Hey all, I'm considering Michigan State University (MSU) and thinking of majoring in economics. Can someone provide some insight on the program, the difficulty level, and any extracurricular opportunities for econ majors? Thanks in advance!
Hello! Michigan State University (MSU) does offer a strong economics program under the College of Social Science. The economics major aims to provide students with a solid theoretical and empirical foundation while also offering a range of elective courses in multiple subfields like labor economics, international trade, environmental economics, and more.
In terms of difficulty, economics is known as a challenging major at many universities. However, the level of difficulty at MSU will primarily depend on your individual strengths in quantitative skills and critical thinking. The program incorporates a mix of theoretical, mathematics-heavy courses, and policy-oriented courses. As long as you have a strong foundation in math, statistics, and analytical reasoning, you should be able to succeed in the program.
As for extracurricular opportunities, there are a number of economics-related clubs and organizations on campus:
1. MSU Federal Reserve Challenge: Students can participate in the Federal Reserve Challenge, which is an annual competition where teams from different universities present on the state of the U.S. economy and monetary policy recommendations.
2. Economics Association: The Economics Association is a student-run club that aims to promote an interest in economics through discussions, events, and networking opportunities.
3. Omicron Delta Epsilon: MSU has a chapter of Omicron Delta Epsilon, which is an international economics honor society for students who excel academically in the field.
4. Undergraduate Research Opportunities: MSU's economics department encourages students to get involved in research with faculty, both through independent study courses and the Professorial Assistantship program. This can help you gain valuable experience in research methods and deepen your understanding of economic theories.
5. Internships: The College of Social Science and the MSU Career Services Network both offer resources to help you find and apply for internships related to economics, whether in government, nonprofits, or private companies.
By engaging in these extracurricular activities, you'll be able to further increase your understanding of economics, apply what you've learned in the classroom, and connect with other students and professionals in the field, which will ultimately help you stand out when applying for jobs or graduate programs. Good luck with your decision!
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