UOFT: Specialist vs Double Major

[xjellox]

Hi,

New poster here; got a question about UofT/programs/degrees. Here's some background first:

I'm a third year undergrad at UofT and contemplating between degrees. My options right now are either:

1) Specialist -- Economics (Hons. Bachelor of Arts)
2) Double Major -- Economics & Statistics (Hons. Bachelor of Science)

My cGPA is 3.72, so I have no issue with grades. Taking stats courses as electives -- very strong in this field. VERY much interested in going into graduate studies in Economics/Financial Economics. Preferably at UofT.


Now, onto my questions:

A) Since my future definitely consists of graduate studies of some sort in Economics/Financial Economics, is it advisable I do a double major in economics and statistics, or a specialist in economics? There are more economics courses in the specialist but I will be taking about 3 extra advanced upper year economics credits as my electives. Would it look better to an economics program in grad school that I focused hard on economics, or would a double major in economics and statistics, which complements economics, be just as competitive? I would have all the advanced upper year economics courses/prerequisites needed for graduate programs. Yet, what do grad schools prefer?

B) How much of a difference would it be to have a double major vs a specialist, if I want my future career/field of study to be in economics? Also, keeping in mind that I would have those extra advanced economics courses as electives.

C) In terms of employment, which degree is appreciated more, or desirable, or competitive? Which would take me further career wise, or does it even matter? (For relevant job when I graduate and before going grad school).

*EDIT*:

D) In terms of the Finance field, which of these programs/degrees would fair better? Can I get into a Finance graduate program with an economics or economics/statistics degree, or would I need further courses? In general, what is required of finance graduate studies, and would my undergraduate education be enough, and if so, which of the two degrees/programs would be better suited/better chance of getting me in?

Any advice is much appreciated -- however, PLEASE read everything before posting, and I would rather this stay on topic.

[BryceS]

I would do double major to compliment your economics.

I am personally Economics & Finance at Laurier.

I am hoping the statistics part also includes a handful of econometric classes to fully compliment your statistics knowledge with application within an economic model. Econometric skills are vital to research as well as financial models

[flamez1000]

^Agreed. It's sounds like you're more interested in financial economics, econometrics, etc. rather than policy and the likes. I would definitely recommend the double major in stats and econ.

I know a guy graduating with the same combination from UTSC and he has a good financial modeling job offer after grad. With a GPA like that, you'd have no prob getting into any grad school as long as you've got relevent experience. Good luck.

[xjellox]

I would do double major to compliment your economics.

I am personally Economics & Finance at Laurier.

I am hoping the statistics part also includes a handful of econometric classes to fully compliment your statistics knowledge with application within an economic model. Econometric skills are vital to research as well as financial models

Thank you! Yes, the statistics AND economics majors both incorporate econometrics courses. I will be taking some advanced ones as my electives as well. What are your thoughts on either one of the degrees for a finance graduate program?

[xjellox]

^Agreed. It's sounds like you're more interested in financial economics, econometrics, etc. rather than policy and the likes. I would definitely recommend the double major in stats and econ.

I know a guy graduating with the same combination from UTSC and he has a good financial modeling job offer after grad. With a GPA like that, you'd have no prob getting into any grad school as long as you've got relevent experience. Good luck.

Thanks! That sounds like the type of job I would love to do. Do you mind elaborating on your definition of "relevant experience?" Thank you!

[Newt0n]

Correct me if I'm mistaken, but isn't a specialist in econ a BBA at utsc?

[xjellox]

Correct me if I'm mistaken, but isn't a specialist in econ a BBA at utsc?

I'm not at UTSC. I'm at UTM. We have a specialist in econ that is BA. I don't think we even offer BBA actually.

[Anonymouse]

Take the one with more math. Like my Jewish friend says: "Math is money."