Economics or Business degree: which should I choose?

Hey there, I'm considering studying something business-related in college but I can't decide whether to pursue an economics degree or a business degree. Can you guys share the pros and cons of each, considering factors like career prospects, versatility, and difficulty of the curriculum?

Here's a brief overview of the pros and cons of each:

Economics Degree:

Pros:

1. Economics helps you develop critical thinking and quantitative abilities, making it highly valued in many fields, such as consulting, finance, and research.

2. The skills gained in an economics program can be applied to various industries, from finance to public policy, allowing for diverse career options.

3. Economics programs often involve challenging coursework, which can be intellectually stimulating and appealing to those who enjoy academic rigor.

Cons:

1. Economics places more emphasis on theory, which may not provide all the practical skills needed for some business roles.

2. Economics degrees tend to be more specialized, potentially limiting the scope of available jobs upon graduation.

Business Degree:

Pros:

1. Business degrees cover a wide range of topics such as marketing, finance, operations, and management, which can directly apply to business roles, making it easier to transition into the job market.

2. Business programs often include internships, extracurricular activities, and networking events, allowing you to build connections within the industry.

3. Many business programs allow you to concentrate in a specific area within business, catering to your interests and career goals.

Cons:

1. Business degrees may be seen as less rigorous or analytically demanding than economics degrees. However, this perception varies depending on the institution and program.

2. While business graduates are well-equipped to handle positions within the business world, they may find it challenging to pivot to careers requiring analytical skills.

To summarize, if you're more interested in developing strong analytical and problem-solving skills and are open to exploring various industries, an economics degree might be the right choice. However, if you prefer a more practical education that's tailored towards careers in business and offers ample networking opportunities, a business degree may be more suitable.

Ultimately, you should research specific programs, consider your long-term career goals, and reflect on your interests and strengths before making a decision. Many universities also allow you to start with a more general major and declare a concentration later, so you may have time to explore your options before committing to one path.