Major in Economics
A degree that teaches you how to think — and opens more doors than you'd expect.
Economics isn't just about money or markets. It's a way of thinking about decisions, tradeoffs, incentives, and systems. It's the kind of thinking that shows up in almost every career and every industry. Whether you're interested in finance, policy, tech, consulting, law, or something you haven't discovered yet, an economics degree gives you a toolkit that employers across the board are looking for.
And the data backs that up. Mid-career economics majors work in management, financial services, tech, sales leadership, government, and more with median incomes ranging from the mid-$80,000s to nearly $300,000 depending on the path.
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS AT A GLANCE
- First Year Experience (1 credit)
- Principles of Economics (6 credits)
- Economic Theory (6 credits)
- Econometrics (3 credits)
- Statistics (3 credits)
- Mathematics (6 credits)
All economics degree programs require at least 15 credits of Economics electives. Students completing the degree without an option are free to choose any ECON courses offered at the 3000- or 4000-level.
Students completing an Option are required to select ECON electives specific to the option and complete 15 additional credits in relevant coursework outside the department.
Majoring in economics allows for up to 39 credit hours of free electives, which gives you space to pursue a double major, add a minor, or explore other courses you find interesting.
For the full list of required courses and prerequisites, see the University Course Catalog.
CHOOSE YOUR PATH
Every economics major completes the same core. Where you make the degree your own is by choosing either the general program or one of three options. Not sure which fits? Your advisor can help.
The most flexible path. You complete the economics core and 15 hours of economics electives, and the rest of your schedule is yours. With 37–39 hours of free electives, this option is ideal if you want to double major, stack minors, study abroad, or simply have the freedom to follow your curiosity. Students who pair economics with computer science, political science, math, or a language often choose this route.
Best for: students who want maximum flexibility and plan to customize their degree.
A more structured path that builds business fundamentals into your economics degree. You'll take introductory courses in accounting, finance, management, and marketing alongside your economics coursework. If you're drawn to the business world but want the analytical depth that economics provides (and that a general business degree often doesn't), this option gives you both. Allows 24–25 hours of free electives.
Best for: students interested in business careers who want stronger analytical training than a traditional business major.
The most quantitative path, built for students who want to work at the intersection of economics, data, and decision-making. Coursework emphasizes data science methods and their application to managerial and economic problems. Strong preparation for careers in consulting, data analytics, and tech. Allows 24–25 hours of free electives.
Best for: students interested in consulting, data science, analytics, or quantitative careers.
Designed for students interested in how economic thinking shapes public policy, law, and government. This option includes coursework focused on policy analysis, regulation, and the public sector. It's strong preparation for careers in government agencies, nonprofits, think tanks, and advocacy organizations — and for graduate programs in law, public policy, and public administration. Allows 24–25 hours of free electives.
Best for: students interested in policy, government, law school, or nonprofit work.
ALSO CONSIDER: ADD A MINOR
Already committed to another major? You don't have to switch majors; you can add economics as a minor instead. The Department of Economics offers two minors, each requiring 18 credit hours:
- Economics Minor: Builds micro and macro foundations plus two upper-level electives. Pairs well with virtually any major on campus.
- Economics of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Minor: Explores economic dimensions of identity, race, gender, and inclusion through a focused set of interdisciplinary courses.
THINKING BEYOND THE BACHELOR'S?
Students who want to get a head start on graduate work should look at our accelerated BA/MA program, which lets you earn both a bachelor's and a master's in economics in less time than completing them separately.
READY TO BECOME AN ECONOMICS MAJOR?
Switching your major or adding economics is straightforward and can be done at any point in your academic plan. Start by talking to an advisor. They'll help you map out what the transition will look like using the credits you already have.