So, I’m currently an undergraduate student here at UCLA, and I have the problem that I’m interested in both Econ and CS, (I also love mathematics). I’m currently thinking about the Math/Econ major with Specialization in Computing or Econ and Math of Computation double major. Should I get into it or should I look for other options (like CS undergrad and Econ Masters or even transferring)
Just double major in CS/Econ?
Specialization in Computing is a joke attachment to any major that has it as an option… you take like 3 remedial C++ classes in the IT school along with some major-relevant computation classes typically involving matlab or some type of statistical analysis. Don’t treat it seriously as any sort of minor or focus. It won’t satisfy your intellectual interest in computer science.
Any CS major might have enough math to satisfy your curiosity in it, if you aren’t specifically seeking real analysis and topography and such other such topics of higher levels. On the other hand, a math major, no matter what form of the word “computer” is in the degree name, is unlikely to contain enough CS to satisfy any interest in it at all.
None of the good schools in California have any such combination of Econ/CS in a single major. The program I’m in at USC is the closest thing… it’s called Computer Science/Business Administration and it involves like 2 econ classes. UCLA is maybe not a good school to exercise the freedoms you desire. Their major requirements are inflexible, and double majoring is hard enough to get through to officialize. You can however look into an individualized major, as in you create your own major track and petition to follow it and receive a degree in the name of your choosing e.g. Computational Economics. I wouldn’t recommend it though, it confuses employees and grad school admissions.