Economics Major
Building a Foundation for Critical Thinking
Economics is the study of the wise allocation of scarce resources so that we may gain an understanding of the benefits and costs to society resulting from such choices. You will have the freedom to tailor your degree by focusing in a number of important areas within economics. Before moving into these areas, required courses are necessary to build a strong foundation in economics theory and quantitative skills.
Why Economics?
In a world without scarcity, economics as a field of study would be unnecessary. The most challenging task of economics is the study of how to best use resources in the satisfaction of human wants.
Today, more than ever, the problems agitating society are predominantly economic. The problems of inequality, discrimination, pollution, energy, growth and stagnation are heavily economic, as are their solutions. Whether as intelligent citizens or as professional economists, we need the perspective and analysis of economics to understand and deal with the realities of life.
Career Outlook
With appropriate preparation, particularly in the areas of economic theory, the career opportunities for economics graduates are diverse. Some of these are:
- Economist
- Economic Analyst
- Economics Professor
- Policy & Budget Analyst
- Financial Analyst
- Law School
- MBA Program
One of the most dynamic career areas for economists has been in business, in which economists are involved in planning and forecasting, production and market analysis, pricing, and government policy analysis.
While a variety of employment opportunities are available to the university graduate, the person who wishes to pursue a high-powered career as a professional economist should plan to do some graduate study.
For more information please see a video made by the American Economics Association: "A Career in Economics... it's Much More Than You Think"