Choosing Between Econometrics and Economics at Erasmus University Rotterdam

I recently graduated with a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Econometrics from Erasmus University Rotterdam after an unforgettable undergraduate experience. Although both programs offer valuable insights into the field of economics, they are quite distinct in their curriculum and focus areas. This article aims to help prospective students understand the differences between the Econometrics and Economics programs at Erasmus University Rotterdam, allowing them to make an informed decision based on their academic interests and career goals.

Economics Program Overview

The Economics program at Erasmus University Rotterdam is more applied and offers a broad range of specialized courses covering various aspects of the field. This program delves into different sectors of the economy, such as labor, sports, and finance, providing a comprehensive understanding of economic theories and their practical applications. Students in the Economics program also have the opportunity to explore related subjects like:

Accounting: Understanding financial statements and accounting principles. Macro-Finance: Analyzing and managing large-scale financial systems. Electives/Majors: Specialized courses such as policy-making, international economics, and more.

Econometrics Program Overview

As an Econometrics student, my curriculum focused on a strong foundation in empirical methods and statistical techniques. Unlike the Economics program, the Econometrics track is more mathematically rigorous and focused on quantitative analysis. Key subjects included:

Probability Theory: Basic and advanced probability concepts. Uni/Multi-Variate Probability: Understanding probabilities in single and multiple dimensions. Statistics: Descriptive and inferential statistics techniques. Stochastic Processes: Modeling random phenomena over time. Calculus: Both single and multi-variable calculus to analyze functions and variables. Simpler Ordinary and Partial Differential Equations (ODE, PDE): Solving equations involving rates of change. Programming: Beginning with basic programming skills in Java, followed by advanced tools like MATLAB, R, and Python. Econometrics: Core subject focusing on statistical methods applied to economic data. Advanced Econometrics: Deepening knowledge in specific areas of econometrics. Time Series: Analyzing data points collected over time. Operations Research: Techniques for solving complex decision-making problems. Linear Programming: Maximizing or minimizing linear functions. Combinatorial Optimization: Finding optimal solutions in discrete problems. Simulation: Modeling real-world scenarios to analyze performance. Discrete Mathematics: Study of mathematical structures that are fundamentally discrete rather than continuous.

Additional Resources

The curriculum for both programs can be easily accessed on the Erasmus University Rotterdam website. Additionally, interested students can connect with student ambassadors directly through the university’s online platform for personalized guidance and insights.

Conclusion

The decision between a Bachelor of Science in Econometrics and Economics at Erasmus University Rotterdam ultimately depends on the individual student’s academic interests and career aspirations. The Economics program offers a broader range of applied coursework and electives, while the Econometrics program provides a more mathematically intensive focus on empirical methods and quantitative analysis. Prospective students should carefully evaluate their goals and choose a program that best aligns with their academic and professional ambitions.

Keywords

Economics Econometrics Erasmus University Rotterdam

Additional Information

If you have any questions or need further information about the programs, feel free to reach out through our contact page on the website or connect with current students via email. We are here to help guide you on your academic journey.