Economics, B.S.

The B.S. in Economics provides its students with the skills to assess contending economic theories and debates, as they apply to issues challenging both the business and government sectors.  The program’s primary objective is to teach students how to use the economic concepts, models, and quantitative methods and techniques in analyzing contemporary economic issues and exercising judgment in evaluating public policy.

The major integrates economic theory with analysis of how economies adapt over time and across the globe and trains students in the use of the quantitative and analytical tools required to conduct research. Micro- and macroeconomics provide a foundation for most other areas of research in economics as diverse as recessions, currency exchange rates, famines, terrorism, environmental protection, discrimination, income and wealth distribution, and the allocation of household chores. Economics as a social science using statistical analysis and concerns with human behavior and public policy overlaps with other social science fields, including sociology and psychology. Students can design a course of study in such areas as domestic micro- and macroeconomic policy, and international, environmental, health, or labor economics.

Career Opportunities

Examples of sectors and jobs that draw on the skills developed in the economics major include:

• General business: business analyst, marketing analyst, business forecaster, auditor
• Government: researcher, analyst, speechwriter, forecaster

• Financial services: broker, financial analyst, investment banker

• Banking: credit analyst, loan officer, investment analyst

• Education: college professor, researcher

• Journalism: economic analyst, industry analyst

• Other: business consultant, think tank analyst

Graduates will also be able to pursue additional degrees in economics, business, teaching, labor activism, law or in different areas of policy studies. These are all areas where proven proficiency in economics and quantitative analysis provides graduates an added advantage.