What to major in in college...

[Ziggy]

Right now I'm considering economics, classics, or philosophy and am not set on any longterm career.

Could some knowledgeable people please give me some insights on the pros and cons of these?

[brewtality]

economics: microeconomics is boring, macroeconomics is interesting.

[musik_man]

Well, since all the choices you listed are liberal arts, you aren't gonna have the easiest time landing a good job.  My guess is that economics would be the best careerwise, but I don't know how important that is to you.

[dinosaurtales]

I say, as someone who majored in computer science because that's what my parents wanted:  major in what interests YOU.  Too many people think that your major will determined what kind of jobs you get.  Not true hardly at all (except in architecture, nursing,  or engineering, etc where the degree / job relationship is more defined). 

The real purpose of college is to learn how to think, and to acquire some discipline as well as independence in daily problem solving. If you apply yourself, you will achieve these things regardless of your major.  You will also probably learn more because you love what you picked, and you will have lots in common with the others in your school because they also like what you picked! 

I work as an IT consultant, doing everything from healthcare to forensics in IP law, and if I did a survey of all the people I worked with in business, very few would have degrees in anything like computers, math, or engineerying..  Lots of music and art majors, lots of literature majors end up as lawyers, etc etc.  Your choice will NOT lock you in! 

[donjuan]

hmm I think my plumber had a degree in philosophy..

..might not be very useful in the job market.

[anda]

i joke i heard a few days ago:

a former alcoholic goes to the unemployment office: "hi, i would like a job"
the officer reads his file, and says "ok, we have a great job for you: lots of work, but also very well paid, tons of money"
the guy: "no, thanks, if i have money, i'll go buy drinks, and i don't wanna drink anymore"
"ok," says the officer," then we have another job everybody refuses cause it's very poorly paid, but also it's not too much work"
the guy:" no, that's not good either. if i have time, then i'll find money, and i'll buy drinks. how about a job that requires tons of work and pays very bad?"
"sorry" says the officer "but you need at least a college degree for this kind of thing."
 

[keys]

for a  lot of jobs you just need a degree in SOMETHING. And hey, if you can't find a job right away there's always grad school! Just put off reality for as long as possible...

[beethoartok]

always nice to at least have a secondary math/business/science minor

[puma]

      I was thinking about going into police work recently...Although I still very much want to pursue music.  I thought I'd have to get a degree in criminal justice, but that's not the case (in fact, you usually only need a high school degree).  Just tossing ideas around.
     As far as majoring, do what you like, rather than what you don't like.  This sounds obvious and silly, but in the end, you will waste more time doing things you dislike than if you just went ahead and reached for your goal.

[dinosaurtales]

I agree with Puma.  If you are concerned about landing a job right away after graduation, and are getting some pressure from the P's, then use some of your elective credits to take some classes in computer progrmming, business, or some subject where you think you could land a reasonable job.