To Double Major or Not to Double Major!

Hello!

I have a burning question to ask:

Given I intend to pursue a Master’s in, say, Applied Economics, would it be advantageous to my application if I pursue a Double Major in Economics and Statistics rather than simple Economics?

I am quite confident I can do well in both Majors.

Thank You.

Maybe? Yes? It’s not the double major that matters so much as it is the coursework & knowledge. Extra statistics coursework will always be a plus. You don’t have to earn a major in it to derive the benefit, though. (A statistics major may be useful for some other things, though, like on the job market.)

You may also want to pursue some, say, math courses. In that case, the extra requirements of your double major could stand in the way - you only have room for so much. Taking the statistics courses as electives allows you to tailor a program to your specific needs, rather than the department’s. Grad programs will scrutinize your transcript carefully. A whole bunch of stats electives will mean more than you think, and an extra major in stats probably means less than you think.

I would go with the single major. Give yourself the room and freedom to really excel.

If you really intend to get a Masters degree, my advice would be not to worry about getting two Bachelors degrees unless you can do them both in 4 years.