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So I've been interested in majoring in urban studies for a while now but after doing some reading I hear that it is a worthless degree at a bachelors level.... So I heard economics is a bit similar to urban studies but the job market is also bad for someone without a masters degree. Could you guys please give me some insight on these two majors? Or how about a major in Econ and minor in urban studies? Thanks a lot guys!
You just said it yourself: you'll probably have to go to grad school to get a decent job with either of them. So just pick the one that interests you more.
I think urban studies is a more unique and specialized degree. That could be either a good or bad thing depending on how you look at it.
Either major can be valuable, but you have to be deliberate about it. You absolutely have to prioritize landing good internships and be thoughtful about where you'd like to start your professional life after graduation.
One thing to ask yourself is what is it that is drawing you to these majors? That might tell you where your natural inclinations lie. You can make your time in school center around developing those interest/skills. You need to be able to show on paper that you can do the things you like to do well. Keep that in mind when you choose extracurricular activities too.
Also, you can also join professional organizations as a student for whatever field you are interested in. Lots have student chapters. Be active,matted conferences, etc. That will allow you to network in your field of interst pre-graduation.
So I've been interested in majoring in urban studies for a while now but after doing some reading I hear that it is a worthless degree at a bachelors level.... So I heard economics is a bit similar to urban studies but the job market is also bad for someone without a masters degree. Could you guys please give me some insight on these two majors? Or how about a major in Econ and minor in urban studies? Thanks a lot guys!
Since neither are really skill oriented degrees at the baccalaureate level, I'd go the other way around ... Urban Studies major and economics minor. Just be sure to take relevant econ. classes like International Economics, Money and Banking, and Fiscal/Monetary policy. Urban planners are still being employed. You just have to get a Master in Urban Planning from one of the very best schools.
It’s easier to get an MA in Urban Planning with a BA in Geography. If you really want an MA in Economics, you’re better off with a BA in Math, not Economics.
Geography isn’t really taught at the high school level and many people don’t know you can get degree in the subject.
It’s easier to get an MA in Urban Planning with a BA in Geography. If you really want an MA in Economics, you’re better off with a BA in Math, not Economics.
Geography isn’t really taught at the high school level and many people don’t know you can get degree in the subject.
One can also go BUP to MUP. Urban Planning is offered at all degree levels. It's just that a MUP from an unknown schools doesn't have as many options as a highly-ranked one does.
One can also go BUP to MUP. Urban Planning is offered at all degree levels. It's just that a MUP from an unknown schools doesn't have as many options as a highly-ranked one does.
And in my experience and that of my friends from college and grad school, highly-ranked graduate programs prefer applicants’ undergrad degrees to be as academic as possible. If you want a MA in Journalism, it’s better to have a BA in English, than Journalism. This is particularly true of Economics. Undergraduate Econ. is geared towards people who want a MBA. Graduate economics is all about complex mathematical modeling. You have to be very, very good at math.
And in my experience and that of my friends from college and grad school, highly-ranked graduate programs prefer applicants’ undergrad degrees to be as academic as possible. If you want a MA in Journalism, it’s better to have a BA in English, than Journalism. This is particularly true of Economics. Undergraduate Econ. is geared towards people who want a MBA. Graduate economics is all about complex mathematical modeling. You have to be very, very good at math.
BUP to MUP is an option. The BUP could be in urban economics and graduate study could be in planning. As some said, they could double major or major/minor. A BUP from a good school won't be ignored. What do you suggest the MUP applicant study as an undergrad?
And you're right about high-ranked MBAs. They tend NOT to like undergraduate business, with some classes having under 10%, but they are all over a broad-based economics degree from a "neat" school like a cheap suit.
Well, I have a BS in Urban Studies and a minor in Geography. I just graduated a few months ago so I can't really comment on the job opportunities. I say pick the major that interests you more.
I will probably pursue a masters once my brain recovers from the last 5 years of school.
This is particularly true of Economics. Undergraduate Econ. is geared towards people who want a MBA. Graduate economics is all about complex mathematical modeling. You have to be very, very good at math.
But that is dependent upon the undergraduate economics department. If the econ department is treated as a feeder academy for the business school you are right but if the school has a very strong research oriented econ department not so much.
But a strong foundation in statistics and calculous is indispensable.
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