<p>Hi all, I really want to apply to UPenn and I want to major in Economics, the only thing is I don't know whether to apply to Wharton or the College of Arts and Sciences. I know the difference between B.A. vs. B.S. and I am okay either way. I basically want an economics degree because I want to really be able to choose my job (i.e. business or government, it's good for both) the only thing I don't know what school to apply to? Does anyone have any suggestions?</p>
<p>Are you sure you understand the difference between a BA and BS in this scenario?</p>
<p>The CAS BA in Economics is a liberal arts degree where you will be grounded in various economic theories to understand how economic agents interact (be they individuals or firms) with a lighter focus on application.</p>
<p>The Wharton BS in Economics is a business degree (or applied economics, if you will), where you will be studying the application of economic theory to the operation of firms and markets from their point of view, with less attention given to overall economic theory.</p>
<p>Either degree will serve you well in business or government, though you will have different skill sets depending on what path you take. What it comes down to is whether theory or practice is more exciting to you (both have their merits). If theory, The College. If practice, Wharton.</p>
<p>Also note that the Wharton degree is an “Economics” degree in name only. It’s not really an Economics degree in modern academic terms. Wharton calls its undergraduate degree a BS in Economics primarily for historical reasons, since it’s been calling it that since 1894. The Wharton undergraduate curriculum is much more akin to a modern business school undergraduate curriculum that leads to a BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration) in most schools, than it is to the liberal arts curriculum that most Economics majors would study at Penn or any other school. In fact, Wharton undergrads are required to take only one Economics course, and it’s a course that’s designed specifically for Wharton undergrads and is not taken by Economics majors.</p>
<p>So if you really want to major in Economics, you can only do that in the College.</p>
<p>Thanks, I just have one other question, if I do major in Econ at the College and go the business route will future employers question why I went to the College instead of Wharton, or would it just no matter because it would be a degree from UPenn?</p>
<p>^ Look at the Career Plan Survey Reports for the College for the last 8 years (you can look by major) to see how Econ majors have done:</p>
<p>[Career</a> Services at the University of Pennsylvania](<a href=“http://www.vpul.upenn.edu/careerservices/reports.php]Career”>http://www.vpul.upenn.edu/careerservices/reports.php)</p>
<p>Many students in the College–including LOTS of Econ majors–go on to very successful business careers.</p>