Jump to content

M.S Finance vs M.A Economics.. which one will be better PhD in finance?


Sung Kyo Ahn

Recommended Posts

Hey guys! I signed up for this website to ask you guys for little help here...

 

That question on the topic has been bothered me for a very long time..

 

My final goal is attaining PhD in Finance, but I just cannot decide which one suits better for the career and me.

 

I always have had vast interest in finance for a long time and I do definietly want to further broaden my view in that subject.

 

 

 

To tell you about myself a bit, I majored in business administration and minored in Chinese in university.

 

So.. I do not have any knowledges in economics now.. but I do can take few more onlines classes if I get to choose that field.

 

Meanwhile, I put most of effort studying finance when I was back in university, enjoying the subject.

 

 

I understand this question may sound very silly for some of you guys..

 

but which one sounds better?

 

Personally, I do want to apply for M.S in finance, but a lot people say M.A economics sounds better for my further career..

 

So I'm really confused...

 

 

Can anyone give me a help here?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If Finance is anything like accounting then you need a strong economic background to do well in the Finance Ph.D program.  Basically, there are two "tracks" for research- looking at accounting from a behavioral side, or looking at it from an economic side.  I think finance is similar. Econ is basically the pre-knowledge you need to do well in whatever business research you decide to do.  So if you don't know it, you will have a lot harder of a time with everything. I'm planning on doing the behavioral track, and still have to take at least 2 econ classes.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

In general a MS in Finance is more applied.  The MS in Finance will prepare you to work as a corporate business analyst, whereas a MA in Economics teaches the theory behind Finance.  

 

If that sounds confusing, it's because it is.  A good way to understand this better is by comparing the classes required by each program.  So check the links below.

 

MS Finance at the University of Illinois: https://business.illinois.edu/msf/program/

MA Economics at Duke:  http://econ.duke.edu/masters-programs/master-s-of-arts-in-economics/course-information

 

Also consider a MS in Economics, which is something of a middle ground between the two.

MS Economics at the University of Illinois: http://www.mspe.illinois.edu/Courses.shtml

 

Remember that Math is the most important consideration for Post-Graduate study.  You will need to have taken Multi-Variate Calculus, Linear Algebra, Probability Theory, and Basic Computer Programming to qualify for top programs.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.