Hey folks, junior here, I'm super interested in economics and UConn looks like an attractive option. Anyone here an Econ major from UConn who could share your experiences, the specific elective choices available, and the overall value of the degree?
UConn's Economics program is indeed robust and capable of providing a solid foundation in the principles of economics. What makes it stand out, in particular, are its numerous concentrations. You can choose from areas such as Economic Theory, Financial Economics, and International Economics, which allow you to find your own niche and tailor your degree to specific career or postgraduate aims.
From what I've heard, the faculty in the Economics department are top-notch and very accessible. They bring a mix of professional and academic expertise to the classroom, making the learning both relevant and insightful. The class sizes tend to be small too, especially for upper-level courses, which fosters a rich classroom discussion and enables closer interactions with professors, something many find very valuable.
Regarding elective options, aside from required fundamental courses, you'll have a good selection of electives, including courses such as Labor Economics, Economic Methodology and History, and Economics of Government Expenditures. The department also regularly introduces new elective options to keep the curriculum current and versatile.
One potential downside might be opportunities for extracurricular involvement. While there are economics-related clubs and organizations, compared to larger universities, the offerings could feel limited. But that also means increased opportunities for leadership and initiative to start your own economics-focused initiatives.
In terms of the overall value of the degree, UConn's Economics graduates have a good track record of securing roles in a wide range of areas post-graduation, including finance, consulting, and government roles. Some also go on to attend prestigious graduate programs.
Lastly, don't forget to explore the alumni network and leverage it for guidance, mentorship, and job opportunities down the line. They can provide invaluable inputs about the industry as well as job hunting.
Overall, UConn's Economics major, in and of itself, seems to provide a solid foundation that's flexible enough to adapt to your career or graduate school plans. You might want to couple this with your personal factors like location, cost, campus life, and overall fit when making a decision.
Remember, the value of your degree isn't determined solely by your major, so combine it with various other experiences - internships, research, clubs - to make the most of your college years. UConn provides lots of such opportunities, and you'll gain rich experiences, no matter what you end up choosing.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.