Syracuse University
Economics Club

BA vs BS

To BA or to BS ... That Is the Question
 

Students often wonder whether the BA or BS track in economics better suits their needs.

The BA degree in economics is a strong, analytical major. Students who have followed this track have entered the financial area, law school, or MBA studies, for example. This track, rather than the BS track, may be a better track for you if you have multiple majors, if you pick up economics as a major later in your undergraduate career, or if you do not care to pursue economic thinking from a mathematical/quantitative perspective.

The BS track requires mathematical/statistical/econometric components beyond what the BA track requires. Specifically, the BS requires calculus (Mat 295-296), mathematical economics (Ecn 505), and the study of statistics and econometrics (Ecn 521-522). Finally, the BS track contains the more mathematically oriented intermediate microeconomics (Ecn 311, as opposed to Ecn 301). These additional requirements offer you an introduction to tools used in economic research. If you intend to pursue a graduate degree in economics (especially a doctorate) or a related field, this is the better option. Doctoral training in economics and other related fields tends to be more mathematical than students anticipate when entering graduate school; these courses give you a preview of the types of things you'll see at that level.

Choose the track that better suits your needs. If you have the time to include the additional requirements of the BS degree and you enjoy the math, then take that track, regardless of your future plans. If you are unsure of which track to follow, but think the BS is a possibility, you should take Ecn 311 (Intermediate Mathematical Microeconomics), provided that you have the required background in differential calculus; this is the first point at which there is some divergence between the tracks. This course, rather than Ecn 301 (Intermediate Microeconomics), will serve as your way of fulfilling the intermediate microeconomics requirement. Later, if you decide not to continue with the BS, that's fine, i.e., your decision to embark on the BS track is not irreversible.

You are encouraged to pick up an undergraduate guide for the economics major in the department office Eggers 110 or follow the link to your left. This clearly spells out requirements for both tracks. Also, feel free to discuss the options with your advisor.