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Department of Economics

 

Economic Student Resources

Whether you are a first-year student or nearing graduation, we're here to support you on your academic journey.

frequently asked questions

People think Economics is about finance, banking or the stock market. It is that, but much more as well! An economics degree helps you understand how people, businesses and governments make decisions when faced with limited resources—and how those decisions shape local communities and the global economy. It is the science of choice. It touches upon mathematics, statistics, history, psychology, political science, and philosophy and has applications in business, law, and public policy.
Because economic principles influence every industry and country, an economics degree prepares you for careers in business, government, healthcare, technology, education, consulting, nonprofit organizations, and international markets. More generally, it gives you a set of intellectual tools that can be applied to a wide range of problems and applications, so that you can shift from one career to another easily. Incidentally, Economics is one of the best majors (along with Philosophy) to prepare for Law School.
There are two lower-division, pre-requisite classes, 
  • Introduction to Microeconomics
  • Introduction to Macroeconomics
At the upper-division level there are two required classes
  • Intermediate Microeconomic Theory
  • Intermediate Macroeconomics
In addition, you’ll take 6 upper-division electives on topics like:
  • Labor Economics
  • Public Economics
  • International Trade
  • International Macroeconomics
  • Game Theory, Applied Macroeconomics
  • Health Economics
  • Urban Economics
  • Personnel Economics
  • Econometrics
  • Forecasting
  • The History of Economic Thought
  • The Economics of Crime
  • Economics of Growth and Inequality
  • Quantitative Economic Analysis (Mathematical Economics)
Yes, we have an active undergraduate Economics Club that meets regularly. It invites speakers to discuss economic issues and discuss employment opportunities for Economics majors.

It depends on what you are interested in! Economics has many different applications. On the one hand, if you are interested in its applications to business, you should get BBA. It is housed in the Fogelman College of Business and Economics.

On the other hand, if you are interested in its applications to history, public policy, political science, international affairs, or philosophy, you should go to the BA, which is housed in the College of Arts and Sciences.

The economics classes in the two tracks are identical, but two colleges have different lower-division cores – so in the BBA you’d take other courses in Accounting, Management, Marketing, Finance, MIS and Supply Chain Management, whereas in the BA you’d take other classes in science and foreign languages.

Of the two required classes, 
  • Intermediate Microeconomics is offered every fall.
  • Intermediate Macroeconomics is offered every spring.
Of the elective classes, some are offered every year: 
  • Econometrics and Quantitative Economic Analysis are given every fall.
  • Forecasting and Applied Macroeconomics every spring. 
The remaining elective classes are offered on a rotating two-year cycle.
No. We offer only one upper-division course online, Applied Macroeconomics.
Absolutely! We frequently have majors going on to major PhD programs. We have an excellent MA Program that places students in strong PhD programs and in the private sector. We also have an “Accelerated Program.” This allows Seniors to take up to three graduate classes for both graduate and undergraduate credit on the MA, shaving a whole semester off there MA.
Chris Headshot

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT


The Department of Economics faculty and staff are deeply committed to student success. Their support extends far beyond the classroom—actively connecting me with business leaders and helping me build a strong professional network. During my time as an Economics major, I’ve developed the confidence and capability to analyze complex challenges and contribute thoughtfully in any professional environment.

- Chris Bailey



Everything You Need to Succeed

Department of Economics Brochure

Read the Brochure
Economic Brochure