Atypical situation. Thoughts appreciated!

Currently, I am attending a top 20 US undergrad B-School. Good MBA reputation also. Strong GPA & extracurriculars. Consistent grades in major/minor for all semesters.

I am majoring in economics (BBA) and minoring in math. Under this plan, I have the opportunity to graduate one year early and study abroad for a semester w/internship in policy.

Yet, if I stay the full (normal) four years, I can also finish a math degree (BS). A few extra thoughts:

1)Grad school (quantitative hopefully) is a definite possibility (obviously not an MBA).
2)Interested in becoming an equities analyst. Also considering policy (more govt obviously)
3)Not factoring in monetary considerations---that is my prerogative!

Do you think it is wise to complete the math major? The major only requires a few additional courses over the minor, but a significant amount of of science (slightly scared for sake of my GPA) and additional liberal arts type courses.

Essentially, I don't know if the math major is worth it in the long run. Lets say I don't go to grad school for whatever reason, and I work in the real world:

A) Do you think interviewers find a significant difference in the math major over the minor? Short run vs long run thoughts for career? And of course, I can graduate early. Don't know if this will have any bearing in interviews.

Any thoughts will be greatly appreciated! I have given this significant thought, and cannot find any major flaws in either option.

 

Will having a Maths minor not satisfy the prerequisite quantitative content needed for entry into Graduate school? If so, I would imagine turning it into a major, although impressive, would be superfluous if you have a quantitative postgraduate qualification.

If you don't get a postgraduate degree, then an Econ Major and a Maths Minor sounds like a nice mix for an Equities desk. The content you have learned from your Minor would be fine I think.

 

Okay more thoughts? A math minor at my school fulfills all requirements for grad programs, basically everything except a few more electives and analysis/advanced calculus.

Guts I disagree with you, since most b-kids dislike math (true math, not algebra and basic single variable calculus).

 
Best Response

I did a math minor, finance major and I sure wish I reversed the two. When applying to quantitative grad programs, I think you will find that meeting the pre-reqs is nice, but a math major is much nicer. Some MFEs (and most MFE PhDs) also require the GRE Math Subject Test, which covers much more than a math minor will teach you. I would suggest staying in school and doing the math major. From your post, I am not sure if doing the math major would mean no study abroad/internship - if so, that may change things. As I am sure you know, those experiences are valuable.

Another thing to consider is the possibility of a math major bringing down your GPA - be careful there.

Good luck!

 

At this point do what you like. Tha major/minor question is not going to make or break you. Your GPA is something that will stay with you for life. Stick with the minor if you need more classes for a grad program that you "may" apply to in the future, deal with it then. Your minor is more than enough for the real world. Start getting some real world by studying abroad - you will grow as a person and likely come back with a sharper focus on what you want to do.

 

I really appreciate all of the feedback. To clarify (and a few more questions!):

  1. I have already studied abroad for an entire summer. Nothing technically related to my major or to a job, but it was a great life experience. Intend to go abroad again of course!
  2. Math Minor roughly equates to a calculus sequence w/ diff. equations (4 courses), one intro theoretical math course, one algebra course (linear over abstract probably), a stat course (senior level---rigorous not intro level), two applied math courses, and a seminar course in applied related to major. I am an applied guy of course, but I would like to learn pure in my free time. Econometrics is included... -I MAY consider taking advanced calculus/analysis if I stick with the minor. Only one undergrad level course in this field is offered.

----I have been considering interning abroad (somewhere in EU). Do you think it will give me a significant advantage in grad school and or jobs market? (Assuming it is a decent position). I would definitely considering working abroad and relocating in the future. ----GPA wise, with double econ math, also considering it is in two different schools at a well regarded Uni (although not Stern/Wharton), would a 3.3-3.5 range be a safe bet and not viewed as a negative? Expecting 3.4 range in double major, due to sciences/languages requirements.

Finally, does anyone really view finance as a worthwhile major? From what I have observed, finance is not particularly quantitative on the undergraduate level, very dry, and focused on theory in a field where real world knowledge matter. They don't even bother teaching things like Hull Options & Futures until grad school (MBA? MFE PhD probably).

Thanks!

 

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