Choosing Between Economics and Business Economics: Avoiding Math-Intensive Courses

Deciding between studying economics or business economics at universities like the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), University of California, San Diego (UCSD), and the University of California, Irvine (UCI) is a significant choice, especially if you want to avoid heavy doses of mathematics. This article aims to provide you with insights into the math requirements of these programs to help you make an informed decision.

Math in Economics Programs

From my experience and general knowledge, it's largely certain that you won't be able to entirely avoid multivariate calculus or linear algebra in these programs. These are fundamental areas of study within economics at most reputable universities. Here’s a brief overview of the math requirements:

Economics: Core curriculum in economics often includes a microeconomics course and an econometrics course. The econometrics course is particularly important but may involve only a small use of multivariable calculus, relying more on high school-level algebra. The microeconomics course typically involves a lot of univariate calculus, though the intensity can vary depending on the lecturer. However, these courses are essential for understanding the core concepts of economics.

Math in Business Economics Programs

Business economics majors have a different focus, often more applied in nature. These programs may offer a clearer path to avoid some of the more math-intensive areas such as multivariate calculus and linear algebra. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:

Accounting and Corporate Finance: If you prefer to focus on finance and accounting rather than heavy mathematics, you might find that business economics programs require a solid understanding of these subjects. You would likely have to take courses in accounting and corporate finance, which can be practical and directly applicable in the business world.

Comparing UCSB, UCSD, and UCI

When comparing the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), University of California, San Diego (UCSD), and the University of California, Irvine (UCI), it’s important to check their specific prospectus for the major. However, based on general trends, here are my observations:

UCSB and UCSD: Given the reputation of these state universities, they tend to maintain a strong academic rigour in their economics programs. As such, you can expect core courses such as microeconomics and econometrics to include significant amounts of mathematical content, ranging from univariate to multivariate calculus and possibly linear algebra.

UCI: The University of California, Irvine is known for offering more applied business programs. Business economics at UCI might place a greater emphasis on practical skills used in the business world, such as financial analysis and accounting, rather than advanced mathematical concepts. Therefore, you are more likely to find applicable courses that focus on real-world applications.

Conclusion

Based on the information available, if your goal is to avoid math-heavy courses like multivariable calculus and linear algebra, you might find that business economics programs offer a clearer path to achieving your academic preferences. Instead of diving into the more theoretical aspects of economics, you can focus on practical applications in finance and accounting.

Additionally, I would suggest you look into specific course requirements offered by each university and consult with academic advisors to get a more precise understanding of the programs. Ultimately, choosing the right program depends on your specific interests and career goals, as well as your academic strengths in mathematics.