Economics BS vs Accounting BS

[e_cuyler]

Some people major in econ and get a master's in accounting or taxation. I noticed it a lot in my last job, which was in California. The University of California system doesn't offer accounting as a major so those students usually major in econ if they want to go into accounting. Most but not all of them would do a year-long master's program afterward, although some did not. Just saying that you don't necessarily have to forget about accounting if you major in econ.

[Finger Laker]

I think accounting is a solid degree and one that can lead to job prospects over a wide geography.

I would marry econ to it as a minor or a double major (if allowed) ..... the two studies are quite different and having a background in both may also help open up doors to consulting and other associated paths

[knowledgeiskey]

But numbers show Econ grads start off at higher salaries than the Business majors.

[brocco]

Originally Posted by knowledgeiskey

But numbers show Econ grads start off at higher salaries than the Business majors.

econ, accounting, and business are all distinctly different things...comparing econ and accounting isn't really relevant to business

[GiantRutgersfan]

Originally Posted by knowledgeiskey

But numbers show Econ grads start off at higher salaries than the Business majors.

Thats because a typical economics major is going to be qualified for just about any job a typical business major can get.

Not to mention jobs specifically dealing with Economics (which tend to be higher paying)

[StealthRabbit]

Originally Posted by knowledgeiskey

But numbers show Econ grads start off at higher salaries than the Business majors.

Take a BIGGER picture, life / employment is a process. Short-cut the process and you may be stuck for life with a lessor earning potential (tho many things add into that). You didn't say WHAT you wanted to be working at when you get your BA, nor your career / earning / learning objectives.

Accounting is a tool (and a very important one). I have talked with many an employer who would NOT hire a business major that was NOT an Accounting major. (they can put accounting folks right to work earning the company some revenue, AND Accounting folks can HELP the company be more efficient / profitable).

If you have the choice / time... I would get accounting major and econ or Financial Econ major. Work a few yrs as accounting to get SOLID experience.

Then... branch out into fields of interest with your Accounting tool in your bag and keep it SHARP. (I'm doing a well paying 'skilled' job that I haven't done in 30+ yrs). Beats living under a bridge.

Yes, Econ is very interesting, but jobs go to higher degree and very astute 'learned' individuals. Get yourself a subscription to the Economist and many other sources to stay informed on world economy. Use that to your INVESTMENT / SKILLSET advantage (You will make more money doing this than WORKING for wages).