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[Guest]

I've been contemplating wheather or not to double major in sociology and economics. I know that there really isn't any benefit as far as college admissions goes, but I have a genuine interest in both subjects.

I want to be a sociology professor and am planning on going up to the doctoral level in the subject. I'm going to Towson U in Maryland and then will probably doing graduate work at the University of Maryland. I have changed my mind like six times. Either I want to do a double major in economics and sociology, or a major minor, or just major in sociology, and minor in something like english.

My concern is that I want a statistical economics background which will help me in my sociology. However, I'm not very good at math, and it is probably my worst subject. I am smart and have the desire to challenge myself, but I'm not sure if I'm deluding myself.

The difference between doing a major and minor, and doing a double major is 4 classes. I figure that is just one more semester. I have an associates degree, and plan on spending 2 years at Towson getting my bachlors degree. I just spent 4 years at a community college because I have to work full-time (live on my own).

I don't think I would do an economics minor because it is only 4 classes and that isn't worth it, I would probably do an english minor if I didn't double major.

But again, none of this really matters does it since I'm going to graduate school, and since I'm already behind I should hurry up and get my masters right?

I'm also worried that Towson is going to have a weak sociology department. I'd go to UofMaryland but I'm going to be living in Frederick and Towson is a far easier drive than DC. I'm living with my girlfriend and her mom so I don't have to work as much. It's a sweet deal. I figure I'll major in economics too to pad the weakness of the sociology major. I just don't know.

Someone help me.... One other problem with economics is that I'm a socialist and probably will end up arguing with my teachers more than befriending them. Yikes. I love economics, but I have my reservations.

[Dick Startz]

This is an easy one. Make an appointment with whoever does graduate admissions in sociology at College Park and ask them this question.

-Dick Startz
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Richard Startz
Lundberg Startz Associates

[purplethyme]

Hi there!

I'm so glad I found this because I'm in the exact same situation. I'm studying at a 4-year college as a sophomore now, and I have to declare soon!

I declared my major in sociology, but during my winter break, my mother convinced me that it is not a well-paying degree. I've been researching other fields since.

I've already completed two economics classes so I might do a economics sociology double major OR I might just do an economics major and take many classes in sociology.

My problem is that I LOVE sociology and after reading Marx and Weber, I feel very anti-capitalistic. Problem is that if I do major in economics, I will probably end up working for a capitalistic company, and contribute to a capitalistic system, which I am against. I really don't know what to do.

Another option is that I take science classes in addition to my sociology major, and prepare for a career in physical therapy. However, if I do that, I'm locked into physical therapy. If I don't get into a physical therapy program, then I will only have the sociology degree to fall back on, and you know as well as I do that sociology majors are not necessarily in high demand.

Please let me know if you've come to your decision, how you made the decision, and what you learned. Thank you so much!!