UCSB Economics and Accounting?!

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - Santa Barbara
1

Hi guys! :slight_smile: I’m conflicted for which school I should SIR to!
I plan on becoming an accountant and working at one of the Big 4s. I was wondering if you guys can give me some of your input. :slight_smile:

The three schools that I’m choosing from:
UCI - undeclared (hopefully major in Business Economics or Business Management with a minor in accounting)
UCSD - Economics (will minor in accounting)
UCSB - Economics and Accounting (thinking about double majoring in Communications as well; in the Honors Program)

I’ve visited all three schools and I love UCSD and UCSB the most. They are definitely my top two, but I would still like some thoughts on which school is best for my major and which has the best job prospects.

I’ve heard that UCSB’s econ and accounting is extremely cut throat, so I’m scared that I will not get my major at SB. Is it worth the risk?

Thanks so much! :smiley:

2

Hi! Great choices! I graduated from UCSB, and although I didn’t major in Econ/Accounting, I have several friends that did and went on to work for the Big 4, finance departments at big companies, etc. I think it really comes down to which campus/community you fit in best with and where you think you’ll be happiest for the next 4 years, because each are likely comparably in terms of job prospects after graduation, competitiveness, on campus recruiting etc. At the end of the day, it will come down to how well you interview with the Big 4. Grades are important, but well roundedness and leadership experience is also extremely important. Good luck!

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I was admitted to the major, and here’s what I know so far.

Econ 10a is no longer curved so it’s less of a weeder class than before. You also get a total of three chances to take the final.

The recommended schedule for the first quarter for transfers looks tough. PSTAT 109 and econ 10a. Super math heavy. They recommend taking a summer session to lighten the load.

I applied for the summer session, and in order to get into the aforementioned classes I had to email the respective departments with my unofficial transcript. They responded quickly. I was cleared for PSTAT, but not econ 10a because I’m in the process of taking the last prerequisite course.

Bottom line: if you understand Calculus, I think you’ll be fine at UCSB. Econ 10a is a lot of constrained optimization.