big 4 accounting firm. Many accounting graduates go on to work for smallsize to mid-size public firms, even corporations.</p>

<p>Thanks for the quick response guys (and girls). It's nice to know that accounting is pretty versatile. As for math, according to taxguy, accounting really isn't about math (sure it has math, but I thought it wasn't much more than basic arithmetic). He said it's akin to law. As for economics, does it really require an insane amount of math?</p>

<p>Yes, but it also depends on the school. Most require at least advanced calculus.</p>

<p>Whereas accounting usually doesn't even get to calculus, correct?</p>

<p>Depends, some schools make you take at least business calculus others just algebra 2.</p>

<p>So is it reasonable to think that even if math isn't my strength, I can succeed at accounting if I can analyze critically (and work hard, of course)?</p>

<p>In University of Florida, accounting majors are required to take Calculus 2, while Finance majors are only required to take Calculus 1. A little backwards, but just goes to show you that all schools are different.</p>

<p>Accounting is basically addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. There are lots of rules and laws that you have to remember in accounting. Very detail oriented.</p>