Most Marketable Science Major

College Majors Science Majors
#1

<p>I'm looking to double major in Econ and either math or a science. I don't want to major in Engineering and am not premed. I know that Math would probably be the most valuable with Econ, but I'm looking to explore my science options a bit more and examine the marketability of some other majors.</p>

<p>I know that marketability shouldn't be the sole reason for choosing a major, but assuming interest level is equal, could anyone comment on/compare the marketability of each of the below majors a) On its own and b) When coupled with Economics</p>

<p>Chemistry (B.A. or B.S.)
Physics (B.A. or B.S.)
Microbiology (B.S.)
Geology (concentration in Geochemistry) (B.S.)
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (B.S.)
Neuroscience (B.S.)
Brain and Cognitive Science (B.S.)</p>

#2

<p>Economics and environmental sound like they would go very well together. Environmental concerns will be a huge concern for businesses in the future and being economist who can forecast costs and liabilities associated with environmental regulations and concerns would be a big asset.</p>

#3

<p>The common theme is math, computers, and business. Econ+math double major and minor in computer science would be awesome. If you can't fit in a minor, at least take C/C++.</p>

#4

<p>Probably math.</p>

<p>Of the others, probably physics, but many physics grads are hired for their math abilities into the type of jobs that math grads go to. So from a marketability perspective, you might as well do math instead (and throw in a few statistics and computer science courses). Math also complements economics well, since if you want to go into graduate school in economics or go into a very quantitative job (e.g. actuarial or quantitative finance), many of the math major courses will be useful.</p>

#5

<p>Geology is fine, but concentrating in geochemistry is not where it is at. You are better off looking into structural geology/petroleum geology.</p>

<p>Statistics is a very useful discipline. That is why I would do math in your case. Physics isn't a bad option, but you will probably have to take quite a few courses that won't be of particular benefit to your economics major (ex. quantum mechanics) whereas math in all aspects tends to have a high degree of usefulness.</p>

#6

<p>Everyone uses computers nowadays. Everyone. If you can hack programming, then double major in computer science. A double major in Math is useless, unless you're going to get a graduate degree in Mathematics.</p>

#7

<p>I think Math would be the best option as it shows employers that you have a strong quantitative background and skill, which is good for finance jobs. It'll also help if you decide to go to graduate school for Econ, since it requires a ton of math.</p>

#8

<p>Of course I am biased (being a math major as an undergrad) so I will say math. I always like to point out that there have been at least 3 times in my working career when I was basically "thrown" into some engineering-related job that I had no prior training nor experience in just because I had math skills.</p>

<p>Each time the recruiter/supervisor/manager said something similar to "if you can do higher-level math...you can certainly do this job. You will figure it out."</p>

#9

<p>I second statistics and computer science.</p>

<p>A math major might have some prestige associated to it, but upper-level undergraduate math might best be described as "abstract nonsense." (This is coming from a graduate student in math; please don't slaughter me.)</p>

#10

<p>I have zero programming experience. How hard is it to start compsci fresh in college? Nearly Impossible?</p>

#11

<p>^
Not impossible at all. I took a few programming classes and excelled, with no prior knowledge.</p>

#12

<p>
[quote]
A math major might have some prestige associated to it, but upper-level undergraduate math might best be described as "abstract nonsense." (This is coming from a graduate student in math; please don't slaughter me.)

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Ha ha, reminds me when taking my Advanced Calculus course (basically Real Analysis-Lite), the professor wanted us to prove that "A times 0 = 0".</p>

<p>I was like "if you don't put something on that board that I can use...for all the money my parents is paying?!!!".</p>

<p>A times 0 = 0 because IT IS dammit...lol</p>