Majors and Pathways
Economics at Virginia Tech gives you the tools to understand how people, businesses, and governments make decisions, and how those decisions shape markets, policies, and communities. Our B.A. program combines a strong foundation in economic theory with the flexibility to explore topics that match your interests and career goals.
You can choose to complete your undergraduate degree in Economics without an Option, or select one of the following degree options.
Business Option
Great option if you prefer a more structured program and have an interest in Business. This option includes introductory courses in Accounting, Finance, Management and Marketing as part of the major requirements along with using Business Infortmation Technology courses to meet the Statistics requirement. Allows for 24-25 credit hours of FREE ELECTIVES.
Managerial Economics and Data Science Option
The Managerial Economics and Data Science (MEDS) option is tailored toward students interested in careers in data science and consulting. Allows for 24-25 credit hours of FREE ELECTIVES.
Policy and Regulation Option
The Policy and Regulation option is tailored toward students interested in careers in policy, non-profits, government agencies, and professional graduate degrees such as law and public policy. Allows for 24-25 credit hours of FREE ELECTIVES.
Every economics major has the option to tailor their degree by choosing one of our specialized options. These let you focus your studies in a particular area while still building a broad understanding of economics.
For the most current requirements and to see courses with descriptions, check out the Undergraduate Catalog.
Core Degree Requirements
All Economics majors complete:
- 6 credits – Principles of Economics (Micro and Macro)
- 6 credits – Economic Theory (Micro and Macro)
- 3 credits – Applied Econometrics
- 3 credits – Statistical Methods
- 15 credits – Economics electives
In addition to the core requirements, each Option adds:
- 3 credits – Diverse Perspectives course
- 12 credits – Restricted electives related to the option
Note: Your catalog year determines the exact courses that fulfill these requirements.
Policy Making
- Economics of Healthcare
- Environmental Economics
- Labor Economics
- Public Economics
- Economic Justice
Human Behavior
- Behavioral Economics
- Game Theory
- Neuroeconomics
- Experimental Economics
Data Analysis
- Forecasting
- Econometrics
- Big Data Economics
- R and Economics
Global Issues
- International Economics
- Economics of China
- Mideast Economics
- Growth and Development