BA vs. BS in economics

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weflyhigh

weflyhigh

Senior member
Jan 1, 2007
971
1
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I have decided that pursuing a degree in economics would be best for me. I am currently a sophomore in college and now I have to choose a major (undecided currently).
My school offers both a bachelor of arts and a bachelor of science in economics. Looking at the course requirements for both, the BS requires a lot more economics classes and also ones specifically quantitative. The BA requires a LOT more general education credits and also pursuing a language for a significant amount of credits. My gut instinct is to go with the BS (which is what my dad has also, but from uPenn) since it seems like it is a more serious degree and also I have no problem working with numbers and do consider myself decent at math.
However, the BA degree would obviously be much less work to receive. Since I am starting the major late (4th semester), that might help me out a lot, though. Another thing is that I will be active duty after graduation. If I get the BA, it seems to be much more broad, which might leave more options available, then?

BA pros: Less work; leaves options more broad after service?; did I mention less work?
BA cons: Not getting as solid of a foundation in economics, it would seems; employers might take into consideration amount of work?; have to take more language courses (not too fond)

BS pros: Get a good foundation in economics; more accepted degree?; might say something about character?; Good amount of computer work (I'd like to say I am pretty knowledgeable with computers, which would put me ahead)
BS cons: More work and especially more work for me because I am joining later than some; while I am good with computers, I do not want a career based around them; More specific (with numbers and all), which might be bad considering a 4-8 year break after schooling; oh yea - more work

I have no idea, but I am just guessing the BS would look better on a resume. Would the extra work be worth the extra credibility?

Thanks for any advice.
 
tokie

tokie

Golden Member
Jun 1, 2006
1,491
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get the BSc if at all possible. Though, Economics is generally thought of as a BA so in the job market a BA won't hurt you compared to other Economics candidates.

if you are interested in grad school, then the BSc definitely provides a leg up with better preparation.
 
UncleWai

UncleWai

Diamond Member
Oct 23, 2001
5,701
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Better start taking up some math class if you are already a sophomore and want to get the BS
 
GodlessAstronomer

GodlessAstronomer

Lifer
Oct 27, 2007
17,009
5
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You're basically only considering the BA because it's easier? Don't be a baby, take the more difficult but more valuable BS.
 
gorcorps

gorcorps

aka Brandon
Jul 18, 2004
30,739
454
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Shit son, I'm getting an MS in economics currently and I consider it easier than my BS (in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering). Don't be a whimp, the BS won't be that bad and can only help you.
 
Mike Gayner

Mike Gayner

Diamond Member
Jan 5, 2007
6,175
3
0
I think OP sounds too stupid to get the BS. Get the BA - you're obviously not cut out for a real degree.
 
n yusef

n yusef

Platinum Member
Feb 20, 2005
2,158
1
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Do you know which area of economics you're interested in? If it's macro, get the BA since it's all bullshit anyway (and the math supporting it, doubly so) D:. For micro, go BS.

But really, you should pick a different subject; or better still, drop out and work at Starbucks. You don't know what you want to study and you don't even have the initiative to talk to a professor before you consult an online forum.
 
F

fstime

Diamond Member
Jan 18, 2004
4,382
5
81
BS is a much better degree, but what's the point? Economics is a pretty shitty degree and usually looked down upon as inferior to business degrees.

The job opportunities for economics degrees usually go like this: "well, you will be doing similar work to what most [insert random business major here] but wont actually be a [insert business major here].
 
T

tfinch2

Lifer
Feb 3, 2004
22,114
1
0
For me it was the other way around, but it was in Computer Science. BS required taking two science classes with a lab, while BA required more CS classes. Math requirements were the same (Cal I & II, Discrete, Linear Algebra, Stats). I went with a BA.
 
SKORPI0

SKORPI0

Lifer
Jan 18, 2000
18,479
2,415
136
gorcorps said:
Shit son, I'm getting an MS in economics currently and I consider it easier than my BS (in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering). Don't be a whimp, the BS won't be that bad and can only help you.
Click to expand...

Graduated with that degree mid 80's, strange that I barely used it. Ended up pursuing a different/much stressful career.

BS>BA, everyone know this... :sneaky:
 
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S

sjwaste

Diamond Member
Aug 2, 2000
8,757
12
81
If you ever want a shot at grad school for econ, MS in Economics with a minor in math is the best way to go.

I have a BBA in Economics, not a widely offered degree, which was useful for my first/second jobs because employers saw it as a "business degree" when they wanted that and also as an "economics/finance" when they wanted those candidates. Assuming your school doesn't have that, do the BS and minor in math. It'll keep doors open.
 
S

sjwaste

Diamond Member
Aug 2, 2000
8,757
12
81
BouZouki said:
BS is a much better degree, but what's the point? Economics is a pretty shitty degree and usually looked down upon as inferior to business degrees.

The job opportunities for economics degrees usually go like this: "well, you will be doing similar work to what most [insert random business major here] but wont actually be a [insert business major here].
Click to expand...

That's just about 100% false. At my alma mater, BS/BA Econ were treated no differently than the BBA in any discipline for the purposes of recruiting. I know a fair number of BS Econ that went to banks, top consulting firms, etc.

Hiring managers know that a business degree is, at best, moderately difficult in terms of academic rigor. Economics is often thought of as more challenging, and most will overlook the fact that the "business core" is not included in the education.

When I was in consulting, I didn't see a whole lot of BBA Management, Marketing, etc. I did see a lot of BBA/BS Finance and Economics.
 
B

BigToque

Lifer
Oct 10, 1999
11,700
0
76
I would say that unless you have a real interest in taking some specific NON-economics electives, I would go for the BSc.

In terms of employment, the BSc vs BA is a total non-issue.

Academically, having a BSc would probably look more attractive to a grad school if you were thinking of going for a masters (either in economics or business admin)
 
Bignate603

Bignate603

Lifer
Sep 5, 2000
13,897
1
0
My brother just had to make this choice. He said after doing some research the BA is for people that want to say they have an economics degree. The BS is for people that actually want to do economics when after graduation.
 
J

JS80

Lifer
Oct 24, 2005
26,271
7
81
I would imagine the BS is more math oriented (econometrics?) and micro, vs BA is more macro.
 
U

Udgnim

Diamond Member
Apr 16, 2008
3,681
124
106
BouZouki said:
BS is a much better degree, but what's the point? Economics is a pretty shitty degree and usually looked down upon as inferior to business degrees.

The job opportunities for economics degrees usually go like this: "well, you will be doing similar work to what most [insert random business major here] but wont actually be a [insert business major here].
Click to expand...

this in regards to a BA

you better know people for an entry level position post-undergrad or continue studies for a Master's degree
 
J

JS80

Lifer
Oct 24, 2005
26,271
7
81
BouZouki said:
BS is a much better degree, but what's the point? Economics is a pretty shitty degree and usually looked down upon as inferior to business degrees.

The job opportunities for economics degrees usually go like this: "well, you will be doing similar work to what most [insert random business major here] but wont actually be a [insert business major here].
Click to expand...

Wow. This is absolutely false.
 
Bignate603

Bignate603

Lifer
Sep 5, 2000
13,897
1
0
JS80 said:
Wow. This is absolutely false.
Click to expand...

Yes, there's way too many schools out there handing out worthless 'business' degrees. If you want to go a good route to getting ahead in business a BS in econ followed by an MBA from a good school is a great path.
 
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