Is a Double Major in Economics and Mathematics Worth It?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the value of pursuing a double major in Economics and Mathematics, particularly in relation to future career options and graduate studies. Participants explore the implications of an additional semester of study and its potential benefits in terms of career diversity and salary prospects.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses interest in a double major to enhance career options and pursue a master's in applied mathematics or engineering, seeking a cost-benefit analysis.
  • Another participant suggests that the worth of a double major depends on the individual's career goals, questioning the participant's desired career path.
  • Some participants highlight the importance of lucrative career prospects, mentioning interests in banking, financial applications, and various engineering fields.
  • One participant advocates for pursuing the math degree, arguing it could help the individual stand out in the job market and broaden career opportunities.
  • A participant shares personal experience, stating that their math degree was valuable in securing job interviews, despite later pursuing a PhD in physics.
  • Another participant mentions a successful financial analyst with a background in business and math, suggesting that diverse educational backgrounds can lead to success in finance.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether a double major is definitively worth it, as opinions vary based on individual career aspirations and experiences. Multiple competing views regarding the value of the additional semester and the potential career paths remain present.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about specific career goals and the implications of pursuing a double major, highlighting the dependence on individual circumstances and market conditions.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering a double major in Economics and Mathematics, those exploring graduate studies in related fields, and individuals interested in career options in finance and engineering may find this discussion relevant.

ajecon
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I am an economics major with a minor in mathematics. I have three semesters left in college, but if I took an additional semester I could complete a double major in econ and math. If completed, I would be interested in pursuing a master's in applied mathematics. My hope is that this will be broad enough to help provide diversity in options. However, I could also be interested in a master's of engineering. Help me, are these good ideas, is the extra semester worth it, I'm looking for a cost benefit analysis. My school is expensive but have no student loans because I am very lucky.
 
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If something is worth it or not is dependent on your end game. You talk about graduate degrees you may wish to get but you do not mention what careers you want to get into. Perhaps answering that would help us give you a better opinion?
 
That is the thing, I am not positive yet. Preferably lucrative but I'm very open. Generally banking and financial application are among my interests but, if possible, potentially petroleum, electric, or nuclear engineering. I don't know, since I have limited work experience I'm unsure what my working passion would be but I do know I am interested in a good salary.
 
I suggest to go after the Math degree too. It will allow you to stand out from the other candidates and may also broaden your possible career options as well as giving you a pathway for graduate studies. One semester of time and debt for a Math degree? That is your question. Only you can make that choice.
 
one semester will be a tiny blip of time 5 years from now. A tiny blip for a double major? go for it.
 
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For what it's worth...

I spent an extra semester in college to finish my second major in math. Four months after graduating I decided to go to grad school in physics, but before this I had been trying my luck applying to jobs. I must say the it was my math degree that got my foot in the door for interviews. I guess my PhD in physics kind of makes my undergrad work irrelevant, but if I'd gone straight to the job market I think my math degree would definitely be worth it. Nowadays at work, I sometimes see people applying to positions in my company with just a math BS, and they are quite good candidates. Your milage may vary, but I think that a math degree is quite valuable.
 
ajecon said:
That is the thing, I am not positive yet. Preferably lucrative but I'm very open. Generally banking and financial application are among my interests but, if possible, potentially petroleum, electric, or nuclear engineering. I don't know, since I have limited work experience I'm unsure what my working passion would be but I do know I am interested in a good salary.
My sister has a degree in business and math (not sure if that is a dual major, major/minor or what) and is a highly successful financial analyst (CFA).
 

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